tldr; Reddit highly recommends Exped Ultra sleeping pads, particularly the 3R and 5R models, for their comfort, especially for side sleepers, and lengthwise baffles.
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Best praise vs top criticism for Exped Ultra
“I just want to take this opportunity to highlight a pad that I think is criminally undermentioned here, the REI Helix. If you go to the chart, and input the Helix's weight as the maximum value (21oz though mine came in over an oz under spec), and it's R value (4.9) as the minimum value, there are only four other pads that fall into those parameters, and they are all way more expensive. Those pads are the Exped Ultra 7R, the Nemo Tensor all-season Insulated, the Nemo Tensor Extreme, and the NeoAir Xtherm NXT. Those all range from $200-$270, and while I know there can be deals on those sometimes, REI has much better deals. I got my Helix for less than $80, and I think this is the time of year they have those sales. Yes, if money is no object, and you just need the absolute best pad in terms of weight or warmth, then there are better options. But for someone just getting into backpacking, or is on a budget, it really is an understatement to say it's the best option for the money. Even if you already have a top of the line thermarest pad, I would still recommend it if you want a second pad for spouses and friends.”
“A comfort-oriented side sleeping setup that has worked well for me: - Exped Ultra 3R LW mummy fits my height and is wide where it counts. Because the baffles run lengthwise, they “block” you into the pad and you don’t feel like you’ll fall off. (At least, I don’t. I am a tall, somewhat slender woman.) - Put a patch of foam under the hip - prevents the feeling of bottoming out. 2 panels of switchback, a cheapo sit pad, some foam that comes with a random package - anything squishy works. The foam is key. The only reason I ever felt uncomfortable before the foam was my hip hitting the ground. No longer! I can sleep in any position in that setup. ”
220 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 2/24/2026