MegaMat Series

We just spent a weekend on our Exped Megamat XL, and we pretty much slept through a blizzard without realizing. Can't recommend it enough. Also, the dry bag and mini pump that comes with it are great.

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.

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. :)

Exped, REI, and Thermarest pads have all lasted that long and more. All self-inflaters.

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.

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.

I'd get the Megamats or equivalent. Or rent. Can get pretty cold up at that elevation even in summer, so nice to have a warm one. The Exped is even better than my home mattress; it's worth the hype.

Am I the only one who thinks the exped is completely over rated? When I saw it for the first time I was stoked, and used it in my tent, but it’s an air mattress. Super springy, and not very comportable. For the the hest foamy is the closest thing to an actual comfortable camp mattress, and I’m surprised exped and the rest don’t have anything comparable. I’ve got the 3.0 DLX coming and I’m curious if the higher tier mattress will compare. I may end up returning the hest if so. But if it’s really just another air mattress I probably won’t be impressed.

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.

I’m 220lbs and never had issues bottoming out even with my old 3in summer backpacking air mat. Are you adding enough air? I also store my foam/air mattress compressed. Are you looking for full foam or the more common air/foam (Megamat style). You also mentioned fiberglass so I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve never heard of a camp mat containing fiberglass. My air/foam car camping mat is a generic one I found on Amazon. I love its integrated pump which I’ve used to inflate other pads as well as stoke fires. It was dirt cheap, not quite as comfortable as a real Megamat, but close enough considering it was well under $100. It’s similar to the Heeta and Pinehike 4in pads that are on Amazon, the tan detachable pump is exactly the same.

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 just got it to try at home, I sleep great on it - it would sure eat up some real estate in my tent though! I'll have to look for some 30' wide pads when this one inevitably delaminates, it has spoiled me. The Exped mega mat looks great, but pricey.

Exped ultra works great for me, I’m in my 60’s. Dial in your pillow setup and you’ll be set. Right now at home I’m sleeping on a Thermarest pad that is 30” wide! Not sure of the name, but I’m tempted to take it on my next hike. Weighs about 2lbs though.

I just got it to try at home, I sleep great on it - it would sure eat up some real estate in my tent though! I'll have to look for some 30' wide pads when this one inevitably delaminates, it has spoiled me. The Exped mega mat looks great, but pricey.