Better sleeping pads and mats?

[Mack M]

I have not used the Hest, but might I suggest running the Exped mat a bit softer than what feels right? It took me a bit to figure this out on my own, but the quantity of air should be less than what is intuitive if you are used to 1" or 2" mats. It will be much softer to the touch if you push down on it. What you are aiming for is just enough air for your hips to not touch bottom when sleeping on your side. This gives you maximum support AND cushion, and feels very much like a real mattress such as what you might have at home. Letting a bit of air out made a HUGE difference for me. Give it a try.

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.

 

[Trail Talk]

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]

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.