Exped - Ultra Series

I have an Exped. Not loud. And of them can make some noise sliding about on say tent floors, depending on the relative texture etc of the fabrics. Not way to know for sure until you try it. Or, more easily, just use something between them if it's an issue.

Support. I had a hole in my Exped, out of warranty, had to pay for shipping but they repaired it and shipped it back for free. Super nice of them.

My exped is a piece of magic.

My exped is really comfortable and warm

I've used it for about 80 days over several trips. It's a very robust build.

Same. OP, given that you have the space, I would recommend memory foam or something similar. I use a 6” trifold mattress, but in your case, given that you have the space and have trouble sleeping, I would recommend a normal one-piece mattress for you. If you do use the Exped, the secret is to adjust the air pressure. Everyone is different, but for me, if I let out air until my butt just barely touched the floor while sitting on it, that would be ideally comfortable (though not as comfortable as memory foam) when I laid down on it.

I sleep on a Exped Ultra 5r AT HOME every night. If I ain't worried over big miles, I take it backpacking. Cradles me just right with the outer "tubes" a little fatter than the midle ones. And I recommend a pillow that's tall enough for side sleeping. I usually take a thermarest x-lite on longer sections though, a little lighter and sleeps fine too.

If the Prolite works great for you, why not keep it and cut weight elsewhere? Pads are quite subjective, like recommending shoes. I agree it's a grail hunt, I've went through a bunch too! The Neoair is my go-to, the Exped Ultra is my favorite, and I can get by on a z-lite in warmer weather.

I got one years ago to try as a couples mat and it was way too small for us, but felt like a very nice one person mat. Great option if you really want to sprawl out in luxury and not have a car camping heavy mattress. 

Exped Ultra is comfortable and ultralight. Pretty affordable, too. Give it a try. 

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.

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

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

I am an Exped Ultra 3R and 5R fan. I feel like they are highly underrated in the hiking community. My opinion is they sleep warmer than rated, are super comfortable, quite and cost less than a lot of pads. Just an FYI if you want another possibility/option. Edit: Sorry, I forgot this was Ultralight. I was thinking it was the Appalachian Trail sub.

I am an Exped Ultra 3R and 5R fan. I feel like they are highly underrated in the hiking community. My opinion is they sleep warmer than rated, are super comfortable, quite and cost less than a lot of pads. Just an FYI if you want another possibility/option. Edit: Sorry, I forgot this was Ultralight. I was thinking it was the Appalachian Trail sub.

Exped utra pads are great and highly underrated. Zen bivy light half sheet and light quilt is amazing with it. Game changer for me.

Exped Ulrta 3R or 5R. It's my favorite. I only use the 3R and pair it with a CCF pad in cold weather.

I backpack a lot and have a lot of bad back issues. I always dial my gear in at home before going into the field. I like Exped Ultra pads, I mostly use the 3R. They are highly underrated and are super comfortable for me. I use the trekology pillow. I have expermented with two in the past but I am back to one. I have used sleeping bags and quilts. Bags are out for me. Quilts are more comfortable. This year I went with the Zen Bivy light bed and it is very comfortable. I flip and flop all night and love this quilt/half sheet so far. I can get into any position for comfort.

I use the Exped Ultra 3r and love it. Their pads are highly underrated.

Exped pads are highly underrated!

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.

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.

Ahh ok then yea low or no R-value would be fine in those cases. Klymit also makes a good lightweight low R-value pad, it's what I used in Texas and worked quite well in warmer weather. Not as heavy or thick as the one you linked, but much lighter and packs down smaller. Great if you're backpacking but there are better options if car camping imo. Exped Ultra 1R is also a good pad, the more insulated 3 and 5 are also popular for colder temps. I've used the Dura versions which are a heavier/more insulated version and it was comfortable. I've also heard good things about Nemo Tensor but have no experience with it.

I've got an Exped 5R in a long/wide size. It's listed as 77.6" x 25.6" x 3". I had a 7R a couple of years ago in the same size. It was a 3.5" thick mattress though. Honestly they've been some of the comfiest sleeping pads I've owned. I'm pretty much the same size as you are as well. I'm 6'2" and 215. I've never found the size of the pad to be too short or narrow. And I toss and turn like I'm clothes in a dryer. There's plenty of thickness to keep you from sinking in even if you're a side sleeper. The only downside to the pad is it's packed size. Which is bulkier than the traditional suggested sleeping pads, but it's really not that bad for what you get. Also I just looked at the Megamat. The 5R has a higher r-value, is still 3" vs 4", but that megamat packed size isn't worth the extra space at all in my opinion. I think the bulk of the megamat will cause more problems than it solves in the long run.

I've got an Exped 5R in a long/wide size. It's listed as 77.6" x 25.6" x 3". I had a 7R a couple of years ago in the same size. It was a 3.5" thick mattress though. Honestly they've been some of the comfiest sleeping pads I've owned. I'm pretty much the same size as you are as well. I'm 6'2" and 215. I've never found the size of the pad to be too short or narrow. And I toss and turn like I'm clothes in a dryer. There's plenty of thickness to keep you from sinking in even if you're a side sleeper. The only downside to the pad is it's packed size. Which is bulkier than the traditional suggested sleeping pads, but it's really not that bad for what you get. Also I just looked at the Megamat. The 5R has a higher r-value, is still 3" vs 4", but that megamat packed size isn't worth the extra space at all in my opinion. I think the bulk of the megamat will cause more problems than it solves in the long run.

Would also recommend the Exped Ultra 3R. Get the wide version if you plan to be camping a lot of the time!

The Exped 3R in the mummy shape is only 13 oz and packs very small. I find it really comfortable, r-value of 2.9 is fine for spring/summer.

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.

A sleeping pad is not the spot you sacrifice for the minuscule weight savings possible. I use an Exped mat that is like 4” thick, extra wide, XL, and insulated and I’m not even sure it’s heavier than the 1” Thermarest I used for 20 yrs prior.

After most of a thru with a 3R it's the only sleeping pad I would ever want on the AT. Comes with great pump sack. Get in a bag on top of it for winter.

Agree 100%. I actually got the 5r because I was waking up every 20 min with pain in my arm from my thermarest. Figured out the side baffles were killing me. The exped is so nice I sleep so much better now.

If you liked the Dura why not get the 5r? I just got one, the mummy version which saves a few ounces, to replace my thermarest and I love it.

I have the 5r and love it. Exped rules.

You should go to REI if you can and try out different pads. I had a very hard time sleeping on the neoair, the horizontal baffles killed my shoulders (Im a side sleeper). I recently got an exped 5r mummy which is still under a lb depending on size. I love it. Its so comfortable, it feels sturdy, doesnt slide around. I sleep better than I ever got on the trail I love it. I think its a nice balance between very light & obscenely heavy (like the neoloft).

I (64M) swear by my Exped. Not cheap but comfort in a relatively small package. It comes in a bag that can be attached to anything. YMMV

I (64M) always used a cot when camping. REI had Expeds on sale and I have read such good things about them, so I bought one. They are the best mattress for camping I have ever used. Even weighing 230lbs, side sleeper, I would have a tough time touching the ground through the mattress. They are quick to fill up with the enclosed hand pump and quick to deflate. They are light and I now prefer it over the cot that I have used for many years.

Get an exped airbed. I've tried a lot of selfinflating mats, but i always end up blowing them up by mouth and than have les comfort sleeping than with the exped mats and be sorry i bought them. The investment in an exped is worth it, especially the air bag to blow them up is genius.

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.

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.

Same. Love the 3R (not slippery, not noisy, vertical baffles and “rails”) but really jealous of the Tensor Elite weight. Now, if Tensor made the Elite in a 25”, I’d buy it in a heartbeat.

Be careful with the 3R mummy. I was considering this, but a lot of folks find Exped’s mummy cut too aggressive at the top and at the bottom. Compare vs. Nemo and TR.

I have an Exped Duo that looks just like that and is probably more comfortable than my real bed at home.

I’ve only slept on the neoair and the exped from that list. I find the exped a little more comfortable to sleep on, but still always take the neoair because of the lighter weight, which is more comfortable in my pack. I am more of a rotisserie sleeper, but 1/3 of the time I’m on my back. I always opt for the 25” width because, well, I was born with arms and elbows! I cut my neoair down to 50” and use my backpack and sit pad under my feet. I don’t experience any discomfort from that setup and save 3-4 ounces thereby. I’m not sure I could cut my exped because of the baffle orientation. I keep it only to loan to friends.

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

Megamat is a good choice. We have one and like it. Yes they can be punctured, but they’re expanding foam, not just air, and they’re easy to repair. They’re also warm when the weather is cold. We also have these for multi-day river trips, and I actually prefer them to the Exped. Sooooo comfy, and tough as nails. [Landing Pad](https://www.aire.com/product/30-landing-pads/) You can just strap them together with a cam strap. Either way, you’re right to abandon air mattresses.

We have expeds and they are awesome. At our heaviest using them I think one of us topped out about 215lbs and comfort wasn't compromised at all. We are both side sleepers. Hopefully someone closer in size to you will respond, but I hope that's slightly helpful! Add: I did just look and exped states their weight limit is 330. So maybe that might not be the best option.

I used to have a S2S pad and I really liked their baffle design. I replaced it with an exped but even though it’s thicker it doesn’t feel as good to me.

I like my Exped 5R. 2 valves. a really nice inflation bag. Not very expensive. Comfortable. Just finished a trip in Alaska with it. Temps were 1C to 10C. Mine is the Long and Wide model and it comes in at 785 grams. Insulation rating of 5R. I'm an all over the place sleeper. I use an Enlighted Equipment quilt (with a foot box) instead of a bag.

+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.

+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 for Exped and lengthwise baffles.

I'm heavier and shorter than you and side sleep on Exped mats just fine.

Exped Ultra 5R Mummy – Priced at $159.95, but worth picking up on sale if you can wait. Weighs 445g with a 4.8 R-Value. I find it comfortable. I was considering some cheaper options like Naturehike and Kilos Gear, but after hearing mixed reviews, I decided to spend a bit more on the Exped pad.

For that price, get the Exped Ultra 5R.

If you want something for 3 seasons, go with the exped ultra 5r. They also have a 3r version if you want something in-between.

My Rapide SL insulated is very comfortable but nowhere close 4r. It might be 2r. Maybe. I just replaced it with the REI helix. 1oz heavier, but even more comfortable and a “true” 4.9r. They retail for $160. Exped 5r is also comfortable, warm, and has a great pump sack - although I suspect they’re getting ready to revamp them in the spring and they’ll be a decent amount more compact and lighter then. But you’ll probably find good Black Friday deals on the current one.

Get something with a super high R rating - higher than you think you need. Look for a baffling system that is either dimpled or vertical. For whatever reason, horizontal baffles don’t have a lot of “give” to them so they are less comfortable for side sleepers in general.  Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xtherm is probably the warmest pad out there (not the highest R rating per se but the most effective insulation system means it is still warmer than other pads with higher R values). It may not the most comfortable for a side sleeper because of the horizontal baffles, however. But this is the pad you want if you want to prioritize warmth. If you want to prioritize comfort, Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro will probably not sleep as warm but will be more comfortable for a side sleeper because of the dimpled baffling system. Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions is also very warm and only slightly less comfy than the Ether Light.  Exped Ultra 7R is a bit heavier and bulkier but is very comfy for a side sleeper. It uses down rather than reflective film for insulation. So it won’t be quite as crinkly as a lot of warm pads, but I’m not sure if the down insulation is more or less effective in this application.  Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe is quite bulky and heavy for a backpacking pad but is super, super comfortable and has a very respectable R value of 7.  The other big, bulky “luxury” comfort backpacking pads - Exped Megamat Ultra and Therm-a-Rest Neoloft - are great options for comfort but with lower R values so they may be less warm than you might want.  Other things to consider - even a well-insulated sleeping pad will only stay as warm as your body is able to heat it. The bigger the pad, the more of your body’s heat it will draw away from you. So don’t buy a massively oversized sleeping pad thinking it will automatically be more comfortable. For insulating purposes, something that is only as big as you need it to be will be more efficient for your body to keep warm.  Make sure you take advantage of all the usual strategies for staying warm in the backcountry: Use your Nalgene as a hot water bottle and keep it in your sleeping bag/quilt with at night. Do some jumping jacks or other activity to get your heartrate and body temperature up before going to bed. Make sure you are properly hydrated and getting enough food to keep warm. Etc. 

As far as $/warmth ratio, this one is the winner. $50+ cheaper than S2S, Therma, Nemo and really comfy. I love mine.

The 3R is a pretty incredibly value for an 18oz pad at around $150. The 5R is probably better for being in Maine outside of summer.

The 3R is a pretty incredibly value for an 18oz pad at around $150. The 5R is probably better for being in Maine outside of summer.

I really like my exped. I bought it on sale from REI and I still thought it was expensive but in retrospect it’s worth full price. I have [this](https://a.co/d/jbKmmg3) air pump and it works great. I have a double & single pad and have no issues getting them back in their storage bag. Not familiar with the other one you’re looking at fwiw.

Check REI Resupply for an Exped, they’re an excellent product but often returned because of user error

i have several Expeds and I don't think they're that loud at all.

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

Exped 3R and 5R are both under a pound and compress pretty small. I use a 5R for backpacking 

I don’t find it noisy, but I’ve also never used any other inflatable sleeping pad so don’t have much to compare to!

I probably should have specified I have the regular mummy, not the rectangle. The listed weight for the regular mummy is 15.7oz, but when I weighted mine in came in slightly under that (~15.5oz).

My 5R in regular mummy is 15.5oz

I have three; Exped Ultra 5R, Exped Flex, and Exped Deep Sleep. Ultra & Flex are my backpacking pads and the Deep Sleep is for car camping. Side and back sleeper that runs hot. Spring/summer/fall in the PNW. Go wide/long since you like to roll around.

Quieter than the tensor. I use the 5R, wife has the Nemo

Exped Ultra 3r. Exped are by far the most comfortable inflatables. I loved my Exped so much, slept like a baby every night.

Yeah, I thru hiked with the older version, the Exped SynMat UL mummy (just an old name, same pad as the ultra 3r, I think). Slept like a baby every night. Exped airpads are awesome!

I've had my exped for around 4 years now, and it's never let me down. Was concerned at how fragile it seems, but I've slept in some spikey places and never had an issue. [this ](https://www.expeduk.com/products/ultra-1r) is the current version of what I've got, and can't praise it enough.

Most 20D pads seems to be "too fragile". Only exception seems to be the exped ultra somehow. But it's really hard to have a good picture on pads reliability.

I use an Exped, but then add a foam topper from Walmart cut to size for extra comfort. 

Totally agree on the Ultra, I've got an Ultra 3R currently that is my 3-season pad but the Elite is substantially lighter and isn't really a direct competitor, Uberlite was discontinued ostensibly because of the high failure rates and warranty claims/returns.

Tensor Elite listed specs are 20x72 at 8.5 ounces . Exped ultra 3r in the mirrored mummy 20.5x72 configuration is 12.9 ounces. 8.5 ounces vs 12.9 ounces. So not half the weight It's 1.5x the weight, not 2x. And it's warmer and way more durable

You've tested *all* of them? You find the Nemo more comfortable than an Etherlite XT? An REI Helix? An Exped? A Rapide SL? That doesn't compute for me. The Nemo is more comfy than a Neoair but well below all of those.

I have that Wellax pad. It was actually pretty great in 20 degrees for the first two trips. Then it stopped inflating fully. I just bit the bullet and switched to Exped.

The Rapide SL is easily the most comfortable pad I have used. I have an older version though where the insulation doesn’t work properly, so I can’t use it in cold or even cool weather. I believe they fixed this issue, if so I would 100% go with that one. I tried the Tensor all-season and absolutely hated it, which was surprising because I have heard rave reviews about it. It made my arm go numb, jammed into my ribs/side, I could only inflate it ~halfway to be comfortable, and it sounded like I was sleeping on a Doritos bag. However it is incredibly packable and lightweight. Unfamiliar with the Etherlite personally. I ended up with the Exped 5R, not as comfortable as the Rapide SL but miles ahead of the Tensor. EDIT: Mainly a side and occasional back sleeper.

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.

Expeds CAN leak, but they're expensive and built really well. They're different from regular air mattresses because they have foam inside them which insulates you from the ground really well. Nemo makes a similar product. Exped also has great customer service (from what I've heard) and can patch your mattress if it gets holes.

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

If you have one nearby, REI has sleeping pads blown up you can lay on and test out. Everyones body and sleeping preferences are different. Once you figure out what kind of baffles you prefer, finding a sleeping pad will come easier as there are so many options. Especially if weight isn't an issue. I have a Nemo Tensor. It has quilted baffles. Everyone loves it, and it hurts my back and hips so bad. I also have an Exped pad and one from Zenbivy with vertical baffles. I love these. They cradle my body better. Thermarest is super popular. Most are horizontal baffles. They don't look comfy to me but it seems like people sleep well on them. Sea to Summit and Big Agnes are other popular sleeping pad brands. What kind of temps are you expecting? You'll want to choose a pad with an R value appropriate to your camping needs. Most choose a 3 season with an R value between 2-4. I would stick on the upper end if you're a cold sleeper.

This is what I use and love it.

I loved my Expeds before I got my camper. I now use a 6” memory foam mattress and wouldn’t be able to go back.

I was using a backpacking style exped inflatable pad and recently replaced it with a self inflating one. Takes up a lot more space but far more comfortable (and quiet!).

I have a couple exped mats and knock offs like Hikenture and Qomotop. They are not phony in the sense that the insulation ratings are way off. I camped in freezing temps for the last 5 years and am very toasty on every trip. I can't tell the difference in insulation properties between the brands. Only difference is the Exped breaks down much smaller than the knock offs.

Yep. Exped is almost as comfortable as our home mattress.

I brought my exped and put it on top of the mat provided by the tour operator. I’m glad I did because the ground was rocky and on cold nights I was happy to have the extra insulated layer.

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.

I have a Nemo Tensor, Thermarest NeoAir X-Lite, and an Exped Ultra. My favorite of the 3 is the Exped. I haven't used the Rapide, but I'd put it in the same class as the ones I have. At that point, they are all so similar, buy the one that is the most comfortable for you. $20-30 less or more at that price point isn't huge, and is 100% worth it for more comfort.

6'1, 260 lb side sleeper.... Exped Ultra 3R is my pad of choice for my climate, but they have some with much higher R-values. It's more comfortable, to me, than either the Nemo Tensor or Thermarest X-Lite.

Stick with the foam imo! Although foam won't necessarily be the most comfortable option to sleep on when camping on hard surfaces (which can be mitigated with site selection), it offers comfort in other ways. It's comfortable in that it's very low-maintenance: it'll never pop or develop a leak, and it'll never deflate in the middle of the night. You don't have to baby it whatsoever. It's comfortable in that it takes mere seconds to set up and take down. It's comfortable in that replacing it is easy and cheap. It's comfortable in that it's very light for the weight and you can trim it down to lighten it further. It's comfortable that it serves multiple purposes, including a sit pad during the day and a mat for stretching. All of these things pay dividends on a long-distance hike where light, reliable, multipurpose, and time-efficient gear rules. Also, I don't think foam is nearly as uncomfortable as people make it out to be. You can always use extra clothes and other stuff for padding if you have to camp on a hard surface. I find inflatables to be slippery and annoyingly narrow, whereas I can sprawl on foam like I'm on a real bed. Edit: I'll add that I own a Thermarest NeoAir X-Lite and an Exped Ultra 5R. I'd take foam over them any day on a thru-hike for the ease of use, durability, and weight. The last thing I want to do after a long day of hiking is to spend time blowing air into a glorified pool floatie.

Exped, thank me later

Voordeel van exped is de opbaaszak. Die werkt echt beter dan die van andere merken

Not sure about Rab pads, have heard nothing about them. Thermarest Neoair seem less durable than Nemo Tensors from everything I have read and heard. My own preference had been Exped. Ultra series are lighter Dura series are more durable. Mummies or rectangular options with various R values available. Never had an issue with my Ultra 5R.

I know they are light but the neoair durability isn’t great. Also Cascade (thermarest) just moved from Seattle to Reno and I bet things are super disorganized still I opted for the Exped Ultra series. There’s a weight penalty but I find them much more comfortable, and Exped repairs pads for the cost of shipping to Tacoma.

Try the Nemo Tensor, the Exped pads, and the Big Agnes Rapide (heaviest, but thickest). You should be able to lay on all of these at an REI if you have one nearby. They should have all the most popular ones blown up and ready to try.

I've used my Exped for 500miles. I've never had a problem with it. Personally, I would only buy Exped or Big Agnes sleeping pads because they're the only ones I've never seen leak. Anything by thermarest is trash.

A comfort-oriented side sleeping setup that has worked well for me:  - Exped Ultra 3R LW mummy fits my height and is wide where it counts. Because the baffles run lengthwise, they “block” you into the pad and you don’t feel like you’ll fall off. (At least, I don’t. I am a tall, somewhat slender woman.)  - Put a patch of foam under the hip - prevents the feeling of bottoming out. 2 panels of switchback, a cheapo sit pad, some foam that comes with a random package - anything squishy works. The foam is key. The only reason I ever felt uncomfortable before the foam was my hip hitting the ground. No longer!  I can sleep in any position in that setup. 

My exped 3r and 5r pads are great! They are very, very comfortable. Cannot speak for the Tensor. My REI doesn’t have the Exped Ultras on the floor, they’re a website item. If REI is a long drive, order from REI online and try it on your (very clean) floor for a night. REI has a no-questions-asked return policy.  For side sleeping I recommend sleeping on the pad slightly deflated and throwing a small piece of closed-cell foam under your hip.

My exped 3r and 5r pads are great! They are very, very comfortable. Cannot speak for the Tensor. My REI doesn’t have the Exped Ultras on the floor, they’re a website item. If REI is a long drive, order from REI online and try it on your (very clean) floor for a night. REI has a no-questions-asked return policy.  For side sleeping I recommend sleeping on the pad slightly deflated and throwing a small piece of closed-cell foam under your hip.

The first thing you need is a skill: accepting disappointment. If you don’t want to go down the rabbit hole, you must accept that taking a stranger’s suggestion may result in you finding a better item later, and some regret that you didn’t purchase the “best” item first. You must then think: “ok, but I saved myself 15-30 hrs research.”  Complete gear list, 10lb $800 total: https://pmags.com/the-budget-backpacking-kit He also has a 15 lb $300 version  https://pmags.com/300-gear-challenge Cheapest is buying used or discount - check r/ulgeartrade, r/geartrade, and steep and cheap.  My recommendations:  Sleeping pad:  - cheapest is learning to sleep on CCF - Nemo switchback, ridge rest, or similar. Unbeatable value and reliability. (Pads advertise r=2ish. You can stack pads to double this, but folks typically find that foam pads are plenty warm for 3 seasons. Pads seem to sleep warmer than the r-value suggests, due to the way r-value for pads is measured - it ignores heat loss through the sides, which is minimal for thin foam and not minimal for thick air pads.) - lightest for the r-value inflatable is the Thermarest X-Lite NXT - more comfy and not too heavy is the Exped Ultra 5. (5=r-value of 4.8ish) You can buy a mummy-shape (in either regular or long-wide mummy) to cut weight or the rectangle (again in normal or long-wide) if you like to sprawl.  Sleeping bag:  I bought mine used, learned to wash it. It was a good learning project. 

We put on exped on top of our air mattress.Gets us about 16 inches off the ground and it has a headboard so pillows don’t slide off. We’re car campers as well so we have room to pack some extras for comfort!

Exped 100%

I like my Exped 3r and in fact I just ordered a 5r to upgrade my temp ratings for 3season use. I belive they are Swiss made?

I like my Exped 3r and in fact I just ordered a 5r to upgrade my temp ratings for 3season use. I belive they are Swiss made?

Side sleeper. I use Exped. This is the main reason I haven't tried a Thermarest or Rab pad yet, no lengthways baffles. I love them and they can really help you stay on the pad if the ground is all over the place.

I’m not sure there’s a best one per se, there are a lot of equality pads out there and the one that best fits you and your needs might be the right choice for you. My favorite is Exped but I love my Nemo’s as well. My personal opinion tho is that you have nowhere to go but up. After fifty plus years of buying and using outdoor gear I can say that I actively despise only one brand, Klymit. And that’s all I have to say about that.

I only have experiences with the Exped Ultra 3R. I used it for a 60 day tour in Scandinavia and it worked great, slept almost better than at home.

This is the pad that finally let me sleep

As often as you camp, I'd recommend investing in an Exped. The two single mats together is a cool idea too...to give you both independent spaces for movement, but still retaining proximity.

Yeah I have an exped but the only reason I got it is space is tight and I wanted something that fit under my seat. I love it though. 

Exped makes some great pads. I got mine for weight and pack size and it’s the most comfortable pad I own

Exped makes a great mat. But you might want to look at the thicker thermorest pads as an option as well

My boyfriend and I got a couple of Coleman cots and threw an exped duo on top. Worked wonders for snuggling together

I love this pad! We got 2 from Costco years ago and one has a hole. We’ve upgraded to Exped and cots for car camping, but I would have gotten another one of these if they were still available. The Exped is definitely a bulky mattress style, though.

I have a Megamat for car camping and absolutely love it. For backpacking, I use either Exped Ultra 7R LW (when it is really cold) or Exped Ultra 5R mummy when I am trying to keep the weight down (much lighter weight, still very good protection against unexpected cold nights in the mountains). Both are about as comfortable as you can get for a backpacking sleeping pad. EDIT ADD: I am also a side sleeper. Additionally, I have tried several of the popular sleeping pads that people typically recommend. Ultra 7R LW & Ultra 5R mummy will weight a bit more, but I find them warmer and more comfortable.

I have a Megamat for car camping and absolutely love it. For backpacking, I use either Exped Ultra 7R LW (when it is really cold) or Exped Ultra 5R mummy when I am trying to keep the weight down (much lighter weight, still very good protection against unexpected cold nights in the mountains). Both are about as comfortable as you can get for a backpacking sleeping pad. EDIT ADD: I am also a side sleeper. Additionally, I have tried several of the popular sleeping pads that people typically recommend. Ultra 7R LW & Ultra 5R mummy will weight a bit more, but I find them warmer and more comfortable.

I have the 3R MW and 5R MW. I’m going on a bikepacking trip next week with temps around 5-10 at night. I will bring my 3R. If I have the room for it on the bike I might go for the 5R. I will make the final decision as I pack my bike. I did buy a 7R to replace my xtherm, but the down seemed poorly distributed when I held it up to the light so I returned it. 5R with a ccf on top served me well at -5-10C last winter.

I have the 3R MW and 5R MW. I’m going on a bikepacking trip next week with temps around 5-10 at night. I will bring my 3R. If I have the room for it on the bike I might go for the 5R. I will make the final decision as I pack my bike. I did buy a 7R to replace my xtherm, but the down seemed poorly distributed when I held it up to the light so I returned it. 5R with a ccf on top served me well at -5-10C last winter.

I second exbed ultra, i also really like the sea to summit aeros deluxe backpacking pillow. They're a little annoying to set up and not the lightest or smallest, but it's very comfortable. I haven't done a thru, so I can't attest to long distance carries but I'm a very light sleepier with difficulty falling asleep and also absolutely need sleep, I'm not one of those people who can do well with minimal rest. I can only imagine on a thru I'd want maximum comfort for quality sleep. Some other commentor noted to inflate and slightly deflate and this is necessary although with practice you'll probably learn exactly how much to inflate and not have to tinker too much each night.

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.

I have an exped 5R Ultra mummy pad and it's comfier than my actual bed. and unlike my cheaper OEX pad I don't slide off it all the time. Vertical baffles are the best imo. :)

Always go wider than you think. It’s way more comfortable. Also the exped stuff is great with their layer of memory foam. I think they now have a single

That is what I use . Works well

Naturehike is not ASTM rated. Skip. The Rapide is a great pad but is a bit cold. If you want the direct replacement to this pad get the Boundary Deluxe, which is the new name for the Q Core Deluxe. However if you are going to go winter camping over snow go for a higher R value pad. Exped Ultra 5 Exped Ultra 7 Sea to Summit Etherlight XT Extreme Thermarest XTherm Nemo Tensor Extreme

Naturehike is not ASTM rated. Skip. The Rapide is a great pad but is a bit cold. If you want the direct replacement to this pad get the Boundary Deluxe, which is the new name for the Q Core Deluxe. However if you are going to go winter camping over snow go for a higher R value pad. Exped Ultra 5 Exped Ultra 7 Sea to Summit Etherlight XT Extreme Thermarest XTherm Nemo Tensor Extreme

5R and 3R mummy user here. Very comfortable mats. Very reliable.

5R and 3R mummy user here. Very comfortable mats. Very reliable.

Exped Ultra 3, 5 or 7

Exped Ultra 3, 5 or 7

Exped Ultra 3, 5 or 7

People on this sub will balk at a pad that heavy (it's literally not light, much less ultralight), but I think if you're going to carry unnecessary weight, the sleep system is as good a place to compromise as any to put it. That being said, the Megamat is probably more of a car camping pad than anything. I love my Duo when I'm just camping. Have you tried the Thermarest Neoloft? The regular wide is just shy of 2lbs, so it would save you about 11 ounces.

I can’t use anything over a 2 in summer or I sweat profusely on whatever side is against the mat. Sold my uberlite and picked up the 1R long/wide. Sleeps more comfortable as well.

Exped Ultra 5R in rectangular wide. You will love the lengthwise air chambers and how quiet this pad is. Not to even mention the side bumper action feature.

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.

How would an Exped Ultra wide mummy fit on your list?

Go lay down on all of these and see for yourself. Also I avoid pads with multiple thermal welds that create small "pillows" because of their failure mode. This subreddit gets about 5 requests a week for "what inflatable pad" and there are many comments and lots of YouTube videos. I haven't seen anything new or different in a few years, so at this point just going and laying down on a couple pads ... maybe borrow from friends and try out at home once you decide on R-value and weight is about all one can do. The idea to buy, try, and return is also valid. With lengthwise baffles I think one can "feel" or sense in the dark where they are on a pad and that helps one stay away from the edges. Exped mummy-shaped pads are the lightest except for the Therm-A-Rest ones, but Exped is much less expensive and people have reported they are more comfortable and make much less noise. I should also say I have 3 of them at different Rvalues.

I also want to mention that the valves of some pads are not designed to be mistreated. For instance, on Exped pads, DO NOT simply pull the flap to open the valve. BE SURE to hold the part of the valve that is permanently attached to the pad fabric separately so that the forces of opening the flap do not tear the valve out of the fabric.

Lengthwise baffles are always the best. Why is that you may ask? I think one reason is that one can easily feel or sense that one is not about to move off the pad and even that one is centered on the pad. The Exped has slightly larger "in diameter" edge tubes, so that also helps one sense in total darkness where one's body, legs, and feet are on the pad. I sleep on my back, on my stomach, on my left side and on my right side, and everywhere in-between. Also it is helpful to get a mummy-shaped pad to save some weight. Also helpful to get a wide pad. Also helpful to have a virtually noiseless pad.

I'll offer a contrasting viewpoint: My Exped pads can be inflated to be quite firm with the Schnozzle pump sack that they come with. I usually have to let some air out. If I use my Pad-Pal inflator then I have to blow in another partial breath. My hip doesn't come close to bottoming out, but I am not very heavy myself.

Exped Ultra in size Wide Mummy. These have lengthwise baffles, about 25" wide near the shoulder. Choose your R value which will choose your weight.

I guess I want to make clear that I wasn't suggesting the MegaMat Ultra, but a different Exped Ultra.

A similar thread from yesterday might be worth visiting: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1l5j7gk/noisy\_sleeping\_pad\_what\_is\_a\_good\_alternative/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1l5j7gk/noisy_sleeping_pad_what_is_a_good_alternative/) Exped Ultra 5R (aka SynMat Winter H) works for me below freezing temps. Also a WIDE pad is worth it for me. A problem with all these daily pad questions is that the daily responses are not representative of the universe of pad users. One probably has to read at least 3 months of such threads to come to the conclusion that there is no consensus. Good luck with your search and please report back what ended up working for you.

My valve failed on the first trip I used it on. It's an easy fix to replace the valve, but still... Mind you, my Exped mat has never been the same since I camped in a prickle patch.

Dit is HET antwoord! Exped matten liggen geweldig, kan ik alleen maar aanbevelen. Het is alsof je thuis op je eigen bed ligt.

+1 for this pad. I find it to be extremely comfortable and it comes with the best inflation sack on the market…doubles as a waterproof pack liner.

We use an air mattress cot and it works fine. We also have 2 expeds that we couple together and use on trips where we don’t need the under bed storage space of the cot. Someday we will figure out how to do expeds on a cot and then we’ll really be living!

My partner and I used to have the same problem where every time one of us moved, it felt like the other was on a trampoline 😂. Switching to a foam pad (we went with a double Thermarest, but I've tested an Exped before and it was great) made such a huge difference for our sleep.

I don’t find these comfortable. Lightweight - yes. Comfort - no. I just bought my second xped and it is bulkier but so much more comfortable. You feel as if you are being rolled off. And yes you can let them down which helps but still uncomfortable and then when you sit up you are on the hard floor.

Same here. I find it comfy af fully inflated

The Exped is a game changer!

Have an exped duo mat and sleeping bag that zip together. Extra blanket sometimes so the sleeping bag stays open and its more like a regular bed. No getting all trapped in there.

Canadian side sleeper here. I often 3 season camp down past -5 deg ( probably closer to -10 deg ) depending on what the mountains decide to do. Not much camping in snow but a lot of waking up in it. I've never needed R value of 5. Are you sure you do? Have you tried anything else? Exped lists their 5R being good to -20 C. That's not 3 season is it? That seems overkill to me. Exped 3R in the shortest length (with any dangling feet on top of a pack or something) would be my preference for an inflatable for the brand's you listed. It's quite a bit lighter than those options and is worth a consideration. I have slept many nights in the previous version of it in a double wide with a partner (which may have had a slightly different R value than what is available now).  I also just spent a lot of nights on a slow LASH on the PCT (where I had slept in the temperatures of interest  - down below -5 C in both desert and mountains) on a sea to summit ultralight insulated short pad. This was very comfortable and warm. it's like 350 grams. Eventually on trail I went with a CCF pad (Nemo Switchback ) to reduce base weight a bit - and that hurt my hips when camping on some surfaces but was a compromise I accepted for many nights. This was much lower R value but warm enough on cold nights down below -5 C.  

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.

Get an exped and never think about comfort camping ever again.

I use a 3.5” thick Exped 7R. I’m a side sleeper and have to deflate my mats so they’re comfortable which decreases the r-value. If I need extra comfort, I can add a cut-down Switchback on top (length = shoulders to hips) which makes the pad way cozier and replaces some of the lost r-value.

I'm thinking about picking this up for my PCT thru next year. I tried the XLite, instantly got 5+ holes on the first night of a 3-night trip and it really soured my perception of the pad. I ended up using it for 60 nights after I patched every hole, but I was using a groundsheet a lot of the time after that. Picked up the Exped Ultra 3R next and man that thing is durable, quiet, and comfortable. If you look at the Ultra 5R Mummy, it's only like 3oz heavier than the XLite and the durability and comfort of those vertical baffles seem to win out for me.

Most comfortable is Exped by far. Not cheap though

ExPed Ultra 5R has been a solid mat for me. Been plenty warm down <0°c>-10°c. I have the rectangular wide & it's been comfy and I've never found it noisy. I also have a Light Tour r7.5 - wide mummy, it's very light and small, smaller when it's blowed-up too, and definitely a bit noisy. Tolerable tho I'd say. I've found it to be warm enough down to just below freezing on the one camp I've had it out in the cold. I do generally sleep pretty warm and have a nice quilt, but it was definitely noticeably warmer than my 3.smthn summer mat I was A/B testing it against.

Doesn't that have down in it? I was looking at that one then, iirc I realized they used down insulation in it? and like... Who amongst us hasn't woken up in a newly formed lake or stream at least once while r/wildcampingintheUK ? 😂 I went with the 5R & have been fine on it below freezing (I do sleep pretty warm in general, but tbh think 5R is pretty decent for most UK-type situations)

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 😂

xped makes a great pad/mattress, it's kind of a cross between the two, mine has lasted for years

love my xped for car camping. kind of a cross between the two

if it helps i think i'm on year 5 with it.

Exped sleeping pads. I’ve had mine for 10 plus years and have insanely good R value.

Use Exped on my Coleman Cot - can confirm the 75-80% max inflation. Too hard and it feels like a spring ready to bounce you off if you roll over

+1 on the Exped but please get two singles. Don’t try sharing with your partner.

Another vote for the Exped Ultra 5R. I LOVE mine. It is so comfy, and as a side sleeper the horizontal baffles stop my leg from sliding off onto the ground, which can be uncomfortable and cold. I have used it in -2 conditions, the side of my body that was on the mat was plenty warm, the side to the air, not so much, but that's a sleeping bag issue. And I feel the cold, so to be warm on the mat is saying a lot. As far as durability goes, I can't comment on that as I haven't spent a lot of nights on it. Ultralight is usually at the compromise of durability though. There is a more durable version, it has a bigger packed size and weight. Just depends what your priorities are and what you're willing/not willing to sacrifice.

I'm not sure how small the singles get, but the wife and I invested in an exped duo 3 years ago and have not looked back. We car camp tho.

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

Exped is quiet and comfortable. It does not compete well on paper with neoair stuff, it is bulkier and heavier for the same warmth rating.

For car camping, my wife and I (and usually our chocolate lab) share this combo, and we all sleep super well: 1. CCF pad 2. Exped Duo Ultra 3R pad on top 3. Kelty Double-wide 20F The dog has her own pad and sleeping bag, but ours is much better I suppose. I could never sleep well on cots, and our entire sleep system can fit in a duffel bag.

I have one Exped and one Therm-a-rest in this style. At first, they’re great. Over time, the Exped began to leak, and I think the TaR is now doing the same. As best I can tell, the rubber lining inside the fabric begins to slowly degrade and develop pinhole leaks. You never hear leaking air. You just wake up in the morning with your hip touching the ground (I’m a side sleeper). I stored both fully extended, with the valves open, so keeping them compressed in the sack was not the problem.

I have an Exped as well as the bestway one often mentioned here and the zen bivvy one, and the exped is the comfiest and warmest hands down. However I can’t remember which one it is exactly (it’s an old model, now deprecated, but 7 cm deep). Also has by far the best inflation system.

Same position as you. Wanted to buy European so went for the Exped. Bought it with Rab Neutrino 400 from Treckitt for £500. A great deal I thought.

I agree with the Exped!

Love my exped and my paco pad. Paco pad is plastic welded memory foam and you will NOT touch the ground. i adore mine

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.

This would be my pick as well, I'd just hook it to the outside of the pack. It's worth it for the sleep comfort.

Just slept on my Exped the other night. Super comfy, always a good night of sleep on it. Wish I'd bought it years ago.

Knockoff should be fine if you're ok with a much lower R rating. If you don't plan to camp below around 40⁰f then you'll be fine. I recently slept on my Exped, straight on the ground (but in a tent) at 15⁰f and had no issues with the cold.

I have the Exped and I find it comfortable and I have tried it at about 35F, it did the trick. The only thing is that you can't "over-inflate" it. Or maybe mine is a defect. At some point, you can't put more air inside, but the pad remains pretty soft. The thing is, for me, this is the perfect firmness, especially if you sleep on your back. When I sleep on my side, my hip is almost touching the ground (which is fine). I'm pretty sure it's not a defect and that's just the way they are, though.

Another vote for the Exped. HOWEVER, I freaking LOVE my UST Fillmatic and they have clips so you can connect two of them together. I’m 5’7” and my husband is 6’5”. When we shared a traditional air mattress, I was miserable. Everytime he flipped from side to side it bounced me around. When we have separate mattresses, I sleep much better. Just something else to chew on as you make your decision.

I would try either/both of the exped ultra 3r or 5r (I would get the 5r if you plan to spend many nights below freezing), and also the nemo tensor trail or all weather. I’ve used both and I like both of them. Some people prefer the vertical baffles of the ultra series, while some prefer the flatter surface of the tensor. I’m also 6’2 and 215, by the way. I find a 72”x25” pad perfectly acceptable since I sleep on my side with my legs somewhat bent.

I would try either/both of the exped ultra 3r or 5r (I would get the 5r if you plan to spend many nights below freezing), and also the nemo tensor trail or all weather. I’ve used both and I like both of them. Some people prefer the vertical baffles of the ultra series, while some prefer the flatter surface of the tensor. I’m also 6’2 and 215, by the way. I find a 72”x25” pad perfectly acceptable since I sleep on my side with my legs somewhat bent.

If you are camping a couple of times a month, I would absolutely consider investing in a better tent. It will make your lives easier. Yes, the convenience of the cheaper tents and being able to find them at any Walmart or bass pro shop around is nice, but you are at a heightened use. The features of a decently cheap REI tent will definitely help with sharing space inside a tent. Aside from that finding the right sleeping pads your bodies like is important. I found Exped pads to be my favorite. You can also try the micro cots.

+1 on Exped ultra. This was way more comfy for me than the XTherm or the S2S

Echoing what teddylexington said. Expeds are constantly in the re-supply and a pain in the ass to pack back up. Exped also has a limited warranty vs the Nemo roamer’s lifetime warranty. I can pack up a roamer by myself in 15 mins without breaking a sweat and it’ll be half the size of an exped.

I’ve slept well — like *well* — in the backcountry for the first time this summer thanks to the StS Etherlight XR mummy. (No experience with the prior etherlight, which I think some might be commenting on.) It’s absolutely worth the few extra oz to me, and the packed size is still fairly small. I previously was using the NeoAir, and it’s just no contest. I don’t slide off the StS, and I can sleep on my side. I will start to feel the pressure on my hip and have to change position occasionally, but probably don’t end up doing that much more than when I’m at home. I’d thought about buying the wide version because my arms always slid off and were uncomfortable with the NeoAir. I went with the regular width mummy StS and have had no problems with any body parts sliding off. :) Thought about the Nemo Tensor(s) real hard the last few years but never purchased one due to the reported leakage potential even with occasional use. I haven’t tried the BA. I tried the regular (non-mummy) exped 5R last summer car camping. It has raised side baffles (similar approach to BA), and I found it more comfortable than the neoair. So I bought the exped 5R mummy this summer for backpacking. 1. It’s a very aggressive taper on the mummy. (Whereas the ether XR is relaxed.) 2. Its packed size was significantly larger than the neoair, and I couldn’t actually fit it into my pack in the spot that works best. Luckily I then saw that the Ether was a new version and returned the exped mummy, got the StS. The StS is more comfortable than the 5R rectangle, and I’ll probably use it for car camping too in the future.

Similar conditions to you and I went with an Exped Ultra (3R for summer) after seeing it recommended for side sleepers. Have been very happy. £150 from Trekitt.

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.

Just for clarity, the 5R is not under a pound. It's 1lb, 4oz (regular size). Still, not a bad deal at all on a good pad. The 3R is 1lb even. Same as the Nemo Tensor, within grams.

unfortunately the site crashes on my Chrome Android Browser (Chrome 132.0.6834.122 / Android 13, Samsung S21 OneUI 5.1) When it comes to sleeping pads I only choose between Exped and Thermarest anyway. (still lots of choices from these two companies!)

The xped 7R is listed at like 1.4lbs for comparison but do you really need a 7R value? Around 4 has been good for me down into at least the 20sF. R7 is a lot for “3 season” use.

I have an Exped Ultra 5R and don't find it loud at all.

i She might prefer vertical baffles, like the Exped 5R. Much softer feel for sensitive sleepers.

I've used a prolite apex below zero several times, and it was both comfortable, durable and warm. Relatively cheap for a thermarest, too. Wife still uses hers 4 years later. Only reason I got rid is because I put a fair bit of weight on I can't seem to shift (went from about 90 to 100kg) and it became uncomfortable. Btw, sleeping pad r-value and ambient air temperature don't technically have a direct correlation. An r-value of 5+ is generally rated by manufacturers below about -15°C, which even being conservative is well below what you'll see 3-season in the UK. Nowt wrong with *over* insulating a pad though, imo, as it's usually conduction heat loss. But I'd personally rather get a more premium brand at a lower R than get summat less premium higher R. Fwiw, I now use an *edit* exped *edit/* ultra 5r long/wide mummy year round, but have only used just above zero. Comfortable and warm. *2nd edit* mate bought my prolite apex off me, same height (6'2") and weight I used to be. He also rates it. *2nd edit/* Random link: https://sectionhiker.com/sleeping-pad-r-values-and-temperature-ratings-how-they-correspond/

I have the same, can't comment on the noise (wife hasn't complained about the noise of me on it), but agree with the rest.

Great option for those that rock 2 person tents! Unfortunately the epxed duos won't fit in my 1p

Hell yeah for the exped. Super comfy and I haven’t had problems with them leaking like I did with the tensor.

Expand 3R ultra, awesome sleep. Pair with a zenbivy sleeping system trekology pillow and your golden

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.

I’ve had Thermarest, BA, Exped and Nemo Tensor and the Tensor is the best for me. Not as light as a NeoAir Xlite, but still respectable- I have a regular wide, more comfortable and I think warmer than any you mentioned. The REI Helix is also worth trying. Maybe buy both online and return the one you don’t like. If you don’t take it outside it would be considered a new return with tags and original packaging.

Exped are the best. In my opinion.

Agreed the Exped is surprisingly comfy for a side sleeper. I went with the ultra 5r but that shouldn’t make a difference. Tried and eventually got rid of: thermarest, ether light, klymit.

I'd definitely recommend the Exped Ultra 5r. Great mat, very warm, and super comfy. I came from a Thermarest Xtherm, which is obviously outrageously warm but isn't particularly comfy, and the Exped has been a revelation in comfort while still being really warm and respectably lightweight. It's the first time I've actually felt *genuinely* comfy on a camping mat. It feels well made as well, the material feels strong and has a bit of stretchiness to it that makes it feel softer and less like an inflatable lilo, and the valves are super simple mechanically so I expect they'll be durable unlike some of the overcomplicated ones some manufacturers like to use.

Personally I found pads with lengthwise baffles much more comfortable side sleeping. I ended up with an exped ultra 3r. Not the lightest, thickest or warmest but it is the most comfortable mat I tried.

+1 on exped ultra. Lengthwise baffles are just so much more comfortable for me

I’m a 6’ 215 lb side sleeper. Love my DownMat.

Mine is maybe nine years old.

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.

Gonna throw out that the exped is comfy and the nozzle air pump bag doubles as a dry bag that could replace your nyloflume liner, though admittedly it is heavier than a nyloflume bag.

I find the Exped Ultra 3R quite nice. I use the medium length but wide one.

I like the feel of the self-inflating mats (POE InsulMat and ProLite Plus) when testing at home, but I get much better sleep on the air mat (Exped Ultra LW) when camping - more hours and my shoulders aren’t so tight in the morning.

Exped Ultra 3R RW Thank me later

I work at an outdoor shop as well, it’s such an easy recommendation it’s insane, best value for money, great warranty policy and the people that work at Exped are always super professional.

The Thermarest self inflating is rubbish. Just some thin foam that helps to expand and suck air into the pad. But you still need to inflate it further. My exped mat is filled in a minute with the pump sack.

I love my Exped Ultra 3R and 5R LW (77.6 x 25.6 x 3). I'm also 6'2", 225lb weight and they are perfect for me, confortable and lightweight. I'm sure the MegaMat Ultra is also very comfortable, thought the weight would be a deal breaker for me. If you are just interested in comfort, then I would also look at a large Thermarest Neoloft. [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Front.webp?v=1747222905) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/14158_thermarest_neoloft_ember_regularwide_angle_gearjunkie2024.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Thickness.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Length.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Packsize.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Contents.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Pump_Sack.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_2.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_3.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_4.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_5.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_MSR_Tent.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/preview_images/hqdefault_4af17b86-5265-4bb8-8ca6-4ccd61bc2141.jpg?v=1737734349)

Yes, I generally side sleep. I the vertical baffles help prevent me from sliding off and i never find that I bottom out. The ultra 3/5R models are also warmer than their R value suggests. The ASTM testing doesn’t model a person moving and pumping air around inside the mat. The synthetic insulation reduces heat transfer due to airflow unlike in many mats that have foil ‘insulation’. I think the Exped Ultra 3/5R are underrated, especially in North America. However I don’t think the 7R, with down insulation, performs as well.

I love my Exped Ultra 3R and 5R LW (77.6 x 25.6 x 3). I'm also 6'2", 225lb weight and they are perfect for me, confortable and lightweight. I'm sure the MegaMat Ultra is also very comfortable, thought the weight would be a deal breaker for me. If you are just interested in comfort, then I would also look at a large Thermarest Neoloft. [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Front.webp?v=1747222905) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/14158_thermarest_neoloft_ember_regularwide_angle_gearjunkie2024.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Thickness.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Length.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Packsize.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Contents.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Pump_Sack.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_2.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_3.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_4.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_5.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_MSR_Tent.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/preview_images/hqdefault_4af17b86-5265-4bb8-8ca6-4ccd61bc2141.jpg?v=1737734349)

Yes, I generally side sleep. I the vertical baffles help prevent me from sliding off and i never find that I bottom out. The ultra 3/5R models are also warmer than their R value suggests. The ASTM testing doesn’t model a person moving and pumping air around inside the mat. The synthetic insulation reduces heat transfer due to airflow unlike in many mats that have foil ‘insulation’. I think the Exped Ultra 3/5R are underrated, especially in North America. However I don’t think the 7R, with down insulation, performs as well.

I have bad discs in my neck and back, and can still side sleep on an Exped. They are a gamechanger for me.

Lost horizon is the same thing as exped. Probably same Chinese suppliers… I have lost horizon and we love it. It feels exactly the same as the expeds I’ve tried at REI.

Exped and Featherstone will work. They have vertical baffles and the other two are larger to help hold you in the mat. I have experience with Exped, but Featherstone is the more budget friendly of the two.

There are lots of better pads than this. Try Exped.

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.

I just got the 3r version, also 25” wide, and so far really like it.

Exped has baffles in long side direction and additionally bigger sized side baffles, which is a nice property to prevent sliding of the mat.

I love my Exped, we were doing construction in our master and our guest bed hurts my back so I slept on our Exped Duo form a couple months. Slept great!

I love this thing, it's not small but if you're not hiking to the campsite it's worth it. I've even used it for guests at home and slept on it for a few months while we had construction in our master bedroom.

I have an Exped Ultra 5R that is super comfy, and have had it down to -10C and was still plenty warm. Check out JustinOutdoors YT channel. He has a lot of tsting videos explaining the ins and outs of pads...

He recommends it as one of the more comfortable pads…

I am a mostly side sleeper, and love my Exped Ultra 5R. It has kept me comfy and warm at -10C.

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

My exped is more comfortable than my normal bed.

I have a exped also and its more comfortable than my normal mattress.

[here's](https://www.reddit.com/r/WildernessBackpacking/s/7vAF6wA3dd) some suggestions I made recently. None are UL really but neither is the pad you're coming from. Best bet is probably the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite in the usual mummy size for best/lightest in the segment. Exped Ultra 5R is fantastic but decidedly not UL

Do you have a max budget? Do you have a good sleeping bag to pair it with? Any of the modern inflatable pads will fit in your bag unless you've brought enough other stuff to cross the continent on foot, lol Here's our experiences, though not a comprehensive review of everything on the market. TLDR probably get you an Exped Ultra 5R. Nemo Tensor: I am a flopper and tended to roll onto the edges, which made them collapse and dumped me onto the ground. Pad is comfortable otherwise. It does make quite the crinkly sound when moving. Exped Ultra 3R: probably a bit cold when temps are approaching the lower end of your range. Large side baffles (like the Big Agnes you linked, I think) keeps you from flinging yourself off the pad. Thick and comfortable. Fantatsic pump sack inflates the thing in like 20 seconds. Was entirely too cold for us where it gets colder than your range. Side note, it was paired with a Big Agnes sleeping bag which was horrible. Terrible bag. Exped Ultra 5R: all the pros of the 3R but warm enough! Great pad, my wife's current go-to. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX: or whatever the yellow rectangle \~5R one is. Lacks the side bolsters of the Exped and is thinner, but is very comfortable and IIRC lighter. Another great pad, my current go-to. Pump sack is beyond useless, too porous and leaks air instead of blowing into pad. I just blow it up by mouth. Generally, I've found we prefer rectangular pads. If you're with someone else and you both have rectangular pads - make sure they fit in your tent! Many tents are tapered and your feet will overlap which is super annoying

Do you have a max budget? Do you have a good sleeping bag to pair it with? Any of the modern inflatable pads will fit in your bag unless you've brought enough other stuff to cross the continent on foot, lol Here's our experiences, though not a comprehensive review of everything on the market. TLDR probably get you an Exped Ultra 5R. Nemo Tensor: I am a flopper and tended to roll onto the edges, which made them collapse and dumped me onto the ground. Pad is comfortable otherwise. It does make quite the crinkly sound when moving. Exped Ultra 3R: probably a bit cold when temps are approaching the lower end of your range. Large side baffles (like the Big Agnes you linked, I think) keeps you from flinging yourself off the pad. Thick and comfortable. Fantatsic pump sack inflates the thing in like 20 seconds. Was entirely too cold for us where it gets colder than your range. Side note, it was paired with a Big Agnes sleeping bag which was horrible. Terrible bag. Exped Ultra 5R: all the pros of the 3R but warm enough! Great pad, my wife's current go-to. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX: or whatever the yellow rectangle \~5R one is. Lacks the side bolsters of the Exped and is thinner, but is very comfortable and IIRC lighter. Another great pad, my current go-to. Pump sack is beyond useless, too porous and leaks air instead of blowing into pad. I just blow it up by mouth. Generally, I've found we prefer rectangular pads. If you're with someone else and you both have rectangular pads - make sure they fit in your tent! Many tents are tapered and your feet will overlap which is super annoying

I had an exped and it was fine. Then I got the Hest. Hest wins for me every time. It’s so comfortable.

Self-inflating mats are basically 1990’s technology. Heavy and less comfortable than fully inflatable mats. Get yourselves decent comfortable inflatable mats like. Sea to Summit Etherlight XT insulated or Exped Ultra.

Personally id avoid thermarest cause they are so loud. They also come in weighing over spec often, so they warmth/weight advantage is a bit smaller than it seems. If you are considering other options. I think that the vertical baffles are way more comfortable. Exped, big agnes do these. A good deal on an exped mat in the UK https://www.expeduk.com/products/ultra-3r?variant=44171519230266&country=GB¤cy=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20269517648&gbraid=0AAAAApwKUJuFrFp2UHLTjT1Yw3J7Jtb3K&gclid=CjwKCAjw3f_BBhAPEiwAaA3K5PDLOMRlNwjFmZzPRNER1N8ldFP9UYieepFeWgIYz7oR24VeuniABRoCUAkQAvD_BwE

Big ol’ (2 person) Exped, cheap 2 person sleeping bag, couple of Rumpl blankets to plug the holes between us/ edge of the bag, etc.

I am 100kg and a side sleeper and I love my medium wide exped ultra 5r. I don’t wake up during the night on it.

I have not noticed the size in my pack at all

I haven't tried the Rab pad, but the other two will not get you below freezing. Exped ultra 5r is a great option, as already mentioned. The naturehike 5.8 pad could also be a good option - although there isn't much data on durability.

The Tensor AS and Ultra 5R are great pads for the canadian rockies. Both might be slightly cold depending on where you're going in mid-may as there can still be snow on the ground or the ground could still be frozen even if the snow has melted. I find frozen spring ground as cold as snow in the middle of winter. I'd look at a Neve Waratah quilt. The Waratah -8C is $353 CAD.

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.

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!

I have the Exped 5R LW Mummy, exclusive side sleeper. No issues at all, it’s perfectly comfortable - Though friends have moaned it’s noisy when I move around during the night.

Exped. Over and over again. Although I have the 7R, I choose it Everytime I go out…even in the summer now, due to comfort.

And quiet. No potato chip noise, or rubber on tent. Although, you can hear the ‘swish’ of fabric on fabric, when sheets are not used. It’s quite comfortable, and protects me from ground dips/bumps and cold earth, far better than my big Agnes. I generally use about 60% of the possible inflation. That’s perfect, to me.

I haven't used the new Nemo Tensor AS, but I do own an Exped 5R, BA Rapide SL, and an old regular Tensor. The Exped is definitely the most comfortable of the three--something about the vertical baffles just feels better, especially as a side sleeper. The material feels nicer/sturdier too. It's also a bit quieter than the tensor or rapide. One downside though is that it's pretty thick when rolled up, so it does take up decent space in my bag.

Aside from weight, R value, and bulk, I would say the rest is subjective. I'm not doing much ultralight camping stuff atm so I am using a bit heavier Exped Ultra 5R and I love the thing, I fill it up to the max and it feels like I am on a real bed. Some pads if I fill them up to the max they are super uncomfortable.

6'1.5" here at 250 pounds. I own an exped Ultra 5R LW, Ultra 3R Duo LW, Dura 5R Duo regular, and some Nemo roamers (like megamat). When solo I use the 5R LW. When I'm tent sharing with 1 of my kids, we share the 3R Duo. When I'm with 2 kids, Dura+ultra 5R. They all feel similar to me, kinda airy feeling mattress but they don't compare to the roamers which feels like my bed at home. I inflate them pretty much to their max also, I guess I'm used to a firm mattress, which isn't the case for everyone. Still feels good to me on my side. When I sleep on the Dura 5R regular my feet hang off and it's not bad but long term I would definitely prefer the longer pad, especially in cold or wet conditions. People here mention UL being ok with shorter pads but if you are considering this megamat ultra that's not the same realm haha. I used to use a short foam pad that just went under my shoulders and butt and it's definitely not comfortable, but was definitely ultralight. Tbh I get the megamat ultra market. People who wanna go backpacking with a nice mattress a step above these other ones, but it's all about how important that is to you. I could carry that on a one or 2 nighter probably as a luxury but on 5+ nighter with a bear can, the bulk and weight would no longer be worth it for me. But if it's the only way someone could sleep, then I can see it being an option.

6'1.5" here at 250 pounds. I own an exped Ultra 5R LW, Ultra 3R Duo LW, Dura 5R Duo regular, and some Nemo roamers (like megamat). When solo I use the 5R LW. When I'm tent sharing with 1 of my kids, we share the 3R Duo. When I'm with 2 kids, Dura+ultra 5R. They all feel similar to me, kinda airy feeling mattress but they don't compare to the roamers which feels like my bed at home. I inflate them pretty much to their max also, I guess I'm used to a firm mattress, which isn't the case for everyone. Still feels good to me on my side. When I sleep on the Dura 5R regular my feet hang off and it's not bad but long term I would definitely prefer the longer pad, especially in cold or wet conditions. People here mention UL being ok with shorter pads but if you are considering this megamat ultra that's not the same realm haha. I used to use a short foam pad that just went under my shoulders and butt and it's definitely not comfortable, but was definitely ultralight. Tbh I get the megamat ultra market. People who wanna go backpacking with a nice mattress a step above these other ones, but it's all about how important that is to you. I could carry that on a one or 2 nighter probably as a luxury but on 5+ nighter with a bear can, the bulk and weight would no longer be worth it for me. But if it's the only way someone could sleep, then I can see it being an option.

I've been sleeping on my exped since June and I sleep so fucking comfortably every night. A real mattress is pretty high on my purchase list, but I'm honestly in no rush to upgrade