How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
REI Co-op Camp Bed 3.5 Self-Inflating Pad
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With an ultra-cushy 3.5-inch thickness and soft, stretch-fabric upper surface, the REI Camp Bed 3.5 self-inflating pad provides plush sleeping comfort wherever you decide to rest.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Pad Thickness (in.)
3.5 inches
- Horizontally cored foam is engineered to be lightweight and compressible without compromising warmth
- Dual quick-closing, high-volume-airflow valves allow the pad to self-inflate and deflate quickly
- Durable 150-denier polyester bottom surface resists wear
- R-value equals 6.0; most sleeping pads we sell range in R-value from 1.0 (minimally insulated) to 9.5 (well insulated)
- Stuff sack included
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
| Best Use | Camping |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Self-inflating |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| Insulation Type | Open-cell Foam |
| R-Value | 6.0 |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 3.5 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Buying Advice
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Love the comfort of this pad.
EZ camper11 years ago
Love this pad so much, gave as a gifts to my sons for Christmas. Favorite way to use is to unroll pad and open caps to allow self inflation to occur. Then I top it off and seal at bed time. They are as comfortable as the Aero beds but much simpler to use.
When repacking, I find it packs smaller by rolling twice. Roll up the first time and cap the ends. Unroll and then reroll until air is pushed to end, unscrew caps and finishing rolling before capping again. Keep knees on rolled up pad until the straps are fastened around the pad.
Pad is ideal for car camping where weight and size are not a factor.
EZ camper
Naples, FL
4 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
What Happened to REI?
RedHillRunner12 years ago
This product has shaken my confidence in REI. We originally purchased one of these to try out on a car camping trip after finding that things like inflatable mattresses didn't work well for camping and we wanted something more substantial than our backpacking mats. We liked the first one so well we purchased two more for the family. Then we found that one was leaking air – luckily, this is the reason we buy from REI – they stand behind what they sell, so we returned it for a new one. Eventually another one started to leak, so we once again returned it for a new one. It is worth noting here that we always store our mats flat with the valves open and I have had a therm-a-rest backpacking mat for 10 years with no problems. Finally, a third mat started to leak and REI has only grudgingly accepted it for return and has stated that we will not be allowed to return another. They have not been able to explain anything that we may have been doing incorrectly in terms of the care or treatment of the mats. When did REI stop standing behind the things they sell? We have always justified our REI purchases by saying that the prices may be high, but you know the quality is good and their policies back that up. After my experience with these mats, I'm not sure I can say that anymore.
It is worth noting that when they don't leak, these really are the perfect car camping mats we were looking for.
RedHillRunner
Boulder, CO
13 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
CajungalCamping
San Rafael
Can't buy just one!
11 years ago
I bought one of these for myself as I do a lot of car camping and often sleep in the back of my Subaru Outback. This is huge improvement both in terms of compactness and comfort over the inflatable bed I used to take with me. Super comfy, not like sleeping on a raft. I took it with me recently for an overnight with my 70+ step mom who lives in a studio apartment and had been sleeping on a foam mattress on the floor. I had her try my camp bed out, and now she has her own. She is happily using it as her regular bed. Of course this is not suitable for backpacking, but if you want something, comfy, easy and sturdy, this may be just the ticket.
Yes , I recommend this product
cycledan
Chicago, IL
REI 3.5 Camp Bed a proven leaker
12 years ago
Over the years I have owned 4 pairs of this exact same pad since it was introduced. Today I am returning the 8th (last one of the last pair) camp bed. Each time one of the units has leaked on a trip I wind up buying a twin air mattress and pump (bummer). I am extremely careful with the opening/closing of the REI pad valves, but why they continue to fail over time (not necessarily with use) is beyond me. I'm done with buying anymore. Buyer beware. Your unit will likely wind up at an REI garage sale after it is returned. All eight that I purchased were brand spanking new.
No, I do not recommend this product
EZ camper
Naples, FL
Love the comfort of this pad.
11 years ago
Love this pad so much, gave as a gifts to my sons for Christmas. Favorite way to use is to unroll pad and open caps to allow self inflation to occur. Then I top it off and seal at bed time. They are as comfortable as the Aero beds but much simpler to use. When repacking, I find it packs smaller by rolling twice. Roll up the first time and cap the ends. Unroll and then reroll until air is pushed to end, unscrew caps and finishing rolling before capping again. Keep knees on rolled up pad until the straps are fastened around the pad. Pad is ideal for car camping where weight and size are not a factor.
Yes , I recommend this product
Dallas The Guide
Great Exuma, Bahamas
Not as durable as Thermarest!
12 years ago
I purchased 7 of these pads about 5 months ago looking to use them instead of the Thermarest pads we usually offer because they seemed to be more comfortable. At first I was very impressed with the thick comfort they provided. However, they were unable to stand up to the normal wear and tear of expedition kayaking and sailing trips and camping on the beach. Out of the 7 I purchased, only 3 still hold air, AFTER 5 MONTHS!!! I would normally patch them and move on but when I check them there are hundreds of tiny punctures all over the mats. Too weak to be used for long periods and camping in the wild, that along with the weight and bulk will send me back to my trusty Thermarest.
No, I do not recommend this product
Bark Ranger
Athens, GA
So comfy...until it leaks
13 years ago
My husband and I both got these pads and used them a few times. They both started to leak within a few weeks of one another. We submerged the pads to find tiny holes all over each of them. We blamed the cat (we had the pads inflated in the house for a time) and got new pads. (While the pads were staying fully inflated, they were THE most comfortable pads we had ever slept on, so we wanted to give them another chance.) Unfortunately, we had the same problem with the new pads. We took good care of these and didn't let the cat near them, so this must be an endemic problem. We are so disappointed! If REI could fix this problem, they would be the most perfect sleeping pad.
No, I do not recommend this product
Ms B
Newport News, VA
Comfortable but leaky.
11 years ago
I bought the 3.5 twice - the first time it seemed to last but wasn't used very often. I took it on a cross-country camping trip summer 2012 and a leak developed that couldn't be fixed. I traded it in on another 3.5 and used it for the remainder of my month of camping then stored as directed. First outing this fall and leaked down again. When it's inflated, the 3.5 camping pad is the most comfortable sleeping pad I've ever tried. I like that it's heavy enough to be stable in the tent and supportive/comfortable. Unfortunately, after this past experience, I have to go with another brand.
No, I do not recommend this product
marbarb
Snohomish, Wa
These are awesome!
16 years ago
My husband and I are the occasional car campers who love tenting it, but have searched in vain for years for sleeping comfort. We have finally found it! We have tried many sleeping pads from inflatable air mattresses to more expensive flat pads. I finally decided to pay a little more for these since it had such great reviews. I am very happy that I did. I ordered these online and when I picked these up at the store they wound up being on sale, which was a bonus. I would have been happy to pay full price for them. If you are above the average size-wise, the regular width might be a bit narrow, but otherwise, these are highly recommended!
Yes , I recommend this product
Playing in the Sandbox
Uruzgan, Afghanistan
Sleep like you're at home anywhere....
12 years ago
Bought this for usage in Afghanistan. Since then, it has been used on the ramps of C-130s & C-17s (it freezes back there, but not with this pad), on top of cots, and any time that it was possible when I was away from home. Yes, it does pack large but the comfort and the night's rest gotten from this pad; far out weight the size issue. I've hand carried it whenever I could, and if I could not...it was packed in a tuff box with the rest of my gear for use upon arrival. The 2.5" might be another excellence choice, if it is anything like this one. I have absolutely no complains about this product and have recommended this pad to friends.
Birdphoto
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Absolutely Terrific
15 years ago
I bought this in August to use for the month of September in the four corners area. I was on a car camping trip with some backpacking along the way. I used this for the car camping and a lighter self inflating pad for the backpacking parts. After spending twenty some nights on this pad, it turns out to be one of the most comfortable beds I own! I put my old air mattress to shame with none of the hassles. The added insulation factor meant that I was warmer than I have ever been and far more comfortable than I have ever been. I'm not a kid anymore so I went with something lighter for hiking but could hardly wait to get back to the comfort of this pad.
Yes , I recommend this product
RedHillRunner
Boulder, CO
What Happened to REI?
12 years ago
This product has shaken my confidence in REI. We originally purchased one of these to try out on a car camping trip after finding that things like inflatable mattresses didn't work well for camping and we wanted something more substantial than our backpacking mats. We liked the first one so well we purchased two more for the family. Then we found that one was leaking air – luckily, this is the reason we buy from REI – they stand behind what they sell, so we returned it for a new one. Eventually another one started to leak, so we once again returned it for a new one. It is worth noting here that we always store our mats flat with the valves open and I have had a therm-a-rest backpacking mat for 10 years with no problems. Finally, a third mat started to leak and REI has only grudgingly accepted it for return and has stated that we will not be allowed to return another. They have not been able to explain anything that we may have been doing incorrectly in terms of the care or treatment of the mats. When did REI stop standing behind the things they sell? We have always justified our REI purchases by saying that the prices may be high, but you know the quality is good and their policies back that up. After my experience with these mats, I'm not sure I can say that anymore. It is worth noting that when they don't leak, these really are the perfect car camping mats we were looking for.
No, I do not recommend this product
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