Warm, good value, quiet and easy to inflate. I bought this as I'd been waking up with cold feet. I was using a mummy shaped mat and my feet kept ending up chilly during the night when they moved on to the tent floor. With the rectangular top and bottom this has not happen and I've used it almost there weeks, every night and emorning I've had toastie toes . Another great thing is how thick it is, there's no point having a super warm sleeping bag if the mat is thin. This is a very well insulated and I've been able to stay warm without using a silk and fleece liner. This has saved over 750g in weight, important when rover-ing. Finally, I love the inflation bag, four wooshes and the mat is inflated. Before COVID I saw the inside of a mat blown up by mouth for a few ... MoreWarm, good value, quiet and easy to inflate. I bought this as I'd been waking up with cold feet. I was using a mummy shaped mat and my feet kept ending up chilly during the night when they moved on to the tent floor. With the rectangular top and bottom this has not happen and I've used it almost there weeks, every night and emorning I've had toastie toes . Another great thing is how thick it is, there's no point having a super warm sleeping bag if the mat is thin. This is a very well insulated and I've been able to stay warm without using a silk and fleece liner. This has saved over 750g in weight, important when rover-ing. Finally, I love the inflation bag, four wooshes and the mat is inflated. Before COVID I saw the inside of a mat blown up by mouth for a few years and the mould was sickening. This shouldn't develop as I'm using the very cool bag. It's such a good mat that two friends have ordered one.

Comfortable and warm, perfect for winter

Quick summary: this is the most comfortable pad that I’ve used for backcountry camping. It’s super warm and perfect for mild winter conditions. I highly recommend it for kayak camping or bikepacking where you want to keep weight down but an ounce or two extra might be less of a deal breaker than for ultralight backpacking.Full review: This mat gave me more comfort in my shoulder and hips than any other mat I’ve used. As a side sleeper, I appreciated every inch of thickness in this pad. I did a lot less flipping from side to side, trying to find a comfortable positioning. It’s easy to dial in the inflation using Exped’s well-designed valves. Yes, precision inflation is dorky and might sound unnecessary, but it’s a part of my side-sleeping comfort strategy. I like ... MoreQuick summary: this is the most comfortable pad that I’ve used for backcountry camping. It’s super warm and perfect for mild winter conditions. I highly recommend it for kayak camping or bikepacking where you want to keep weight down but an ounce or two extra might be less of a deal breaker than for ultralight backpacking.Full review: This mat gave me more comfort in my shoulder and hips than any other mat I’ve used. As a side sleeper, I appreciated every inch of thickness in this pad. I did a lot less flipping from side to side, trying to find a comfortable positioning. It’s easy to dial in the inflation using Exped’s well-designed valves. Yes, precision inflation is dorky and might sound unnecessary, but it’s a part of my side-sleeping comfort strategy. I like to get the pad inflated so I have the least amount of air in the pad that still keeps my hips and shoulder just barely off the ground. That’s easy to do with the little toggles that are attached to the valves. I’ve never had the pad leak air from the valves so the inflation level stays constant through the night.This mat is also super warm, more so than any others I’ve used in the past. It’s warm enough to use in fairly mild Pacific Northwest winter conditions (damp cold in the 30s Fahrenheit). You can feel the insulation in the pad reflecting heat back immediately when you lie down on it. It’s perfect for cold weather but potentially a little too warm if you were to try to use it for a hot, humid trip in the summer, for example (fortunately this mat comes in multiple insulation levels, so there are options for warmer conditions).The awesome comfort and warmth don’t come without a bit of a tradeoff in terms of weight and volume, though. The mat is light for what you get, but it’s a pound heavier than another ultralight pad with no insulation that I use in the summer. This Exped mat is absolutely the best that I’ve used for kayak camping. The small increase in size and weight relative to other ultralight pads barely matters if you’re throwing it in the hull of a boat. Likewise, I’ve found this mat works well for winter bikepacking overnighters where the extra ounces don’t make that much difference and the comfort is well worth it. It fits perfectly strapped in a three-bolt cargo cage (see the green stuff sack on the bike’s fork in the picture). I imagine this pad would also be good for shoulder season trips at high altitude where the temperature can dip at night, though I haven’t tried it yet under those conditions. I’ll still keep my other ultralight pad for longer multi-day trips and summer trips where the 5R rating of this Exped mat would be too warm. But, I love how this Exped mat has helped take the edge off of mild winter camping.I’m 5’10” tall and about 170 pounds and the medium wide size is luxurious for me. It feels more like an air mattress than a backpacking pad and I can flip over at night without rolling off the pad. I could have gotten by with the regular-width medium pad, but I appreciate the extra comfort of the larger size. I’m willing to carry a little heavier sleep system so that I can feel comfortable at night and I try to minimize weight from the rest of my gear to make up for it.I love that this mat comes with a Schnozzle inflator bag. It has been a game changer for me and I can’t imagine going back to the bad old days of getting light headed and nauseous trying to inflate a mat with my lungs at the end of a long day. It’s just so much faster and easier to use the Schnozzle system. Although Exped advertises that the Schnozzle doubles as a waterproof stuff sack, I’ve found that it’s too big to be practical for carrying anything. Instead, I just roll it up a pop it inside the stuff sack for the mat. I’ve found the convenience of the pump bag is more than worth the tiny weight it adds.I also appreciate that Exped takes sustainability seriously. I like that the materials in this mat are Bluesign approved. And, there’s a QR code on the box that links to a page with more information about how Exped offsets the carbon emissions from the full lifecycle of the mat. I know offsets aren’t perfect, but they’re a start and I appreciate Exped’s commitment and transparency around carbon reduction.

Comfortable, warm, and relatively light/compact

We finally splurged on a set of these premium cold weather sleeping pads for our winter camping events with the Boy Scouts. While this company makes one slightly warmer model, it didn't seem worth the relatively substantial extra weight to me. So it was between this model and the slightly less warm yet heavier option from STS, but all 4 of our family members preferred the feel of this pad so we selected our unanimous choice. We have other somewhat less insulated pads by both STS and this manufacturer with which we've been very happy. One nice feature that STS offers that this does not is that the STS stuff sack doubles as the inflation bag. We also would prefer to avoid down, for ethical reasons, but unfortunately its performance per ounce simply cannot be matched ... MoreWe finally splurged on a set of these premium cold weather sleeping pads for our winter camping events with the Boy Scouts. While this company makes one slightly warmer model, it didn't seem worth the relatively substantial extra weight to me. So it was between this model and the slightly less warm yet heavier option from STS, but all 4 of our family members preferred the feel of this pad so we selected our unanimous choice. We have other somewhat less insulated pads by both STS and this manufacturer with which we've been very happy. One nice feature that STS offers that this does not is that the STS stuff sack doubles as the inflation bag. We also would prefer to avoid down, for ethical reasons, but unfortunately its performance per ounce simply cannot be matched by synthetic alternatives such as that used by STS.

Disappointed

I purchased this mat to replace an Exped Synmat 7 that had served me well for many years until the bonds forming the baffles failed. I purchased the Ultra 5R as a similar yet lighter replacement. First night of use I slept well, warm and comfortable. The schnozzle pump is fast but fiddly to use. The second night the mat went flat multiple time throughout the night. I would re-inflate it and it would last 2-3 hours before I would wake up with my hips on the ground. After inspecting the mat I am unable to find any signs of a puncture. I have not vet filled it and put it in the full bathtub to find the nature of the leak. Disappointed to have to be doing this after the second night of use. I have never had a mat puncture before as I always check the ground for hazards.

Great for 2 different style sleepers

Needed a 2-person sleeping pad for backpacking. Chose this over the Exped Ultra Duo for the added durability since we use it with our dog, as well as for the significant increase in R-value. It is on the heavy side, but we don't have to carry 2 pads and the weight is worth the tradeoff for the warmth and durability. Inflating with the included sack is fast and easy, and no issues with leaking so far even though we let our dog walk on it. Love the separate chamber system — makes it very easy to dial comfort for different sleep styles, since I like my side more inflated than my partner's, and we don't feel each other shifting during the night. It's also one of the quieter pads I've slept on.We bought the Long Wide — it's plenty of space for 2 + a small dog, but it ... MoreNeeded a 2-person sleeping pad for backpacking. Chose this over the Exped Ultra Duo for the added durability since we use it with our dog, as well as for the significant increase in R-value. It is on the heavy side, but we don't have to carry 2 pads and the weight is worth the tradeoff for the warmth and durability. Inflating with the included sack is fast and easy, and no issues with leaking so far even though we let our dog walk on it. Love the separate chamber system — makes it very easy to dial comfort for different sleep styles, since I like my side more inflated than my partner's, and we don't feel each other shifting during the night. It's also one of the quieter pads I've slept on.We bought the Long Wide — it's plenty of space for 2 + a small dog, but it just barely fits in our REI Quarter Dome 2p tent — would likely be a better fit in a 3p tent.Overall it was an investment but we're happy with its comfort and performance and plan to use it for many trips to come!

OUTSTANDING sleeping pad - even after patched!

Holy cow, this is amazing. I purchased this in May for an international climb in July (Kilimanjaro). I thought, “I need to test this out to see how it works.” So I did a little backyard camping trip…with my dogs. Who got into a wrestling match. In the tent. I finally gave up on the dogs, put them back inside, and slept on my pad - which I was initially angry at because I thought, “This isn’t sufficient padding at all!” Turns out, in the wrestling extravaganza, my dogs had made a small tear on the side. As this was not an inexpensive item, I was mad…but knew I had to suck it up. I used the patch kit enclosed with the pad and followed the instructions to the letter. Then I loaded it onto the plane for Tanzania, convinced I’d be sleeping on hard rocks all the way up ... MoreHoly cow, this is amazing. I purchased this in May for an international climb in July (Kilimanjaro). I thought, “I need to test this out to see how it works.” So I did a little backyard camping trip…with my dogs. Who got into a wrestling match. In the tent. I finally gave up on the dogs, put them back inside, and slept on my pad - which I was initially angry at because I thought, “This isn’t sufficient padding at all!” Turns out, in the wrestling extravaganza, my dogs had made a small tear on the side. As this was not an inexpensive item, I was mad…but knew I had to suck it up. I used the patch kit enclosed with the pad and followed the instructions to the letter. Then I loaded it onto the plane for Tanzania, convinced I’d be sleeping on hard rocks all the way up the mountain.The patch held! And continues to hold! The pad is easily inflatable (after you get used to the wacky little filler bag), long enough for my 5’11” frame, and protects nicely against cold and protrusions. I raved about it all the way up and down Kilimanjaro.I’m thrilled with this simple, effective and long-lasting Swiss technology, and have already highly recommended this to everyone who will sit still long enough to listen to me.

So good this is my 2nd Exped pad

Don't listen to the folks who say it is noisy or hard to inflate. I have slept on many backpacking air pads and this is the best - it even comes with the schnozzle now! (it used to be a separate purchase)The people with those gripes will not find a better air pad.I'm a roly poly side sleeper and love that Exped makes a medium wide. The wider pad and a quilt (rather than mummy sleeping bag) have improved by backcountry sleep immeasurably. I can move around and curl up without falling off the pad!The schnozzle inflation bag saves my lungs and keeps moisture from building up inside the pad. At 10,000 feet it takes about 4 bag's worth of air to inflate the pad. When not in camp I use mine as the dry bag for my quilt, making it do double duty.The pad is a little ... MoreDon't listen to the folks who say it is noisy or hard to inflate. I have slept on many backpacking air pads and this is the best - it even comes with the schnozzle now! (it used to be a separate purchase)The people with those gripes will not find a better air pad.I'm a roly poly side sleeper and love that Exped makes a medium wide. The wider pad and a quilt (rather than mummy sleeping bag) have improved by backcountry sleep immeasurably. I can move around and curl up without falling off the pad!The schnozzle inflation bag saves my lungs and keeps moisture from building up inside the pad. At 10,000 feet it takes about 4 bag's worth of air to inflate the pad. When not in camp I use mine as the dry bag for my quilt, making it do double duty.The pad is a little crinkly when you move around, but less so than my previous version of this pad and FAR less than others. I does not sound like you are sleeping on a chip bag like some pads and does not bother me (a pretty light sleeper) or my tent-mate when I move at night.It packs up small to about a nalgen bottle size and provides a real night's sleep. The comfort of the wide is well worth the extra weight for this 41 year old body.Only downside: I *really* dislike the color! I much prefer less visual noise when backpacking, but I'm not spending much time looking at it.

Still The Best Choice Out There For Any Season Backpacking

We have been using these since 2013 and we still have one in excellent condition where some of the welding that creates the tubes and keeps the down separated hasn't come undone a little bit. And in one case where it did happen within the five year warranty period the Exped rep cheerfully expedited a replacement. I have used these in temperatures where frost forms inside the tent as well as in heat where you just laid on top of your sleeping bag. After a long hard day it is nice to lay on a 3.5" pad inflated to your comfort as it is also if you are weathered in your tent for a couple of days. This new unit complete with repair kit, Schnoozel bag, and stuff sack will weigh in at 32 oz. An inflatable pillow will add about 3.125 oz. and if you get the coupling straps ... MoreWe have been using these since 2013 and we still have one in excellent condition where some of the welding that creates the tubes and keeps the down separated hasn't come undone a little bit. And in one case where it did happen within the five year warranty period the Exped rep cheerfully expedited a replacement. I have used these in temperatures where frost forms inside the tent as well as in heat where you just laid on top of your sleeping bag. After a long hard day it is nice to lay on a 3.5" pad inflated to your comfort as it is also if you are weathered in your tent for a couple of days. This new unit complete with repair kit, Schnoozel bag, and stuff sack will weigh in at 32 oz. An inflatable pillow will add about 3.125 oz. and if you get the coupling straps which I totally recommend to keep everything together and not sliding all over the place if there will be two people in the tent then add another 3 oz. All in all a very warm, quiet, durable and lightweight pad.

Super durable but packs really huge

I ordered this mat and the synmat duo to compare. The valve system on the dura is amazing. It remains really flushed to the mat and I couldn't feel the valves while laying on it. I wish it was positioned underneath the mat like in the synmat duo though.The construction is also very thick. I'd have no worries about this getting punctured by twigs or from laying in the dirt and sand. It's also very quiet. Rolling around doesn't make any squeaking noises at all.The inflation sack could be tapered at the opening a bit though. While inflating, it's a bit tricky to avoid having air escape from the opening. But that's a minor issue.I also wish it packed a bit smaller. I understand that with it being 75D nylon it was going to be quite thick, but I didn't expect it to be ... MoreI ordered this mat and the synmat duo to compare. The valve system on the dura is amazing. It remains really flushed to the mat and I couldn't feel the valves while laying on it. I wish it was positioned underneath the mat like in the synmat duo though.The construction is also very thick. I'd have no worries about this getting punctured by twigs or from laying in the dirt and sand. It's also very quiet. Rolling around doesn't make any squeaking noises at all.The inflation sack could be tapered at the opening a bit though. While inflating, it's a bit tricky to avoid having air escape from the opening. But that's a minor issue.I also wish it packed a bit smaller. I understand that with it being 75D nylon it was going to be quite thick, but I didn't expect it to be 3-4x as big as the synmat. Granted this is the LW version and the synmat that I also ordered is the regular duo version.Overall quite happy with it. I'd rather have peace of mind that it won't get a hole for the trade off in pack size.

Warm and Comfortable, but Big.

The Exped Ultra 5R sleeping pad is incredibly comfortable, probably the most the comfortable sleeping pad I've ever used. The outer material is thick and feels very durable. Blowing up the sleeping pad is quick with the use of the pump bag - but inflating the pad without is a non-starter. I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was. I was expecting foil insulation used in many backpacking and ultra-light pads but the Ultra 5R uses a synthetic insulation, free of the annoying crinkling sound. As someone with wide-ish shoulders, I was happy with the width and I didn't have any issues with sliding or hanging off.But, with comfort, comes size. I was quite surprised by how large the inflated sleeping pad was, both in height, width, and length. Although the packed ... MoreThe Exped Ultra 5R sleeping pad is incredibly comfortable, probably the most the comfortable sleeping pad I've ever used. The outer material is thick and feels very durable. Blowing up the sleeping pad is quick with the use of the pump bag - but inflating the pad without is a non-starter. I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was. I was expecting foil insulation used in many backpacking and ultra-light pads but the Ultra 5R uses a synthetic insulation, free of the annoying crinkling sound. As someone with wide-ish shoulders, I was happy with the width and I didn't have any issues with sliding or hanging off.But, with comfort, comes size. I was quite surprised by how large the inflated sleeping pad was, both in height, width, and length. Although the packed size is much smaller than traditional self-inflating and foam pads, it is still quite larger than conventional sleeping pads and ultralight sleeping pads with a similar price point. It is quite bulky, I have attached an image with a comparison to a nalgene and the ultralight Nemo Tensor Alpine (Note: the Nemo Tensor Alpine is not in the same price range, and just used for comparison).This wouldn't be my first or second choice for a sleeping pad for any trip longer than one night. When considering the size/width of most backpacking/alpine tents, it's just too big, especially if sharing a tent. But this is coming from someone who prioritizes size and weight. I would only personally use this pad if I was car camping or on a winter mountaineering/alpine climbing trip. For backpacking and summer alpine missions, I would reach for something lighter and smaller first.For those looking for comfort and warmth and willing to sacrifice some weight and bulkiness, this is a great sleeping pad.