Exped

Dura Series

TL;DR: Durable and warm comfort, but heavier than competitors.

Overall

#5 in

Sleeping Pads

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score86% positive
50
6
2

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Apr 17, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Icon64-matthew
11 months ago

My exped is a piece of magic.

Reddit Icon99trey
9 months ago

I have the Tensor All Season, my brother has the Rapide and I’ve had the Dura 3R in the past so I have a decent idea of what they’re like. For one thing those specs are off, the Nemo packs the smallest and it’s definitely lighter than the Rapide at the same length and width. I use 25in wide pads though. As for comfort, these are all comfortable pads, it’s really going to come down to preference. The Exped and BA have more of a vertical baffle feel while the Nemo is more dimpled. If I had to rank them I’d go BA, Nemo, Exped. But it’s close, they are all good. For durability only the Nemo and Exped list the denier, w Nemo being 20 top, 40 bottom nylon. The Exped is 20d poly which is not only the thinnest but Poly isn’t as strong as Nylon. The BA doesn’t say the material but it seems durable. All of them should sleep true to their R value, so Nemo would be the warmest, and I’ve heard the Rapide has complaints of cold spots but my brother never experienced that, though he hasn’t tested it when it’s been cold enough. I really like that Exped uses synthetic fill rather than reflective film as it will be more comfortable in summer. So maybe go w the Exped if you’ll do a lot of summer camping and either the Nemo or BA depending upon what’s more important, comfort & durability -Rapide or weight & warmth - Nemo. Also look into warranty terms, being in Germany the Warranty won’t be the same buying from either US company.

Reddit IconAccomplished-Way1575
6 months ago

Exped Dura. It has down. I have the 6R LW. You can get a slightly lighter version which is lighter due to thinner face fabrics. Avoid StS Etherlight XT at all costs, as I have had two getting pinctures where the dividers attach. Constant flats from just lying on them. And I am not the only one. This is why I bought the Exped Dura.

Reddit IconAcingSpades
11 months ago

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.

7 months ago

Exped Dura 5R Duo LW and sleeping bags that zip together. We've tethered single mats together in the past but they were a pain. We're also in a 6p tent which gives lots of room for the bigger pad, gear, elbow room, and general couples camp smoothing.

8 months ago

I have the Dura 5R Duo and I think it's darn quiet for a pad that still at least somewhat prioritizes packed size and lightness. It's certainly much quieter (and warmer) than my Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe single pad.

5 months ago

People recommending self inflating pads like the MegaMat are off their rocker. Incredibly comfortable, yes. Packs small? Absolutely not. Plus they should be stored unrolled. I find my Exped Dura 5R to be comfortable and it packs very small for a double sized pad (it comes in a single that's even smaller). I have a Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe that's fairly comfortable but doesn't pack as small. If you can go to REI or another camping store they usually have a whole bunch of pads out for you to try for comfort. Keep in mind re-packed size will be ~10% larger than boxed for air pads and ~25%+ larger for self inflating.

Reddit IconAdmirable-Strike-311
8 months ago

I had a Tensor and it was uncomfortable for me as well. I’ve found Exped inflatable pads comfortable. My favorite right now though is the Neoloft.

Reddit IconAdPresent9414
8 months ago

I second this. Love my exped 3R and 5R. The UL 5R is ~$160 and sleeps better than thicker pads I've used

Reddit IconAfter_Pitch5991
Reddit IconAgeApart7092
6 months ago

After various attempts of finding the right set up: Exped on top of a cot. Watch for REI sales for the Exped, and watch the garage sale area for the cot.

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