Exped  FlexMat 3R Sleeping Pad

I bought this during the Spring 2026 REI sale and have used it 6 nights so far. I’m delighted with it. Like everyone else who uses folding foam pads, I like the durability (it CAN’T puncture) and the ease of deployment (no inflation necessary – you just unfold it and lie down). I’ve used the therm-a-rest z-pad in the past, and have found it to be slightly better than sleeping on the cold hard ground. It’s not a good night’s sleep. The Exped pad, in contrast, is thicker, and therefore softer and warmer. I’ve slept on it in temperatures down to 23 deg F, all the way through the night. Also, since I’m 5’9” I can fold the head end to form a simple pillow (see photo). My heels hang off the other end, but it’s not bad. I augmented the pillow by cutting off a portion of my old therm-a-rest. This fragment of therm-a-rest doubles as a camp seat just like the seat pad that REI sells for $34.

Awesome to find a closed cell pad this thick, it is the thickest i could find ANYWHERE that is in this style. Something that is needed more of. The "normal" thickness ones are just too thin for me, but i wanted a reliable fail safe and this is it. The only thing i hate, the bright orange color. I for one do NOT want to stand out like a sore thumb in the wilderness, i like earth and green tones. so this is a bummer. luckily the other side is dark green. I would even like to see a thicker one more like 1.5in, but glad they made this one.

As someone preferring durability over the modern inflatable pad trends, I find this a great fit. I got the long wide model which should be the default in my opinion. Much thicker than other pads (keep that in mind for clipping to your pack), comfortable (I’m 5’11, 175 pounds), and warm.

one can feel the big bumps, which doesn't cushion enough for side sleepers. I'm pairing it with an old thermarest zpad

Really excited about this mat, right out of the box it is significantly more comfortable than my old Flexmat Plus from 2022 (which I used on several trips and still is quite stiff). The new rounder dimples make the Flex3R much softer than its previous version, and im sure these will soften up even more after some regular use. The foam feels softer overall as well, while still providing necessary support. The pad feels great and im eager to take it out for a test run.

As far as closed cell pads go this is super comfortable. I got the large wide. I wish they made a regular length wide, but that was rectified with a knife taking off one panel. If you're counting ounces and inches of space it may not be for you. If you want a better option closed cell pad with a higher R value and wide enough for a side sleeper this is the best option I've found.

I just bought the M regular, and I am 5"4', so I cut two squares off. I am still figuring out the best way to attach it to my backpack since it is thicker than my old Thermarest Sol (which I strapped to the side of my pack.) I am excited for the extra cushion!

Used this for a recent backpacking trip. It keeps you warm under your sleeping bag, but clunky to carry and not very comfortable to sleep on. I wouldn’t purchase this again for my trip

It is a stiffer mat but you can't beat the length and width. It needs to be broken in but I see myself using it for winter and truck camping for insulation.

While I haven't tested it and very cold weather, it is extremely comfy if somewhat bulky.