Exped - Dura 5R Duo Sleeping Mat

The self inflating foam mats (MegaMat, Deep Sleep, Camp Dreamer, Roamer, etc) are supposed to be supreme comfort but I lack the give-a-sh*ts they require. You're supposed to store them open (problematic for double sized pads imo), they're heavy, and even in "compacted" travel mode they're still gigantic. I went with the Exped Dura 5R Duo and have been very satisfied. Packs down very small for travel. Can store it semi compressed in the air inflation bag so it fits fine in a closet. High R value, didn't have issues in the ~15°F I've had it in. Uses Exped's more durable fabric. I find it comfortable but I've never had issues with inflatable pads. Yet to use it as a double since my fiance has been busy but we did a lay out in the living room when it first came and both fit well.

Exped Dura 5R Duo LW and sleeping bags that zip together. We've tethered single mats together in the past but they were a pain. We're also in a 6p tent which gives lots of room for the bigger pad, gear, elbow room, and general couples camp smoothing.

I have the Dura 5R Duo and I think it's darn quiet for a pad that still at least somewhat prioritizes packed size and lightness. It's certainly much quieter (and warmer) than my Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe single pad.

I think it's because I can adjust the firmness juuuuust right. I have the LXW Duo and it packs up pretty similarly to a LXW single if you have room when it's open, it's almost the same dimensions as a full size mattress.

The Thermarest self inflating is rubbish. Just some thin foam that helps to expand and suck air into the pad. But you still need to inflate it further. My exped mat is filled in a minute with the pump sack.

We have a Tarptent Double Rainbow; there’s plenty of choice for 2 man tents, but fitting in an Exped Synmat Duo wide (130cm) was important to us. The double mat is great as no gaps, but each side inflates separately. We’ve had sleeping bags with left and right zips, but now use a double quilt. We also have the two person Dutchware Double Dutch hammock setup which we love - separate hammocks with a spreader bar but one bugnet so you are under the same canopy. This was actually our photo on the Dutchware insta page https://www.instagram.com/p/CZUpiG3sgOq/?igsh=MW1rMDh2Y3B2c2d1Zw==

I currently use an xtherm for solo trips. Those are as noisy as can be. Great warmth to weight, but not a solution for you if you are sound sensitive. It's much louder than the sea to summit etherlights (if that's what you have). I also have an exped dura R5 duo, for me and the kid / me and the wife. As far as I'm concerned that thing is silent. It is however on the heavier side. They don't make their ultra series in an R5 version (which I want) for double sleeping pads, hence I went with the dura, but for your solo needs it could be an option. So I would look an exped ultra if I were you. Or alternatively the nemo Tensor (whatever level of insulation that fits you). Don't have it myself, but I gifted one to a friend not that long ago, that I have then tried. It wasn't noisy in itself, but I was trying it in a wood shelter, so I don't know how noisy it is against a tent fabric. Another solution to a think foam pad under the main pad could also be silicone. Not something I have tried myself either, but when people complain about sliding around on their pads in their tents, it's often recommended to use small daps of silicone on the tent floor or pad underside, to stop the two from sliding across each other. That might limit the noise a bit further to.

6'1.5" here at 250 pounds. I own an exped Ultra 5R LW, Ultra 3R Duo LW, Dura 5R Duo regular, and some Nemo roamers (like megamat). When solo I use the 5R LW. When I'm tent sharing with 1 of my kids, we share the 3R Duo. When I'm with 2 kids, Dura+ultra 5R. They all feel similar to me, kinda airy feeling mattress but they don't compare to the roamers which feels like my bed at home. I inflate them pretty much to their max also, I guess I'm used to a firm mattress, which isn't the case for everyone. Still feels good to me on my side. When I sleep on the Dura 5R regular my feet hang off and it's not bad but long term I would definitely prefer the longer pad, especially in cold or wet conditions. People here mention UL being ok with shorter pads but if you are considering this megamat ultra that's not the same realm haha. I used to use a short foam pad that just went under my shoulders and butt and it's definitely not comfortable, but was definitely ultralight. Tbh I get the megamat ultra market. People who wanna go backpacking with a nice mattress a step above these other ones, but it's all about how important that is to you. I could carry that on a one or 2 nighter probably as a luxury but on 5+ nighter with a bear can, the bulk and weight would no longer be worth it for me. But if it's the only way someone could sleep, then I can see it being an option.

This is my thinking too. Rab may be pricey, but it’s good. I just can’t find much reliable info,tests or reviews on the Rab sleeping pads. Was hoping to find it here. Since some miserable hikes with leaking Thermarests back in the day I switched back to a thick ccf foam winter mat. But that obviously was a step back in sleeping comfort. So since then I combined it with a self inflatable. That’s why a R5 will do for me.

I’m not sure there’s a best one per se, there are a lot of equality pads out there and the one that best fits you and your needs might be the right choice for you. My favorite is Exped but I love my Nemo’s as well. My personal opinion tho is that you have nowhere to go but up. After fifty plus years of buying and using outdoor gear I can say that I actively despise only one brand, Klymit. And that’s all I have to say about that.

I cannot recommend double mats highly enough! After decades of backpacking and car camping with single mats we bought the Exped Dura 5r this past winter and have had the best outdoor sleeps of our adult lives since. Absolutely love not having that gap between to contend with, it’s like sleeping in a queen bed as opposed to two singles pushed together. It’s also lighter than two single pads, and the Exped is a top quality product. It’s our favorite camping purchase of the last five years without a doubt.

I like the duro 5r. It's pretty versatile

hey there! my boyfriend and i bought the Exped Dura 5R double sleeping pad a couple years ago. it’s held up great, light weight, and takes up little space. you can inflate manually or we bought a little flextail rechargeable air pump for like $30 and that does the trick. definitely has improved our sleep quality a lot while camping (boyfriend has back issues so a bad sleep set up is not really an option) it’s a bit on the expensive side but as far as i’m concerned with multiple uses and better sleep it’s well worth it. from what i can tell you should be able to order one in Canada if you so chose! hope this helps & you guys find something you like!

And I would snag that 5R in a heartbeat. I bought a 3R that I haven't even taken out yet (need a ground setup for skyline this year) and I've already got buyers remorse. Out this way, the extra grams are def worth the extra insultation.