MegaMat Series

I liked the Exped Megamat so much camping I even use one at home sometimes. Everyone's back problems are different, but it helps me, with herniated discs, better than even some of the fancy back-relief specific ones for home use. And what helps me as well is a cot, so I'm higher up. Squatting and bending and slouching in a small tent can be hell if you've got back problems; it's not the padding when actually laying down as much as getting to that, dressing, etc etc. Cots can also be cooler in heat. And just nice.

I don't have a tempur pedic but do have a screwed back. My solution, even at home at times, is the Exped Megamat in various sizes. Adjustable firmness, consistent out to the edges.

I've had great success with Thermarest, REI, and Exped self inflating mattresses. All have good customer support too. I wouldn't ever bother with an all air mattress. Poor insulation, rotten in cold. Get a FlexTail pump.

I tried long term sleeping on an Exped. They're a seif inflating pad. It did not last a full year. The fabric in those is glued to the foam, and as it turns out tossing and turning can eventually break that bond, and the fabric blister.

Yes. They were going to honor the warranty, but it was less than a year so just easier to drop it at REI where I bought it and get a refund. Definite bummer; great mattress even at home. If they ever do a long lasting home version I'll be all over it...literally. :)

I agree, and one that's relatively high, so easier to get up. The Roll a Cots fit these criteria very well, and come in different sizes. On that, a self inflating foam/air pad, like the Exped, Thermarest, etc. You can essentially change the firmess when you're on it via letting out air. Mine is at least as good as my bed at home; I use a 4" Exped. Even on the ground they're great.

Gotcha. I was thinking maybe that, but didn't want to assume. I would think it would be very similar to Mammoth, but maybe warmer. I think the perfect solution for the bedding is those bags and self inflating mattresses, the kind that inflate but that also have foam inside. So they insulate well. The killer ones are the nice big Exped Megamats, but there are other smaller ones too. Look at all the ones at REI since I think they list R values. Heating the tent doesn't do much; I wouldn't bother. Butt pads for the chairs outside, some extra blankets or a quilt for hanging around, and odds are you'll be fine. I assume if an early snow storm blows in you can just head for home.

No the sleeping bag won’t help much. To get a significant bump in comfort you’ll have to jump into some heavier pads that are still compressible enough to bring backpacking. Pads like the Thermarest Neoloft or Exped Megamat Ultra. I have a Tensor All Season and find it comfortable, however my Exped Synmat 3D (older version of the Megamat Ultra) is definitely more comfortable. My brother has the Rapide SL which is similar to the Tensor in comfort.

Second for the Megamat Ultra. It’s a big jump in comfort over any ultralight pad. Depending upon how far I’m hiking I’ll bring it over my Tensor All Season which is a decently comfortable pad in its own right.

I have the predecessor to the Megamat Ultra and it’s amazing, so I’d check out the Ultra. The other mat to consider is the Neoloft, which should be close in comfort but packs smaller. There will be a noticeable jump in comfort between either of these and ultralight pads like the Tensor All Season which I use for backpacking. My Exped is what I take on rafting/kayaking trips where weight doesn’t matter but volume still does. The foam pads like the regular Megamat are more comfortable but they pack down huge and will take up too much room in the raft, avoid foam if pack size matters. Those are car camping pads.

I have the predecessor to the Megamat Ultra and it’s amazing, so I’d check out the Ultra. The other mat to consider is the Neoloft, which should be close in comfort but packs smaller. There will be a noticeable jump in comfort between either of these and ultralight pads like the Tensor All Season which I use for backpacking. My Exped is what I take on rafting/kayaking trips where weight doesn’t matter but volume still does. The foam pads like the regular Megamat are more comfortable but they pack down huge and will take up too much room in the raft, avoid foam if pack size matters. Those are car camping pads.

And learn what an R-rating is. Are you car camping or backpacking? I assume the former The deluxe option here is stupid expensive: an Exped Megamat Duo and an Enlightened Equipment Accomplice two person quilt plus sheets and pillows. Better sleep than home. If you're going to invest one place it's an insulated mattress. You could test a very thick guest air bed. Plus sheets and warm comforters. The critical point is to maximize the insulation between you and the ground; and then make sure you're snug against the incidental cold.

I have a couple of the Exped wide ccf pads I’d sell if you’re interested at all

I am laying on my brand new MegaMat Max and I have to say last night sleep was the best I ever had camping. It is pricey but the best mattress I have slept on.

The megamat is one of the hybrid mats. I’m also a side sleeper and it’s my go-to recommendation.  I think your biggest issue is the squeaky cot. I have a basic wooden platform in the back of my 4Runner. No creaks or squeaks and the bed is raised up.  Granted I’m only 5’8 / 140lbs and only have one leg — so you being 6’4 / 260lbs might limit you on sleeping inside the car. 😅

Any Exped Med-Wide pads fit the bill. Incredibly comfy to boot. They are more expensive but a good nights sleep it worth it imo. Best investment I made for camping. I got my Deep Sleep for just over $100 on sale.

Exped is one of the most popular (for good reason) and on sale at REI currently. We have a Megamat duo mat that is amazingly comfortable. I also have a deep sleep mat for solo. Def bigger/heavier than basic inflatable but 100% worth it for the comfort. They make several different thicknesses depending on what you'd like but even the thinner mats are extremely comfortable and warm.

I am the OPs size and the Expeds do very well. I have several, a shared Exped Megamat Duo, Solo Deep Sleep, and a Dura 8. All perform well and are very warm even in the cold. I've taken some down to 20°F (-6°C) and was fine.

Yes that would also work. Possibly a little more drafty on the side vs nesting. Megamat is a very nice and comfortable mat and good down to very cold temps. It's big and heavy though so good for car camping but not backpacking. If you regularly camp in colder conditions like this, I'd also eventually look at possibly getting a colder rated bag. Even if it's rare to get this cold, I always prefer being too warm in the cold since you can always stick out a leg to vent if you're warm, but once you're too cold in the cold, you're just miserable.

Exped is good, several models depending on what kind of camping. For reference I’m 6’ 330lbs. MegaMat/DeepSleep used for car camping. Dura used for backpacking. You may also be able to use furniture foam which would be cheaper and can be cut to different sizes.

Exped mega mat and other foam filled self inflating pads are generally the gold standard nowadays.