Better sleeping pads and mats?

[Sid Post]

My search for threads here was not very successful so here I am. I don't need the super light and expensive classic backpacking sleeping pads and the common "Walmart" air mattress is problematic camping and is super bulky.

What are the better sleeping mats or pads today? I travel in a Toyota Tacoma so, size matter but, I also don't need anything extreme. Ideally, I will have ground insulation, comfort on firm or uneven surfaces, and I won't break the bank buying one. Most use will be in a tent but, use in a bivvy sack would be nice too!

TIA,
Sid

 

[nwoods]

ExPed MegaMat. Total game changer. I went from tolerating camping knowing that I would never get much sleep, to relishing it.

 

[douglastic]

Agreed that an air mattress with foam inside is the winner.
You can spend a lot less than the ExPed. I got a 3" amazon one for less than $100 and it has held up great.
Def bulkier when rolled than other options, but the comfort is worth it if you have the gear space.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

NEMO equipment -roamer. I replaced the mattress in my outfitter with two of them. ( They now make one that is a queen size,ish)


Not on the budget side, but pretty great. Just be sure to open the valve prior to elevation changes.

Roamer™ Self-Inflating Car Camping Sleeping Pad

Roamer is proof that camping doesn’t have to be roughing it. Whether you’re headed to the backyard or the campground, Roamer is every bit your bed at home except a whole lot easier to throw in the back of the car. Our innovative and proprietary internal air channels, called Flow Core™...

www.nemoequipment.com

And I paired it with the NEMO Jazz Dual sleeping bag. The sleeve keeps the pad mated with the bag. If you use two single pads you can have differing levels of firm.

Jazz™ Synthetic Camping Sleeping Bag

Jazz brings the experience of your bed at home with you wherever you go. Its collection of thoughtful features go far beyond the ordinary: A built-in, ultra-soft bed sheet offers versatility on summer nights and is removable for washing. An integrated sleeve keeps the support of your sleeping...

www.nemoequipment.com

It makes one hell of a sleep system. I have the Gen 1. And I don’t find the removable top sheet stays put with a partner, as it uses snaps.

 

[JackW]

I second the Exped recommendation - a good nights sleep is worth a few extra dollars to me.

 

[DirtWhiskey]

Megamat for the win. There are knockoffs for way cheaper. But check the valves. MM valves come with easier adjustments of inflation level when you're laying down. Also an inflation pump with a deflation function really helps with breakdown. These take some effort to deflate and roll up.

 

[stevo_pct]

I third the Exped MegaMat

 

[Cabrito]

I like the Nemo stuff if I use a pad, but for me it's a cot all the way. A cot isn't for everyone, but there are so many options across the price range and depending where you buy them you can often try them and return them if you don't like it. I've tried a few different ones, but usually go back to my old standby which is an Original Pre-Gen UltraLite cot now made by Therm-a-rest.

I've used them in my Ultra-Bivy and in all my tents, and sometimes use a small tent thing on top of it. I have no problem sleeping on my side or back, and always feel rested. If it's cold I stuff some clothes or stuff under it for insulation.







If I haven't used it in a while it can take an extra minute or two to remember how to assemble it though

 

[aknightinak]

I bought into Klymit a few years ago with an Insulated Static V and then last year picked up the Insulated Double V. I like them both. The double inflates using the bag as a bellows and has a lower profile valve. The single inflates by lung in about 10 breaths. I've used both down to -20 F and remained comfortable overnight.

 

[COAKXterra]

Fourth for the exped megamat. We got the XL and it’s fantastic for wife and I and the tiny human when she doesn’t want to sleep on her own. Arguably close in comfort to our home mattress.

 

[HWY395ghost]

Another vote for EXPED.
I adjust the firmness to exactly match my mattress at home. I literally do not experience any difference in sleep, even on the first night of trip.

 

[One shot]

Got the Hest. https://hest.com. Very comfortable, lots of options.