How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
Exped Ultra 3R Sleeping Pad
$139.95
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Insulated for 3-season use and weighing only 1 lb. (Medium size), the Exped Ultra 3R sleeping pad keeps weight to a minimum on the approach hike without sacrificing a good night's sleep at camp.
Key Details
Insulated
Yes
Pad Thickness (in.)
3 inches
Weight
Medium: 1 pound
Medium Wide: 1 lb. 3 oz. pound
Long Wide: 1 lb. 4 oz. pound
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- Mat is 3 in. thick, providing ample comfort against rocky, rooty, uneven terrain
- 20-denier, 100% recycled polyester fabric is incredibly lightweight; nonslip finish helps keep you on the pad
- Interior hydrolysis-resistant laminate is impervious to bacteria and moisture, which can degrade typical polyurethane coatings, ensuring an airtight mat for many years
- Internal welded baffles separate air chambers, creating a fully cushioned and stable sleep surface and preventing cold spots without excessive weight and bulk
- Internal synthetic insulation is laminated to both the top and bottom of each baffle, ensuring consistent warmth and R-value rating, use after use, year after year
- Proprietary 60 g Texpedloft microfiber insulation
- Air chambers are oriented head-to-toe, so the pad becomes slightly wider when weighted
- Oversize outer chambers form the Exped Comfort Cradle, helping to keep you centered and secured on the pad
- Vertical baffle orientation also reduces end-of-baffle welds, increasing lifespan of the pad
- This mat has an R-value of 2.9, which makes it best for adventures in cool weather; it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature
- The higher the R-value, the more insulated the mat
- Durable, easy-to-use, one-way Flat Valves provide a high volume of airflow so you can quickly inflate/deflate the pad
- Flat Valves also eliminate the hard-to-soft interface of standard pad valves, reducing wear points and prolonging pad life
- Includes Schnozzel pump bag for inflation (weight: 2.1 oz.), a stuff sack for protection during transportation, and a repair kit with adhesive and fabric patches
Imported.
View all Exped Air Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| R-Value | 2.9 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Packed Size | Medium: 5.1 x 10.6 inches Medium Wide: 5.5 x 12.6 inches Long Wide: 5.5 x 12.6 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 3 inches |
| Dimensions | Medium: 72 x 20.5 x 3 inches Medium Wide: 72 x 25.6 x 3 inches Long Wide: 77.6 x 25.6 x 3 inches |
| Weight | Medium: 1 pound Medium Wide: 1 lb. 3 oz. pound Long Wide: 1 lb. 4 oz. pound |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
counterpoints to other reviews
10102 years ago
I saw several reviews about the pad being loud and bottoming out, pump bag not working well, etc. I picked up the medium wide yesterday. It is not louder than any other inflatable pad I have used, and it is quieter than the metal film insulated style UL pads I have had around me in camp on previous trips. I am 5-11, 220, athletic build and have no issues with bottoming out side sleeping on the pad, maybe I’m inflating it to a higher pressure than others? I like the pump bag, easy to use and I can fill the pad with three inflations. It will also work as a WP liner for my pack so I can leave the compactor bag at home.
This is a preliminary review but I didn’t want other people to get the impression there is anything inherently wrong with the pad. I think it’s a great value for what you get in terms of weight, insulation and easy of use with the pump sac. I like that I can get it in a regular length and wide width. I like the top fabric texture for use with a quilt because it feels decent for direct contact.
Hard to know how it will hold up over long term use but that seems to be the case with anything that’s not close cell foam (which I also use sometimes)
1010
Raleigh
31 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Noisiest pad ever!
SlickRN3 years ago
This pad is super comfortable and wide enough for side sleepers, but every little twitch sent the noise off the scale. Everyone was throwing stuff at me in the morning. I adjusted the air fill, even worse. If I had left camp for any length of time, I am sure my pals would have picked up my tent with the pad inside and moved me across the valley, if that was even far enough away. It was really awful. It woke me up at least ten times a night, even with ear plugs in, so after two nights, I have to sigh and return it, because sleep is everything and no one gets any with this pad in ear shot.
SlickRN
Gig Harbor, WA
20 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Indygeowoman
Received free product
Indianapolis, IN
Decent pad, easy to use, not insulated
3 years ago
I used this medium sized pad during a March weekend camping trip where the temps dropped to 24 F overnight. I used it one night and my hubby used it the next so we could compare notes. The pad was easy to inflate (an air bag is included) and deflate. It stored easily and held the amount of air we inflated it with for the entire night. Because this pad is rated for three season use, we used an extra ground cloth with a reflective layer on the bottom of the tent. I knew going in it was only rated for 3 seasons, so I did not expect it to be useable in the low temps we camped in. However, the pad held up very well. It was comfortable enough, although I personally should have added a little more air for myself. My husband found the amount of air put in originally just fine for his needs. The reason I gave it 4 starts is there is no easy way to adjust the amount of air unless you open up the large valve again. I have another pad that has the valve that you can unscrew to add air without the entire pad deflating. I love the fact it is easy to inflate with the provided air bag but would love an easier way to adjust the amount of air on the fly. Deflating and refolding the pad was easier than the pads with the screw valves, so that was a plus when breaking camp. Overall, I would recommend this pad. We only used it for car camping, but it rolls up small enough that I could see it being used for a backpacking or bikepacking trip.
Age:55–64
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Yes , I recommend this product
maryrm
Received free product
Greenville SC
Nice quality product
3 years ago
Like other Exped products I've tried, this one appears to be great quality and has thoughtful details. It's comparable in size and weight to other brands I've tried, and I really like the separate inflation bag feature because other mattresses I've used in the past tend to attract mold from the moisture of your breath blowing air directly into the mattress to inflate (ew). The bag features a smaller compartment for holding the repair kit, which is a nice feature as well. All air mattresses have a little swish to them, but this one is less noisy than other brands I've tried. Very happy with this mattress!
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
CRoberts
Received free product
New Jersey
Great for sleeping on hard surfaces
3 years ago
I'm going to use this sleeping pad for Yoga as well as sleeping while camping. The pad fills very quickly using the included air bladder to fill the pad. It takes a few tried before you get it right but once you do it filled in minutes. It is very thin, but if you lay out of the pad you are on a cushion of air the whole time - off the ground. When you get on the pad your knees or elbows will hit the ground, until your weight is evenly distributed over the pad. It was very comfortable for my current Vinyasa. It held up under my weight for a good long time so I have no doubt it will hold air through the night as well. It folds up very small so packing should not be a problem and having it makes you rest better because no one likes to sleep on the hard ground.
Age:55–64
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
Hike4life
Received free product
Pollock Pines, Ca
Comfy, ultralight, compactly packed sleeping pad
3 years ago
First, the ease in filling this pad with the Schnozzel pumpbag is impressive. So easy with the fill and deflate separate valves which are flush against the pad for comfort. No more rush to keep the air from flowing out with the flapper valve that keeps air from escaping and if you want to let a little air out it has an attached toggle to let a little air out to your comfort level. The out valve works rapidly to deflate your pad and it rolls up easily and fits into the carry bag without much struggle. This pad comes with a carry sack that has a little sewn in pocket to keep the provided small repair kit. The weight on this model was true to advertised at 16.4oz. The soft material on the outside is sturdy and much quieter then the ultra light pads I have used in the past. The size I used was the 72X20.5 and I am 5.6 and found it comfortable. R-value has not been put to the test on any extremely cold nights but my son did take a snow nap in the sun after reaching a lake that was partly still covered with snow. This pad is 3.0 inches thick making it comfortable on the ground and the outside baffles are a little thicker keeping you on the mat and as a side sleeper I found it very comfortable. I like the material, the way it rolls up compactly, the weight, thickness, the outside thicker baffles and the pumpbag. I'll never go back to self inflating with a few (or more) puffs of air by mouth! The pad and pumpbag are also not much bigger then my water bottle and fit easily in my pack. Can't wait for longer hikes this summer to fully test out durability but so far so good!
Age:65–74
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
CameronB
Received free product
Portland, OR
Easy to use comfort for the trail or camping
3 years ago
The Exped Ultra 3R is an excellent lightweight three-season sleeping pad. Its simple air mattress-like design provides excellent cushioning and easy inflation using the included Schnozzel inflation bag. I was a little surprised that there were no instructions included, but the inflation process is similar to many other sleeping pads on the market. In practice, it works better if you push down on the closed Schnozzel bag rather than continuing to roll the bag down – but it's very efficient, fully inflating the pad in around two to three bags of air. This version of the Ultra 3R is the "MW" for medium width – a couple of inches wider than a standard sleeping pad, and what a difference that make! On a standard sleeping pad, I often feel like my arms are dangling on the ground if I'm lying on my back (even inside a sleeping bag) and it seems like there's never really enough room to lie on my side. Not with the extra width of this pad! Very cleverly, the two outermost "tubes" of air are larger than the inner ones, which help to cradle you in the center of the mattress as you sleep. The texture of the pad is slightly rough, which helps a sleeping bag maintain its position instead of sliding off the pad. Unlike many other sleeping pads, this one doesn't crinkle noisily if you shift position, which is rather wonderful. The Exped Ultra 3R MW weighs in at 1.36 pounds fully packed, but you can get it down to 1.29 pounds if you forego the repair kit and use the Schnozzel bag for storage instead of the stuff sack. It's not ultralight, but it'll definitely be in my pack whenever I hit the trail! It rolls up tightly after use and is nice and compact when in its bag. I have had problems with Exped sleeping pads developing microleaks along the seams in the past, though it's way too soon to see if that'll be the case with this pad. I will be storing it flat rather than rolled in its bag to try and prolong its life, though. Overall, this seems to be an excellent lightweight sleeping pad, and I definitely appreciate the rapid inflation and that little bit of extra width for comfort and restful night.
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
Marcus
Texas
Most comfortable!!
3 years ago
I’m in love with this new pad! It’s so darn comfortable! I’ve tried the sea to summit ultra light insulated which wasn’t very comfortable at all, the sea to summit comfort plus insulated which wasn’t too bad… just more narrow than I’d like with the mummy shape, the NEMO tensor insulated which was okay but looked so thin I was afraid it would pop, and the therm-a-rest neo air Xlite which was way too loud. I ended up going with this Exped Ultra 3R medium wide, and here’s why. The 3 inches of thickness makes a huge difference! It’s definitely the most comfortable pad I’ve ever slept on. The extra 5 inches of width makes a big difference too coming in at about 25 inches. If you’ve never slept on one you don’t know what you’re missing. It might be a bit bigger, but 100% worth it for me. Oh, and this one was BY FAR, the easiest to inflate with the sea to summit pads right behind it.
Age:25–34
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
vanstratt
Unbelievably comfortable for the weight
2 years ago
I have been on a JOURNEY to find the perfect backpacking sleeping pad. I have an incredible pad for car camping but in terms of light pads I can pack out, I've struggled to find anything that's actually comfortable. This pad is it. It's a little wonky to inflate with the schnozzle pump bag, but takes less than 10 minutes and it is worth it. It didn't slide around in the tent at all (which has been an issue with other pads) and inflated way bigger than any self-inflating pad I've ever slept on. Seriously - I've tried SO many. If you struggle to be comfy but don't want to add anything large or heavy to your pack - EXPED DID IT.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
Hablo
Excellent "First" Sleeping Pad
2 years ago
First time using an inflatable pad after many years of a foam roll-up pad. Should've made the switch sooner. My first trip with the pad was four nights on the Maryland section of the AT in the fall. Temps dipped into the low 40s after the sun went down but the pad did a great job insulating. No complaints, the included filler bag, which can double as a dry sack, made inflating a breeze. I am large person and a side sleeper and did not bottom out the bag, nor did I lose any air throughout the night. I did not find the pad noisy as described by some other reviews but I am also a very heavy sleeper. As a side note, I opted for the long/wide version and at 6'4" 250lbs I found the pad fit me well.
Age:35–44
Weight:250–275 lbs.
Height:6'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
Marcus
Should Have Bought This Sooner!
3 years ago
I've been using the Thermarest NeoAir mummy pad for years and while it's treated me well, I had no idea what I was missing. The Exped 3R wide is a game changer and is so much more comfortable than the mummy shaped pad. I don't have to sleep with my hands in my pockets anymore to keep them off the ground! The wide pad makes such a difference and is warmer since your arms stay on the pad. The valve system is excellent (better than the Nemo style) and allows easy customization of firmness. The inflatable bag is also brilliant. Highly recommend this pad and go for the wide version. It's the best 3 extra ounces I've carried. It's like sleeping on a luxury air mattress, but it weighs just over a pound.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
atlwes
Atlanta, GA
Love this pad
2 years ago
I'm no sleeping pad expert, but this is the best backcountry bed I've tried. Seems to be about as comfortable as they get. It's a bit on the thin side perhaps, and I do bottom out occasionally when tossing and turning, but once I settle, the loft always balances out well. The pump sack / dry sack combo is really a nice feature. Watch their videos on how to use it if you're a noob like me. 4 pumps and you're inflated! I've compared this to the thermarest topo luxe and nemo tensor ultralight and personally think this is the best of that particular bunch. And the price is the best of all three.
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
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