EXPED MegaMat Max15 Duo Sleeping Pad
Finding the perfect camping sleep solution hasn’t been easy. We’ve nearly passed out from blowing up sleeping pads, been bounced out of overfull air mattresses, clung to each other for fear of freezing to death and smacked each other in the face on too small mattresses.
After a ton of research and several hours at REI we finally found the sleep solution for us! The EXPED MegaMat Max15 Duo sleeping pad.
First, the MegaMat is self-inflating. As crazy as it sounds, after the first couple uses, we can now unroll our mattress and it mostly inflates by itself. This is due to the unique air core channeled foam. The mattress does come with a mini hand powered pump, which we use at a minimum now that we have properly aired out the mattress. Check out the video here.
A little more about the foam because it makes all the difference. This mattress does technically use air to inflate but it's not like any air mattress we’ve ever used. It feels more like sleeping on our memory foam mattress at home but the air makes it slightly more comfortable.
The Max15 refers to the thickness of the mattress. 50% thicker! Which might not mean much on paper but really makes a difference when you’re sleeping on the ground outside. The square shape and vertical sidewalls ensure we won’t roll off the side easily.
The MegaMat is extra long and extra wide which is great for Mike’s long legs and wide shoulders. The special fabric on top keeps bedding from sliding around but doesn’t attract all the dirt and debris from the outdoors.
One thing we noted from other reviewers is the pack up. It’s true, it’s not the smallest, lightest mattress in the world. The EXPED MegaMat is best suited for car camping. It measures about 13.8 x 29.5 inches packed compared to our former mattress which was 10 x 20 inches. Deflation can be challenging in comparison to 100% air mattresses.
If you live near an REI, the staff is fantastic. Not only can they answer any question you might have but you can test any sleeping pads they have in stock right next to one another.
The last thing to note is the price. It is one of the most expensive mattresses on the market. We spent 10 years on a blow up mattress we found at a garage sale for $10 and as a result we loved camping but we hated sleeping in our tent. A comfortable mattress has changed so much for us. We wake up rested and ready for adventure, not sore and a bit grumpy. We also look forward to the cozy feeling we have in our tent. Now we read stories to each other before falling asleep and we have a place to comfortably hang out if it rains.
This purchase was the best thing we’ve done all year. As you know we camp as often as possible. For us, we just didn’t know something like this existed. It truly has increased our happiness in camp and when we have out of town guests they love it too.
Here’s the description from EXPED:
EXPED’s famous MegaMat built 50% thicker! The 15 cm/6" air-core-channeled foam allows the mat to be soft-inflated for an enhanced cradling of the body. Combined with 50-denier stretch top fabric, MegaMat Max offers an unbelievably soft and supple sleep platform. In addition, vertical sidewalls (3D construction) provide edge-to-edge comfort and gap-free coupling of mats. EXPED's extra-large deflation valve ensures fast deflation.
The included top-loading SideWinder stuff sack eases packing and carries over the shoulder. Mini Pump included for inflation top-off. Repair kit included.
Below are the specs:
R Value: 10.6
Insulation Type: Open cell foam
Pump system: Self inflating mini pump
Climate neutral
Oeko-tex certified material
Size packed: 29.5 x 13.8 inches
Size: 77.6 x 52 inches
Weight: 210.6 oz.
Price: $459.95
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