When it comes to choosing a sleeping mat for your outdoor adventures, two prominent brands stand out: Exped and Therm-a-Rest. Both offer a range of high-quality sleeping mats designed to cater to various camping and backpacking needs. Let's delve into the offerings of each brand to help you decide which might be the better fit for your outdoor pursuits.

Exped Sleeping Mats vs Thermarest Camping Mats, what you need to know

Exped: Swiss Precision and Versatility

Exped, a Swiss brand, is renowned for its innovative designs and attention to detail. Their sleeping mats are crafted to provide comfort and durability across diverse terrains and conditions. At PAST outdoors, our faves in Exped are the Exped Dura 8R Sleeping Mat, 
and the 5R Sleeping Mat Mummy.

Our number 1: Exped Dura 8R Sleeping Mat

If you're heading into seriously cold conditions and need a sleeping mat that can handle it, the Exped Dura 8R is a game-changer. With an impressive R-value of 7.8, it's built to keep you warm even in extreme cold environments, making it ideal for winter camping, alpine expeditions, or any adventure where staying warm is crucial. The mat features 700-fill down insulation and a 9 cm thickness, providing both warmth and comfort.

Durability is another strong suit of the Dura 8R. It's constructed with recycled 75D/170D polyester, offering a tough yet eco-friendly shell that can withstand rugged terrains. The mat also includes Exped's Schnozzel Pumpbag, allowing for quick and moisture-free inflation. While it's not the lightest option out there, the comfort and warmth it provides are well worth the extra weight for those venturing into harsh conditions.

Our 2nd choice: Exped Ultra Sleeping Mat 5R Mummy

If you’re looking for a sleeping mat that keeps you warm without weighing you down, the Exped Ultra 5R Mummy is a solid choice. It’s designed for all-season adventures, with an R-value of 4.8, so you’ll stay toasty even when the temperature drops. What’s cool is that it’s insulated with microfiber that’s built right into the air chambers, so you get even warmth from top to bottom.

Warm and Lightweight: the perfect Camping Mat combination

Despite being super warm, it’s surprisingly lightweight—just 445 grams for the medium size—so it won’t take up much space in your pack. The 7 cm thickness gives you a nice cushy feel, and the mummy shape trims down extra bulk while still keeping you comfortable. It’s great for backpackers or anyone trying to keep their gear light.

The outer fabric is made from recycled ripstop polyester, which is strong and eco-friendly. Plus, Exped throws in their Schnozzel Pumpbag, which makes inflating the mat a breeze—no huffing and puffing required. All in all, if you want a mat that’s warm, light, and easy to pack, the Ultra 5R Mummy is definitely worth checking out.

Therm-a-Rest: American Innovation and Lightweight Design

Therm-a-Rest, an American brand, has been a pioneer in the sleeping pad industry, known for introducing the first self-inflating mattress. Their focus is on lightweight and compact designs without compromising on comfort.

Our pic: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Mat

This mat is a favorite among ultralight backpackers and our team! It offers a high R-value of 4.2, ensuring warmth in cooler conditions, and its compact design makes it easy to pack. Check out the sizing against a Nalgene bottle:

Choosing Between Exped and Therm-a-Rest

Your choice between Exped and Therm-a-Rest will largely depend on your specific needs:

• Stay warm: The Exped Dura 8R is packed with 700-fill down insulation and 9 cm of cushioning, keeping you comfortable and well-insulated during even the coldest winter camping trips.

• Seasonal Use: Exped's Ultra 5R is designed for year-round use, providing excellent insulation in colder conditions. Therm-a-Rest also offers mats suitable for various seasons, but it's essential to check the R-value to ensure it meets your needs

• Weight and Packability: If you're an ultralight backpacker, Therm-a-Rest's NeoAir series might be more appealing due to their compact and lightweight designs.

Our final thoughts on Exped Sleeping Mats vs Therm-a-rest Mats

Both Exped and Therm-a-Rest offer high-quality sleeping mats tailored to different camping and backpacking styles. By assessing your priorities—be it weight, comfort, durability, or seasonal suitability—you can select the brand and model that best aligns with your outdoor adventures.

Why Shop at PAST Outdoors?

At PAST Outdoors, you’re not just buying gear—you’re tapping into the trust and expertise of a family-owned business that truly understands outdoor adventure. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to camping, our team at PAST Outdoors is passionate about helping you find the right gear for your needs. With carefully selected products, in-depth knowledge, and a commitment to excellent customer service, PAST Outdoors is your reliable partner for quality outdoor equipment you can count on.