The Exped MegaMat has earned a reputation as one of the most comfortable sleeping mats available for campers, vanlifers, and basecamp adventurers. With its generous thickness, self-inflating foam core, and soft stretch tricot surface, it offers a sleep experience that rivals many home mattresses. Designed for campers who prioritise rest and recovery over ultralight minimalism, the MegaMat is a premium solution for anyone seeking warmth, support, and durability in the outdoors.
Build Quality and Materials
The MegaMat is constructed with a 10 cm thick open-cell foam core, which provides exceptional insulation and pressure relief. This foam is horizontally cored to reduce weight and bulk without compromising comfort. The outer surface is made from a soft, recycled stretch tricot polyester that feels pleasant against the skin and adds a touch of luxury to the camping experience.
Exped’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the materials used. The mat is now made from recycled fabrics and features PFC-free coatings. The foam offcuts generated during production are repurposed into other Exped products, such as insulated pillows, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.
The mat’s 3D construction creates vertical sidewalls, maximising usable sleep surface and eliminating the tapered edges found in many traditional mats. This design ensures consistent support across the entire mat, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and anyone who moves around during the night.
Inflation and Deflation System
The MegaMat is self-inflating, meaning the foam core expands and draws in air when the inflation valve is opened. While it doesn’t fully inflate on its own, the included top-up pump allows campers to fine-tune firmness with minimal effort. The pump is intuitive and compact, and Exped’s flat valve system makes inflation and deflation fast and hassle-free.
There are two separate valves: one for inflation and one for deflation. This dual-valve setup prevents air from escaping during inflation and allows for rapid deflation when packing up. The valves are low-profile and durable, with a one-way flap that enables micro-adjustments to firmness. If the mat feels too firm, you can gently press the flap to release small amounts of air until the desired comfort level is reached.
Comfort and Sleep Experience
Comfort is where the MegaMat truly excels. The 10 cm foam thickness provides a plush, mattress-like feel that sets it apart from thinner air or foam mats. It cradles the body and relieves pressure points, making it especially beneficial for side sleepers and those with joint sensitivity.
Unlike inflatable-only mats that can feel bouncy or unstable, the MegaMat’s foam core offers a stable and quiet sleep surface. There’s no crinkling noise, no shifting air chambers, and no cold spots. The mat maintains its loft throughout the night, even in sub-zero temperatures, and the soft fabric surface adds to the overall sleep quality.
Whether used in a tent, campervan, or as a guest bed at home, the MegaMat delivers consistent comfort and support.
Insulation and Seasonal Performance
The Exped MegaMat is rated for four-season use, with an impressive R-value of 8.1. This level of insulation makes it suitable for winter camping, alpine basecamps, and cold-weather vanlife. The foam core traps body heat and prevents cold from seeping up from the ground, ensuring a warm and restful night even in freezing conditions.
The mat performs well on snow, frozen ground, and damp surfaces, making it a reliable choice for expeditions and shoulder-season adventures. Its insulation properties also make it ideal for use in campervans, where cold floors can sap heat during the night.
For users who camp year-round or in variable climates, the MegaMat offers peace of mind and consistent thermal performance. It eliminates the need for layering multiple mats or carrying additional insulation, simplifying the sleep system and reducing bulk.
Size Options and Packability
The MegaMat is available in several sizes, including Regular, Medium, Long Wide, and Duo. The Long Wide version is particularly popular among taller users and those who prefer extra room to spread out. The Duo version is designed for couples or solo campers who want maximum space and comfort.
While the MegaMat is not ultralight or compact, it packs down reasonably well for its size. The included Sidewinder Bag makes rolling and storing the mat straightforward, with a wide opening and compression straps that simplify packing. The mat’s packed dimensions vary by size, but most versions fit easily in car boots, campervan storage compartments, or gear bins.
For backpacking, the MegaMat is too bulky and heavy. It’s designed for basecamp use, car camping, and vanlife—scenarios where weight and pack size are less critical than comfort and insulation.
Durability and Long-Term Use
Exped has built the MegaMat to last. The foam core retains its shape and resilience over time, and the outer fabric resists abrasion, moisture, and UV exposure. The welded seams and reinforced valves hold up well under repeated use, and the mat maintains its performance even after years of camping.
Users report minimal degradation in foam quality, and the mat continues to self-inflate effectively after long-term storage. Proper care—such as storing the mat unrolled with the valve open—helps preserve its loft and responsiveness.
Exped offers a solid warranty and repair service, and replacement parts (such as valves and pumps) are readily available. This support adds value and ensures the mat remains a reliable part of your gear setup for years.
Use Cases and Versatility
The MegaMat is ideal for:
- Car camping and family holidays
- Vanlife and camper conversions
- Alpine basecamps and winter expeditions
- Guest beds and home use
- Festival setups and glamping
Its versatility makes it a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts who want one mat that can handle multiple scenarios. Whether you’re parked in a layby, pitched on a mountainside, or hosting guests at home, the MegaMat delivers consistent comfort and warmth.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort with 10 cm foam thickness
- High R-value (8.1) for four-season insulation
- Soft, recycled stretch tricot surface
- Reliable self-inflation and top-up pump
- Durable construction and long-term resilience
- Multiple size options including Duo
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy for backpacking
- Premium price point
- Requires space for storage and transport
- Not suitable for ultralight or minimalist setups
Comparison with Similar Mats
Compared to the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D, the MegaMat offers similar comfort and insulation but with a softer surface and more intuitive valve system. Against the REI Camp Dreamer XL, the MegaMat wins on durability and cold-weather performance, though the REI mat is slightly more affordable.
The Nemo Roamer XL Wide is another competitor, offering comparable thickness and comfort, but the MegaMat’s foam density and build quality give it an edge for long-term use. For vanlife setups, the MegaMat is often preferred due to its consistent loft and ease of inflation.
Final Verdict
The Exped MegaMat is a premium sleeping mat designed for campers who refuse to compromise on comfort. Its thick foam core, high insulation rating, and soft surface make it one of the best options for basecamp, vanlife, and cold-weather camping. While it’s not suited for ultralight travel, it excels in scenarios where sleep quality and warmth are top priorities.
If you’re tired of restless nights on thin mats or inflatable pads that deflate overnight, the MegaMat is a transformative upgrade. It’s an investment in recovery, warmth, and long-term durability—one that pays off every time you wake up refreshed and ready for adventure.
