Looking for a sleeping pad recommendation

Ordinarily I’d recommend Exped, but the baffle failure issue you’ll read about elsewhere on BPL is real; just lost a second Synmat UL to this. I’d avoid Exped pads until they get this worked out.

Replaced it with a Nemo Vector. I really like the sleeping surface; much perceptually flatter than any pad I’ve used (NeoAir, Synmat, Downmat). Heavier, but I like the pump; the Tensor has the same surface and insulation options without the pump. Insulated version is subjectively warmer than the Synmat UL.

I think Nemo is on to something with the Tensor/Vector series — metallized reflective interior without the noise of an xthem, decent weight at the low end, and they’ve done away with the built-in pillow baffle that made their old pads less usable.

I’m a big fan of the Exped’s pads, and have for me, my son, and fiancée a few Downmat ULs, a Synmat Hyperlite, and I just got a Hyperlite Duo that I haven’t had a chance to use with the fiancée yet. Again, I’m a big fan, especially of the Schnoozle bag for inflation (included with the Downmats, and available separately for the Synmats).

I did have a baffle delaminate on one Downmat, on the first night of a three night trip. It did make the next two nights uncomfortable, for sure. Fortunately, Exped replaced it free of charge. This was under warranty; I have no idea if they’d replace it outside of warranty.

I’ve never used the Nemo pads. If something happened to my mats, and Exped wasn’t able to replace them, I’d probably give the Tensor a look. Particularly if there is an inflation option similar to the Schnoozle bag.

I will say that, as a side sleeper/toss-and-turner, I do find the rectangular mats more comfortable than the Hyperlite, which is mummy shape and has a substantial taper towards the foot end. I have the regular width pad; the wide width might have been a better choice for my sleeping style. I’ve got high hopes for the Duo. Now it’s time to get the fiancée out on a trip!

Alex:
Have you tried sleeping overnight on the XTherm?  I really like mine, but when I first filled it up I thought this sure crinkles a lot.  But I’ve never noticed the noise after that.  Others say the same thing, you really don’t notice the noise.

The XLite noise has been a total non-issue for me, and I move around a lot. (The Klymt Staric V – now that pad makes some weird, loud noises! So it’s not like I don’t notice such things)

We have been using the Exped Synmat UL7 for some years now. Very happy with them.

Cheers

I too am super happy with the exped brands.  I have had several fail because of my OWN stupidity (or my dog’s exuberance) – and even then they’ve replaced them for free.

I only had one that delaminated way back when the synmat UL7 first came out – since then I’ve been a super happy camper.  Literally.  Best sleep I’ve ever had in the backcountry.

My Exped Synmat UL7 MW (bought in 2014) has been great (and I’ve taken it 250 miles on the JMT, followed by 500 miles on the CT, plus other short trips).  So far, they are the most comfortable, quietest pads I’ve found… I did not care for the Synmat Hyperlight, but I think I’m just too spoiled to accept the “tapered” shape after I’ve gotten used to the comfy rectangle!

My 2015 XLite makes not a single sound, to be honest.

They updated their pads last year; normally, the ‘chips’-sound should be gone.

Or maybe I never payed attention to it in the first place. :)

I use a big Agnes q core sl. Very happy with it. 17+ oz for full size. I used to have the model prior but the “quilted” approach makes the new one more comfortable. The up and down baffling of the old one and other brands out there makes you feel like you’re on a pool toy. It’s also tough and I’m not babying it. Good luck shopping.

Agree with other XLite owners. I have a 2014 version even, and it doesn’t make a whole lotta noise. Definitely not enough to keep me awake. I feel like it used t make more noise when I first got it, so either it got quieter with use like Tyvek, or I got used to it. I love its comfort for the weight.

I just used the Nemo Astro Insulated Lite 20R on a four night trip. Wonderful. Warm, sometimes warmer than my 30° F sleeping bag. No hip/shoulder bottoming out while side sleeping. No noise. Definitely worth the weight to me. I slept on a hardwood floor at home for ~15 nights with this pad and it’s almost like sleeping in my own bed. Much better than my more traditional Thermarest 40th Anniversary pad

If I was buying again, I’d check out the Nemo Tensor series with the reflective layer.

— Rex