Review: Exped MegaMat Auto

A few years ago, Exped changed the car-camping game with its MegaMat series; no longer did a night in the woods mean discomfort or lack of sleep. Indeed, my own MegaMat Duo, when inflated properly, is damn near as comfy as my regular mattress. I know folks with small houses who use theirs for guests—no more lumpy couches or expensive Murphy beds. Exped's sleep pads are just that good, no bones about it.

The company's latest offering is for purist car-campers, those who like to pull over their SUVs or wagons and crash sans tent: the MegaMat Auto, shaped to fit the back of a Suby, FourRunner, or other similar vehicle. It's got all the features that make the MegaMat great—four full inches of self-inflating foam, soft & comfy sleep surface, a whopping 8.1 R-value—plus two extra valves for quick inflation/deflation. The pad inflates quickly, tops off easily with the included mini-pump, and offers a plush  experience for even the most temperamental of sleepers.

Once again, the game's been changed—a full-width mattress for inside the car, safe from bears, bugs, and nasty weather. I can't wait to see what Exped comes up with next.

$400; exped.com.