Exped MegaMat Max Sleeping Pad
The Exped MegaMat Max sleeping pad addresses the typical compromises of camp beds by prioritizing both thickness and cold-ground insulation. With a 6-inch thickness, which is 50% thicker than standard MegaMats, it offers significant cushion and pressure relief, making it a great option for side and stomach sleepers who want to avoid feeling rocks or roots underneath.
The vertical 3D sidewall construction ensures the mattress stays flat and fully usable right up to the very edges, eliminating the sloped borders that make you feel like you are rolling off. The top fabric is a soft, 4-way stretch tricot polyester that feels smooth against the skin and avoids the loud, crinkly plastic noises common with lightweight backpacking mats.
With an R-value of 10.6, this mat is fully insulated with open-cell polyurethane foam to block ground chill in any weather. The internal foam core features air channels to reduce bulk and make it easier to compress when it is time to roll it up, while the bottom and sides are reinforced with durable, 100% recycled 75-denier polyester.
Setting up is simple because the mat draws in air and self-inflates on its own once you open the low-profile, one-way FlatValve. After the foam expands, you can dial in your preferred firmness using the included Top-Up Pump, or easily bleed out excess air by tapping the internal valve flapper.
Exped MegaMat Max Sleeping Pad Review
I finally got to take my Exped MegaMat Max out for its first real camping trips, and after sleeping on it for 5 nights in Mammoth Lakes, Big Pine, and Yosemite, I can honestly say I understand why the reviews are so good.
First impression: this feels like a real mattress, not just a camping pad. The quality is excellent, the thickness is amazing, and it immediately feels like a premium piece of gear.
One mistake I made was not setting it up at home before my first trip. I opened it for the first time at camp and waited for it to self-inflate. The first inflation took about 5.5 hours, and I ended up using the included pump to help speed things along. If you buy this, definitely follow the instructions and set it up ahead of time for the first use.
The wait was absolutely worth it though. That first night I had the best sleep I’ve had while camping, and my sleep tracker definitely agreed. After 5 nights on this mattress, I can say I consistently sleep better on it than I did with my previous camping mattress. It feels very similar to sleeping on a memory foam mattress at home, except somehow I sleep even better on this Exped.
I sleep comfortably with no pressure points, and my back has felt great after sleeping on it. I used it in my car camping tent with nighttime temperatures around the 50s, and I stayed warm with no noticeable cold coming through from the ground.
The biggest downsides are the size and the inflation/deflation process. This thing is huge when packed, so it definitely takes up a lot of space in a car camping setup. It’s not a compact mattress, but that is the tradeoff for getting this level of comfort.
Even after the first setup, inflation is slower than I expected and takes longer than the advertised 15 minutes for me. Deflating it also takes some effort. Opening the valve does not magically turn it into a pancake. I still have to use my body weight to roll it tightly and squeeze out the remaining air.
That said, knowing what I know now, I would absolutely buy it again. The comfort is on another level, and I have already recommended it to several people. If you are looking for the closest thing to a real bed while car camping and don’t mind the bulk, this mattress is hard to beat.
Features & Technical Specs
- Oversized Dimensions: 77.5 x 30.5 inches with a plush 6-inch thickness.
- High Insulation: 10.6 R-value provides excellent warmth from cold ground.
- Dual Valves: Separate high-airflow, one-way valves for hassle-free inflation and deflation.
- What’s Included: Comes with a roll-top SideWinder stuff sack, a mini Top-Up Pump, and a field repair kit.
- Weight: 7 lbs. 6.3 oz.
