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Self Inflating Pads

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Nov 14, 2018
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Looking to replace my self-inflating sleeping pad. It’s never been wide enough for comfort. I’m sold on the self-inflation feature, but most newer pads don’t use that method. I read a recent thread about sleeping pads and lots of recommendations but no self inflators. I want a 25” wide rectangular pad, self inflating, around 2 lbs. Anyone know of such a critter? Don’t like pumps much. Thanks.
 
I’m another fan of Exped pads. They mostly self-inflate then they’re easy to get to the desired firmness with their built in pump or bag. I’ve used the same one on all of my river overnights for about 20 years and our son spent every night of last summer on one. We like them so much that we bought one of the larger ones for guests that visit. They’re that comfortable,
 
I like the looks of this:


I'm only 5'10" so the regular length is fine, but it's available in 25" width. I favor self inflating pads, and currently use a Thermarest Prolite Plus. Mine is the women's pad which is 20"x66". I liked the increased R value of the pad and was OK with the narrow & shorter size for backpacking, but have come to want a wider pad. Since most of my camping is now canoe tripping I'm not so focused on smaller/lighter gear.
 
I ordered the Exped Megamat 25” wide pad. It adds 2.5 lbs to my load, but I’m too old and busted up for bad sleeping. Got the pillow too, cause too soft pillows aren’t friendly to side sleepers like me. A big investment. I aim to get my money’s worth by tripping ‘til I croak. I’d love to donate some older gear to younger trippers with families. Ought to be a way to do that.
 
For years a thin self inflating Thermarest was my pad of choice, until one day I was in Campmor and checked out their NeoAir, my aging bones were sold. Super comfortable, super light, and packs into the same space as a 1 quart nalgene bottle. Not self inflating, but easily filled with the pump sack. Most of my camping is backpacking or airplane camping, so weight and size are important.
 
The megamat seems like the current version of my exped DLX9. 20+ years and still doing fine. Great for winter. No snow melt at all under me. And very comfortable. Just too heavy and bulky for backpacking.
 
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