How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
REI Co-op Camp Bed 3.5 Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
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Thanks to cushy padding and a soft surface, the REI Camp Bed 3.5 Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad provides a comfortable place to rest while you're away on your car-camping adventure.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Pad Thickness (in.)
3.5 inches
- Horizontally cored foam reduces weight and bulk
- 3.5-inch thickness provides ample cushioning
- 2 quick-closing, high-flow valves
- Soft, stretch polyester top
- 150-denier polyester bottom resists wear
- All seams are welded
- R-value equals 6.0; most sleeping pads REI sells range in R-value from 1.0 (minimally insulated) to 9.5 (highly insulated)
- Includes a stuff sack
- 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
Imported.
View all REI Co-op Self-inflating Pads| 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 |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| 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
Great while it lasted.
Ateobatus8 years ago
This mattress is very comfortable, and doesn't slip or squeak. The self-inflation works very well - almost too well, as it takes some effort to deflate it. I was very happy sleeping on it.
I had it for about 7 years, with light usage. I stored it as recommended in an air-conditioned closet. One day it started to leak air into a bubble under the outermost layer of fabric, and wouldn't hold pressure anymore. At the store they said the adhesives inside of it just start to come apart after that much time and that I had a good run if it lasted 7 years. 7 years is not bad, but I have a Thermarest that's 15-20 years old and it still holds air, so it's certainly possible to build a more durable air mattress.
Ateobatus
TX
147 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Durability problems
1justme10 years ago
Everything the other reviewers are saying is true: these things are comfortable and insulating, and just plain nice to sleep on.
My problem is that they just didn't last very long. I had mine two years, slept on them maybe 20 times, treated them and stored them with care, and still they stopped holding air. They didn't get a leak, such as might be repairable; they oozed air over the entire surface - as if the internal material is breaking down.
These were used in a hot desert environment, so that may have been an issue.
When I was looking into buying replacements, the sales clerk said my experience wasn't that uncommon. Seems too expensive for that amount of use.
1justme
Oakland, CA, United States
200 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
hollywoodjaxx
Hollywood, CA
Oh Baby!
8 years ago
Just had this bad boy out on the JMT for 3 weeks and slept like a log on it. It inflates to a point where just a few more puffs of air make it perfect. I know I was the most comfortable hiker in the Sierras this summer.
Yes , I recommend this product
Ateobatus
Texas
Great while it lasted.
8 years ago
This mattress is very comfortable, and doesn't slip or squeak. The self-inflation works very well - almost too well, as it takes some effort to deflate it. I was very happy sleeping on it. I had it for about 7 years, with light usage. I stored it as recommended in an air-conditioned closet. One day it started to leak air into a bubble under the outermost layer of fabric, and wouldn't hold pressure anymore. At the store they said the adhesives inside of it just start to come apart after that much time and that I had a good run if it lasted 7 years. 7 years is not bad, but I have a Thermarest that's 15-20 years old and it still holds air, so it's certainly possible to build a more durable air mattress.
No, I do not recommend this product
JackieKim
Encinitas, Ca
Very comfortable, have stood up to time
9 years ago
We love our REI Camp Bed sleeping pads. We have four in total (2 bought about 7 years ago and two 5 five years ago). The four of them fit perfectly inside our REI Base Camp tent from wall to wall. They insulate very well and we feel it is the perfect firmness ( though you can inflate more by blowing into valve). We sleep very well at camp because of them. We store them inflated (with valves open) when not in use. Over time, two of them no longer roll up as compactly as before. We bought straps to make sure they don't inflate on their own during transport to camp. Otherwise, they are still perfect. We are frequent campers and recommend it.
1justme
Oakland, CA, United States
Durability problems
10 years ago
Everything the other reviewers are saying is true: these things are comfortable and insulating, and just plain nice to sleep on. My problem is that they just didn't last very long. I had mine two years, slept on them maybe 20 times, treated them and stored them with care, and still they stopped holding air. They didn't get a leak, such as might be repairable; they oozed air over the entire surface - as if the internal material is breaking down. These were used in a hot desert environment, so that may have been an issue. When I was looking into buying replacements, the sales clerk said my experience wasn't that uncommon. Seems too expensive for that amount of use.
Yes , I recommend this product
Bill
Evansville, IN, United States
Good for making bubbles
8 years ago
It's true - these pads are super comfortable. But after less than a month of nights of very tame car camping, ours has developed too many holes to fix. You can't see the holes, there's no evidence of surface scuffing or excessive wear and tear. But when you pour soapy water across the surface, bubbles galore. I don't know if something on the inside came unlaminated, but there is a section about 8 inches by 3 feet with probably a dozen places that make bubbles. It was actually kind of mesmerizing.
No, I do not recommend this product
Tbucket
Humble, Texas, United States
REI 3.5 Camp Bed
11 years ago
The 3.5 inch Camp Bed is far more comfortable than I imagined. It's been used on several kayak camping trips, ranging from 1 to 3 nights, and I can't praise it enough. My old bones and joints are getting too old to rough-it and the Camp Bed is the cats meow for getting comfortable nights rest. I'm 6' 3" I bought the XL and I can scoot around, turn over and stretch out and don't have to worry about slipping off the edge of the bed. The XL might be too large for a backpacker to lug around, but with a little rearranging, I have no trouble packing it in the kayak. I would recommend it to everyone, both friends and strangers
Yes , I recommend this product
Gu4U2
San Diego, CA, United States
Best sleep at a campsite ever!
11 years ago
I had a Agnes sleeping pad that was OK as comfort, but it was very slippery. I found my sleeping bag (Marmot) to slip off the pad several times during the night - especially if the site wasn't perfectly flat. This sleeping pad is very different. It has a nice and grippy suede texture that will keep any sleeping bag from slipping off. Its self-inflating feature works really well, and I don't feel the need to inflate it further by blowing it, which you can, if you would like a firmer pad. The only negative about it is the bulk, but we mostly use it for car camping. If you don't mind the extra weight/bulk, this pad will provide anyone with a really comfortable night of sleep. Enjoy!
Yes , I recommend this product
JaniV
Burnaby, BC, Canada
Nice to sleep on, but not durable
10 years ago
Really comfy to rest on when full, but mine broke down after less than 10 uses. There are four spots where it leaks (one is from the side) and the air is also "oozing" through throughout the whole surface. Maybe I was unlucky to get a Monday copy since there are many 5 star reviews here. My last hiking pad lasted for almost 10 years and definitely more than 100 uses and even then it wasn't leaking but the walls between the air pockets in the mattress started coming apart and forming "bubbles" on the mattress when you would fill it. I wonder if this has been updated since I bought it (maybe 3 or so years ago, been sitting in storage until recently) and are perhaps of better quality.
No, I do not recommend this product
Paul E
Woodbury, MN, United States
Great Bed - a little tricky on the storage
11 years ago
As another review mentioned, this bed is supposed to be stored inflated and in a safe place (I believe they suggest under a bed). This is not convenient, and I stored mine rolled up for about 6-8 months. Eventually I used it again and it only inflated about 3/4ths of the way. I was able to use my lungs and blow the bed up. Then I stored it properly (i.e. inflated under a bed) for several months and it seems to be restored back to original condition and it fully inflates on its own again. This is more an issue of self-inflating technology than of the particular REI bed, and not a huge problem, but something to note. Otherwise, I've slept on the bed 15-20 times and like everyone else says it's very comfortable!
Archduke
Seattle
I use this as my primary mattress...
8 years ago
Because of lower back pain, I generally sleep on the floor. This pad provides just the right amount of cushioning, while keeping with the idea of having a completely firm (ie - the floor) sleeping surface. This one was a replacement for another one that leaked after I had it a while. REI's return and replacement policies made this a free exchange. Also, I have a smaller one that I use when I travel. Being stuck unexpectedly in Chicago at the airport overnight blows chunks, but I can get a decent nap at the gate with the smaller version. Camping in Hawaii in a van and on the beach I used a medium sized version. These are all great products.
Yes , I recommend this product
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