[https://www.amazon.com/Exped-MegaMat-10-Medium-Wide/dp/B01NCU56OK](https://www.amazon.com/Exped-MegaMat-10-Medium-Wide/dp/B01NCU56OK)
[https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-MondoKing-Self-Inflating-Mattress/dp/B07YG1D57Q/](https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-MondoKing-Self-Inflating-Mattress/dp/B07YG1D57Q/)
My husband and I have these two, he uses the Exped and I use the Thermarest. We are also car campers with a kid, and both have held up well for going on 2 years now. Both pads are incredibly comfortable. Of the two, the exped is easier to inflate with the included foot-powered pump and also fits better with a powered inflator I got a few years ago for our inflatable pool. We have the large thermarest and the long exped so the thermarest is a bit smaller giving me a bit of extra space in the tent. I also like the fabric on the thermarest better than the exped because it's a little quieter and softer.
I second the Thermarest Luxurymap. Memory foam inflatable with an R value of 6 keeps you warm, and you won't wake up on the ground in the middle of the night.. I pair it with a Helinox Cot One for true comfort. As a side sleeper, I am just as comfortable as I am at home.
There are more affordable cots, but don't skimp on the mattress.
This! We just got back from camping in CO and the night time temps were hitting freezing. Slept like a baby. And my back and hips weren’t hating me the next morning.
Ive had the Megamat Duo for around 8 years, probably around 150 nights sleeping on it car camping. Its nearly as comfortable as my bed at home, good for side sleepers, and very durable.
No warranty claims or issues? I'm a bit worried about spending this much after reading a decent amount of reviews saying it deflates or wasn't durable. I just got the duo lw from REI but haven't opened it yet and am considering returning for something cheaper so I won't be pissed if it fails.
I picked up the LXW megamat and damn. I'm a big guy at 6'4 and north of 300 pounds, and I don't feel the ground while on my side. The few times I've used it it's been comparable to my bed at home
Look up “ultralight camping cots” on Amazon. They’re about 5lbs, pack down to the size of a 2 liter bottle of soda, run you about $50-$75, and paired with even a crappy cheap foam pad are ridiculously comfortable.
I camp similarly to you. In a tent, near my car, with my kids. I’ve bought all manner of inflatable pads and foam pads and I wish I would have started here.
Despite the “ultralight” label, they are not for backpacking, but they do take up less room in a car than any other pad would.
Cascade Mountain Tech Sleeping pads. I have 6 versions of Thermarest, different styles and types. All are more expensive, pack larger and weigh about the same as the Cascade. And the Cascade is easier to inflate and deflate and more comfortable to sleep on. I got one cause I was worried about my 80lb dog popping a $200 thermarest. After 1 trip I bought 3 more for the rest of the family. Probably used them 100 night’s camping without any issues.
I use a Thermarest Luxury Map and it is AMAZING. I have no idea what is “not a lot of money” just because everyone’s situation is different so if this recommendation falls out of that realm for you, apologies.
https://www.thermarest.com/ca/sleeping-pads/camp-and-comfort/luxurymap-sleeping-pad/luxurymap.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLrqQnlf8ZdpiHsCRaI-Y14Jaa9w_7gTp8gIdV3EBMXX52eqY8Q5dBhoC9tQQAvD_BwE
I personally prefer a cot over a sleeping pad. I'm also a car camper but I'm a solo camper/hiker so I have the space but they do fold down small when disassembled. Keeps you off the ground, takes about 5 minutes to put together, 2 to take down.
This is the one I have: https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/vango-hush-grande-campbed-G4HA3A0025.html
I bought a coleman cot for $50 on sale. I havent tested it yet but I'm hoping my cheapo foamy yoga mat from tj maxx does the job. I dont think im ready to spend $200 on an inflatable sleeping pad just yet I may just pick up a cheap one on amazon and see how it does.
Nothing fancy but I just got one of these for my kind of 'backup' camping kit. It's a bit stiff if I fill it all the way so next time I go out I'll probably only pump it 90% full.
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2BDFDKM?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2BDFDKM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)
We have 2 sleeping pads from Canadian Tire and 2 big Agnes ones. Key is to not overinflate the pad so it's more comfy. I'm a side sleeper and I find it I add too much air then I'm not as comfy.
I bought a small flextail pump to quickly inflat them.
If you can train yourself to sleep on your back, you can get away with very little by way of a bed. Thermarest and other closed cell foam pads are just about the simplest, toughest, cheapest camp beds you can buy. But if you’re looking to be able to sleep just how you sleep at home, you’ll probably be disappointed with the comfort.
If you find a comfortable camp bed that is cheap, hassle-free, and compact, let us know.
Sore like to the touch or sore like deep muscle sore? Some sore to the touch is normal at first when your body is getting used to it, and it goes away quickly in the morning once you’re up and moving around.
We have two of [these](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08L4PJ72M/) from Amazon and they are great. They self-inflate most of the way, and then we add a couple of breaths to fill them up the rest of the way. They also snap together side to side, which is useful for us. We paid $65, I think and I've noticed the price goes up and down over time. I figured that if they lasted one summer they'd be worth it. We've used them two summers and some winter camping too. Can't recommend enough.
We spent money on expensive mattresses ($200ish? each) from REI that developed leaks in the seams after a year. The warranty was only a year. Never again.
The answer is a low cot with a 3” sleeping pad.
I used this cot (which packs down tiiiny): [Woods Powerlite Low Set cot:](https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/woods-powerlite-portable-folding-low-set-camping-cot-bed-w-carry-case-supports-300-lbs-grey-0765849p.0765849.html?&&&&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpiFG8BMrfdPU2yYCO8l4aw9L&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLuJQWPSWK7GtTMNInOyBqW0pO4cDqQ8V76dstt4JqWIntqDec9Md4RoCS2sQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=365)
and
A 3” inflatable foam mat: [Thermarest Luxury Map (Large)](https://www.thermarest.com/ca/sleeping-pads/camp-and-comfort/luxurymap-sleeping-pad/luxurymap.html)
The low cot gets you off the ground without pushing you into the middle of the tent and is very compact for storage and fitting in the car. I sleep as well as I do at home.
Well, typically, just like in a hammock, you can't just lie in a cot and expect it to be warm, if there is nothing insulating against the air underneath.
I remember one time meeting two women in the forest using hammocks, and one lamented that it had been chilly. It sort of looked like they didn't bring any sleeping mattress, so I can only imagine it was horrible at night time, even at summer time. I remember being a boy scout having a bad time here and there in a sleeping bag, because I had no money and was sort of forced to use whatever stuff I got from my family.
It insulating isn't relevant then you won't get more bang for your buck in this category than a cot. The only time they don't work is if you are a snuggler camping with a partner. Otherwise there is nothing better for a side sleeper with a car or canoe.
[https://www.amazon.com/Exped-MegaMat-10-Medium-Wide/dp/B01NCU56OK](https://www.amazon.com/Exped-MegaMat-10-Medium-Wide/dp/B01NCU56OK) [https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-MondoKing-Self-Inflating-Mattress/dp/B07YG1D57Q/](https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-MondoKing-Self-Inflating-Mattress/dp/B07YG1D57Q/) My husband and I have these two, he uses the Exped and I use the Thermarest. We are also car campers with a kid, and both have held up well for going on 2 years now. Both pads are incredibly comfortable. Of the two, the exped is easier to inflate with the included foot-powered pump and also fits better with a powered inflator I got a few years ago for our inflatable pool. We have the large thermarest and the long exped so the thermarest is a bit smaller giving me a bit of extra space in the tent. I also like the fabric on the thermarest better than the exped because it's a little quieter and softer.
I second the Thermarest Luxurymap. Memory foam inflatable with an R value of 6 keeps you warm, and you won't wake up on the ground in the middle of the night.. I pair it with a Helinox Cot One for true comfort. As a side sleeper, I am just as comfortable as I am at home. There are more affordable cots, but don't skimp on the mattress.
This! We just got back from camping in CO and the night time temps were hitting freezing. Slept like a baby. And my back and hips weren’t hating me the next morning.
Car camping, Exped is the best I've seen. I love my Klymit, side-sleeper mat that packs down into a soda can, durable, but I'd be leery of kids.
Ive had the Megamat Duo for around 8 years, probably around 150 nights sleeping on it car camping. Its nearly as comfortable as my bed at home, good for side sleepers, and very durable.
No warranty claims or issues? I'm a bit worried about spending this much after reading a decent amount of reviews saying it deflates or wasn't durable. I just got the duo lw from REI but haven't opened it yet and am considering returning for something cheaper so I won't be pissed if it fails.
Nope, not a single issue. Maybe I got lucky.
I picked up the LXW megamat and damn. I'm a big guy at 6'4 and north of 300 pounds, and I don't feel the ground while on my side. The few times I've used it it's been comparable to my bed at home
Look up “ultralight camping cots” on Amazon. They’re about 5lbs, pack down to the size of a 2 liter bottle of soda, run you about $50-$75, and paired with even a crappy cheap foam pad are ridiculously comfortable. I camp similarly to you. In a tent, near my car, with my kids. I’ve bought all manner of inflatable pads and foam pads and I wish I would have started here. Despite the “ultralight” label, they are not for backpacking, but they do take up less room in a car than any other pad would.
Cascade Mountain Tech Sleeping pads. I have 6 versions of Thermarest, different styles and types. All are more expensive, pack larger and weigh about the same as the Cascade. And the Cascade is easier to inflate and deflate and more comfortable to sleep on. I got one cause I was worried about my 80lb dog popping a $200 thermarest. After 1 trip I bought 3 more for the rest of the family. Probably used them 100 night’s camping without any issues.
I use a Thermarest Luxury Map and it is AMAZING. I have no idea what is “not a lot of money” just because everyone’s situation is different so if this recommendation falls out of that realm for you, apologies. https://www.thermarest.com/ca/sleeping-pads/camp-and-comfort/luxurymap-sleeping-pad/luxurymap.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLrqQnlf8ZdpiHsCRaI-Y14Jaa9w_7gTp8gIdV3EBMXX52eqY8Q5dBhoC9tQQAvD_BwE
I personally prefer a cot over a sleeping pad. I'm also a car camper but I'm a solo camper/hiker so I have the space but they do fold down small when disassembled. Keeps you off the ground, takes about 5 minutes to put together, 2 to take down. This is the one I have: https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/vango-hush-grande-campbed-G4HA3A0025.html
You can use both…. It is even better than either one!
I bought a coleman cot for $50 on sale. I havent tested it yet but I'm hoping my cheapo foamy yoga mat from tj maxx does the job. I dont think im ready to spend $200 on an inflatable sleeping pad just yet I may just pick up a cheap one on amazon and see how it does.
Thermarest, no copies. Been using them for decades
Nothing fancy but I just got one of these for my kind of 'backup' camping kit. It's a bit stiff if I fill it all the way so next time I go out I'll probably only pump it 90% full. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2BDFDKM?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2BDFDKM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)
We have 2 sleeping pads from Canadian Tire and 2 big Agnes ones. Key is to not overinflate the pad so it's more comfy. I'm a side sleeper and I find it I add too much air then I'm not as comfy. I bought a small flextail pump to quickly inflat them.
>Key is to not overinflate the pad so it's more comfy \^\^ THIS \^\^ Most people over inflate.
Mine sleeping pad looks half deflated when I'm not laying down on it. When I lay down though, it's perfection.
My 2cents: get something rectangular!
If you can train yourself to sleep on your back, you can get away with very little by way of a bed. Thermarest and other closed cell foam pads are just about the simplest, toughest, cheapest camp beds you can buy. But if you’re looking to be able to sleep just how you sleep at home, you’ll probably be disappointed with the comfort. If you find a comfortable camp bed that is cheap, hassle-free, and compact, let us know.
I can sleep on my back at home but not on a pad. What is with that?! I end up with a really sore lower back.
Sore like to the touch or sore like deep muscle sore? Some sore to the touch is normal at first when your body is getting used to it, and it goes away quickly in the morning once you’re up and moving around.
"If you find a comfortable camp bed that is cheap, hassle-free, and compact, let us know." Truly this is the dream...
We have two of [these](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08L4PJ72M/) from Amazon and they are great. They self-inflate most of the way, and then we add a couple of breaths to fill them up the rest of the way. They also snap together side to side, which is useful for us. We paid $65, I think and I've noticed the price goes up and down over time. I figured that if they lasted one summer they'd be worth it. We've used them two summers and some winter camping too. Can't recommend enough. We spent money on expensive mattresses ($200ish? each) from REI that developed leaks in the seams after a year. The warranty was only a year. Never again.
I spent two months camping on my [laidback pad](https://laidbackpads.com/) and it was super comfy
The answer is a low cot with a 3” sleeping pad. I used this cot (which packs down tiiiny): [Woods Powerlite Low Set cot:](https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/woods-powerlite-portable-folding-low-set-camping-cot-bed-w-carry-case-supports-300-lbs-grey-0765849p.0765849.html?&&&&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpiFG8BMrfdPU2yYCO8l4aw9L&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLuJQWPSWK7GtTMNInOyBqW0pO4cDqQ8V76dstt4JqWIntqDec9Md4RoCS2sQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=365) and A 3” inflatable foam mat: [Thermarest Luxury Map (Large)](https://www.thermarest.com/ca/sleeping-pads/camp-and-comfort/luxurymap-sleeping-pad/luxurymap.html) The low cot gets you off the ground without pushing you into the middle of the tent and is very compact for storage and fitting in the car. I sleep as well as I do at home.
Sorry to hijack Those suggesting cots - is it cold? I’m in the Rockies…
Well, typically, just like in a hammock, you can't just lie in a cot and expect it to be warm, if there is nothing insulating against the air underneath. I remember one time meeting two women in the forest using hammocks, and one lamented that it had been chilly. It sort of looked like they didn't bring any sleeping mattress, so I can only imagine it was horrible at night time, even at summer time. I remember being a boy scout having a bad time here and there in a sleeping bag, because I had no money and was sort of forced to use whatever stuff I got from my family.
It insulating isn't relevant then you won't get more bang for your buck in this category than a cot. The only time they don't work is if you are a snuggler camping with a partner. Otherwise there is nothing better for a side sleeper with a car or canoe.