The Exped MegaMat 10 looks right at home in the forest. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
It’s hard to call yourself outdoorsy if you don’t camp. I don’t care how many hikes you do, how many rivers you run, or do anything else outside if you don’t spend at least a few weekends a year sleeping in a tent. But I get it, not everyone is super hardcore and wants to sleep on the ground, and that’s okay. Luckily these days there are numerous options for sleeping pads out there to dial in your comfort so you wake up happy, no matter where you are. But after testing dozens of sleeping pads of all shapes and sizes, one rose to the top: the Expad MegaMat 10 ($240).
The MegaMat’s simple design has been perfected over the last decade to bring a model that is ready for basecamp in the high alpine, or simply your living room floor for your sister and her dog when they come to visit. There are a few main reasons why this sleeping pad in particular was a favorite, so I’ll dive in below to share with you the findings over the past three months of testing it out in the coast mountains of British Columbia.
For other great sleeping pads for camping, check out our full list of the Best Camping Sleeping Pads.
| Pros | Cons |
| Super comfortable | Mini pump takes a while to fully inflate |
| Easy to set up | Bulky |
| Exceptional insulation | Material is prone to stains |
Exped MegaMat 10: First Impressions
Weight: 73 oz
Thickness: 4 in
Materials: Open-cell foam, polyester
R-Value: 8.1
The MegaMat 10 is on the larger side of sleeping pads, so there’s no question that you will probably opt for something else for long backpacking trips. The original intention of this mat was for basecamp on high-altitude mountaineering expeditions, so they never intended for you to schlep it into a campsite with an overloaded pack. But at four and a half pounds, it’s not going to break your back if you need to move it from the car to the campsite.
It comes vacuum-packed for easy transport, so the first use will most likely be the smallest you’ll ever see it packed up. As such, it takes a while for it to fully inflate the first go-around. It comes supplied with a mini pump to top off once it does self-inflate, which is nice, but it does take a while to get it fully inflated. Once the pad has had some room to stretch out, the self-inflating feature won’t take as long. But the mini-pump, while handy, definitely takes a bit of time to get enough air flowing into it to be sleep-ready.
But once it was time to sleep, the mat was as comfortable as it comes for something in this class, or any class of camping sleeping pads, for that matter. The foam has just enough cushion to mold to your body, and with a simple release valve, you can let some air out if it’s a bit too firm. All in all, I found this mat to give me the best night’s sleep, which really is the only metric that anyone cares about.
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Notable Features of the Exped MegaMat 10
Exped uses a double valve system on their sleeping pads, making for a worry-free inflation experience where other mats might lose all their air on a simple slip-up. With a one-way valve on the inflating side, the only way you can really screw it up is if you open up the deflate valve prematurely. Having the valves placed on the end of the mat on the sidewalls is less risky. The valves also have a low profile and don’t protrude out, making accidental knocks during a midnight bathroom break a very rare occurrence.
The mini pump is another great feature, allowing you to inflate the mat without needing to use your lungs or an external pump. While convenient, it’s not exactly the fastest way to pump up your mat, but hopefully, you’re not stressed for time if you’re out camping.
The included mini pump makes topping up a breeze. Although small, it can also double as a makeshift pillow. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
But perhaps the best feature of the MegaMat 10 — and what places it in a category above the competition — is how warm it is. With an R-value of 8.1, it’s rated to insulate for temperatures as low as -40º. If you’re camping out on anything colder than that, then a good night’s sleep is probably the least of your worries.
All rolled up, and all packed up. For the size of the pad, it actually packs up pretty well. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Drawbacks of the Exped MegaMat 10
Exped proudly states that the MegaMat is made without any Durable Water Repellant (DWR) or PFAS “Forever” chemicals. This is a huge win for the environment, however, it does mean that it’ll soak up whatever is on top of it. I had to find this out the hard way while camping with a toddler. So if you’re looking for a stain-free experience, be aware that this mat will end up looking well-loved if you do indeed have a few spills along the way. But at the end of the day, it’s probably better to have a few marks on the mat than to have the mat shedding unwanted byproducts into the wilderness.
And while this mat provides a luxurious sleeping experience, it comes at a cost, which is bulk. It weighs more than many tents out on the market today, and as such, you probably don’t want to be doing long hikes while carrying a bunch of other stuff as well. But for those circumstances, there are plenty of sleeping pads that are lightweight and pack up small. But don’t think that this is a one-size-fits-all type of situation. Exped does not hide this fact by calling it a basecamp mat, but just keep your expectations in check for how far you can take this into the backcountry.
The Tricot polyester face fabric on top of the MegaMat 10 is smooth to the touch, a welcome change from many sleeping pads. Photo: Steve Andrews/The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The Exped MegaMat 10 gives a fantastic sleep experience far from the comforts of home. It’s easy to inflate (however not exactly instantaneous), is made to last, and can be used for much more than camping. If optimum comfort is on your checklist for a good night outside, then this just may be the sleeping pad that will help you have a much-needed night out under the stars.
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Editor’s Note: Don’t miss the rest of our guide to the Best Camping Sleeping Pads. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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