Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated vs Exped Megamat: Which is More Comfortable?

Gear Question
1

Which sleeping pad is more comfortable?

2

The Megamat wins in comfort, hands down. But these two pads aren’t really comparable. The Megamat’s packed size is huge, making it only suitable for car camping.

3

The Megamat is much more comfortable since it’s filled with foam, while the Rapide SL is just air. But the Megamat’s packed size is about five times larger, so it’s really only for car camping. If you’re backpacking, go with the Rapide SL.

4

@Tegan
Is the Rapide SL the most comfortable backpacking sleeping pad out there?

5

Clarke said:
@Tegan
Is the Rapide SL the most comfortable backpacking sleeping pad out there?

I can’t say for sure, but it’s often reviewed as one of the most comfortable. I also have the Nemo Tensor and Nemo Quasar, and they’re pretty comfortable too. I recommend going with a wide version (25 inches) for extra comfort. I use the Exped Megamat for car camping, and while it’s incredibly comfy, I wouldn’t take it backpacking.

6

For a blow-up pad, the Rapide SL is very comfortable.

7

I own both, and the Megamat is way more comfortable. I also have a Nemo Quasar, Rapide SL, and Therm-a-Rest XTherm. The Rapide SL is my go-to for backpacking (except in snow), and it’s pretty comfortable for its weight.

8

@Kari
Is the Rapide SL the most comfortable backpacking pad?

9

Clarke said:
@Kari
Is the Rapide SL the most comfortable backpacking pad?

My girlfriend has one, and it’s definitely comfier than my Nemo Tensor.

10

Clarke said:
@Kari
Is the Rapide SL the most comfortable backpacking pad?

The Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe is just as comfortable as the Rapide SL, and it comes in wider sizes. Most 3.5 to 4-inch backpacking mats offer similar comfort.

11

The Megamat 15 is incredibly comfortable, but its pack size is huge. The Rapide SL is the most comfortable pad I’ve used for backpacking.

12

Megamat, no contest. I’ve slept on it for about 20 nights, and it’s super comfortable. But it’s only good for car camping since it’s so big.

13

Phoenix said:
Megamat, no contest. I’ve slept on it for about 20 nights, and it’s super comfortable. But it’s only good for car camping since it’s so big.

Would the Megamat be the best option for living in a car or van?

14

@Clarke
A real mattress is probably more comfortable, but the Megamat is easy to roll up and store, making it more versatile for vanlife or car living.

15

The Megamat beats the Rapide SL in comfort and R-value, but its packed size makes it a car camping pad only. I own both the Megamat 15 and 10, and the 15 is worth the extra money. If you go with the Megamat, get a MegaPump to deflate it easily—it’s tough to pack away without one.

For the Rapide, consider the Boundary Deluxe instead. It has a higher R-value and comes in a 30-inch wide size. If you want a higher R-value air pad, check out the Exped Dura 8 (for car camping) or the Ultra 7 (for backpacking).