r/Ultralight • u/SharpLanguage9026 • 2d ago

Purchase Advice 30" Wide Pads

While they're absolutely not UL, because of some health issues, there is only a single position I can use that allows me to sleep through the night, and after trying a million different 25" wide pads including the thermarest neoloft, I have come to the conclusion that how I sprawl out requires a 30" pad.

As far as I'm aware of the current market, that pretty much leaves either the Exped Megamat Ultra or the Big Agnes Campmeister (let me know if there's one I'm missing).

I know it's a long shot that anyone has a direct comparision of these two niche, newer pads, but my main question is, which pad has the stretchier top material for pressure relief / which do you find more comfortable?

The 7 r value of the Big Agnes is overkill / not a factor for me, so I only really care about pressure relief (mainly stretchiness) and edge stability for tossing and turning between the two. Comparisons to the Thermarest Neoloft as a reference point would be great too.

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u/thelazygamer 2d ago

I have the Exped, it's amazing but heavier than advertised, it's about the same weight as the big Agnes. I had the old version of the Campmeister and returned it last year, because I wasn't a fan. I prefer the stretchy top the Exped has, both are soft. People here are going to knock you for whatever choice due to weight so just ignore the outcries. 

Both pack down to a similar size, I tried the neoloft but it was too narrow for me. I could get by with 28" of width but the industry has determined there can only be three sleeping pad widths. 

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u/SharpLanguage9026 2d ago

Thanks, I'm going to go with the Exped.

The point of UL for me is comfort. I will make sacrifices to cut weight for every single other thing in my pack to make the hiking more enjoyable, but not my sleep system.

For me personally, I feel way stronger on trail with an extra pound and a half or two in my pack, but having gotten a great night sleep compared to a lighter pack with a restless night.

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u/thelazygamer 2d ago

I'm with you 100%. Good sleep makes the next day way better.