Side by side
Nemo Eclipse vs Exped
Nemo Eclipse
20 positive (83%) · 3 mixed (13%) · 1 negative (4%)
Trust + time weighted: +81%
Top excerpts
It is super easy to pack up, just pop the valve open, roll it up once to get the air out, then I fold in thirds lengthwise and roll it up. The bag it goes into has extra space so there's no fight to fit it back in there. ... I find it comfortable. I sleep on my side and stomach and tend to move around in my sleep a lot, so my sleeping pad also needs to be reasonably quiet. I don't hear any of the internal insulation crinkle
If it were me I’d recommend the following: - (or NEMO Eclipse all season for $175)
The Nemo eclipse is really nice and currently on sale at REI.
Durable with that 40D ripstop nylon... Very lightweight for it's size and thickness... Very comfortable and great pressure relief... Impressively small pack size... Valve is probably the best I've tried
A bit difficult to roll up... The insulation definitely doesn't go all the way which can lead to sleeping colder. It's not present in the outer tubes. Overstated R-value of 6.2?
Exped
40 positive (80%) · 6 mixed (12%) · 4 negative (8%)
Trust + time weighted: +72%
AI summary — not a quote
Exped is highly regarded for its sleeping pads, frequently cited as the gold standard for camping comfort. Users with chronic back pain, sciatica, or degenerative disc disease specifically praise the brand for providing a sleep quality comparable to a home mattress. While the price point is a significant hurdle, the brand's reputation is reinforced by a robust warranty and a customer service department known for repairing or replacing aging gear.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort, often described as 'game-changing' for sleepers with back issues.
- Outstanding customer service, with reports of free repairs on gear over a decade old.
- Excellent for side sleepers and tall individuals (up to 6'5").
- High warmth and insulation properties for cold-weather camping.
Cons
- High retail price compared to budget-tier competitors.
- Occasional reports of leaks, though these are typically addressed by the warranty.
- Can feel excessively firm or 'bouncy' if inflated to 100% capacity.
Top excerpts
I have the not-Duo Exped, a matching one for my wife, and a smaller one for my kid. They are a buy once-cry once, and I've never slept better outdoors.
I hate pads that have to be rolled up twice. Expeds are not like that. Procedure: While laying on pad, open dump valve, air leaves quickly from body weight. Then Z-fold lengthwise (like those Exped lengthwise air chambers). Roll up from foot to head. Done.
I’ve tried the tensor and exped and ultimately chose the second one. I’m currently laying on it in Scotland and it’s very comfortable and warm, never have I felt cold from the bottom. I do like the pump sack and quick adjustability of pressure. I have never ended up on the ground either even sleeping on an incline. What I don’t like is the size and weight
Exped has similar ones and a 16" fits inside.
Reliable brands for sleeping mats are Sea to Summit, Megamat, Thermarest, Big Agnes, Nemo, Exped and RAB. If it isn't from one of these firms, don't buy it.