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Last summer, I embarked on a mission to upgrade my camping gear. As someone who values comfort, especially as I’ve grown older, I was in search of a solution that would allow me to actually get a good night’s sleep while camping on the ground. That’s when I started coming across recommendations for the Exped MegaMat 10 line of self-inflating car camping sleeping mats with high-grade polyurethane foam for added cushioning.
At first, I was skeptical. Could a mat really be better than an air mattress? Could anything in the “camping pad” category actually be acceptable, let alone good? As I read through countless glowing reviews, I dismissed them, assuming that those reviewers must be used to those thin, flimsy backpacking mats. There was no way this mat could be that good or worth the money.
Finally, I decided to give in to the hype and purchased my own MegaMat. After inflating it and adjusting the firmness to my liking, I laid down on it on top of my cold, hard ceramic tile floor. The experience was mind-blowing. It felt like a real mattress. Even when I turned to my side, my usual sleeping position, it remained incredibly comfortable with excellent support for my hips. Not a single fault could be found. I also took it camping, and it surpassed all my expectations in terms of comfort and warmth, thanks to its high R-value of 8.1. It felt luxurious, well-made, and I didn’t slip and slide around on it.
I was so impressed that I immediately ordered a second MegaMat for my camping buddy, this time from the used section at REI to save some money. Now, whenever I have guests over, they sleep on the MegaMat instead of my previously reliable guest spring mattress or double-height air mattress. Everyone loves it, and they’re always amazed that it’s a camping mat.
What’s great for those looking to upgrade their camping experience is that both the two-person Duo model and the standard single-person Exped MegaMat 10 come in medium and extra-long, extra-wide sizes. And right now, they’re both on rare sale for Labor Day. You can get 30% off at Moosejaw, 30% off at REI, and 30% off at Expedusa.com with the code LABORDAY30. Since the MegaMats are on the pricier side, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this sale, even if you don’t plan on camping until next season.
Each MegaMat 10 is approximately four inches thick and includes a mini-pump for adjusting the firmness to your liking after the mat self-inflates. It initially takes about an hour to fully inflate, but subsequent inflations will be quicker. The mats also come with a small repair kit and a convenient stuff sack with a large opening and shoulder strap for easy carrying. If you’re concerned about protecting the mat from campground dirt or bodily grime, you can purchase organic cotton mat covers from Exped for added cleanliness.
If the sale price of the MegaMat is still too steep, you can also check out the Stoic Cloud camp beds, which are similarly-built and brightly colored. They are currently on sale at Backcountry and Steep & Cheap. I personally own the double Cloud Luxe camp bed, and it’s just as comfortable.
Here are some reviews from satisfied customers who have experienced the comfort and quality of the Exped MegaMat 10:
– “I own a Duo and this single MegaMat 10. It is comfortable even for a side sleeper like me who has back and hip issues. I love it! I’ve tried other sleeping pads and blow-up mattresses, but they just don’t compare. The insulation in these mats is excellent, and they are also lighter than other blow-up pads. As a disabled veteran, I highly recommend this product.”- afriendcares4u on Moosejaw
– “As someone with a lower back problem, I’m very picky about what I sleep on. I tested this mat at home and immediately fell asleep. It’s as close to my $3,000 mattress as it gets. Highly recommended!” – Sergey at REI
– “This mat is honestly the best money I’ve ever spent. It’s incredibly comfortable, providing great support for my back and hips. Worth every penny!” – Phyllish21 on Moosejaw
– “I’ve had my first pad for about 3 years and it has never failed to impress me. Coupled with the right sleeping bag, this mat provides some of the best sleep I’ve had while camping. If you’re looking for a quality pad that offers outstanding comfort, ease of use, and durability, treat yourself to an Exped MegaMat. You won’t regret it.” – PopPop51 on Moosejaw
– “The comfort is absurd! There is nothing negative I can say about this mat. It has plenty of room for both of us, and it doesn’t make us overheat. We feel sturdy and supported while using it. We’re both in our mid-40s, and it was super comfortable!” – Kristin on Moosejaw
– “A must-have addition for car camping. As a side sleeper with a sensitive back, this mat is as comfortable as my bed at home. It’s incredibly easy to set up and deflate for packing. Investing in this sleeping pad is well worth it. I have yet to wake up with a sore back while camping with this mattress.” – Jenna V at REI
– “I bought this mat for car camping and was torn between this and a memory foam topper. I was hesitant at first due to its description as partially an air mattress. However, the open cell foam provides a soft, quiet, and non-bouncy sleeping surface. Inflation was simple, and reinflation was a breeze. This mat is fantastic!” – KBAdvebturer on Moosejaw
Remember, if you’re considering purchasing the Exped MegaMat 10, now is the perfect time with the Labor Day sale. But act fast, as inventory tends to sell out quickly.
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