How to Choose a Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

A go-anywhere, do-anything sleeping pad, this Exped pad is a good option any time of year. It's insulated for all-weather use and has an R-value of 6.9. The mummy shape keeps it light and packable.


Imported.
View all Exped Air Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Mummy |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| R-Value | 6.9 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Packed Size | Medium: 4.1 x 8.3 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 3.5 inches |
| Dimensions | Medium: 72 x 20.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | Medium: 12 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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Got this pad yesterday in a mummy large and used it on a winter camping trip last night. Had high hopes cause the pack size is crazy small for an r value of 6.9. Not sure if I got a defective pad but I could feel the cold coming from the ground the entire night. Usually I can feel some cold through pressure points like hips and shoulders but I could feel it across my entire body. The low was 26 degrees and no snow on the ground. It is a comfortable pad but with its r value it should be able to handle a lot worse conditions than I experienced last night. I will give it a second shot and try one in a large standard version.
I’ve had lots of trial and error with sleeping pads. My favorite for comfort was the Big Agnes Rapide which left me super cold if it dipped even below 45f. This pad is half a pound lighter, keeps me warm below freezing and is almost as comfortable. For an all rounder 3 season pad this one is great. Maybe not ideal for cold temps below 20f though according to Justin Outdoors
This pad in the RW version worked great for my body type! For reference, I am 5'7", 150 pounds, with slightly broad shoulders and I sleep on my back. The taper is a bit aggressive, so if you are above 5'10" or a bit on the bigger side I would consider the rectangular version. This pad was just wide enough for me for my arms not to fall off and I maybe had just a couple of spare inches of length after adding pillow. The taper is too much up top to get your pillow right to the top edge without it feeling awkward. So it sleeps more like a 69-70 inch length pad when used with an air pillow. I think the 3.5 inch thickness is a perfect balance for weight savings and comfort. I never pushed the R-value so far with the coldest morning of use so far dipping to 37 degrees. I never felt cold. It is a comfortable pad and I have no big complaints so far.
I was first introduced to exped in '22 when I was thru hiking the AT. by an hiker named "high route". 2 weeks later in the Shenandoah NP my go to pad had a leak that I never found. In Harper's Ferry I replaced my old pad with a exped. Its has since been my go to pad
Exped is leading the way in sleep comfort. Plenty of insulation, quiet materials, and north/south oriented baffles...it's like they have slept outside before.
One of the comfiest pads I have ever slept on. Able to lay on my side without my hip digging into the ground. Stayed inflated all night as well.
I am a side sleeper and this is the most comfortable sleeping pad I have ever used. No more pain in my shoulders. Thank you so much!
Super compact, warm and comfortable. Happy with purchase.


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