Exped - Dura Series

The self inflating foam mats (MegaMat, Deep Sleep, Camp Dreamer, Roamer, etc) are supposed to be supreme comfort but I lack the give-a-sh*ts they require. You're supposed to store them open (problematic for double sized pads imo), they're heavy, and even in "compacted" travel mode they're still gigantic. I went with the Exped Dura 5R Duo and have been very satisfied. Packs down very small for travel. Can store it semi compressed in the air inflation bag so it fits fine in a closet. High R value, didn't have issues in the ~15°F I've had it in. Uses Exped's more durable fabric. I find it comfortable but I've never had issues with inflatable pads. Yet to use it as a double since my fiance has been busy but we did a lay out in the living room when it first came and both fit well.

I've got a Dura 5R Duo on order but keep second guessing about a MegaMat 10. What's your opinion Dura vs Mega? Use case is car camping, two people, one 50lb dog. Extra denier and *way* easier storage was why I went Dura but am I just overthinking that? Comfort and R value of the MegaMat are appealing.

My exact setup atm is a Dura 3R and Nemo Switchback. I feel like a king after coming from a old school thermarest and ground tarp

Exped Dura 5 is rock solid, not too expensive ($150 to $100 on sale), and very comfortable.

I might recommend the dura 8 then but that also drives up your cost not insignificantly (another $100 from what I recall). I’ve used the 5 down to 5C but also had an extra foam pad under and a wool blanket down under that as a “carpet” and since R is cumulative it was probably closer to 7-8 total. Granted I was also sleeping in just my under layers and was toasty warm through the entire night. Didn’t wake up once. The 5 may have been sufficient in colder with extra layers possibly, hard to say for sure. I haven’t done a ton of super cold camping like that outside of log cabins. I also assume your sleeping bag is rated for those temps.

I’m a sidesleeper that also uses an Exped pad (3R). I find it very comfortable and it’s light and warm enough for my purposes. I have the standard mummy shape.

I have the Dura 3r and used it this fall about 10x, temps from 50° down to 32°f. I never felt the cold coming through the pad, so I think the synthetic insulation does a great job. In fact when I stepped off my pad onto the tent floor I was always surprised how cold the floor was, because I never felt it. That said, in my opinion it’s not the most comfortable for stomach or side sleeping because of the non-stretch top fabric, but it’s been durable so far. Throw a closed cell foam pad underneath and you’ll have an extra layer of protection and insulation.

I have an Exped Dura 3R and love it for side sleeping. I actually wish I’d gotten the 5R but oh well.

I currently use an Exped Ultra 7R which packs smaller, is lighter, and has an additional 2 R value than the S2S pad. They also have a 5R pad that’s even lighter. I have yet to find any down side to Exped other than they’re a bit on the costly side. I’m not sure about the S2S pad, but many 4 season pads have a crinkling sound from the reflective insulation layer, but my pad is much more muffled than most others with that layer. The noise alone is a winner for me since I tend to move a lot while sleeping.

Exped 5R is awesome. May be a little out of the price range but worth it.

+1 on this, I tried several pads (foam and inflatable) as a side sleeper and the Expeds are AMAZING. I actually get good nights sleep on trail with them and they’re pretty good in terms of weight. I’ve got the 3R, 5R, and 7R versions now. The inflating part takes some getting used to (“schnozzle bag”) but is kinda fun. At least they don’t advertise themselves as “self-inflating” like some other pads that don’t actually self inflate.

+1 on this, I tried several pads (foam and inflatable) as a side sleeper and the Expeds are AMAZING. I actually get good nights sleep on trail with them and they’re pretty good in terms of weight. I’ve got the 3R, 5R, and 7R versions now. The inflating part takes some getting used to (“schnozzle bag”) but is kinda fun. At least they don’t advertise themselves as “self-inflating” like some other pads that don’t actually self inflate.

I like my Exped 3R. Doesn’t sound like a potato chip bag when you move around.

+1 for exped 5r, its heat transfer resistance is amazing at only 555g

G'Day Practical, I've had an Exped Synmat which I recently replaced with an Exped 5R (I haven't used this yet, but it is the successor the Synmat). The Synmat lasted quite a few years and I was very happy with it. Both mats are rectangular rather than tapered so I think you will be less likely to slide off it. I certainly never had any problems, which is why I bought the 5R. Regarding sleeping bags, I have a three season bag (Exped Ultralite 300, \~300 g down) which I can pair with an inner bag (Macpac Snowflake, 130 g down). I used this combination (along with a silk inner sheet) in Nepal up to 4000 m (in accommodation) and was always comfortable. Note, you didn't mention having an inner sheet. If you do not have one, I advise you to get one (silk, not cotton). I think it is worth buying quality products from reputable manufacturers. They will last you a long time and be reliable.

Thanks:) I ended up going with the Exped Dura. Heavy but should stand up to a dog paw! I’ll let everyone know how it works out!

Omagosh! That always is a red flag to me when I see nothing but positive reviews. Even the thermarest doesn’t have all glowing reviews! It always intrigued me how loyal the Kilos gear peeps seemed to be! Now I know why!! Thankfully, I went with an Exped Dura. Heavier? Yes. But at 170 denier, I’m confident in its ability to withstand doggy paws!

I did decide to go with the Exped Dura 3.0

I have the r3 exped pad. I really like it. It’s been the most comfortable of I’ve ever had.

I just recently got an exped Dura 8R LW and I HIGHLY recommend it! Very warm, very comfortable, but not very friendly to the wallet even though I got it on sale.

I'm a side sleeper and bought the Dura 6R. Heavier than my old downmat 5m but thicker, warmer and just as durable.

I'm on my second exped. The first one, a downmat,is still going strong but I needed a thicker one for health reasons. I liked the durability of the downmat but they stopped producing them. I went for the dura 6R. Durable like the name suggests, filled with down for insulation and 7cm instead of the 5cm downmat. My wife uses my old downmat which is now 10 years old. As it is down, I only use a pumpsack and don't blow in to them. The old downmat has been used on bothy floors, stood on, sat on and used and abused but is still going strong.

I've always found exeds comfortable and warm. Have an old down mat 5m (discontinued) and a Dura 6r. Yeah the dura is heavy but it is durable, down filled and very comfortable. I am recovering from spinal injuries and my temperature regulation is bollocked now I'm on blood thinners. I can save weight elsewhere.

Fellow Edmontonian here! You can't go wrong with an exped for your sleeping mat. My wife and I are avid backpackers, and have used a double wide exped for numerous years with zero issue. We also share a double sleeping bag from big agnes, but upgraded to a quilt from Enlightened Equipment this year (haven't gotten out yet to test it however). Which trails are you hiking in Jasper and Banff? When during the season are you going? Altitude and time will also have an impact on the warmth rating you choose.

Look into exped insulated pads. They use insulation instead of the reflective inner layer other manufacturers are now using. Insulation instead of reflective layer is quieter, warm, but a bit heavier. Can’t stand the crinkly noise produced by reflective layer models.

That’s a legit complaint. Ive tried pads from every company and NONE has solved the noise caused by the sleeping bag sliding around on the pad. But the newer reflective tech layers that are inside the pads add an additional crinkling noise that the reflective layer makes when it moves. So yeah, the exped still makes noise but I find they’re less noisy than the reflective pads. I turn over nonstop all night long and am insanely sensitive to noise. I suspect pad reviewers who claim ANY current pad is silent probably aren’t turning over very much or are simply less sensitive to the noise. Overall, i find expeds less noisy.

Exped Dura series hands down. 170d bottom face and 75d top face. Nothing else comes close.

That is probably more accurate description. From Exped's product listing: https://www.exped.com/en/products/sleeping-mats/dura-8r The Dura sleeping mat features recycled 75D/170D ripstop face fabric.

I own both the Duraz Ultra and both MegaMat 10 and 25 models. The Dura is better for base camping, car camping (where pack size is important) and winter camping. Way way more durable with the 170D bottom fabric face. Way better to use with dogs. Ultra will be fine if you are careful. Take out sharp objects from your pockets. Actually have nothing in your pockets. I have the Ultra 5 LW mummy, Dura 8, Dura 5 and both MegaMat series.

No. I don't have anywhere near the space for that. If you had a long sized bed that allows storage underneath it would be fine, but otherwise most people would never have the space for a MegaMat inflated all the time. If your aim is best durability and smallest pack size the Exped Dura is probably the best one to get. If you aim is maximum comfort with smallest pack size many people would argue that the Big Agnes Rapide, Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe or Nemo Tensor All Season or Nemo Tensor Extreme would be the best choice. These pads have a quilted baffled construction that many find to be very comfortable. If your aim is just pure comfort you can't go wrong with an Exped MegaMat 15, 10 or one of the MegaMat clones on the market: Sea the Summit Comfort Deluxe Big Agnes Captain Comfort Nemo Roamer 3D Stoic Cloud or Cloud Lux ALPS Mountaineering Outback Mat

Exped has wide pads that are very quiet. The 5R is warm enough for me to 20F for sure, so in rectangular (not mummy) it might suit you. If you believe that noise comes from a pad squeaking against the fabric of a tent floor, then putting a 1/8" thinlite (or goodnite) CCF pad between an inflatable and tent floor will create enough friction to "lock" the inflatable in place and prevent squeaking. Also such a CCF will add to warmth [and weight]. And the lengthwise air chambers may help a side sleeper stay centered on the pad. I still have to wear earplugs to sleep but I imagine that you do as well because of the frogs, toads, crickets, and katydids that are tremendously noisy at night.

I have an Exped Dura 3R and it is great.

I have an Exped Dura 3R that is comfortable and packable.

They're all good pads. I find them all comfortable in their own ways. Exped has the nicest fabric, but it's also the thickest which I don't really like. The Nemo tensor is the overall most comfortable, no nonsense, best of all worlds. The Xlite is my favorite however. I like the horizontal baffles. The new NXT version isn't as loud as its predecessors. The mummy shape is tapered in the perfect places unlike Expeds mummy pads, I prefer it over rectangular ones.

I have the Xped 5R... It's _very_ comfortable and warm (much much warmer than I would ever need if I didn't plan on going down below 5°c!). But it's a _little_ bit chunkier and heavier than I might like if I wasn't in need of the warmth. XLite is lighter and more compact, but significantly less comfortable IMHO, also very warm. Can't speak to the Nemo personally. My summer pad is the [Kilos Gear Aerocloud UL](https://kilosgear.com/products/aerocloud-sleeping-pad-ul) and I really rate it; comfortable, lightweight, compact, and honestly surprisingly warm still, never really even felt the cold until it got down below 0°c - & obvs _much_ cheaper than the other options you've listed. Comfort is a little bit of a personal preference based on your physique and sleep preferences; but I would certainly recommend the kilos gear pad. Sorry to give you even more options 😂

Exped 5r Regular/wide. Were the same height so don’t get the long. Absolute beast of a sleeping pad!

I have an exped dura 8r I bought a few months ago and it is amazing. I got it almost 50% off too because there was a sale. Super warm, very comfortable, and it is definitely made from a durable material.

I have slept my Exped 3r to bits and have bought another one. It is comfortable but most of all: it is quiet. 5R should be the same

hey there! my boyfriend and i bought the Exped Dura 5R double sleeping pad a couple years ago. it’s held up great, light weight, and takes up little space. you can inflate manually or we bought a little flextail rechargeable air pump for like $30 and that does the trick. definitely has improved our sleep quality a lot while camping (boyfriend has back issues so a bad sleep set up is not really an option) it’s a bit on the expensive side but as far as i’m concerned with multiple uses and better sleep it’s well worth it. from what i can tell you should be able to order one in Canada if you so chose! hope this helps & you guys find something you like!

I have a tensor, xlite, and exped 3r -- I think they're all reasonably comfortable, although tensor probably at least 10% more comfy than both. Expeds can be bought cheap (sometimes $100), but if that's not the main concern it's between the tensor and xlite: tensor has 40d bottom and 20d top, xlite is 30d/30d; tensor is 5.5r / xlite is 4.5r; tensor (r/w) is 18oz, xlite max is 19oz. Historically the xlite has been considered more durable + repairable, but with the new fabric changeup recently, not sure that'll still be the case. Tensor is probably what I'd recommend to you. Also, trial version exists that is lighter but less warm (~3r) which could be warm enough for you.

After buying and using nearly everything on the market, all of my sleeping pads are now Exped. They are just excellently made and they've never failed me in sub zero temperatures. They come with a shnozzel bag to inflate them up so you don't have to blow into them and introduce moisture which lowers their effectiveness. [Exped Dura 8R](https://www.expedusa.com/products/dura-8r)

I used my Exped 3R LW in the Lakes for the first time the other night. Taller, similar weight, side-sleeper... slept lovely. Think it was down to about 4 degrees (Alpkit Pipedream 400 and merino base layers). I bought it after seeing it recommended for comfort and side-sleepers.

The Thermarest NeoAir is indeed lighter. At just 12 ounces the semi-mummy arguably the best quality sleeping pad in this range and weight. But it's also not cheap. The NeoAir Xtherm is the cold weather version, R 7.4, and 16 oz. The Nemo Tensor Extreme is rectangle, R 8.1, and 18 oz. Both the Thermarest and Nemos are quieter than they were in the past. Also, the more you use them, the more quiet they get. Agree the Thermarest pump sack is the worst of the bunch, no question, but I've gotten mine to work enough. The Rapide is usually warm enough for most people 3 seasons, and the reason to buy it is indeed it's thickness, and the sides being raised. Agree the Exped 5R is good for most people. It's a simple, comfortable, rectangle. R 4.8, and 1lb 4 oz. That's certainly heavier than the Thermarest but $50 cheaper.

I think a lot of the inflatable pads are cold in sub freezing temperatures because they are getting cooled from the sides by the cold air. The cold sides will then cool the rest of the air between the mylar sheets. I imagine the exped don’t suffer as much from cooling from the sides because it’s filled with synthetic/down insulation and not “just” layers of mylar film. (This is just my theory) I was miserable on my thermarest xtherm at -20-25C. Going forward I will use my exped 5r coupled with a ccf, mammut bamse extreme, on top at those temps.

Or the exped dura-series. They are heavier but more comfortable. God tur!

I couldn’t get comfortable on mine. Couldn’t avoid waking up with lower back pain. I switched to an Exped Dura8 LW. Noticeably bigger and heavier in the pack but it’s worth the comfort.

I recently switched from the Thermarest XTherm NXT as I just couldn’t get comfortable on it. I loved the weight and small size of it when packed down and I really wanted to like it. I tried different levels of inflation, pillow under my knees etc, but in the end I just couldn’t avoid waking up with significant lower back pain. I went for the Exped Dura 8R MW which is HUGE when in my pack but god damn that thing is comfortable. I don’t have any concerns about its longevity either. It’s robust AF. It’s the cost, quality, weight triangle I guess.

And I would snag that 5R in a heartbeat. I bought a 3R that I haven't even taken out yet (need a ground setup for skyline this year) and I've already got buyers remorse. Out this way, the extra grams are def worth the extra insultation.

And I would snag that 5R in a heartbeat. I bought a 3R that I haven't even taken out yet (need a ground setup for skyline this year) and I've already got buyers remorse. Out this way, the extra grams are def worth the extra insultation.

As others have mentioned, your requirements are unrealistic. You can't get light and durable or warm and cheap. Comfortable is also sadly somewhat tied to R-value since the thicker more comfortable pads also tend to have higher R-values and thus cost more. But with the exped duro series you can get quite durable and relatively warm and if you're willing to pay for it.

Exped 3r is very comfortable. I have like 10 sleeping pads, and the 3R has been the best I've tried. I'd say the uberlight is also up there, but it has been discontinued. It was more comfthan the regular neo air, which I alao have.

Exped dura/ultra. Good european quality, not comparable to all the US trash

Exped Ultra or if you will be in a bit rougher terrain the exped dura. I use a dura5r and its mor comfortable than my bed at home

Exped Ultra or if you will be in a bit rougher terrain the exped dura. I use a dura5r and its mor comfortable than my bed at home

To reiterate what I said in the comments, I got the Exped Dura for that same reason, I wanted a durable pad since I'm a bigger guy and the Dura is made with a stronger material

I have the Exped Dura, I was going to get the Ultra but I'm a bigger guy and wanted the extra durability, I like it a lot so far

I have an Exped Dura 5r and it's great, if I was smaller I'd get the Exped Ultra to save weight. If you are under 200lbs the REI Helix is supposedly one of the most comfortable but it's too thin for me

Not on your list, but the Exped 3R is a solid option if you find it comfortable. I find it quite comfortable. Otherwise, I'd consider the ZoomUL for the temps you're going out in instead of the rapide.

I'm about to buy the thermarest neoloft. It's thick and quiet, reasonable weight to comfort ratio and Nalgene sized. I have an exped 5r right now and can't stand it. Not comfy and sooooooooo loud.

[Exped Dura](https://www.expedusa.com/products/dura-3r) is light, compact, easy to inflate and gives a great night's sleep as a side sleeper

I do like to sleep comfortably when backpacking, and have spent a lot of time trying to figure out what works best for me. I've tried many pads over the past decades, including these two, along with similar Exped sleeping pads like the Ultra, Versa, and Dura. I am primarily a side sleeper, so that informs some of my sleeping experience on these, and am 190cm and 95kg. Personally I was not able to sleep comfortably on the Exped MegaMat Lite, or its siblings (Dura/Versa/Ultra). A through-line in my testing of these is the vertical baffling: I regularly wake up and find my arm is numb. I think these might work better for me if I was primarily a back or chest sleeper; lots of people like them and recommend them. But in my adulthood I've probably maximum only got about two hours of sleep at a time on a design like these. I have only had to contact Exped for warranty once, and they ended up shipping me a new unit before I even had to send the old one back: top marks here in support. I just picked up the Therm-a-rest NeoLoft before the holidays and took it on two trips in Mt Hood National Forest. Maybe the most comfortable backpacking pad I've personally used recently, even if the large (long wide, 78x26) weighs 2lbs! When fully inflated it is 4.6" thick. One of the few pads I've slept more than six straight hours on, which is kind of how I prioritize pads. Not only comfortable, but has a soft-touch stretchy fabric which feels good against the skin (I tend to sleep with quilts rather than bags). The first night I did wake up to find my arm was numb, so curious if that was a one-off with a weird sleeping position... R-value is 4.7, so I haven't used it at all in the past 45 days because of the cold where I am. It looks like the REI exclusivity is now over in early 2025, and this can be picked up lots of different places. Honestly the thing I dislike the most is the valves; I just don't care for the old-style Therm-a-rest valves. Realizing your question was specifically about those two, I also wanted to recommend what I have found to be my most comfortable pads in recent years: 1. Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated. This specific pad and its sibling, Ether Light XT Insulated, have been my primary pads the past four-ish years. They are 4" thick and the most comfortable pads I've used, probably tied with the NeoLoft. Never woken with my arm numb, and the only pad I've ever slept seven-plus hours straight-through. In the PNW I use the non-Extreme-variant in the warmer half of the year, and the Extreme-variant in the colder half. The stuff sack with the inflation aid built-in is the smartest I've seen. Extreme version has an r-value of 6.2, and the non-Extreme version r-value is 3.2. The Extreme has that spider-web looking Thermolite insulation, which in my mind is the most reliable winter/cold insulation; it doesn't crinkle and potentially fail like newer thin reflective films in other lighter pads (NEMO Tensor, Big Agnes Rapide, etc). On the flip side that makes the Extreme very heavy, more than 2lbs, and also packs down the biggest of any backpacking pad I've owned. 2. REI Helix. Been using this on-and-off for the past few seasons. One of the few pads that has me sleeping through the night. It is only 3" thick, but I have found the trick is to fully inflate: the dimples do a good jump of evening out my weight and not experiencing any arm numbness. The long wide is 1lb 13oz, and seems pretty sturdy compared to other REI-brand pads I've used in the past; no leaks yet... R-value of 4.9. I always wake up refreshed and feeling good on those mats, baring any environmental issues outside of the pad. I cannot recommend the NeoLoft in that way yet, but will continue to use and test it out in the near future with an additional foam pad underneath to make it safe for snow conditions (as the r-value stacks). And I don't think I will ever recommend an Exped pad for backpacking. Exped does make fantastic foam inflating car-camping pads though!