Exped - MegaMat Duo 10

So my girlfriend and I have been through a couple different sleep systems for backpacking and car camping, and I figured I’d share what’s worked (and what hasn’t). **The old setup:** We used to run a pair of Big Agnes bags with pad sleeves that zipped together. It was great in theory—we could cuddle, and she could steal my body heat (I’m basically a furnace). Each of us had our own EXPED DownMat, which fit into our bags, but the problem was the gap that always formed in the middle. That little cold trench would wake us up and force us apart, which killed the whole “together” vibe. **Backpacking setup (current favorite):** Now we’re running a Sierra Designs Backcountry Duo 20F down bag (4 lbs 10 oz), and holy crap—it’s a game-changer. It’s like a hybrid between a quilt and a mummy bag, but zipperless. At the foot end, there are slots so either person can pop a foot out if they’re overheating without messing with the other. The top half works more like a comforter at home, which is a dream for me since I’m a side sleeper who likes to stick an arm out. I can just fold my corner down and sprawl without pulling the cover off her. Bonus: it’s got this little hand pocket in the corner that keeps your hand warm while you’re stretched out. Paired with two NEMO Tensor pads (78” x 25” x 3.5”), it’s insanely comfy. The pads fit perfectly in the sleeves (can even go up to 30” wide if you’ve got bigger ones). All in, the bag + pads are around 7 lbs, but honestly? It feels like we’re sleeping on a queen bed in the backcountry. I’ve never slept better outside. **Car camping setup:** For car camping, I use the same bag but swap the two NEMOs for an EXPED MegaMat Duo LW (78” x 52” x 4”). The Duo doesn’t slot into the bag sleeves (since it’s just one big pad), but it’s wide enough that the bag doesn’t really move. I rigged a simple strap through the head/foot sleeves to keep it centered, since the bottom of the bag isn’t insulated. Works great, super comfortable. That said, I’m thinking about upgrading to the Sierra Designs Frontcountry Duo Queen 20F bag. It’s synthetic, a little bulkier, but it’s designed for a single big pad up to 60” wide—basically a perfect fit for the EXPED. **Final thoughts:** The Big Agnes setup was fine, but the new Sierra Designs system feels like a massive upgrade—especially for side sleepers or couples who hate the “cold gap.” Backpacking version feels like a queen bed at \~7 lbs, car camping version feels like glamping. Honestly, I don’t think I’m going back. https://preview.redd.it/jjbie317nyqf1.jpeg?width=1857&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0e10676b44eb56cd5bb48b50e1f7dba11f45b541

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

In that case I can say the Exped megamat is the best I've ever tried. REI usually has one in their test area if you live near one you could check it out.

Exped is the current king of the semi self inflating mattresses but there are other worthy considerations which are more affordable, especially on sale. I went with a Lost Horizon I found on clearance for half price. Probably not as bomb proof as the Exped, but after about a dozen trips this summer it’s going strong without issues. The bottom line is these type of mattresses are exponentially more comfortable than anything else on the market. I will never go back. The only drawback is they don’t roll up small.

I’ll second the Exped Megamat. Have slept on it in 12F and was warm and toasty. It’s almost as comfy as my bed at home. Not lightweight or super portable, but perfect for car camping.

Go EXPED. Best pads IMO. The vertical baffles make a huge difference and they are not crinkly at all.

I have no experience with Lost Horizon, but I do have the Exped Megamat and in my opinion I would buy it again and the cost is well worth it. I’m a side sleeper and the thick padding + added air is a game changer. It’s also very insulating and warm during the colder months. I got it during REI’s Labor Day sale last year.

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. :)

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 have the Duo M as a single adult male. It is maximum comfort. If this is what fits in your truck bed, then purchase with full confidence. I absolutly adore mine and look forward to getting to sleep on it.

For durability why not just buy a real bed/mattress? I love my megamat but I still like my real bed better.

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.

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

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.

I wonder how it compares to the exped mega mat. The specs are nearly the same and that’s a very popular pad (for good reason). Thanks for putting this one on my radar!

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.

This is the best answer! Also some friends got the rei camp dreamer and it’s pretty similar to my exped. I would also recommend regular bedding if you can.

Exped pads are highly underrated!

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.

Megamat for sure. We have a double quilt that we love, the enlightened equipment accomplice

My exped is really comfortable and warm

Exped megamat.

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

Check if you actually need the LXW, or regular wide is enough. The LXW is quite large, which has merits, but unless the sleeper is 6'+ or indeed quite wide, it is excessive. Also, make sure your tent has room for a ton of Megamats before you commit to buying a lot of Megamats. Maybe start with one for your wife and see how it goes. They tend to take up a lot more space than one would think. Also, Megamat Deepsleep is a bit cheaper than the 10. Depending on the needs, that model can be enough (it is still quite cushy, has all the same core / support).

I have the 4” and I weigh more than you and do not bottom out on it

Slept on this while visiting family and its super comfortable. Bought one for my partner and I and it made a huge difference for camping. Its insulated well and I wake up feeling great and well rested. Compared to an inflatable mattresses or two cots, this takes a similar amount or lesser amount of space, but is significantly more comfortable. Like a legit mattress. If you have the budget and space for one, highly recommend. Echoing what other redditors have said, wait for it to go on sale. If youre buying from Altitude sports, you can get a 20% off coupon for your first order by subscribing to their newsletter. Brings down the price to $391.99. Not sure how much they go for one sale. We bought ours on clearance last year from a outdoor shop that was closing down, got ours for $249.99

I have two expeds- a Megamat duo and a single. They’re the most comfortable and warm pad I’ve tried. I’ve been using them for 5 years and camp at least once a month. Our Duo sprung a leak a few years ago, which I patched, and it still works great. Pro-tip: Get the widget air pump or a Flextail Gear mini air pump. Don’t use your breath to finish inflating because it will introduce moisture into your mattress.

Buy once, cry one. I have a dozen different sleeping pad/cot/mattresses stored because I kept thinking that *this* is the one that will finally work. You know what finally worked? Dropping $500 on an Exped Megamat. I’ve been using that one for 5 years. No regrets.

I use the exped megamat on top of a cot. Best sleep in a tent I've ever had.

Exactly. I picked up a used one for $106, and it is comfy, but I don’t think it’s worth double.

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.

The answer is exped megamat or the Nemo roamed. Expensive, but as comfortable as it can get.

I’ve used the megamat and even the megamat max and can’t seem to dial in the comfort. It’s either rock hard or a waterbed for me.

My exped is a piece of magic.

Sea-to-Summit Comfort Plus Insulated. It is a dual-chamber sleeping pad, so you can tune the bottom chamber to provide protection from the ground and top chamber to give you the right level of cushion. None of the other pads on the market can do this, including celebrated Therm-a-Rest and Exped offerings. Exped Megamat is still more comfortable, but it won't fit inside a kayak and weights a lot more. S2S Comfort Plus is the next best thing.

Get the exped megamat! Nothing beats it for camping.

Exped Megamat is my favorite one to sleep on. Don’t be fooled because it isn’t super thick - it’s amazing.