How to Choose a Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

Stay warm without unnecessary bulk or weight with this Exped sleeping pad. It's warm enough and light enough for fast-paced, human-powered activities in cold conditions. The pad has an R-value of 8.8.



Imported.
View all Exped Air Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| R-Value | 8.8 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Packed Size | Medium: 5 x 9.1 inches Medium Wide: 5.1 x 10.6 inches Long Wide: 5.5 x 10.6 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 3.5 inches |
| Dimensions | Medium: 72 x 20.5 x 3.5 inches Medium Wide: 72 x 25.6 x 3.5 inches Long Wide: 77.6 x 25.6 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | Medium: 1 lb. 7 oz. Medium Wide: 1 lb. 11.5 oz. Long Wide: 1 lb. 13.5 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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I had my previous Exped mattress for 10 years and camped with it dozens of times, but I finally failed on me. So I purchased the Exped Ultra 8R pad and couldn't be more disappointed. After receiving it, I inflated it and them checked on it the following morning. It seemed fully inflated so I packed it away with my other gear. However, when I tried sleeping on the pad (205lbs) it would only last about half an hour before I was laying on the ground. Re-inflated it three times to no avail. I'm not sure where the leak was, but I spent one miserable sleepless night laying on the hard ground. Had to rent a motel the second night.
Only used it once so far but it's done it's job well. Took it out at home to test the included pump bag and it works surprisingly well. Takes about 5 minutes to fill compared to the 10 minutes my other pad takes with a similar setup (but much smaller pump bag). When camping it held air overnight with no signs of leaking or sagging (200lbs). Be careful with it like you would any air mattress. I combined it with a foam pad on the ground to protect it from any potential debris that could puncture it. No complaints about warmth for weather down to 40°F (4.44°C) and I'm sure that'd remain true even without a foam pad beneath it. I love the dual nozzle (In/Out) setup. Makes blowing it up and packing it up incredibly easy. I got the wide version which gives plenty of space to have your arms at your side instead of falling to the cold ground. Durability remains yet to be tested since it's only been on one trip. I am however optimistic.