Exped  Dura 3R Sleeping Pad

I enjoyed using the Exped Dura 3R (LW) over two recent camping trips. The first trip was two nights car camping in northern California. I had not opened the Exped prior to the trip, so my first experience was onsite. First off, the directions aren’t terribly helpful as they point you to a QR code to watch a 30 second video. I didn’t have service so that didn’t help me at all. The printed instructions don’t provide much help, but they do state to always use the pumpbag as it will maximize the R-Value and lifespan. My first pass at using the pumpbag was very clumsy, but improved quickly. It does help if for the first time you blow a bit of air in the pad to create some space. After a minute or so of fumbling the pumpbag worked well and it only took two or three full bags to completely fill the pad. The pad is very durable. The connectors to the pumpbag and the deflate valve are strong and flexible. I didn’t feel the need to be overly cautious with them. The material is thicker than most pads I’ve used in the past, and the seams appear strong. Fully inflated, the pad is comfortable for both back and side sleeping. I tend to fall asleep on my back and then roll to the side. I never felt my shoulder, elbow, hip, or knees push through the pad to the ground. That is a huge plus for me as most pads I’ve used don’t provide as much support. Additionally, when you move you don’t feel the air being pushed to other portions of the pad. It stays stable throughout. Another plus is that I didn’t slide around. The texture of the pad holds you in place, and this is a serious bonus as it is always difficult to find a flat surface for sleeping. It’s also worth noting that the pad is quiet. My fellow camper who camps with me often commented that he couldn’t hear me moving in the night as he does on the other super lightweight pads that I usually use. Temperature-wise, the overnight lows were around the high 30s, and I stayed comfortable the entire night. This is rated as a three-season pad, and this seems appropriate to me, although for those that get chilly overnight you may want the 4R pad and/or a warmer bag. The second trip with the pad was a quick, one night backcountry jaunt. As advised in one of the videos (I watched them after the first trip), the pumpbag can be used as a dry sack. I decided to use it to hold my sleeping bag. That worked well, although the plastic clasps on the bag can be a little unwieldy in a tightly packed backpack. I also figured, I really don’t want this pumpbag along for the hike just for airing up the pad, so I decided to put it to use. It worked out fine, but I really don’t want to use a pumpbag in the backcountry. Even though the instructions state to always use the pumpbag, in the future for backcountry trips it will probably be left behind. I had the same positive experience using it in the backcountry as I did while car camping, although the pad is larger and heavier than what I usually use. It does seem like the durability would offset the lighter load, and that would be for the individual to decide. Overall, I highly recommend this pad for car camping and shorter backcountry hikes, especially where the sleeping surface may be rocky, it might be cold, or you just want the extra comfort that this pad provides.

I picked up two of these pads after reading the glowing reviews here on REI.com. My son and I are preparing to go to Philmont and I decided to bite the bullet and get some high quality, lightweight gear. The good: - lightweight and rolls up easily and packs small - durable material The bad: - that durable material is LOUD when you shift positions over night! People I’ve camped with heard the pad creakiing all night. - Unforgiving pressure points and the pad does not fill up all the way. If you have lower back issues like me I would NOT RECOMMEND this pad. Even my son who is 120lbs was having issues with pressure points.