Best sleeping pad for comfort … especially for older campers?

I’ve looked through a lot of older posts, just wanted to ask again to see if anyone has new suggestions or personal experiences.

I’m a 50-year-old guy, 6 feet tall, 225 lbs. Used to love backpacking in my 20s and 30s, but family and work took over. Now that I’m camping with my Cub Scout kid, my back is seriously not happy! I have an REI 2.5 inch self-inflating foam mattress—it feels good, but I can’t sleep on it comfortably, and I feel like I’m wrecked the next day. It’s almost bad enough that I need muscle relaxers afterward.

Lightweight doesn’t matter as much anymore since I’m doing more car camping now. So… what’s the most comfortable pad out there? Price and weight aren’t huge issues if it means I can actually sleep well out there. Just want to get back out and enjoy camping with my son!

I’ve mostly avoided inflatable pads before due to the noise, but if anyone has a good suggestion, I’m open to it!

Thanks!

Exped Megamat is a game-changer in comfort! Honestly feels better than a lot of regular beds. Only thing is, it’s really bulky, so mainly for car camping.

Shiloh said:
Exped Megamat is a game-changer in comfort! Honestly feels better than a lot of regular beds. Only thing is, it’s really bulky, so mainly for car camping.

A sleeping pad that’s actually better than a bed? That’s exactly what I need. No worries with car camping—I’ll just fit it in my SUV.

@Shan
I’m 6’2” and took my Exped Megamat 15 on a 5-day desert camping trip. It’s bulky, yeah, but absolutely worth it. Best camping sleep I’ve ever had!

Haven said:
@Shan
I’m 6’2” and took my Exped Megamat 15 on a 5-day desert camping trip. It’s bulky, yeah, but absolutely worth it. Best camping sleep I’ve ever had!

I don’t even need a new pad, and here I am thinking about buying one now!

Haven said:
@Shan
I’m 6’2” and took my Exped Megamat 15 on a 5-day desert camping trip. It’s bulky, yeah, but absolutely worth it. Best camping sleep I’ve ever had!

I have an older Decathlon version of the Exped pad. Took it camping with my son this weekend, and I was sore but still able to hike the next day. It’s like an air mattress, but more practical for outdoor use.

@Shan
You won’t regret buying it.

Joss said:
@Shan
You won’t regret buying it.

I went for it! Just ordered the MegaMat 10 LXW with the pump. Can’t wait to give it a try, thanks for the input!

Shan said:

Joss said:
@Shan
You won’t regret buying it.

I went for it! Just ordered the MegaMat 10 LXW with the pump. Can’t wait to give it a try, thanks for the input!

You’re going to love it. It’s more comfortable than some beds! Just a tip: store it unrolled if you can, keeps it in better shape.

Shan said:

Joss said:
@Shan
You won’t regret buying it.

I went for it! Just ordered the MegaMat 10 LXW with the pump. Can’t wait to give it a try, thanks for the input!

The trick is inflating fully, then letting a bit of air out until it’s just right. I didn’t believe it would be so good, but now I’m hooked!

Shan said:

Joss said:
@Shan
You won’t regret buying it.

I went for it! Just ordered the MegaMat 10 LXW with the pump. Can’t wait to give it a try, thanks for the input!

Congrats! You’re officially part of the comfy-camping club!

Shan said:

Joss said:
@Shan
You won’t regret buying it.

I went for it! Just ordered the MegaMat 10 LXW with the pump. Can’t wait to give it a try, thanks for the input!

Mega Pump is a lifesaver. Helps a ton when packing up the mat again, too. If you have a bit extra budget, I’d go for the 15 version, but the 10 is still great!

Shan said:

Joss said:
@Shan
You won’t regret buying it.

I went for it! Just ordered the MegaMat 10 LXW with the pump. Can’t wait to give it a try, thanks for the input!

You’re going to be thrilled with it. I had Thermarest for ages but switched to the MegaMat, and I’m never going back.

@Shan
If you want the Exped to feel even better, add a 1" memory foam topper and a fitted sheet. Super comfy and easy to clean!

@Shan
I’m 6’4, and both my wife and I love the MegaMat for car camping. Highly recommend pairing it with a nice blanket instead of a sleeping bag.

Shiloh said:
Exped Megamat is a game-changer in comfort! Honestly feels better than a lot of regular beds. Only thing is, it’s really bulky, so mainly for car camping.

Agree 100%. Exped is crazy comfortable. Takes a few tries to get the inflation right, but once you figure it out, it’s amazing. Also, REI sometimes lets you test them out in-store.

Shiloh said:
Exped Megamat is a game-changer in comfort! Honestly feels better than a lot of regular beds. Only thing is, it’s really bulky, so mainly for car camping.

Exped Megamat 15 is unbeatable for comfort. It’s almost like a home mattress, but smaller and portable.

Shiloh said:
Exped Megamat is a game-changer in comfort! Honestly feels better than a lot of regular beds. Only thing is, it’s really bulky, so mainly for car camping.

I have the larger Exped Megamat 10 LXW because I toss and turn. Bulky, yes, but I had to upgrade due to arthritis, and it’s been great. If you’re near an REI, try out their demo pads!

@Taylor
I’ve got two, and they’re so worth it! Trick is to inflate all the way, then deflate slowly till it’s just right.

Ashton said:
@Taylor
I’ve got two, and they’re so worth it! Trick is to inflate all the way, then deflate slowly till it’s just right.

Oops, once I opened the deflate valve by accident. Not fun after a long day!