I don't understand why you ignore the budget pads by Klymit?!? Super comfy, the uninsulated is super light and works for summer camping, which is when most new people start.😮
Hi @@JustinOutdoors At @GearPriority I left you today in a comment section, below Exped 5R pad review, an info about new Decathlon lightweight pad, surprisingly interesting.
Zenbivvy light mattress ? Reviews and comments please I have the Nemo tensor alpine ATM it's been good but zenbivvy light mattress looks alright ? But the aluminized film vs fully baffled synthetic insulation I'm not sure so any advice would be good cheers mate 👍
I work at REI and my number 1 pad I recommend to people is the Exped Ultra 3R. Around here most people are doing 3 season camping so the 2.9 is fine. One advantage I’ve found is that with the tubular design if you get a puncture it’ll be slightly easier to fix/find compared to something with more valleys and bumps
For me it has everything to do with attempting to side sleep on a pad that is so thin it bottoms out every time I turn and so narrow, it's only when it's freezing I can be certain I am even on it and if I manage to sleep at all, I wake up every time I turn because I roll off and during the summer, I mostly wake up stiff in my whole body, more often than not somewhere beside it after another horrible night.
Because sleeping on any pad almost always sucks. so we are always searching for a better one. Not soft plastic felling Makes to much noise Not enough padding pressure points To stiff,bouncing feeling To cold To big to heavy to small Etc etc etc. the key is to camp longer than a week. by then your so tired you are finally used to it and you sleep The struggle is real
Tried out the Helix a few weekends ago for the first time. As a side sleeper I wanted to try it out and it worked great. I didn’t wake up with a soar hip. I weigh around 212 and I’m 6’2 and I didn’t bottom out. Only complaint it the valve system being on the bottom and the fact that there 2 valves which can make it a little tricky fold and roll when you’re used to 1 valve.
Finally Exped gets some attention!!! I have been using the Exped Ultra 3R wide rectangle for two years now and love it. Comfortable, warm and no durability issues. I have used this pad at about 5 degrees Fahrenheit WITH a closed cell foam pad under it and been plenty warm. I am a side sleeper/flip flopper and have never sunk through this pad. I can’t speak highly enough of this product. I have never seen this pad on anyone else’s channel, I believe because it is not expensive enough. Thank you Justin for another great video… oh have you seen the new Temu pad?!? LOL Joke!
On the Ultra 3R, you stated wide and are showing the rectangular pad. The non-wide or the wide mummy get close to the weight you show, but all the specs I'm seeing are about 19oz for the reg/wide. Important since its winning the ultralight category!
Ive been running the sea to summit for about 5 yrs now. Warm enough in the wyoming winters for me (paired with a ground cloth and 1/16 foam pad) Durable, cozy. I cant recommend it enough
Big Agnes Boundry Deluxe is a phenomenal pad. I use the regular wide. It’s warm, quiet, spacious and so comfortable. I was actually speechless the first few times I used it. I was astonished how well it performed.
Hey Justin - true story, I just got back from the Boundary Waters and used the Helix based on your recommendation. Super comfy and helped keep me warm with overnight temps in the 40’s. Also very easy to inflate and deflate. THANKS!
If weight isnt that much of a problem for u, i can recommend the exped DURA series. Its the exact same as the ULTRA series, but its way more durable because of 75 D fabric on top and 170 D fabric on the bottom. Clearly it uses up a little more space in ur BP and weighs 1000 gramms but for me, the durability is worth it ( Never had a hole in mine in 1.5 years of heavy usage). I have been to norway and sweden and have slept on rocks, forest ground without any protection mat underneath. and not a single puncture hole.
FYI the DURA series pads currently on sale aren’t different material on top and bottom, they mix the 75 and 170 threads in a crossweave pattern. That way it’s lighter than straight up 170 denier fabric.
Justin. You are the standard when doing gear reviews for hiking gear. I love your channel. It’s been almost 2 years since your last electronics review for battery banks. I feel like electronics and new tech get released on the regular with a ton of new updates. What are you using now on the trail to charge everything? Are you still liking the nitecore 10000mah? Is there a big difference between the 10,000 and the 20,000 mA hour nitecore or do you carry 2 10000mah?
Nice video. I own the Exped 7R, Nemo Tensor EC, and the Zenbivy Flex. All of them are L/W. The Exped is my most comfortable (and thickest) but is a bit finicky to deal with because you have to make sure the down inside isn't packed crushed and is evenly distributed. It's wonderful when you get that sorted though. The Nemo Tensor EC is comfortable enough to be sure. I haven't had an issue with cold spots, but I have a theory on that (and it probably applies to all the reflective style insulation pads): If you don't have the pad entirely covered (sides and top) you'll wind up actually reflecting heat out of the pad where other air-retention systems (like the down in the Exped) won't. I'd be interested to see if you get better results by ensuring you are using a bag/quilt that entirely covers the pad. I did a side-by-side with the 7R and EC (my 10F Zenbivy Light on the Exped and my 40F EE Revelation on the EC). When I swapped at the coldest point of the night I found the Exped was slightly cooler than the EC but the added thermal range of the Zenbivy was now keeping me warmer, whereas the EC was allowing me to say under the EE with a much higher thermal limit well past its comfort limit; I got cold on top before having cold transfer up. The Zenbivy was a pad that initially felt pretty comfortable to me. The more I use it, the more I find it's really getting very close (maybe exceeding) the comfort of my Exped, and it's a good bit lighter but more importantly, packs WAY smaller (as does the EC which is nearly identical). I'd been having a bit of a stiff back and a couple of nights ago I did an overnight camp with my son and I was using this pad. About 30 minutes into laying on it my back popped and felt awesome! The support is so good on this thing, and it has an advantage due to the 4-way stretch material on top: You get the best thermal results if you have a pad pumped up toward it's upper limit, and normally that makes a pad less comfortable (like the EC) but that doesn't happen with this pad; it's still just as comfortable (maybe even more). That also keeps it warm, and one thing I noticed about this pad over the EC and Exped is how even the thermal distribution is; it's just warm everywhere which I presume has to do with the baffle system they employ. To be fair, I have NOT used this in extreme weather; the lows have been in the mid 40s with fairly low humidity at altitude (7600-8k'). I'm interested in the Helix because it seems like the price is good and has similar features to the Zenbivy, but the weight gives me pause. Maybe if it is more durable that could be a selling point, but ultimately I'm not sure the pricepoint is worth the weight penalty; while it seems like a lot, $60ish doesn't get you a whole lot these days and so that becomes a reasonable cost for a much lighter and (by your admission) just as comfortable pad. I'm interested to hear your thoughts.
Waiting for best ultralight sleeping bag according the comfort rate and budget options Need recommendations before I back to my home country and go hike, the coldest temperature of the mountains in Indonesia is around -5°c
I'm 280 and have not had issues with cold spots with the REI Helix when sleeping on my side. On cold nights I have felt the cold ground when shifting around... so 280 is pretty close to the top end though.
Mummy or rectangular? What would you recomend thermarest nxt rw or the rw max there is a 4 oz difference and is mummy or rectangular better and when sleeping in a tent with another pad does it slide around next to another rectangular pad? Or just annoying? Or falling off the mummy style? I have also heard mummy has less air to heat and is warmer? Im a side sleeper about 150lbs looking for all around pad and December colorado Rockies camping. Thanks! Any help would be great!
If you have the option to go rectangular, always go rectangular. Mummy can be important if you're going to stuff the sleeping pad into your sleeping bag. Rectangular is also useful because if you ever hammock camp, as you'll need insulation beneath you, and if you get a mummy style, it will not often wrap around you, whereas if you go with the rectangular style, you have a complete wraparound, with you as the warm burrito filling 🌯
I've the exped ultra 5r large mummy, and am honestly impressed a big lad like me is as comfortable on it as I am. I think it's because the length-wise baffles mean they have larger volume than width-wise baffles which allows for more range of compression as you lay on it and move about. No idea if that's true, though.
I must have the old version of the rapide SL unless I'm understanding the differences wrong. Mine is always SUPER warm and feels like a heated pad when I've been laying in one spot for at least a few minutes. Even down to freezing it's been a great warm pad for me. Never cold on the underside with that baby.
I’m curious to know why you prefer the vertical baffles to the horizontal ones? I’m interested in something for sleeping in my car on a raised platform, and R-value is not really important to me. Have an old Nemo (horizontal baffles) on top of a yoga mat, but I still “bottom out” quite a bit. (I weight 200 LB.)
As a side sleeper, how does the Exped Ultra 5R work for you as far as pressure points, numb arm or hands, etc? I'm a side sleeper as well and was dismissing it due to not having baffles like the REI Helix....
I guess it's all relative. I've just upgraded from a 25 year old Thermarest (so you can't fault the durability, longevity and value for money) to the new Nemo Tensor All-Season. By comparison my new pad is soooo warm and comfortable. I sleep better on it than I do in my bed. It's nice to see this pad in your review, and reassuring to know that I made a good choice and a wise investment. Whether or not it will last 25 years remains to be seen. I'll let you know! 😂
I recently bought the exped ultra 7R, the Nemo Tenser, extreme, and the REI helix to test out. For me the most comfortable was the exped, second was Nemo and third was helix. All still pretty nice, but but it was cool to test them side by side. My wife also agreed of the comfort in that order
Hi Justin. I know you are a big decathlon fan. Have you / are you planning to test the forclaz mt900 ? It seems great value for money based on specs. Also for ultra light category. Why no mention of thermarest uberlite? You’re sleeping pad reviews are second to none 👍
Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated 30x78 has been the most comfortable pad I've ever had. Rivals my actual bed. Costs 2.5 lbs - but I'm 6'4" 220 lbs, so things weigh more.
Still rocking my nemo tensor insulated pad just for the comfort. Though I do also always put a closed cell foam pad under my sleeping pad just so when I roll over I'm not putting my elbows and hips into the ground :)
I've read it sleeps colder than the stated R value (unfortunately S2S pads all seems to sleep a little colder than suggested by R rating). All comfortable though.
Nice vid ! I'm still waiting for your review of the new decathlon insulated pad ;) Also does the synthetic insulation makes the exped 3R more bulky to pack than an Xlite ? Thanks
I've watched this vid several times, intermixed with my own research and dozens of other reviews, including a fabric scientist who frequents the Pyrenees. As far as I can tell, without actually trying all of these options myself, I think you have hit every single important point and nailed _all_ of your recommendations. ∴ This is a remarkable roundup. Thanks for putting it together. I know that it represents literally years of experience. (The only other pad on my short list would be the Exped Ultra 5R (not Dura). Exped seems to know what they are doing.)
Would be curious to know how the updated Nemo tensors (non-extreme) rank. I know that they increased their R-value and they kind of rebranded their line a bit.
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks Justin. I picked up the Nemo Tensor (non-alpine) last year for like 40% off at MEC, and soon realized why... but haven't seen much comparing old and new. Nemo's new line is a LOT more simple than the old line with three orange pads, insulated and not. The new ones is simple to understand. I like it from a smart marketing perspective.
using the REI Helix and trekology pillow with nemo disco 15 degree bag in the Colorado Rockies. i end up sleeping with wool toe socks and alpha direct socks.😂
Love the reviews Justin, great how you covered multiple categories. Personally I have yet to find a light sleeping pad I enjoy, I might try another again after this review. My old Thermarest trail comfort is just so much more comfortable and warm. Light pads have been so noisy and don’t support as well and my self inflating ones. PS my old Dreamtime pad from Thermarest has been the best pad I have ever owned, car camping champion.
I can tell you now that the most comfortable sleeping of out there is the sea to summit comfort plus xt. It has the dimple baffle system but with dual air chambers so you can adjust it. It’s my go to winter pad due to the redundancy and it’s heavy but I’m glad I have one!
Cheers for the reply. Yeah the weight isn’t the best but for comfort it’s ridiculous and it’s toasty. I suppose you can’t have everything. I only use it on overnighters so I don’t mind it. At the end of the day it only another 500g. I also have a 40” Rapide SL (old version thankfully), 30” Q Core Deluxe, 25” Thermarest Topo Luxe, 25” Xlite NXT and 20” Tensor in the collection to cover all the bases.
I have 3 exped 5r wide, all my sleeping pads are expeds, My favourite is exped mega mat light 12, 1.3 kg R value 7+ and 77cm wide. I roll on that pad exactly like I roll at home.
Hi Justin, Thank you for the video. What is the coldest temperature you can go with the Exped Ultra 3R? I'm planning to do the AT next summer and would start in March. THANKS :)
Rab Ultrasphere is a great ultralight option too. Comfort between Xlite and Nemo Tensor, warmth closer to Xlite, packs way smaller than either and is pretty cheap
Can we talk about how quiet these are? It’s a big factor when buying for my family and we are all in one tent. I personally went for the Nemo tensor for this reason but I find it unreliable. I had a leak on day 5 (they did replace after I gave them some thoughts)
If r-value is irrelevant, is Sts Etherlight XT still the best option for comfort? I reside in Thailand, where my only options are sts, thermarest, and nemo.
Heard you mention it that you might not recommend a pad for comfort if “you’re over 200 lbs”. So what pad might you recommend if you were 210? As a taller hiker who’s been lifting weights for over 15 years, I’ve always just accepted that any pad just gives up if I sleep in certain positions… any suggestions?
FWIW I recently bought the Rapide despite your issues and took it out this weekend. I do probably sleep much warmer than the average person, but it was around low 40s, maybe high 30s and I was plenty warm both nights, if not too warm. Can’t say whether I got the old 2023 version or the new one as I didn’t inspect it, but just wanted to throw my 2 cents out there. Also very comfortable and I slept relatively well.
I just got back from a trip to Greenland. Used my 2024 BA Rapide SL every night for almost 2 weeks. Did not have any issues at all, despite the temperature dropping to just above freezing most nights. It's an excellent pad, although a bit heavy. I combined it with an EE Revelation 20F quilt and a sea-to-summit reactor liner.
To save some weight without sacrificing comfort OR warmth, take a look at the mummy version of the ultra 3r or ultra 5r for a little more warmth. They both come in Long-Wide versions. I’m a 6’1”, and the mummy version works GREAT for me.
I rock a 30 inch wide Q core deluxe. It weighs a lot but the rest of my gear is light so it's feasible. I bought 2 smaller lighter pads but I'm a big guy that sleeps on his back and its pretty much torture using them. I'd love something lighter but comfort and good sleep is key.
Awesome video so much information sad to see my nemo quazar didn't make the list , I need something watermelon enough down to 40 degrees f but best comfort for side sleeper
What would you suggest to help with katabatic quilt on a big Angnes pad, that creates the straps to be suspend above the pad and very distracting to sleep with.
Did you ever try the Thermarest Topo Luxe? I moved from the S2S Etherlight XT (it was failing in all the dimples) to the Topo Luxe. Been really happy with it! Went for the XL size for the 30" of width, and super comfy! Might be different in terms of comfort from the Thermarest XLite line.
I have this pad in 25” and it is great. The 4” thickness means that you can under inflate it and sink in. When buying my 30” wide pad I went for the Q Core Deluxe which is also very comfy. I didn’t want 2 topo luxe pads lol.
@JustinOutdoors The issue with the REI and the Zenbivy pads is that side sleepers can bottom out the pads due to the dimples. Did you experience this and what would you recommend as an alternative with a different design?
Time to give us your opinion on the newer MEC pads. Especially the VectAir UL 4S Insulated LW. Very warm and comfortable. Heavier, but possibly warmer and more comfy than the Helix or Rapide. Great dimpled baffles with both reflective and synthetic insulation.
I'm not in the market for a new sleeping pad but great comparison video. I'm still using the Nemo Tensor Insulated Regular Wide for my 3 season and the Nemo Tensor Alpine Mummy with the Nemo Switchback as my winter setup.
Did you get a chance to test the Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress? I see you reviewed the Flex, but the Ultralight seems like a stronger contender, since it's also very similar to the Helix but notably lighter. A reviewer on their site even compared it to the Helix directly.
I love my big Agnes pads but they really seem to be hit and miss with their insulation. I had issues with my q-core slx, insulation piling up in one corner of the pad in one of the baffles and the warranty replacement was the first gen rapide that sleeps warmer than the qcore I started with. For the price a few years ago I think they were the best option but these days I don’t know if I’d buy again. Big Agnes appears to be leaning towards the car camping and comfort market lately
I know you are having a more North American audience, but since you included REI, was wondering if you have any opinion about MEC pads for us Canadians? They have few models and are pretty competitive on price, especially when on sales (which happens often).
My Exped Synmat UL 7 just collapsed internally when I was testing it after few years of no use. 200 eur gone. I also do not like the color of Expeds because it is attracting bugs like honey.
You missed out the best all rounder by a mile. It costs less than $10₩ has an R rating of over 5, folds up really small and is hugely comfortable. I will never use another, its the onetigris obsidian sleeping pad. Took it on a 10 day long distance hike in scotland recently and it was amazing
I can second that if you are over 220 lbs the helix probably won’t work for you. At 35 degrees Fahrenheit I was getting cold spots and pressure points all night. While I haven’t tried the zenbivy pad, my ether light xt extreme (large) has kept me warm in colder temps and is super comfortable. It’s thicker which helps keep you off the ground, but cons are that it’s heavier and bulkier. So if the extra 5 oz and volume is a deal breaker and you weigh over 220 you’ll have to compromise on comfort. Having carried 100 lbs of elk meat out of the back country over many miles, I find it silly to worry about a few oz. I may not be a true ultra lighter but i love your content, keep it up! I wouldn’t mind seeing some “heavyweight” content sometime😂
Without caring about the price which is the most comfortable im going camping in a month and it’ll be my first time and I’ll be trying to go to sleep. Quick!
@justinoutdoors I am about to start the GDT and have switched to the Ultra Exped from the Nemo All-season based on this recommendation. I bought both the Exped Ultra 5R MW and the 3R MW, with the idea that I would start on the 5R for Section A (still snow up there) and switch to the 3R into Section B. I sleep average (neither hot nor cold) and have a GG thinlight that I will put under the pad on cold days (other wise it is under my Trekology pillow). Looking for advice - do you think I will be ok with just the 3R for the entire trip (with the GG 1/8" pad) or should i stick to the plan to bring the 5R for Section A.
The 3R would be cold on snow or cold/wet ground. Whether that is at the beginning or end of the trip. The 3R would probably be fine for the hotter middle July/August nights.
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
Ultra 3R: geni.us/Ultra3R
Xlite: geni.us/XliteNXT
Xtherm NXT: geni.us/xtherm
Ultra 7R: geni.us/Ultra7R
Tensor Extreme: geni.us/TensorExtreme
Oblivion: geni.us/OV-Oblivion
Recharge: geni.us/PariaRechargeXL
Helix: geni.us/HelixSleepingPad
Flex Air: geni.us/FlexliteAir
Ultra 5R: geni.us/Exped5R
Tensor All-Season: geni.us/TensorAllSeason
I don't understand why you ignore the budget pads by Klymit?!? Super comfy, the uninsulated is super light and works for summer camping, which is when most new people start.😮
@@pyronymph-868 I don't find them comfy and they have no warmth.
Hi @@JustinOutdoors At @GearPriority I left you today in a comment section, below Exped 5R pad review, an info about new Decathlon lightweight pad, surprisingly interesting.
Have you tried the Flextail mattress?
Zenbivvy light mattress ? Reviews and comments please I have the Nemo tensor alpine ATM it's been good but zenbivvy light mattress looks alright ? But the aluminized film vs fully baffled synthetic insulation I'm not sure so any advice would be good cheers mate 👍
I work at REI and my number 1 pad I recommend to people is the Exped Ultra 3R. Around here most people are doing 3 season camping so the 2.9 is fine. One advantage I’ve found is that with the tubular design if you get a puncture it’ll be slightly easier to fix/find compared to something with more valleys and bumps
Why do I find myself always looking forward to a good sleeping pad review 🙂
Was thinking the same thing, and I just bought one.
Same
For me it has everything to do with attempting to side sleep on a pad that is so thin it bottoms out every time I turn and so narrow, it's only when it's freezing I can be certain I am even on it and if I manage to sleep at all, I wake up every time I turn because I roll off and during the summer, I mostly wake up stiff in my whole body, more often than not somewhere beside it after another horrible night.
Its value info
Because sleeping on any pad almost always sucks. so we are always searching for a better one.
Not soft plastic felling
Makes to much noise
Not enough padding pressure points
To stiff,bouncing feeling
To cold
To big to heavy to small
Etc etc etc.
the key is to camp longer than a week. by then your so tired you are finally used to it and you sleep
The struggle is real
Tried out the Helix a few weekends ago for the first time. As a side sleeper I wanted to try it out and it worked great. I didn’t wake up with a soar hip. I weigh around 212 and I’m 6’2 and I didn’t bottom out. Only complaint it the valve system being on the bottom and the fact that there 2 valves which can make it a little tricky fold and roll when you’re used to 1 valve.
Finally Exped gets some attention!!! I have been using the Exped Ultra 3R wide rectangle for two years now and love it. Comfortable, warm and no durability issues. I have used this pad at about 5 degrees Fahrenheit WITH a closed cell foam pad under it and been plenty warm. I am a side sleeper/flip flopper and have never sunk through this pad. I can’t speak highly enough of this product.
I have never seen this pad on anyone else’s channel, I believe because it is not expensive enough. Thank you Justin for another great video… oh have you seen the new Temu pad?!? LOL Joke!
Amok UL is actually better
Yeah that’s crazy that if the pad isn’t $200 or more, people think it’s garbage.
The Exped 5R is really versatile. Good comfort, and warm enough (with CCF pad) to use on snow, and still relatively light and small.
On the Ultra 3R, you stated wide and are showing the rectangular pad. The non-wide or the wide mummy get close to the weight you show, but all the specs I'm seeing are about 19oz for the reg/wide. Important since its winning the ultralight category!
Ive been running the sea to summit for about 5 yrs now. Warm enough in the wyoming winters for me (paired with a ground cloth and 1/16 foam pad) Durable, cozy. I cant recommend it enough
Big Agnes Boundry Deluxe is a phenomenal pad. I use the regular wide. It’s warm, quiet, spacious and so comfortable. I was actually speechless the first few times I used it. I was astonished how well it performed.
Bought the REI Helix for my husband during the Labor Day sale! It is on sale for $118 right now.
Hey Justin - true story, I just got back from the Boundary Waters and used the Helix based on your recommendation. Super comfy and helped keep me warm with overnight temps in the 40’s. Also very easy to inflate and deflate. THANKS!
Thanks again, love how your reviews are “about the actual gear” rather then how cool it looks. Changed my mind on a lot of stuff.
If weight isnt that much of a problem for u, i can recommend the exped DURA series. Its the exact same as the ULTRA series, but its way more durable because of 75 D fabric on top and 170 D fabric on the bottom. Clearly it uses up a little more space in ur BP and weighs 1000 gramms but for me, the durability is worth it ( Never had a hole in mine in 1.5 years of heavy usage). I have been to norway and sweden and have slept on rocks, forest ground without any protection mat underneath. and not a single puncture hole.
which exped DURA would you recommend?
FYI the DURA series pads currently on sale aren’t different material on top and bottom, they mix the 75 and 170 threads in a crossweave pattern. That way it’s lighter than straight up 170 denier fabric.
Justin. You are the standard when doing gear reviews for hiking gear. I love your channel. It’s been almost 2 years since your last electronics review for battery banks. I feel like electronics and new tech get released on the regular with a ton of new updates. What are you using now on the trail to charge everything? Are you still liking the nitecore 10000mah? Is there a big difference between the 10,000 and the 20,000 mA hour nitecore or do you carry 2 10000mah?
Nice video. I own the Exped 7R, Nemo Tensor EC, and the Zenbivy Flex. All of them are L/W.
The Exped is my most comfortable (and thickest) but is a bit finicky to deal with because you have to make sure the down inside isn't packed crushed and is evenly distributed. It's wonderful when you get that sorted though.
The Nemo Tensor EC is comfortable enough to be sure. I haven't had an issue with cold spots, but I have a theory on that (and it probably applies to all the reflective style insulation pads): If you don't have the pad entirely covered (sides and top) you'll wind up actually reflecting heat out of the pad where other air-retention systems (like the down in the Exped) won't. I'd be interested to see if you get better results by ensuring you are using a bag/quilt that entirely covers the pad. I did a side-by-side with the 7R and EC (my 10F Zenbivy Light on the Exped and my 40F EE Revelation on the EC). When I swapped at the coldest point of the night I found the Exped was slightly cooler than the EC but the added thermal range of the Zenbivy was now keeping me warmer, whereas the EC was allowing me to say under the EE with a much higher thermal limit well past its comfort limit; I got cold on top before having cold transfer up.
The Zenbivy was a pad that initially felt pretty comfortable to me. The more I use it, the more I find it's really getting very close (maybe exceeding) the comfort of my Exped, and it's a good bit lighter but more importantly, packs WAY smaller (as does the EC which is nearly identical). I'd been having a bit of a stiff back and a couple of nights ago I did an overnight camp with my son and I was using this pad. About 30 minutes into laying on it my back popped and felt awesome! The support is so good on this thing, and it has an advantage due to the 4-way stretch material on top: You get the best thermal results if you have a pad pumped up toward it's upper limit, and normally that makes a pad less comfortable (like the EC) but that doesn't happen with this pad; it's still just as comfortable (maybe even more). That also keeps it warm, and one thing I noticed about this pad over the EC and Exped is how even the thermal distribution is; it's just warm everywhere which I presume has to do with the baffle system they employ. To be fair, I have NOT used this in extreme weather; the lows have been in the mid 40s with fairly low humidity at altitude (7600-8k').
I'm interested in the Helix because it seems like the price is good and has similar features to the Zenbivy, but the weight gives me pause. Maybe if it is more durable that could be a selling point, but ultimately I'm not sure the pricepoint is worth the weight penalty; while it seems like a lot, $60ish doesn't get you a whole lot these days and so that becomes a reasonable cost for a much lighter and (by your admission) just as comfortable pad.
I'm interested to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for you’re experience, that was very helpful!
That Thermarest orange sleeping bag with the arm holes looks amazing
Waiting for best ultralight sleeping bag according the comfort rate and budget options
Need recommendations before I back to my home country and go hike, the coldest temperature of the mountains in Indonesia is around -5°c
I finally bought a Helix during the last sale and found it bottomed out way too easily for me as a side sleeper. Returned it.
Hi Justin, What kind of slepping pads do you advice for side sleeper of 220 lbs ? Best regards from Switzerland
Are there any recommendations for larger people in terms of comfort? Pack weights not as much of an issue for issue but comfort is.
Did you test the Flextail ZERO MATTRESS R05?
On all the websites I’ve looked at the exped 5r is 23 ounces. Not 18? Where did you find 18 ounces?
He must have taken the weight for the Mummy Wide version which is listed at 18.9oz on the site.
Same with the 3r he said it's 15.4 oz. It's actually 19 oz....that's borderline no longer even ul....
I'm 280 and have not had issues with cold spots with the REI Helix when sleeping on my side. On cold nights I have felt the cold ground when shifting around... so 280 is pretty close to the top end though.
I'm 160 lbs and I love to REI Helix, I've had it down to 17 degrees F (on 3 different strips in Michigan) and stayed warmed, plus slept all night.
Can I get advice on a long-lasting inflatable mat that does not explode?
Would you give a slight edge in comfort to the REI Helix or Zenbivy Flex Air?
He said he'd give that to the REI Helix
Mummy or rectangular? What would you recomend thermarest nxt rw or the rw max there is a 4 oz difference and is mummy or rectangular better and when sleeping in a tent with another pad does it slide around next to another rectangular pad? Or just annoying? Or falling off the mummy style? I have also heard mummy has less air to heat and is warmer? Im a side sleeper about 150lbs looking for all around pad and December colorado Rockies camping.
Thanks! Any help would be great!
If you have the option to go rectangular, always go rectangular. Mummy can be important if you're going to stuff the sleeping pad into your sleeping bag. Rectangular is also useful because if you ever hammock camp, as you'll need insulation beneath you, and if you get a mummy style, it will not often wrap around you, whereas if you go with the rectangular style, you have a complete wraparound, with you as the warm burrito filling 🌯
This is the most informative video I’ve seen with no fluff. Very well done. Appreciate it!
How cold could you comfortably use the nemo tensor all season?
I've the exped ultra 5r large mummy, and am honestly impressed a big lad like me is as comfortable on it as I am. I think it's because the length-wise baffles mean they have larger volume than width-wise baffles which allows for more range of compression as you lay on it and move about. No idea if that's true, though.
I must have the old version of the rapide SL unless I'm understanding the differences wrong. Mine is always SUPER warm and feels like a heated pad when I've been laying in one spot for at least a few minutes. Even down to freezing it's been a great warm pad for me. Never cold on the underside with that baby.
I’m curious to know why you prefer the vertical baffles to the horizontal ones? I’m interested in something for sleeping in my car on a raised platform, and R-value is not really important to me. Have an old Nemo (horizontal baffles) on top of a yoga mat, but I still “bottom out” quite a bit. (I weight 200 LB.)
As a side sleeper, how does the Exped Ultra 5R work for you as far as pressure points, numb arm or hands, etc? I'm a side sleeper as well and was dismissing it due to not having baffles like the REI Helix....
Pretty good! The stretchy-ish material helps goes a long way. I don't get numb arm with it.
I have been using the 3r for two years, am 200 plus pounds and a side sleeper. I love it.
@@matt67524 what’s the coldest temperature you’ve used your exped 3r? Thanks
I guess it's all relative.
I've just upgraded from a 25 year old Thermarest (so you can't fault the durability, longevity and value for money) to the new Nemo Tensor All-Season.
By comparison my new pad is soooo warm and comfortable. I sleep better on it than I do in my bed.
It's nice to see this pad in your review, and reassuring to know that I made a good choice and a wise investment.
Whether or not it will last 25 years remains to be seen.
I'll let you know! 😂
I recently bought the exped ultra 7R, the Nemo Tenser, extreme, and the REI helix to test out. For me the most comfortable was the exped, second was Nemo and third was helix. All still pretty nice, but but it was cool to test them side by side. My wife also agreed of the comfort in that order
Hi Justin. I know you are a big decathlon fan. Have you / are you planning to test the forclaz mt900 ? It seems great value for money based on specs. Also for ultra light category. Why no mention of thermarest uberlite? You’re sleeping pad reviews are second to none 👍
Have you tried the new MT900 sleeping pad from Decathlon? It’s a 5.4 R. Value pad
Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated 30x78 has been the most comfortable pad I've ever had. Rivals my actual bed. Costs 2.5 lbs - but I'm 6'4" 220 lbs, so things weigh more.
hi
in the Very cold Canadian trips -- I saw that you use a reflective ground cover
what is that ?
that you Peter
Still rocking my nemo tensor insulated pad just for the comfort. Though I do also always put a closed cell foam pad under my sleeping pad just so when I roll over I'm not putting my elbows and hips into the ground :)
Can you share more about perceived noise levels when lying on the pads? Thanks for making this video.
I can only comment on the Big Agnes Boundry Deluxe which is a really quiet mat.
For warmth, what do you think of the
Sea to Summit
Ether Light XT Extreme Mat?
I've read it sleeps colder than the stated R value (unfortunately S2S pads all seems to sleep a little colder than suggested by R rating). All comfortable though.
Nice vid ! I'm still waiting for your review of the new decathlon insulated pad ;)
Also does the synthetic insulation makes the exped 3R more bulky to pack than an Xlite ? Thanks
Good to see the olé trusted Helix is still there🙌 got my fiancé and me both one after your sleeping pad video from last yr and LOVE IT
I've watched this vid several times, intermixed with my own research and dozens of other reviews, including a fabric scientist who frequents the Pyrenees.
As far as I can tell, without actually trying all of these options myself, I think you have hit every single important point and nailed _all_ of your recommendations.
∴ This is a remarkable roundup. Thanks for putting it together. I know that it represents literally years of experience.
(The only other pad on my short list would be the Exped Ultra 5R (not Dura). Exped seems to know what they are doing.)
Would be curious to know how the updated Nemo tensors (non-extreme) rank. I know that they increased their R-value and they kind of rebranded their line a bit.
The Tensor All-Season is a solid all-around option. Where is drops off relative to the Ultra 5R is womfort.
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks Justin. I picked up the Nemo Tensor (non-alpine) last year for like 40% off at MEC, and soon realized why... but haven't seen much comparing old and new.
Nemo's new line is a LOT more simple than the old line with three orange pads, insulated and not. The new ones is simple to understand. I like it from a smart marketing perspective.
I just bought the new Naturehike R8.8 and a little disappointed that it is not featured.
If you have any info on this I'd love your opinion.
Have you seen the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft yet? Would love to hear your thoughts on it.
using the REI Helix and trekology pillow with nemo disco 15 degree bag in the Colorado Rockies. i end up sleeping with wool toe socks and alpha direct socks.😂
Love the reviews Justin, great how you covered multiple categories. Personally I have yet to find a light sleeping pad I enjoy, I might try another again after this review. My old Thermarest trail comfort is just so much more comfortable and warm. Light pads have been so noisy and don’t support as well and my self inflating ones. PS my old Dreamtime pad from Thermarest has been the best pad I have ever owned, car camping champion.
Can you buy REI products in Canada without ordering from the USA?
I can tell you now that the most comfortable sleeping of out there is the sea to summit comfort plus xt. It has the dimple baffle system but with dual air chambers so you can adjust it. It’s my go to winter pad due to the redundancy and it’s heavy but I’m glad I have one!
I love the design but over 1kg for a pad is getting out of the realm of backpacking pads for me. Hopefully the weight comes down!
Cheers for the reply. Yeah the weight isn’t the best but for comfort it’s ridiculous and it’s toasty. I suppose you can’t have everything. I only use it on overnighters so I don’t mind it. At the end of the day it only another 500g.
I also have a 40” Rapide SL (old version thankfully), 30” Q Core Deluxe, 25” Thermarest Topo Luxe, 25” Xlite NXT and 20” Tensor in the collection to cover all the bases.
So, the REI Helix and Zenbivy Flex beats out the Etherlight XT now?
How would you compare the warmth of the Xlite, rei helix, and Zenbivy flex air?
I have 3 exped 5r wide, all my sleeping pads are expeds, My favourite is exped mega mat light 12, 1.3 kg R value 7+ and 77cm wide. I roll on that pad exactly like I roll at home.
Hi Justin, Thank you for the video.
What is the coldest temperature you can go with the Exped Ultra 3R?
I'm planning to do the AT next summer and would start in March.
THANKS :)
I started feeling some cold at around freezing on pretty warm ground. It's definitely a warm temp pad.
Rab Ultrasphere is a great ultralight option too. Comfort between Xlite and Nemo Tensor, warmth closer to Xlite, packs way smaller than either and is pretty cheap
I don't trust pad in 20D anymore, especially when they have so many welds.
@@tt-of4xv We shall see how it fares. I think it depends more on the process and the TPU coating than the denier of the fabric
Can we talk about how quiet these are? It’s a big factor when buying for my family and we are all in one tent. I personally went for the Nemo tensor for this reason but I find it unreliable. I had a leak on day 5 (they did replace after I gave them some thoughts)
@justin outdoords When price doesnt matter, which matress is more comfortable? The Rei Helix or the Zenbivy Flex Air?
If r-value is irrelevant, is Sts Etherlight XT still the best option for comfort? I reside in Thailand, where my only options are sts, thermarest, and nemo.
Heard you mention it that you might not recommend a pad for comfort if “you’re over 200 lbs”. So what pad might you recommend if you were 210? As a taller hiker who’s been lifting weights for over 15 years, I’ve always just accepted that any pad just gives up if I sleep in certain positions… any suggestions?
The Exped Ultra line is something I would take a look at along with the Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe.
FWIW I recently bought the Rapide despite your issues and took it out this weekend. I do probably sleep much warmer than the average person, but it was around low 40s, maybe high 30s and I was plenty warm both nights, if not too warm. Can’t say whether I got the old 2023 version or the new one as I didn’t inspect it, but just wanted to throw my 2 cents out there. Also very comfortable and I slept relatively well.
Check the R value on the bag, should be 4.8 if it's the new one
I just got back from a trip to Greenland. Used my 2024 BA Rapide SL every night for almost 2 weeks. Did not have any issues at all, despite the temperature dropping to just above freezing most nights. It's an excellent pad, although a bit heavy. I combined it with an EE Revelation 20F quilt and a sea-to-summit reactor liner.
have EXped stopped their long vertical baffles from internally tearing now?
That seems to be the case over the last couple of generations
To save some weight without sacrificing comfort OR warmth, take a look at the mummy version of the ultra 3r or ultra 5r for a little more warmth. They both come in Long-Wide versions. I’m a 6’1”, and the mummy version works GREAT for me.
I rock a 30 inch wide Q core deluxe. It weighs a lot but the rest of my gear is light so it's feasible. I bought 2 smaller lighter pads but I'm a big guy that sleeps on his back and its pretty much torture using them. I'd love something lighter but comfort and good sleep is key.
The REI Helix is my go to pad even in winter (17 F). Its super comfy, quite, and warm.
Awesome video so much information sad to see my nemo quazar didn't make the list , I need something watermelon enough down to 40 degrees f but best comfort for side sleeper
Have you ever slept on any MEC sleeping pads, like the VectAir Insulated UL 3S? I’d love to hear your review on those.
What would you suggest to help with katabatic quilt on a big Angnes pad, that creates the straps to be suspend above the pad and very distracting to sleep with.
The Ultra 5R Medium Wide version is listed as 23.1oz not the 18.8oz listed in the video. Is that your own measurement?
Sorry, it's for my measurements of the reg/wide mummy version. I should have put the weight for the reg/wide square.
Did you ever try the Thermarest Topo Luxe? I moved from the S2S Etherlight XT (it was failing in all the dimples) to the Topo Luxe. Been really happy with it! Went for the XL size for the 30" of width, and super comfy! Might be different in terms of comfort from the Thermarest XLite line.
I have this pad in 25” and it is great. The 4” thickness means that you can under inflate it and sink in. When buying my 30” wide pad I went for the Q Core Deluxe which is also very comfy. I didn’t want 2 topo luxe pads lol.
@JustinOutdoors The issue with the REI and the Zenbivy pads is that side sleepers can bottom out the pads due to the dimples. Did you experience this and what would you recommend as an alternative with a different design?
Thanks for imput, I really needed this comparison and I wondered how Big Agnes performs in 2024.
Time to give us your opinion on the newer MEC pads. Especially the VectAir UL 4S Insulated LW. Very warm and comfortable. Heavier, but possibly warmer and more comfy than the Helix or Rapide. Great dimpled baffles with both reflective and synthetic insulation.
what about the xped ultra 7r?
How about thermarest uberlite
Please test the new forclaz 900 from Decathlon!
Xlite is the best all around pad for me. The Uber light doesn't even deserve a thought. And the xtherm performance is phenomenal
I'm not in the market for a new sleeping pad but great comparison video. I'm still using the Nemo Tensor Insulated Regular Wide for my 3 season and the Nemo Tensor Alpine Mummy with the Nemo Switchback as my winter setup.
Great video. I find myself coming back to it again and again for reference.
Everyone talks about the exped 3r or 5r what is your thoughts on the 7r for winter camping under 20F
Still need to test it
@@JustinOutdoors Oo can’t wait I want to get into a colder climate and the Nemo tensor insulated isn’t cutting it keep the great videos up!!
Did you get a chance to test the Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress? I see you reviewed the Flex, but the Ultralight seems like a stronger contender, since it's also very similar to the Helix but notably lighter. A reviewer on their site even compared it to the Helix directly.
Yup. I have a video comparing the Helix to the zenviby UL
@@JustinOutdoors I see it now don’t know how it slipped past me. Thanks!
I love my big Agnes pads but they really seem to be hit and miss with their insulation. I had issues with my q-core slx, insulation piling up in one corner of the pad in one of the baffles and the warranty replacement was the first gen rapide that sleeps warmer than the qcore I started with. For the price a few years ago I think they were the best option but these days I don’t know if I’d buy again. Big Agnes appears to be leaning towards the car camping and comfort market lately
When the new Rapide came out I knew it would be worse. Thankfully I have the old version.
@@mulreid What size is your older version of the Big Agnes Rapide SL, and what's the lowest that you slept with it whilst still being comfortable?
@@TheEffortlessMan Hi, mine is the 40" wide. I have slept on it down to 0C / 32F with no issues. It doesn't get that cold in the UK.
@@mulreid I don’t think it gets that much colder here in Australia too. Thanks for your reply. God bless.
What about the Flex gear zero RO 5 ????
Try the big Agnus divide, its a great affordable pad (sub 100$ in places) and nobody seems to be reveiwing despite is being an amazing pad.
It's much heavier than the mentioned pads; most likely not suitable for ultralight classification.
Great comparison Justin Indoors!
Awesome review!! Wish the flextail pad was on here 😆
No Nemo Quasar in the comfort category? big and a bit heavy and not all that warm but wow is it comfy for me.
For me, him stating the Xtherm is uncomfortable is a deal breaker
I know you are having a more North American audience, but since you included REI, was wondering if you have any opinion about MEC pads for us Canadians? They have few models and are pretty competitive on price, especially when on sales (which happens often).
They are a good price and comfortable but then are heavy for the warmth.
My Exped Synmat UL 7 just collapsed internally when I was testing it after few years of no use. 200 eur gone. I also do not like the color of Expeds because it is attracting bugs like honey.
You missed out the best all rounder by a mile. It costs less than $10₩ has an R rating of over 5, folds up really small and is hugely comfortable. I will never use another, its the onetigris obsidian sleeping pad. Took it on a 10 day long distance hike in scotland recently and it was amazing
Should say $100
Intex dropped one as well called the trueair sleeping mat , no reviews anywhere on it , even Amazon 😵💫
I can second that if you are over 220 lbs the helix probably won’t work for you. At 35 degrees Fahrenheit I was getting cold spots and pressure points all night. While I haven’t tried the zenbivy pad, my ether light xt extreme (large) has kept me warm in colder temps and is super comfortable. It’s thicker which helps keep you off the ground, but cons are that it’s heavier and bulkier. So if the extra 5 oz and volume is a deal breaker and you weigh over 220 you’ll have to compromise on comfort. Having carried 100 lbs of elk meat out of the back country over many miles, I find it silly to worry about a few oz.
I may not be a true ultra lighter but i love your content, keep it up! I wouldn’t mind seeing some “heavyweight” content sometime😂
I just learned thermarest makes a 4 inch thick neo air. I wonder how that does for us big guys
Without caring about the price which is the most comfortable im going camping in a month and it’ll be my first time and I’ll be trying to go to sleep. Quick!
@justinoutdoors I am about to start the GDT and have switched to the Ultra Exped from the Nemo All-season based on this recommendation. I bought both the Exped Ultra 5R MW and the 3R MW, with the idea that I would start on the 5R for Section A (still snow up there) and switch to the 3R into Section B. I sleep average (neither hot nor cold) and have a GG thinlight that I will put under the pad on cold days (other wise it is under my Trekology pillow). Looking for advice - do you think I will be ok with just the 3R for the entire trip (with the GG 1/8" pad) or should i stick to the plan to bring the 5R for Section A.
The 3R would be cold on snow or cold/wet ground. Whether that is at the beginning or end of the trip. The 3R would probably be fine for the hotter middle July/August nights.
@@JustinOutdoors Do you think the GG 1/8" pad might be enough to push it over the edge for that early/late sections?
You need to have a lol at the rab ultrasphere and the mountain equipment mirrostat they are both great contenders for this list
Rab wasn't interested in providing one for review and I can't find any in stock for purchase in Canada.
@@JustinOutdoors ah ok - in future message me and we could work something out I work in a camping shop in the uk
Perfect Timing!
Thermarest… especially for their post purchase service! Also warranty ❤
Thanks for the video.
Come on Justin! Tell me what's better than a Nemo All Season! I'm on the fence and not comfortable on my X-lite!
I still have some more testing to do, but my thoughts so far are it's warmer and more comfortable than the previous Tensor (and the xlite).