Exped MegaMat LXW Evaluation | CleverHiker

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

The MegaMat’s all-around efficiency makes it one in all our favorites. The 4-inch thick foam and air mixture devours bumpy, uneven, and rocky floor for a sound evening of sleep in any place and nearly any terrain. The self-inflating function works nicely, however EXPED additionally features a foot pump to make setup quicker. 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, conserving us toasty in brutal winter temperatures.

Nevertheless, consolation comes with a bulk penalty. The MegaMat LXW is on the heavy facet in comparison with different mattresses, however our most important situation is its packed size – it’s one of many longest fashions we’ve examined and reviewed. Which means you’ll want loads of area in a trunk or gear closet, particularly for 2 or extra mattresses. For a smaller packed measurement, 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 well worth the funding for individuals who prioritize an excellent evening’s sleep. For among the finest mattresses available on the market for sleeping – whether or not you’re tenting, competition hopping, roadtriping, or just needing an additional visitor mattress – the MegaMat’s stable all-around efficiency makes it our primary alternative of the 12 months.

Consolation

The Exped MegaMat earns high marks for consolation. Due to a comfortable tricot polyester material on high, 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, nevertheless it feels thicker and cushier than that, because of a thick foam layer on high.

It’s so comfortable which 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 stress 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 evening, which is why we love the vertical sidewalls of the MegaMat LXW. This design maximizes area, in contrast to rounded partitions. Whether or not you’re a abdomen, facet, or again sleeper, we extremely suggest this one for spreading out.

We’re huge followers of the extremely customizable firmness as nicely. 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 only a few squeezes or presses of the foot to agency up the pad. Launch small quantities of air to dial within the stress with a mild 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 appear to be a lot – however after totally testing all the fashions, we discover the additional little bit of room is noticeable and opulent. If you’d like much more room, this mattress additionally is available in a double model for people who wish to share area.

Ease of Use

Establishing the Exped MegaMat LXW could be very simple. 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 quicker, 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 also be nice for growing firmness as soon as it’s largely stuffed – simply add a number of deep breaths to regulate the stress.

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

EXPED just lately 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 high marks. The carrying case design is superb, with a devoted inside 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 high 3 warmest mattresses on our information. With its thick, 4-inch foam building, it boasts a formidable R-value of 8.1, making it a stellar alternative for year-round tenting. It’s one in all our go-to’s for severely chilly situations. In idea, this R-Worth ought to maintain us heat nicely beneath 0°F, so we put all that insulation to the take a look at.

Gear Analyst Ian Krammer tried out the MegaMat LXW in a few of the coldest situations 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 nicely. We acknowledge that’s a decrease temp than most people will ever sleep in, nevertheless 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

One among 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 – nevertheless it’s our job to separate hairs.

Desire a narrower possibility? The Medium Broad is simply 25.6 inches, so if area is tight, go along with a smaller model. Nonetheless, these are objectively cumbersome merchandise, so ensure there’s room for them within the automobile 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 terrific alternative for individuals who desire a plush, restful sleep on uneven floor. The spacious measurement 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 high scores throughout the board, and it stays one in all our favourite mattresses for tenting and past.

Nevertheless, the MegaMat is probably not the very best for campers with restricted area or these searching 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 definitely not the costliest, and also you’ll get years of use from this mattress. Total, in case you’re after an excellent evening’s sleep open air, the MegaMat delivers distinctive worth, making it our high decide of the 12 months for many campers.

What Different Tenting Mattresses Ought to You Contemplate?

Listed below are another nice decisions from our information to the very best tenting mattresses: 

Therm-A-Relaxation Mondoking 3D XXL Evaluation: The MondoKing 3D is an in depth second on the subject of high quality, value, 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 Evaluation: The Consolation Deluxe shares the supportive design, sturdiness, and cozy material exterior because the MegaMat. It’s not as heat, however this one has a smaller packed measurement for higher portability. 

HEST Foamy Broad: In case you’re searching 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 measurement, and is way bulkier and heavier.