If good sleep is important to you while camping, the Exped MegaMat air mattress is the most comfortable sleeping pad I’ve slept on. With four inches of luxury cushion, side sleepers won’t bottom out. If you sprawl around while sleeping, the strong sidewalls won’t collapse, giving you the full surface to enjoy. Better yet, if you’re sleeping in a tent with others, the MegaMat’s plush tricot polyester fabric is quieter than most camping air mattresses.
I spend many nights camping each year, sometimes sleeping in the back of my pickup at a trailhead on the night before a backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains. While it’s too large and heavy to take backpacking, the MegaMat is a fantastic basecamp mattress.
When I’m camping in a tent on uneven ground, this sleeping pad lets me worry less about pitching my tent over small roots, rocks, or depressions because the MegaMat is thick enough to absorb bumps. Plus it spans small dips like a bridge. It’s so good that I find myself grabbing the 4-inch thick MegaMat whenever possible. This is a big deal because using and testing outdoor gear is my job: I typically have more than 15 sleeping pad options available in my gear closest, but as long as I have room for it, I reach for the MegaMat first when I have a choice. However, it might not be right for everyone — and read on to learn the reasons I don’t think it’s perfect.
Everything you need to know about the Exped MegaMat
Why is the MegaMat such an awesome air mattress for camping and why do I recommend it to friends and family?
When friends ask me which gear to buy, they don’t usually need a ton of detail. Here’s one example: When the wife of one of my basketball playing buddies texted me out of the blue to ask which sleeping pad I’d recommend for her husband’s birthday, I only gave her one choice: The Exped MegaMat. I texted, “I know Joel cares about sleep, and he’s a big guy like me, so just splurge on the Exped MegaMat. Get the LW or LXW. He’ll love it and you won’t regret it. The only thing I don’t like is that it’s spendy. The performance/quality is awesome.” She bought it, he’s happy, mission accomplished.
But you might want more detail than a text to a friend, so here’s a breakdown of the 8 key reasons I appreciate and recommend the MegaMat:
1. The vertical sidewalls don’t slump, which lets me sleep longer
Unlike most air mattresses, especially those with curved edges, the vertical sidewalls hold their position even under pressure at the very edge, letting me sleep more soundly without a sense of falling off. (With other mattresses that don’t have good side support, I tend to wake up a bit when I sense the edge in the middle of the night.)
2. The interior foam provides lots of insulation for warmth
The interior is made from open-cell polyester foam that provides a whopping 8.1 R-Value, which means this mattress easily insulates me from frozen ground under my tents. This insulation is particularly important to me because I like to sleep with ultralight down quilts that don’t wrap all the way around like sleeping bags.
3. Expansive size options prioritize comfort
I’m a relatively big buy, about 6’3″ and 220~ pounds. The LXW version I sleep on is 30.3″ wide by 77.6″ long, which lets me sprawl into most any position to get comfortable at night. In case you’re wondering, I can sleep on narrower options — the 25.6″ wide MW and LW versions are also very good, and they’re easier to fit into tents or the backs of SUVs with other sleepers.
4. The surface fabric is soft on bare skin
Because I like to sleep with ultralight and super warm down backpacking and camping quilts more often than sleeping bags, the 4-way stretch tricot polyester surface fabric is important because I feels good on bare skin. However, if I have the room to pack this mattress, I’ll often take along a fitted sheet to throw over it anyway. Note: Exped makes Organic Cotton Mat Covers that perfectly fit its MegaMat sizes, so if you want a bed-like experience with a quilt, nab one in the right size.
5. Sleeping bags don’t slide off
The drawback to slick air mattresses is that down sleeping bags or standard nylon-covered sleeping bags tend to slide off easily. The slightly textured surface on the MegaMat does a good job of keeping sleeping bags in place, letting me sleep longer without sliding off in the middle of the night — even when I’m on a slight incline.
6. It does not squeak
If you or your sleeping partners are sensitive to nighttime noises, you’ll likely appreciate the MegaMat because it’s one of the quietest air mattresses available today. In fact, your sleeping bag is likely to make more noise than the MegaMat if you toss and turn.
7. It stabilizes air flow for improved stability during movement
Why is the MegaMat more comfortable than other air mattresses that have the same thickness? I think I have an answer: The MegaMat is more comfortable because it stabilizes and reduces air flow inside the mattress as you move at night. Somehow Exped found just the right interior design of foam and air channels to optimize comfort. For example, if I move from my back to my side in the night, my hip will create a pressure point and dive into the mattress. On most competing air mattresses, this movement makes the rest of the mattress get much harder very quickly, pushing against me and creating a rocking sensation as the air quickly moves around inside. This movement is much less on the MegaMat. Instead, it seems as if my hip more slowly sinks into the mat, even when it’s inflated to a relatively low pressure. The total effect is a predictable sensation that’s very stable — and I recommend the 2-person Duo version for this reason, too, so that you move less when your partner rolls over in the night.
8. It’s easy to fit the deflated mattress into its carry bag
I get annoyed by manufacturers who create stuff sacks or travel bags that require perfect deflation or folding and rolling to get outdoor gear back into their bags. Exped’s SideWinder stuff sack design is super easy to use and very roomy. The biggest learning curve for newbies is just understanding how the dry bag style folding closure works. Just pay attention when you first remove it or read the instructions. It’s surprisingly secure.
What I Don’t Like About the MegaMat
The MegaMat is expensive
I wish it was cheaper, but I can’t argue with the overall quality. It’s very good. Once you get over crying about the price, you’ll likely never cry about the performance. Note: Because of the cost, lots of outdoor enthusiasts who would love this mat might not buy it for themselves, which makes it a great gift idea for outdoor lovers.
It’s bulky
If space is at a premium, the MegaMat takes up a lot of space. My LXW packs down to about 32″ x 10″. In comparison, smaller lightweight options like the Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XR pack down to about 9.5″ x 4.5″ . . . and it’s still 3.9″ thick, making it still comfortable for camping and versatile enough to take backpacking. Exped also recommends storing the pad unfurled with the valves open. Uh, no. I don’t have space to do that. Check out the FAQ below if you want more detail on this.
It’s tedious to inflate without a rechargeable pump accessory
There is so much air volume in this mat that you really don’t want to try blowing it up with your lungs. However, it does partially self inflate due to the interior foam rising after your unroll it. The bigger drawback to lung-based inflation is blowing moist air into it, which can provide a little ecosystem for bacteria or mold to grow inside the mattress. This is a problem for all air mattresses of course, which is why I prefer to use some sort of pump. Exped includes a foam-based hand pump, which works ok, but it takes several minutes to inflate the LXW. A much better option is the rechargeable electric Mega Pump. It’s a game changer and I love mine.
Jealousy and guilt
It doesn’t take long for friends and family to realize that your Exped MegaMat is much more comfortable than whatever else they’re sleeping on, whether its other pads or even cots. Everyone wants a chance to sleep on this pad at camp. You’ll either need to give up some nights of great sleep to give them a turn or you’ll need to shell out for another MegaMat or two. As long as you’re not a narcissist, this is a real problem.
Shop the full MegaMat size options and accessories at REI and get free shipping!
Key Specifications
All of the MegaMat size versions share the same material components, including their 8.1 R-Values and temperature ratings of -40° Fahrenheit.
| Versions | Dimensions | Weight | Packed Size | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MegaMat MW | 72 × 25.6 × 4 in | 4 lbs 9 oz | 26.5 × 7.9 in | $239.95 |
| MegaMat LW | 77.6 × 25.6 × 4 in | 5 lbs | 26.4 × 8.7 in | $249.95 |
| MegaMat LXW | 77.6 × 30.3 × 4 in | 5 lbs 12 oz | 31.1 × 9.8 in | $259.95 |
| MegaMat Duo M | 77.6 x 41 x 4 in | 7 lbs 6 oz | 22 × 11 in | $369.95 |
| MegaMat Duo LW+ | 77.6 × 52 × 4 in | 9 lbs 11 oz | 27.6 x 11.8 in | $419.95 |
| MegaMat Duo Queen | 80 x 59.8 x 4 in | 11 lbs 14 oz | 31.5 x 11.8 in | $519.95 |
Alternative Air Mattress Options & Recommendations
If you’re not quite sure about the Exped MegaMat, there are a few alternative options that are similar and also offer very good sleeping experiences. In general, I am very shy about cheap options from companies that I don’t have personal experience with. Why? I don’t like risking a good night’s sleep, and I hate gear that fails prematurely. With that in mind, here are a few that I can recommend:
Exped MegaMat Max — The only thing better than the original MegaMat might be the thicker MegaMat Max, which, at 6″ thick, is 2″ thicker. If you’re a sensitive side sleeper or a heavier adult, the extra height can let you reduce air pressure and still avoid bottoming out. Plus, if you’re looking for a two-person version, the extra air volume helps reduce jostling between partners as they move in the middle of the night.
Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad — I’ve been sleeping on Therm-A-Rest air mattresses for decades, and while the very first mattress I had from the company failed through a pinhole leak, I’ve put in hundreds of nights on various other Therm-A-Rest mattresses and I’ve never had another fail. They are trustworthy. Like the MegaMat, the MondoKing 3D has vertical sidewalls that don’t slump, as well as a soft and quiet surface fabric. The MonoKing is just a tiny bit thicker, 4.25″ vs 4.0″ but has a slightly lower R-Value of 7 vs 8.1. The ribbed surface isn’t remarkably more or less comfortable, but it does offer a bit more resistance to sliding down over the top when your head is more inclined than your feet. If you want an option that’s assembled in the USA, this is the one to buy.
Sea-to-Summit Comfort Deluxe Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad — I’ve slept on several Sea-to-Summit air mattresses over the years, and none have let me down. I like the Ether Light series for backpacking, but the Comfort Deluxe most closely competes with the MegaMat. It’s 4″ thick, has a 6.5 R-Value, and weighs nearly the same. One key difference is the use of a single dual-purpose inflation and deflation valve, which could make it easier to let air out of the mattress in the dark in the middle of the night. With the MegaMat, I sometimes forget which of the two valves to use to release air to make the mattress softer, so I sometimes don’t risk adjustments.
Conclusion: Why the Exped MegaMat Is My Favorite Air Mattress
I’m a big fan of the Exped MegaMat for a simple, critical reason: I sleep better on it than I tend to sleep on other air mattresses. In addition, family, friends, and guests who’ve used the MegaMat all agree. One weekend guest even said, “It’s just as comfortable as my bed at home.” I personally don’t believe it is as comfortable as my own king-size bed at home, but it’s very good — and way easier to carry.
Shop MegaMat Options Now at REI!
MegaMat FAQ:
How can I deflate and roll the MegaMat?
You can use the Exped Mega Pump to suck out air, and it works well for this, but I usually save the battery for inflation. Without the pump, I simply open the deflation valve and quickly roll up the MegaMat from the bottom toward the valve, purging high volumes of air. Don’t worry about getting it tight — all you’re doing in this first step is getting most of the air out quickly. Next, unroll it fully then start rolling it again, this time going more slowly and pressing harder to purge nearly all the air out as you go. This is the fastest and easiest technique I’ve found to pack it up for moving to your next camp site or for storage.
Why is my MegaMat so hard to sleep on?
The number one problem with beginners on the MegaMat is that they tend to inflate it at a higher pressure than they need to. Because the MegaMat equalizes air pressure inside just a bit more slowly than many other air mattresses, you can comfortably run it at lower pressures, making it insanely comfortable without giving up a feeling of overall support. If you’re not impressed your first night, try it with less pressure on your second. Odds are, you’ll be able to Goldilocks it to perfection. Of course, if you like very firm beds, you can ignore this advice.
How can I release just a bit of air at night without letting out too much air all at once?
Use the inflation valve instead of the deflation valve. All you have to do is open the inflate valve, then press gently on the one-way flapper with your finger. This will let you release just a bit of air until you reach the level of firmness you want.
Why isn’t my MegaMat self-inflating?
If you store the MegaMat all rolled up in between camping trips, the foam has a tendency to stay in its compressed state, making it slow to expand. You can speed the process by using the little “zipper pull” wedge that’s attached to the IN valve. Just use it to prop the valve open to make it easier for the sluggish foam to expand. Exped recommends that you store your mat somewhere with the valves open — but I don’t because I don’t have enough room in my house. Personally, I’m not worried about the foam and I store it rolled up because I think the secret of the foam is less about support and inflation than it is about managing airflow while inflated and providing insulation. Either way, now you know why that plastic wedge is attached to the IN valve.
