How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

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With a new, lightweight design and built-in pump, this comfy Exped sleeping pad adds length, width and thickness for improved refuge from the cold, hard ground.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
R-Value | 6 |
Repair Kit Included | Yes |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | 7 x 11 inches |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 3.5 inches |
Dimensions | 77.5 x 26 x 3.5 inches |
Weight | 42 ounces |
Gender | Unisex |
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I just got back from a 2 week motorcycle road trip using the Synmat 9. I'm 50, overweight, bad back, bad knees, the whole 9 yards. I slept almost as well on this pad as I do my SleepNumber bed at home. I did over-inflate it the first night, and it stayed stiff as a board all night. I did leave the plug out of the pump inlet one night and over the course of the night the air leaked out past the one-way valve in the pump, but that was my fault. On the motorcycle, weight wasn't as big an issue as it will be when I start backpacking again, but since I sleep on my side and move around a lot, I'll leave some other stuff at home to be able to take my Synmat with me.
I really like this pad. My self-inflating pads never had enough cushion for me to sleep on my side. My traditional air mattresses were heavy, bulky, hard to inflate, and cold. This pad solves all those issues: it packs up small (I kayak, so this is more important than weight), the insulation works on cold nights, and the inflation system works quickly, without introducing moisture from breath. While the price is steep, it comes with a 5-year mfr's warranty, as well as the usual REI return policy. I always feel like I have to show this off when camping with friends. (I should get a commission!) ;)
After doing a ton of research, my partner and I decided to shell out the money for these pads. We could not be happier. While they may be a bit heavier and take a bit longer to inflate (I counted 350 pumps to inflate one mat, which takes just a few minutes - one pump is like a chest compression), they more than make up for it in comfort and warmth. They are supportive without being hard, comfortable without being squishy, and definitely insulate from the cold ground. I also love that I can sleep right on top of the mat comfortably on warm nights. I would not camp anywhere without these mats!
I bought this for motorcycle touring. It's compact, easy to inflate and deflate and is comfortable. It works great. Some nights the ol body was tired and the mattress helped me get a good nights sleep. Recently I had a full knee replacement. Among other things I need to elevate and ice my knee for 6-8 hours a day. This went on for about 3 weeks. After a few days on the couch I needed another solution. My Exped to the rescue. Comfortable for hours a day. Once I got the firmness dialed in, never touched it again to add air. Great for camping and recuperating!
I bought this sleep pad because I like to take multi-day trips in my kayak. This pad weighs about the same as my 1.5 inch thick Thermarest pad, but is twice as thick and packs down A LOT smaller, making it easier to fit all my gear inside the rear hatch of my Dagger Crossover 12.5. Inflation was easy, even after an 11 hour day in my boat. Last weekend was my first trip with this pad and I slept on a bed of rock. The Exped Synmat 9 provided me with a great 10 hours of sleep, held its air and was a breeze to deflate/pack. I'm glad I bought it but would recommend the down version to those camping in colder climates. Worth every penny!!
As a Boy Scout leader I've tried several types of pads and air mattresses and this is by far the most convenient, light weight and comfortable air mat I've had the pleasure to rest my tired bones upon. The fact that this is easy to take backpacking (it packs down to half my sleeping bag's size) and can take my weight(260 lbs) rates this right up to the top. This is a bit pricy, but if your comfort is a priority your money is well spent. I have had mine for 1-1/2 years with no complaint. I have found that not completely filling makes for a softer bed and a really comfortable night. We camp every month, even in 15-20 degree weather and I cannot complain. All of the other leaders and scouts drool over this when they find out that you don't need a seperate pump or to blow this up manually and by how light it is.
after being tired of coming home sore and stiff from camp outs. I have tried cots, various sleeping pads, inflatable mattresses but nothing compares to this. I have used this pad now on a cold camp out and I woke up feeling great, not stiff and sore as usual. I am a side sleeper with a select comfort bed at home and I was just as comfortable on this pad if not more. I now look forward to outings and camp outs using this pad. I am 40+ with arthitis in my spine and over weight.
This is a fantastic pad! I am now eschewing my car camping mattress for this and my house guests prefer this to my futon! The pad is marginally heavier than others, but the comfort gained is incredible. I have only used it for a short time so I cannot attest to it's durability but I am impressed with the feel and construction. It takes less time to inflate than many mattresses- same with the Basic. My wife has the basic and is very happy with hers, too. And a bit has to be said about the finish. I slept on the bare mat and didn't get the clammy plastic feeling as with most, and the insulation kept me very warm. You'll wake up feeling as if you cheated and you're not camping!
Loved the pad at first. Used it for snow camping, regular camping ,backpacking, kayak camping. Used it about 5 times then it started leaking air. Tried to find leak by immersing in water, etc. but could not find the problem. Stuck with an expensive pad that won't stay inflated...
I ordered many Exped, Sea to Summit, and ThermaRest pads before settling on this one. It's probably too heavy for the weight conscientious backpacker but for those who want warm and comfort and are willing to carry a few more ounces this is the pad. Being an air pad I was skeptical on how warm it would be even with insulation. The R rating did not disappoint, while on my last backpacking trip it got below freezing and whatever side of me was too the pad was the warmest, this has never been the case on pervious trips with the same sleeping bag and other pads. Every other brands pads where louder and appeared way less durable. If you want a comfortable sleep in the back country, your search ends here.