I'm the bad luck charm of sleeping pads and have the intense fear of being the last person to pack up my gear before we are on our way. After the bulky sleep pad leaked on the first day of a 5 day raft trip I went down the research rabbit hole for something that may survive my bad luck and keep me from being the dead weight of the trip.
I sprung for the Air Pad XL and am so happy! I compared it to everything I saw on REI and "best sleep pad" lists google showed me it won my heart for having the following:
- Great R value by far at 5.2 (I didn't know what this was but was super happy to find out it is the "how well does this insulate you from cold surfaces")
- Great reviews by people with bad backs
- Large surface area with a small pack up size (It fits my 5'9" self with my feet pointed out and arms over my head and under the pillow, and my 6'4" compatriot lay on it and fit! Holy smokes!)
- Better price than everything except the stuff showing up on Amazon with a tons of high leak reviews
- Loops to hook into my hammock tent
- Double inflation method so you don't have to frantically blow in and get lightheaded (Also comes with a non-electric pump system that works well but won't work on other pads)
- Thick enough to have leeway to find the perfect resistance without your gut or butt feeling the ground. 3+" too firm? Deflate to about 2.5ish and have a little more adjustment for any curves you have!
Full disclosure I've only tested it out in the house but I kept choosing to lie down on it instead of the couch right next to it. I will update after the camping usage.
It may be a bit tight if you are trying to share a small tent with someone else and it is a bit noisy but I don't think it will be a problem especially when I'm on it in my Puffle.
If you have a Puffle they do have videos on how to wrap one of those around it for extra insulation.
I already own 2 Puffles and have really loved the quality and warmth so was willing to spring for the Air Pad XL in addition to the Hot Pocket and two of the pillows. I'm already eyeing the Ember Jacket for a Memorial Day (crossing fingers) Sale purchase and am gearing up for a cozy camp summer and fall.