Ok thanks, yeah I let out some, but maybe not enough, it seemed like the foam in the Exped didn't do much except increase the R value. I'm going to order the Hest and give it a shot and lower the air. Thanks again for the tip.
Better sleeping pads and mats?
- Thread starter Sid Post
- Start date
Trail Talk
Well-known member
Our Exped Downmats are bomber and have been all over the world with us. Were the envy of camp in the Himalayas. Buy once, cry once 😉
montechie
Active member
Another one for the Megamat, I just waited for one of the big REI/Backcountry.com sales with a ~30% discount or so. I even went to the Megamat from a past of high end pads and this one I actually have to set my alarm again to keep from sleeping in too late. I'm sure you can find a cheap Amazon pad, just dig through for reviews mentioning valves, holes can easily be patched if you're prepared, but valves not so much.
I am like the princess and the pea.
What has made all the difference for me is, using 2 air mattresses. I make one firmer and one softer. That was the ticket. I sleep as good or better camping than I do at home in my adjustable bed. But we vehicle camp. No backpacking. Also, I found that I sleep better with blankets and not a sleeping bag.
What has made all the difference for me is, using 2 air mattresses. I make one firmer and one softer. That was the ticket. I sleep as good or better camping than I do at home in my adjustable bed. But we vehicle camp. No backpacking. Also, I found that I sleep better with blankets and not a sleeping bag.
FAW3
Adventurer
Vehicle based comfortable sleeping is a system.
My pad for 20 years has been the Thermarest Basecamp. This type of pad is available from several vendors, comes in various sizes and thicknesses. It mostly self inflates and the valve lets you set your support level. Ideal for vehicle-based use, too bulky for backpacking.
If you can get to an REI store...most have a display of mats and allow you lay them on a platform or the floor to try out. Personal preferences are so varied...you should try before you buy.
Cots were previously mentioned. I will just say I poo-pooed cots for years, until I tried one. For both tent and truck bed camping they are sublime. A cot gives you the initial support & ventilation space the form the foundation of a comfortable sleep system.
Bedding for me varies on climate. Warm/cool is just a fleece bag. One step up includes one of my wool blankets. Winter camping is a down bag. My fav is a 20F rated one that is a generous mummy cut with the entry zipper on the top, has arm holes/vents, and a tie foot area.
My pad for 20 years has been the Thermarest Basecamp. This type of pad is available from several vendors, comes in various sizes and thicknesses. It mostly self inflates and the valve lets you set your support level. Ideal for vehicle-based use, too bulky for backpacking.
If you can get to an REI store...most have a display of mats and allow you lay them on a platform or the floor to try out. Personal preferences are so varied...you should try before you buy.
Cots were previously mentioned. I will just say I poo-pooed cots for years, until I tried one. For both tent and truck bed camping they are sublime. A cot gives you the initial support & ventilation space the form the foundation of a comfortable sleep system.
Bedding for me varies on climate. Warm/cool is just a fleece bag. One step up includes one of my wool blankets. Winter camping is a down bag. My fav is a 20F rated one that is a generous mummy cut with the entry zipper on the top, has arm holes/vents, and a tie foot area.
RealRigsRattle
New member
Nemo Roamer is what I currently have. Very comfortable and works well in my rooftop tent as it is one of the brands on the market the has the valve flipped UP!
Originally tested a Big Agnes Captain Comfort and that was absolutely amazing with the except of the valves being flipped down 😭
Originally tested a Big Agnes Captain Comfort and that was absolutely amazing with the except of the valves being flipped down 😭
PlacidWaters
Adventurer
I use strictly Exped mattresses with Helinox cots. Very high comfort and durability. However, they're very expensive, and in the last couple of years a number of new companies have come out with similar mattresses that cost a fraction of the Exped/Thermarest/Nemo/etc. prices. I've been watching the OTGR (The Outdoor Gear Review) channel on YouTube, which has reviewed some of these new mattresses, along with cots that are similar in quality to the $450 Helinox cots.
When I first started buying mattresses and cots 10 years ago the choice was limited to low quality/low price and high quality/high price. If I had to start over, I would give these new high quality/low price brands a try.
I would say the same about tents. More recent brands like Naturhike are making high-quality tents that cost $130, not $450 like Nemo, MSR, etc. Ditto for down sleeping bags, stoves, fire pits, chairs, tables, and so on. I have hundreds of dollars invested in a Helinox cot, chair, and table. Today I could get the same quality for 1/3 the cost of Helinox.
When I first started buying mattresses and cots 10 years ago the choice was limited to low quality/low price and high quality/high price. If I had to start over, I would give these new high quality/low price brands a try.
I would say the same about tents. More recent brands like Naturhike are making high-quality tents that cost $130, not $450 like Nemo, MSR, etc. Ditto for down sleeping bags, stoves, fire pits, chairs, tables, and so on. I have hundreds of dollars invested in a Helinox cot, chair, and table. Today I could get the same quality for 1/3 the cost of Helinox.
RealJon
Member
I upgraded to "Highrise 15 Self-Inflating Mattress, Double" from Dometic last year. Exped was sold out on REIs sale, the Dometic was sold at a decent discount so I pulled the trigger. I get amazing sleep every time I am out.
It luckily plays double duty for me, it is perfect for my platform set up in the 4 runner and my double swag. Probably my favorite purchase I've made.
It luckily plays double duty for me, it is perfect for my platform set up in the 4 runner and my double swag. Probably my favorite purchase I've made.