Alps Mountaineering Apex Series – Best Budget Camping Mattress, 2. Coleman Self-Inflating Camp Pad with Pillow, Coleman Self-Inflating Camp Pad with Pillow, The Best Portable Gas Generator Reviews: Gas Portable Generator, Best Dual Coffee Makers 2020 – Reviews & Top Picks, Reviews: The Technivorm Moccamaster KBT741 Coffee Maker, Best Camping Mattresses and Sleeping Pads Reviews. The combination of low weight, warmth, and the low retail price is something rarely found in the sleeping pad world. Sleeping pads are given an R-value rating, and the higher the number, the better it insulates you from the cold. One of the newer products in the line is the Groundbreaker Pad, which checks in at a very reasonable $60. Please select a Color: Color : Orange. What we like: A well-rounded design at a reasonable price.What we don’t: The Nemo Cosmo 3D above is lighter and more packable. And it’s also been built to withstand the rigors of cold-weather use with a tough 75-denier polyester shell that’s reinforced with a TPU laminate. A few years ago, Sea to Summit shook up the backpacking market with their innovative pad designs, and they recently expanded into the camping world. The design was lightly updated for 2020 with a new valve for faster inflation/deflation and a small bump in R-value to a winter-ready 6. Close. While we generally liked the Flash this shouldn't be considered a highly durable sleeping pad. And for couples or those who prefer a double-wide model, the DeepSleep is also available in a Duo version for $279. That being said, the 75-denier fabric bottom on our MondoKing is plenty durable and we’ve had no hesitations laying it directly on the dirt. Opting for the insulated version gets you PrimaLoft synthetic fill bonded to the interior, which gives the Nemo mat a 3-season-friendly R-value of 3.3. Although most sleeping pads will work fine for side sleepers, there are still some things you should consider before buying a sleeping pad that will prevent you from making the wrong choice. Both jackets have a relaxed fit, feature a 2-layer waterproof laminate and mesh liner, and weigh about the same (the REI is 0.8 ounces heavier). 1. This mattress is very spacious at a healthy 32 inches wide, super comfortable with 4 inches of cushioning off the ground, and warm enough for most 3-season conditions with an R-Value of 6.6. It's easy to pitch, durable and has ample ventilation. Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed, 15. Prices as low as $34.95. Your email address will not be published. Blow-up mattresses are the best for packed size (typically packing down to a tiny 4.5×7.5in or 11x19cm). The pads appear to be pretty similar in size, shape, and weight. The Flash Insulated has a stated R-value of 3.7, which implies it should be a solid three-season sleeping. For the price, the Alps’ self-inflating technology works well and the pad is durable enough to last for many seasons. The Xtreme Lite is sold as a waterproof breathable rain jacket. The REI Camp Bed and Groundbreaker sleeping pads are compact and affordable COMFORT - The days of waking up all creaky and achy are over! Toddlers love being outside. Staggered baffles provide generous support for side and back sleepers alike. Check Amazon Price Check REI Price. 8 oz.R-value: 4.1What we like: A comfortable and versatile pad at a good price.What we don’t: Caught in between camping and backpacking categories. The color has changed to a golden yellow and the R-Value has dropped slightly, from 3.7 to 3.2 on the new pad. It is thick, heavy, and pretty darn warm overall. Type: Air matDimensions: 76 x 25 x 3.5 in. The REI Trekekr 1.75 is a self-inflating sleeping pad that shines in the campsite after a long night around the fire. $49.95. Secondly, the 30 denier polyester fabric used throughout the pad is relatively thin when looking at other more durable sleeping pads. Therm-a-Rest released the first self-inflating mattress in the early 1970s, and the same basic design has soldiered on for years. Solo Survival: How to Survive Alone in the Wilderness for 1 week --Eastern Woodlands - Duration: 34:07. ... Stuff it along the side of your pack, or where your sleeping pad used to go (cause it’s tiny and fits in your pack now!). With two doors and vestibules, 28.7 square feet of floor area, and near-vertical side walls, the tent fits two backpackers pretty well. 13 oz.What we like: Budget-priced airbed.What we don’t: No pump included; a little less comfortable. So which one should you choose? We were pleasantly surprised by the high level of comfort from the Flash. And if you’re a finicky sleeper, it’s not a bad idea to upgrade to a premium pad like the 4.25-inch thick Therm-a-Rest MondoKing. It’s true that it’s hard to beat the value of this pad, but even spending up for the Coleman Camp Pad above which is often on sale for less than $40 will be worth the investment from a comfort perspective. The underside of a pad often gets the most abuse, so we prefer a slightly thicker bottom fabric. It helps extend the life of this roomy tent's floor while you enjoy life off the grid. December 11, 2020 at 4:30 pm. The Siesta is a perfect warmer-weather bag that could easily be shoved into a compression sack or the bag compartment of most backpacks. It inflates about 80% of the way by just opening the valve, and then you blow to top it off. We leave it behind on 3-season camping adventures, and at 2 pounds 9.3 ounces, it’s not the lightest option available for mixing in the occasional backpacking trip. (Queen)Weight: 14 lbs.What we like: Airbed convenience along with a durable build.What we don’t: Takes up a lot of space in your tent. You do get a bump in thickness compared to the REI Camp Bed above, which offers 2.5 inches of separation from the ground, although that mattress’s rectangular shape is roomier and it costs significantly less $100. Most notably, the MondoKing 3D is a substantial 4.25 inches thick, and the vertical sidewalls allow you to enjoy every part of the cushy 77- by 25-inch platform. Also, the bottom rolls up like a tube of toothpaste, so the bag can grow with your child. The majority of camping mattresses are self-inflating and utilize a familiar twist valve. rei groundbreaker tent review | November 9, 2020. The REI Co-op Groundbreaker 2 tent isn’t as lightweight and doesn’t have all the features that other two person backpacking tents out there have, but if you’re looking to save some cash it’ll do the trick. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The REI Rainier Rain Jacket is an inexpensive but well-featured waterproof/breathable rain jacket that can be used year-round for hiking and backpacking. GearLab is reader-supported. A truly unique concept, the Kingdom System starts with our favorite air bed, REI’s Kingdom Insulated Air Bed, and tacks on a mattress pad, top sheet, and insulated quilt. It’s tough to find a decent self-inflating sleeping pad for under $75, but the Alps Mountaineering Apex Series accomplishes just that. These are pure air mats, with no foam in the construction. Like all Therm-a-Rest pads, the ProLite Apex is made in market to ensure quality and minimize environmental impact. Unfortunately, it’s a bit narrow at 20 inches wide for the regular size stepping up to the “long” gets you 25 inches of width but a slight jump in price to $80. (LW)Weight: 2 lbs. The most important thing to consider is the thickness of the pad. Both jackets have a relaxed fit, feature a 2-layer waterproof laminate and mesh liner, and … If you're used to packing along a closed-cell foam sleeping pad, the Flash will absolutely disappear in your backpack. Let us know! The latest insulated pad in the REI's Flash series is the Flash 3-Season. Type: Self-inflating matDimensions: 72 x 20 x 3 in. Exped does make a lighter version of the DownMat, the HL Winter, but that pad seriously compromises in durability with a 20-denier shell. Additionally, it’s a solid value at under $100 for the queen version. This is getting rave reviews on Amazon and it seems to appeal to A LOT of true coffee snobs connoisseurs. Of the mattresses that are most comfortable for camping, we recommend the Nemo Cosmo 3D Insulated (but in the narrower 20-inch width). Firstly, it didn't come with a patch kit as most sleeping pads do, and our experience in the outdoors has taught us that you will eventually have to patch your sleeping pad, even if you use a ground cloth and never abuse the pad. The breatha… But the Tru.Comfort undercuts the Nemo by $40, adds over an inch of thickness, and doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of performance. Despite being just 1.75 inches off the ground, the pad has soft and comfortable foam in the middle, making it a restful experience. The main benefit of an airbed is it gets you further off the ground for easier in and out (a cot can do the same). To maximize lifespan, it’s best to leave your self-inflating pad unrolled and with the valves open. Summer campers can get away with less, while winter adventurers will want something that exceeds 5 (and may want to consider adding a second pad for additional protection). Compare the two pads below; the yellow model is the updated Flash, followed by the model we tested. The longer length is great for taller folks, but just about everyone can appreciate the extra width. In terms of comfort, however, we give the standard sleeping mat the upside, particularly those that have foam in the construction. A favorite camping mattress of ours for a number of years, the Camp Bed from REI wins you over with heaps of foam and a great price. REI says the jacket weighs in at just over 16 ounces, but it’s not clear which men’s size that is. Some are offered in the smaller 72-inch length, but many starts at approximately 77 inches, and extend to 80 to 85 inches (the XXL version of the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is 80 x 30 inches). In terms of design, you get a simple and relatively thin 1.5-inch self-inflating build, durable fabrics along the top and bottom, and camping-friendly width of 25 inches. But for the occasional camper, budget seeker, and/or back sleeper, this is all you’ll likely need for a good night’s sleep under the stars. Type: Self-inflating matDimensions: 72 x 25 x 2.5 in. Once we were situated and laying down on the pad, the feeling of being too thin disappeared. Mummy-shaped pads are smaller than rectangular ones. What are the downsides of the SoundAsleep Camping Series? Pads generally come in a few different lengths (depending on your height) and a couple different shapes (rectangular or mummy). Camping gear can get rather bulky and out of hand quickly, and those limited on space in their vehicle or gear closet will appreciate the compressibility. Camping is typically a drive up and unloads kind of activity, so the weight and packed size of your gear isn’t always the number one consideration. Who should buy the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI? It’s really a reliable and low maintenance rain jacket on that score. Whether it’s your 1st time or your 50th, the 2-person, 3-season REI Co-op Groundbreaker 2 Tent is a no-frills way to get into camping. There are, however, still differences between models, which is why we suggest checking the denier ratings. Therm-a-Rest tweaked the MondoKing for 2020, including new valves with dedicated inflate/deflate functions to shorten set up and take down, along with an offsetting foam design that trimmed about a pound of weight and makes it easier to compress and pack. The dual fiber insulation is also quite packable, as the Flash packs down into a stuff sack, making it one of the smaller packed pads tested. Reply. And a final bonus: with its fairly reasonable weight and packed size, the Cosmo 3D does the trick as a luxury backpacking sleeping pad. Please n… However, REI’s $50 Groundbreaker is a worthy alternative. The Flash Insulated might not be durable enough for an open bivy but it was definitely comfortable! While the store carries a wide variety of camp beds and sleeping pads, I was told that either the 2.5” or 3.5” REI Self-Inflating Camp Bed should be ideal for use for a platform bed like the one I’d be spending the night on in Lassen. The pad emerged from multiple ground-tarpless bivy's without a scratch. It is thick, heavy, and pretty darn warm overall. Philip Werner. The V-shaped air channels are quite comfortable, but we still give the edge to the foam options above. At $37, you get self-inflating construction, foam padding, and even a built-in pillow. For one, we think overall comfort falls a little short of a pad with built-in foam like the Camp Dreamer XL above (adding a foam mattress topper can help resolve this). The pads appear to be pretty similar in size, shape, and weight. Therm-a-Rest’s RidgeRest SOLite is a classic choice for a first backpacking or camping pad. While the store carries a wide variety of camp beds and sleeping pads, I was told that either the 2.5” or 3.5” REI Self-Inflating Camp Bed should be ideal for use for a platform bed like the one I’d be spending the night on in Lassen. Also, some of the large self-inflating pads, like the Exped MegaMat or Therm-a-Rest MondoKing, have two valves to shorten inflation and deflation times. The big upside is there’s no risk of getting a puncture, but the closed-cell foam is by far and away from the least comfortable mattress type. The Camping Series is offered in both a twin or queen size we suggest springing for queen if you have the space as it’s only $10 more. Why do we have the Kelty Tru.Comfort ranked here? If you are weight conscious when it comes to outdoor gear and don't want to shell out the better part of two Benjamins, this is the best choice currently on the market. It’s easy to … The REI XeroDry GTX jacket is much less expensive than similar Gore-Tex Paclite rain coats, is offered in many colors, and has models in sizes Small through 3X for men and women. Camping mattresses are becoming more and more similar to the mattresses we use at home. Overall, its 2-inch thickness can’t compete with a truly luxurious option like Therm-a-Rest’s own MondoKing or the Exped MegaMat above, but the BaseCamp’s durable, soft lining and easy-to-use twist valve get the job done for most camping adventures. View the reviews with an average rating of 0.0 out of 5 stars. In the heat of summer, you can get away with almost no insulation in most cases. The fleecy fabric pile is relatively thick and feels nice right against the skin. But if your airbed mostly will be used at home and only taken camping on occasion, the Coleman SupportRest is a proven option. 11.2 oz.R-value: 1.3What we like: Fantastic value for a lightweight and comfy pad.What we don’t: Minimal insulation. And if you do happen to get a puncture, it can be a real pain trying to locate and fix a leak. If you are heading into high altitude areas and are worried about huffing and puffing, the Exped Schnozzle pump sack is compatible and worked great to fill the Flash. It makes quick work of cooking dinner – heating up meals and leftovers in just minutes. for the REI). This was a relaxed pace test where we didn't huff and puff; we just unpacked and inflated at a pace that didn't get us dizzy. Type: Self-inflating matDimensions: 78 x 25 x 3 in. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. This foam pad is just over a half-inch thick 0.62 inches to be exact which makes it incapable of disguising a rock, stick, or even large bumps on the ground that you may find yourself sleeping on top of. We have the REI ranked higher because of its proven track record and more generous dimensions (it’s longer, wider, and thicker), but the Exped is a great alternative for less. On the other hand, everything is nicely integrated and fits well. Sleeping Pad Considerations for Side Sleepers. build that nicely isolates you from the ground, a comfortable sleeping surface with horizontal baffles and vertical sidewalls, good 3-season warmth with 140-gram synthetic insulation (Kelty doesn’t provide an R-value), and a durable 75-denier polyester shell. The insulation rating for a sleeping pad … The REI Groundbreaker Insulated Jacketis warm, impressively weather-resistant, and comes at an unbeatably low price. The baffled design was cozy all night and added a significant cozy factor to our morning coffee reflections. Despite a long track record and plenty of happy customers (us included), the DownMat ends up near the bottom of our list because of its narrow appeal. Another unique feature of the Cosmo 3D is that the head end of the pad is raised, creating a pillow (a helpful feature if you forget yours at home). This includes includes water, sun protection, a first aid kit, a tent and sleeping bag, food and cooking gear, warm and water resistant clothing, flashlights and lanterns, matches or lighters, and—if you plan to venture away from your site—maps and a navigation systems. In the spirit of comfort, camping pads and mattresses have a much larger footprint than their backpacking cousins. High-end sleeping bags are not for everyone, but if you’re an ultralight junkie who needs a mind-blowing warmth-to-weight ratio for the cost, the Magma 15 sleeping bag is unreal. 9 oz.R-value: 3.6What we like: A true home-in-the-woods experience.What we don’t: Very expensive; slow hand pump. The top fabric of the bed is soft and will hold sheets in place, and the Double High compresses down to a reasonable size for storage or transport. Where to buy & best price by retailer for the REI Co-op Groundbreaker Rain Pants. We were initially frustrated at the omission of a pump sack, but after getting to know the Flash, we realized it really isn't needed. It’s a 2-in-1 solution that eliminates carrying separate bags for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad. The REI Co-op Flash Insulated is an exception to the lightweight rule. The slimmer of those two beds costs $89.50, the “fatter” runs $119.00 to $129.00, plus tax. Thickness. Bevil Staley. Whether it's your 1st time or your 50th, the 2-person, 3-season REI Co-op Groundbreaker 2 Tent is a no-frills way to get into camping. The Alps Mountaineering Apex Series above has a thicker, 3-inch self-inflating construction in the regular size and feels nearly as comfortable for about two-thirds the price. Type: AirbedDimensions: 78 x 60 x 9 in. Purchases through Amazon use an affiliate link and this site is part of the Amazon Associates program. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Therm-a-Rest usually separates itself from the pack in fit and finish, but we’ve generally been impressed with the Alps Mountaineering mat, which is why it’s overtaken the BaseCamp on our list. Review of the REI Co-op AirRail 1.5 self inflating sleeping pad / mat. The Siesta is a perfect warmer-weather bag that could easily be shoved into a compression sack or the bag compartment of most backpacks. We give the edge to self-inflating pads for the cushy but supportive foam that makes them a little more comfortable to us, but back sleepers, side sleepers, and even stomach sleepers should be happy with most of the models that made out a list. The exact pad we tested from REI is no longer available. If you’re like the rest of us, one of the other pads from our list above will suit you much better. That said, the mat still is a value leader at $100 for the regular size (stepping up to the 78 x 25 in. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Lightweight, 3-season warmth, comfortable, easy to inflate and deflate. Having to manually inflate a large air pad or airbed can be a time consuming and dizzying experience (or an impossible task in the case of an airbed), so most manufacturers will include some sort of pump. (L)Weight: 4 lbs. It's not very expensive and under four pounds. BOTTOM LINE: The REI Groundbreaker is an affordable crossover pad that can pull double-duty for both camping and short backpacking trips. One of the Coleman’s primary competitors is the SoundAsleep airbed above. Car camping really allows you to step up your sleeping comfort, and the REI Camp Dreamer XL is case in point. Just a couple of those will fill up a car on their own. How can we improve GearLab? Overall comfort is where the Coleman falls short of even the budget-oriented Alps Mountaineering above. We found the Flash to be comfortable in the 40s and 50s and able to stretch it down into the 30s from time to time. We are continually impressed at the level of quality and innovation REI offers, especially for the price, and the mid-range section displays that best. Groundbreaker Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad (19) 19 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Blending foam, air, and a tough polyester shell, the Apex provides good warmth and sufficient comfort for camping. One of the biggest differences we noticed between the Flash and other sleeping pads of similar weight was the way the air chambers are engineered. A camping mattress’ ability to insulate you from the cold ground is measured in R-value, and a higher number indicates better protection. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Moreover, air mattresses are the most compressible pad option. 10 oz.R-value: 7.6What we like: Good all-around value.What we don’t: A step down in comfort from the Camp Dreamer XL. We guided backpacking trips with this pad in the Summer in Colorado and never once got cold. While we didn't choose the Flash for our Best Buy Award, it deserves recognition for its performance to thrift ratio. As a final alternative and for a moderate boost in cushioning, Sea to Summit’s Comfort Plus SI below is 3 inches thick, albeit for $60 more and with a smaller sleeping platform. The jacket features two kangaroo pockets, but there are no zippered pockets for secur… And while it can’t quite match their comfort despite a new curved baffle shape for last summer the Cosmo wins out in weight and packed size. (Queen)Weight: 14 lbs. With construction that prevents cold spots and can zip open to use as a quilt, the REI Co-op Groundbreaker 30 sleeping bag might just be your gateway to enjoying a night's sleep on the ground. ... penny. It's not very expensive and under four pounds. Exped’s DownMat XP 9 fills a unique niche with its winter-ready air pad construction. Second, we make sleeping on the ground as comfortable as possible with a Big Agnes Duster 15 ($110). Got feedback? The BaseCamp from Therm-a-Rest is a solid mid-range camping mat. Plus, you get a large and flat surface for sleeping and vertical sidewalls that maximize space. Having the full weight of our body on the Flash, be it on our back or side, kept us from pushing through to the ground. REI claims to have updated the construction of the pad so the welds are stronger. Best Budget Backpacking Tents REI Co-op Groundbreaker 2 Tent. Ensure seasons of fun with the family—and even its 4-legged member—with this Big Agnes Dog House 6 footprint. With construction that prevents cold spots and can zip open to use as a quilt, the REI Co-op Groundbreaker 30 sleeping bag might just be your gateway to enjoying a night's sleep on the ground. Of note: the SupportRest doesn’t include a pump for inflation or deflation we recommend Coleman’s 4 D Battery Quick Pump for camping use, which adds about $15 to the price. Inevitable shifting and adjusting didn't create excessive bounce, which is a huge bonus. The fleecy fabric pile is relatively thick and feels nice right against the skin. As a general guideline for 3-season use, we recommend a rating between 2.5 and 4. And if you’re trying to save some dough, airbeds are friendlier for use at home for guests, especially if you choose a two-person queen-sized airbed. For a determined chef like my husband Jim and an organization freak like … Klymit addresses this with a wide build with the “Luxe” model and side rails that keep you securely in place. We do understand the financial motivation to only purchase a single pad, and there are options that crossover nicely. It makes quick work of cooking dinner – heating up meals and leftovers in just minutes. Our advice would be to get a solid patch kit and know how to use it no matter what sleeping pad you end up using. SoundAsleep Camping Series – Best Camping Air Bed, 3. 20-inch pads are standard fare for backpacking and usually mean at least one arm is sliding off the pad during the night. Soft-touch, stretchy fabric both holds you well and is comfortable enough to lie on directly if you’re camping in a hot environment. … Sleeping pad temperature rating. Inflating these mats requires you to either blow air through a valve or use a pump. As a general guideline for 3-season use, we recommend a rating between 2.5 and 4. The Coleman is the clear favorite for those on a budget even adding the pump undercuts the SoundAsleep in price for either the twin or queen size. Please n… The best rectangular sleeping bags are lightweight and compact, while providing enough moving space for you to avoid feeling trapped inside a cocoon. That said, for a little more dough, you could … At the current retail price, the Flash is excellent value. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.