Exped MegaMat and LuxeMat Camping Mattress Review
Comfortable sleeping mattress for camping in a tent, in your car, or at home
July 5th, 2025
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Our verdict
The Exped MegaMat and new Exped LuxeMat are much-lauded air mattresses that are our winner for Best Couples Camping Mattress in our Best Camping Mattresses guide. Its thickness, ease of use, and generous width make it a great choice for two campers who want to share a mattress–especially side sleepers. This camp mattress boasts some of the best warmth and durability of the mattresses we tested.
In testing, we found the Exped MegaMat and Luxe Mat comfortable enough for first-time campers skeptical of sleeping outdoors. On a camping trip in Joshua Tree, one New Yorker who had never been camping before told us the next morning, "That actually wasn't bad!" We consider that a victory.
The Exped MegaMat and LuxeMat share the same dimensions. Both are, as Treeline Review writer Micah Leinbach describes, "a beast of a mattress." Either model serves as a true two-person solution. It's just shy of a queen-size mattress (shorter by ~8 inches on either end).
Like many pads, it's a hybrid air mattress with an expanding foam interior—not strictly an air bed or a foam mattress—which means you get the best of both worlds when it comes to comfort and packability.
Best yet, the MegaMat Duo is backed by Exped's lifetime warranty and repairs—some of the best in the industry, so you can feel confident about investing in a couple's camp mattress that will last.
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Specs
R-Value:
MegaMat: 8.1
LuxeMat: 7.2
Temperature Rating:
MegaMat: -40 °F
LuxeMat: -31 °F
Thickness: 4 in for both models
Weight (varies by size):
MegaMat: 4 lbs 9 oz to 5 lbs 12 oz
LuxeMat: 6 lbs 12 oz to 8 lbs 10 oz
Packed size (varies by size):
MegaMat: 26.4" x 7.9" to 31.1" x 9.8"
LuxeMat: 26.4" x 7.9" to 31.1" x 9.8"
Pump system:
MegaMat: Self-inflating with Top-Up Pump
LuxeMat: Self-inflating with Mini Pump
Comparison table
| CAMPING MATTRESS | THICKNESS (IN) | R-VALUE | SELF-INFLATING? | WEIGHT (LBS) | PACKED SIZE (IN) | DIMENSIONS AVAILABLE (IN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exped MegaMat Duo | 4.00 | 8.1 | Yes | 7.5 (medium) | 11x22 (medium) | Queen, Long-Wide Plus Duo, Medium Duo |
| ExPed LuxeMat Duo | 4.00 | 7.2 | Yes | 10.8 (medium) | 11x22 (medium) | Long Wide Double, Medium Double |
| ExPed MegaMat | 4.00 | 8.1 | Yes | 4.75 (medium) | 7.9 x 26.5 (medium) | Long X Wide, Medium Wide |
| ExPed LuxeMat | 4.00 | 7.2 | Yes | 6.8 (medium) | 7.9 x 26.4 (medium) | Long X Wide, Medium Wide |
| ExPed MegaMat Auto | 4.00 | 8.1 | Yes | 7.9 | 27.6 x 11.8 | One size |
What we like
Generous width dimensions (two-person can actually fit two people)
Comfort that satisfies first-time campers
Super durable material
Great insulation
Backed by a lifetime warranty and repairs
What we don't like
Packability
Takes long to inflate (although this problem goes away with the battery-operated inflation widget–highly recommended!)
MegaMat original surface fabric isn’t as soft as other mattresses (although the LuxeMat fabric is as soft if not softer)
Like most dedicated camping mattresses, it is an investment (especially the LuxeMat)
Who is it for?
Campers and overlanders who want maximum comfort and insulation.
Side sleepers who need a plush, cradling sleep surface.
LuxeMat is best for those who prioritize natural materials and home-like comfort.
MegaMat is ideal for those who want lightweight luxury without extra frills.
How we tested
The MegaMat is so comfortable you'll want to hang out in bed all day.
We've been testing the Exped MegaMat for years and the new Exped LuxeMat since before it was released. For the Exped MegaMat, Treeline Review writer Micah Leinbach tested it while leading the Bus for Outdoor Access and Teaching (BOAT), a National Geographic-highlighted non-profit that teaches hundreds of kids to camp each year. As a guide and camp administrator for the last decade, he has rolled out, rolled up, rolled around on, blown up, patched, and (of course) slept on hundreds of camping mattresses. He's spent hundreds of nights camping with counselors he was training and with teenagers participating in the program. During this time, he also got feedback from counselors on their experience with the ExPed MegaMat.
Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas tested the Exped LuxeMat before it was released at trailhead basecamps, on camping trips in Joshua Tree National Park, Pinnacles National Park, countless places on the Eastern Sierra and Western Sierra, and the Mojave Desert. As a hiking and camping guide, she's introduced new campers to sleeping outdoors overnight using the MegaMat. She also uses it as a guest mattress while sleeping overnight at the houses of friends and families (this mat is more comfortable than most guest beds).
Features
Construction and materials
Comparison of materials and valves on the LuxeMat (left) and MegaMat (right)
The original MegaMat has a surface fabric of recycled tricot polyester, open-cell PU foam, TPU laminate.
The LuxeMat was designed to make a more comfortable version of the MegaMat. It has an organic cotton cover with a wool topper over a recycled polyester base. The new cotton cover is soft, wicks away moisture, and feels more like cotton sheets at home.
Both the MegaMat and LuxeMat use OEKO-TEX 100 and bluesign-approved materials. The ripstop shell is durable water resistant (DWR) free.
Fabric
Close-up on the fabric of the MegaMat
The fabric of the MegaMat original was not as "soft" as other camp mattresses we tested. The nylon fabric feels a little less soft and porous than the polyester of other mattresses.
Other testers found it slick, but also said it didn't bother them that much because their body mostly had contact with their sleeping bag, not the pad. So how much you like this fabric depends on whether you sleep with your skin directly on the pad or in a sleeping pad.
The new LuxeMat was designed to address the slickness of the MegaMat original. It adds a soft organic cotton fabric topper for enhanced moisture regulation. Liz had no issues with moisture regulation, even when she had sweaty testers use the mat in the desert. A sweatier tester also is fond of the LuxeMat and hasn't had any issues with moisture regulation with this new fabric, either.
Comfort and firmness control
The ExPed MegaMat with two sleeping bags on it.
Aside from its generous dimensions (more on that below), the Exped MegaMat is a 4-inch thick mattress.
The foam against the back gives it plenty of home mattress-like comfort. Paired with the air mattress inflation, it gives it height (and packability) for a restful night of sleep. We've even used it at home as a spare guest bed!
Another thing we liked is the adjustable firmness. Using an inflation valve and pump (either battery powered or the included hand-pump), you can adjust it to just the firmness you like.
Sustainability
Exped is a Swiss company and the MegaMat and LuxeMat are made of recycled, OEKO-TEX and bluesign-certified materials. It also has no PFAS, DWR, or harmful chemicals.
The MegaMat and LuxeMat are made in climate-neutral manufacturing facilities with certified carbon offsets.
The LuxeMat also uses Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool and organic cotton.
Ease of use and storage
The Exped MegaMat and Exped LuxeMat both self-inflate over time. We find we usually don't have patience, so will do an additional top-off using the pump or the battery-operated mini pump (not included).
The MegaMat and LuxeMat both include a SideWinder stuff sack and repair kit. While we usually hate the process of putting a sleeping mattress into a stuff sack, it's actually not so bad on the MegaMat and LuxeMat.
Additionally, the ultra pump or mega pump can inflate and deflate. When the pad is deflated with the battery-operated pump, it looks like it did the first time we used the pad right out of the box. That makes it incredibly easy to get into the stuff sack.
The stuff sack has a shoulder handle for carrying. The LuxeMat also includes welded handles for easier transport across a campsite.
Extra features (LuxeMat only)
Handle on the Luxe Mat camp mattress makes it easy to carry around. It also has a zip removable cover.
Removable, washable cover.
Zipper to connect two LuxeMats for a double-wide bed.
Side pockets for personal items, such as a phone or headlamp.
Performance in the field
Warmth
Cooler sleepers said this was their go-to camping mattress. Liz Thomas found the LuxeMat (which has a r-value slightly lower than the original MegaMat) to be plenty for below freezing temperatures.
As a warm sleeper, our tester Micah Leinbach is often sleeping with skin directly on the pad. He found this pad less comfortable than cooler sleepers who tested it, especially when he was still a little wet or sweaty during a humid, midwestern camping trip next to a lake. He tested in summer on camping trips across the Midwest and in North Carolina. In humid conditions, you may prefer adding sheets.
Comfort
The MegaMat was plenty comfortable for first-time campers who were skeptical of sleeping on the ground. It was also popular with side sleepers.
The LuxeMat is so comfortable, one of our testers brings it with them when visiting their family as it is more comfortable than the guest bed.
Setup
Setting up the MegaMat and LuxeMat is fast. Unroll it, open the valves, and wait. If you want it firmer, the included handpump or battery-operated pump can do the job quickly.
Portability
We find putting camping mattresses and sleeping pads into stuff sacks to be one of the worst camp chores. Miraculously, we never had that issue with the MegaMat or LuxeMat. The bag was sufficiently big enough to fit the entire deflated mat, even when we didn't do a stellar job of deflating.
While handles and the easy-to-carry stuff sack make it easy to get around the campsite, it is a bulky piece of gear. For example, the Luxe Duo (two-person version) can take up 1/3rd of the trunk of a sedan. The MegaMat and LuxeMat could be more portable.
MegaMat vs. LuxeMat: Which one should you get?
Comparing the MegaMat Duo (left) with the Luxe Mat (right).
Choose the MegaMat if you want a lighter pad with solid performance. It's also more affordable and has a higher R-value, so would be better for colder sleepers. The outer material is slicker, so it's easier to wipe off dirt.
Choose the LuxeMat if you prioritize premium materials and home-like comfort. The soft material feels like cotton sheets at home. However, just like sheets at home, it benefits from washing rather than just brushing off dirt.
Should I buy an Exped Camping Mattress?
Buy the MegaMat if: You value warmth, comfort, and sustainable construction for car camping trips where you mostly don't have to hike in very far with your gear.
Skip the Megamat if: You need a lightweight, packable pad for backpacking trips.
Where to buy the Exped MegaMat and LuxeMat?
The Exped MegaMat and LuxeMat camping mattresses are popular gear items, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Similar products
Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft
R-value: 4.7
Thickness: 4.25"
Weight (lbs): 24 oz (regular)
Inflation: Self-inflating
Lengths: 77", 80"
The Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft was released recently and has become our new winner for Best Backpacking - Camping Pad Hybrid for campers who want one sleeping pad that can do it all. It’s also our Best for Side Sleepers in our Best Backpacking Pads guide.
At 4.6", the NeoLoft is slightly thicker than the MegaMat and LuxeMat. However, the NeoLoft packs down much smaller – not much larger than a Nalgene water bottle.
The major differences we see is that the NeoLoft has a lower R-value at 4.7, compared the MegaMat's 8.1 and LuxeMat's 7.2. Additionally, the NeoLoft is 1.6 lbs vs. the MegaMat's 4.6 lbs and LuxeMat's 6.8 lbs (assuming both are the 6-foot length). The NeoLoft is a backpacking or camping mattress (which is why it won our best hybrid camping mattress), whereas the MegaMat and LuxeMat are strictly for camping.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad.
R-Value: 7.0
Thickness: 4.25”
Weight: 4 lbs, 6 oz (77" length)
Inflation: Pump stuff sack
Lengths: 77", 80"”
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is the top pick in our best camping mattresses guide. Our testers loved the comfort and durability of the MondoKing.
However, one area where it falls short of the LuxeMat is the sleeping surface. The LuxeMat's wool and organic cotton topper wins out here.
Comfort comes at a price, though. The LuxeMat is $100+ more than the MondoKing. For some people, it may be worth it. Others may choose to bring a cotton fitted sheet from home and save the money.
Why you should trust us / About the author
We tested sleeping pads in real-world conditions to evaluate their comfort, durability, and practicality for outdoor use. Writer Micah Leinbach tested the Exped MegaMat and editor Liz Thomas tested the Exped LuxeMat.
Micah Leinbach testing camping mattresses in the Bus for Outdoor Access and Teaching.
Micah Leinbach
I run BOAT (the Bus for Outdoor Access & Teaching), a non-profit focused on helping make it easier for people to get out on camping trips. As a guide and program administrator for the last decade, my teams and I have rolled out, rolled up, rolled around on, blown up, patched, and (of course) slept on hundreds of camping mattresses.
Sleeping pads have kept me warm and separated from ice shelves I’ve carved into beds in quinzhees, stopped me from slipping onto cactus-infested desert rock faces, and in one case, kept me just a few critical inches above a flash flood.
I’ve used a camping mattress to get comfortable nights of sleep in cars, tents, hammocks, and right out on the ground. I bring that experience to my review here.
I’m not sponsored by any of these companies, nor am I an ambassador. But I’ve purchased dozens of pads for different ages, groups, areas, and activities — and I’m happy to share what I can!
This review is unbiased, and we do this to help you find the best camping mattresses for the price. Treeline Review doesn’t accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews.
Liz Thomas
I’ve camped outside at least 1,000 nights, mostly on camping mattresses and sleeping pads. In this time, I've learned what makes a comfortable night of sleep, where sleeping pads are most likely to leak, and what is a reasonable time to inflate a pad. I've also guided and taught countless people how to camp and use their gear. Having a quality camping mattress is at the top of my list for having a good night's rest (and subsequently, a fully-alert and enjoyable next day's hike).
I’ve written about outdoor gear for numerous publications, including as contributing editor at Backpacker Magazine and the New York Times’ product review site, Wirecutter. I’m the author of the National Outdoor Book Award winning Long Trails Mastering the Art of the Thru-hike. My book has extensive gear and nutrition chapters--both of which address different kinds of backpacking stoves. I regularly book speaking gigs with outdoor clubs, non-profits, and colleges and universities to talk about backpacking and lead gear panels. I’m also Editor-in-Chief here at Treeline Review and oversee all of our outdoor gear stories.
You can read more about me at www.eathomas.com or at her author page.
