Exped MegaMat LXW Overview

Backside Line

The Exped MegaMat LXW ranks on the prime of our greatest tenting mattresses information as a result of it’s cozy, sturdy, and straightforward to make use of. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has used this mattress for years – its tricot polyester cloth is among the many softest and comfiest supplies we’ve examined. 

The MegaMat’s all-around efficiency makes it certainly one of our favorites. The 4-inch thick foam and air mixture devours bumpy, uneven, and rocky floor for a sound night time of sleep in any place and nearly any terrain. The self-inflating characteristic works effectively, however EXPED additionally features a foot pump to make setup sooner. The wonderful storage sack design is sensible and handy, so there’s no wrestling when storing. It’s among the many warmest mattresses on our information, too, holding us toasty in brutal winter temperatures.

Nonetheless, consolation comes with a bulk penalty. The MegaMat LXW is on the heavy facet in comparison with different mattresses, however our predominant situation is its packed size – it’s one of many longest fashions we’ve examined and reviewed. Which means you’ll want loads of house in a trunk or gear closet, particularly for 2 or extra mattresses. For a smaller packed dimension, think about the Medium or Lengthy lengths as an alternative. 

It’s additionally on the dear facet, which can not match each funds. However, for long-lasting consolation and sturdiness, this factor is definitely worth the funding for individuals who prioritize a great night time’s sleep. For among the finest mattresses in the marketplace for sleeping – whether or not you’re tenting, pageant hopping, roadtriping, or just needing an additional visitor mattress – the MegaMat’s stable all-around efficiency makes it our primary selection of the yr.

Consolation

The Exped MegaMat earns prime marks for consolation. Due to a comfortable tricot polyester cloth on prime, it’s mushy to the contact however doesn’t really feel slippery or catch on our baselayers. Its 4-inch thickness is common in comparison with a lot of the mattresses on our checklist, however it feels thicker and cushier than that, because of a thick foam layer on prime.

It’s so comfortable you could arrange just about anyplace. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has handed out simply on less-than-ideal campsites stuffed with rocks and roots since its thick supplies gobble up lumpy, bumpy floor and stop strain factors. Gear Analyst and Editor Jory Brass has paired the MegaMat with the Exped MegaPillow for a candy sleep setup.

Ian is a chaotic sleeper. He alternates between all positions all through the night time, which is why we love the vertical sidewalls of the MegaMat LXW. This design maximizes house, in contrast to rounded partitions. Whether or not you’re a abdomen, facet, or again sleeper, we extremely advocate this one for spreading out.

We’re large followers of the extremely customizable firmness as effectively. As soon as the pad is inflated, add a little bit of air with the included foot pump – a easy, spherical machine that attaches snugly to the consumption valve. It wants just some squeezes or presses of the foot to agency up the pad. Launch small quantities of air to dial within the strain with a delicate press of a tab on the consumption valve. Additionally, this pad is without doubt one of the widest of any on our checklist, measuring 30.3 inches. That additional quarter-inch might not seem to be a lot – however after completely testing all the fashions, we discover the additional little bit of room is noticeable and splendid. If you would like much more room, this mattress additionally is available in a double model for people who prefer to share house.

Ease of Use

Organising the Exped MegaMat LXW may be very easy. The self-inflating design requires nearly no effort – unroll it, open the valve, and let the mattress replenish for about 10 minutes. In case you want it to fill sooner, EXPED features a helpful, easy-to-use foot pump that clips onto the valve and requires repeated stepping so as to add air to the mattress. It reduces inflation time to about 5 minutes. The pump can be nice for rising firmness as soon as it’s principally stuffed – simply add a couple of deep breaths to regulate the strain.

For folk who use the MegaMat usually, we extremely advocate investing within the EXPED Mega Pump. It’s a bit dear, however the comfort is unimaginable. This powerhouse rechargeable pump can fill the mattress in solely 30 seconds. Conversely, the dump valve is great for quick deflation, and our testing discovered the MegaMat rolls up simply the primary time for straightforward packing.

EXPED not too long ago added a deal with to the facet of their mattress, which we love. Handles are a rarity on most mattresses, so it’s simpler to maneuver and carry as soon as inflated. 

Lastly, if you would like an easy-to-carry bag, this one earns prime marks. The carrying case design is great, with a devoted inner pocket to carry the foot pump. A lengthwise opening means there’s no situation with becoming the mattress inside, and a roll-top design with a clip closure will get a lot of the air out – and doubles as shoulder strap for extremely portability.

Heat

The Exped MegaMat LXW is within the prime 3 warmest mattresses on our information. With its thick, 4-inch foam development, it boasts a powerful R-value of 8.1, making it a stellar selection for year-round tenting. It’s certainly one of our go-to’s for significantly chilly circumstances. In concept, this R-Worth ought to hold us heat effectively under 0°F, so we put all that insulation to the check.

Gear Analyst Ian Krammer tried out the MegaMat LXW in a few of the coldest circumstances he may discover in Colorado. He slept two nights on the MegaMat in in a single day temps of -8°F throughout a winter journey to Dinosaur Nationwide Monument, and it carried out exceptionally effectively. We acknowledge that’s a decrease temp than most people will ever sleep in, however it proves the MegaMat’s high quality, sturdiness, and heat for year-round tenting and makes this one a best choice for chilly sleepers.

Packed Dimension

Considered one of our solely points with Megamat LXW is that it packs down a bit longer than a lot of the competitors. Most tenting mattresses we examined vary between 30 and 31 inches, however the Lengthy Broad packs to 31.1 inches. In fact, a tenth of an inch is an extremely small quantity – however it’s our job to separate hairs.

Need a narrower choice? The Medium Broad is just 25.6 inches, so if house is tight, go together with a smaller model. Nonetheless, these are objectively cumbersome merchandise, so ensure that there’s room for them within the automotive and storage space along with the remainder of your tenting equipment.

Ought to You Purchase the Exped MegaMat?

The Exped MegaMat LXW units the usual for campers who need top-tier consolation, heat, and ease of use out of their mattress. Its self-inflating design and 4-inch thickness make it a fantastic selection for individuals who need a plush, restful sleep on uneven floor. The spacious dimension and ultra-warm R-Worth make it excellent for cold-weather campers who want superior insulation. The mini pump design, handy stuff sack, and high-quality supplies earn the MegaMat prime scores throughout the board, and it stays certainly one of our favourite mattresses for tenting and past.

Nonetheless, the MegaMat might not be the very best for campers with restricted house or these on the lookout for ultralight gear. It’s a bit cumbersome and packs lengthy, which could not work for everybody. Moreover, the upper price ticket could also be a deterrent for budget-conscious adventurers – though, it’s actually not the most costly, and also you’ll get years of use from this mattress. Total, in case you’re after a great night time’s sleep open air, the MegaMat delivers distinctive worth, making it our prime choose of the yr for many campers.

What Different Tenting Mattresses Ought to You Take into account?

Listed here are another nice selections from our information to the very best tenting mattresses: 

Therm-A-Relaxation Mondoking 3D XXL Overview: The MondoKing 3D is an in depth second with regards to high quality, worth, and heat. This one is even thicker, although – by 1 / 4 inch – making it really feel extra plush and comfy. 

Sea To Summit Consolation Deluxe LW Overview: The Consolation Deluxe shares the supportive design, sturdiness, and comfy cloth exterior because the MegaMat. It’s not as heat, however this one has a smaller packed dimension for higher portability. 

HEST Foamy Broad: In case you’re on the lookout for the warmest of the nice and cozy tenting mattress on our checklist, the HEST Foamy steals the present with an 8.8 R-Worth. The draw back is it has an infinite packed dimension, and is far bulkier and heavier.