RTT mattress replacement

Yes on storing deflated ExPed's in RTT, but need to clarify. We have ExPed Synmat Mega's (which deflate completely/aren't self inflating), which differ from the MegaMat, which don't deflate completely and are self inflating. We inflate using a goofy bag system that actually works well once you get the hang of it. MegaMat's use a small bellows pump to top off the inflation. We chose the SynMats because of lighter weight and full deflation. They were on clearance when bought them, so may not be widely available anymore.

Tepui mattress serves multiple purposes.
First, wife is back sleeper, likes soft mattress. Tepui mattress provides her support from bottoming out on the aluminum floor if she really under inflates the ExPed (her preferred set-up).
Second, it does act as a great insulator between the floor and ExPeds.
Third, Expeds grip Tepui's factory mattress cover and stay in place better than on the aluminum floor or on memory foam toppers. Side-to-Side not an issue, the ExPed's fill the full width of the tent. But top-to-bottom they're about 7" shorter than the floor/mattress, so they tended to shift that way.
Fourth, the volume of the folded mattress along with pillows/bedding/deflated ExPed's just happens to be the sweet spot on fitting the travel cover tightly, but not too tightly as to cause problems zipping it on/off.

 

Great information, thank you for taking the time!!

 

ExPed MegaMat Duo is the bomb. I highly recommend. I think @turbodb believes it's his best mod ever. It's the perfect width for my tent, although a little short of filling the space lengthwise. However, that gives me room to store pillows when folded up. I sleep better on the ExPed than I do in a regular bed.

 

Wow haha, are you sponsored by them?

Is this in addition to foam?
how do you find inflation/deflation ?

 

Ha, sadly, no. I did use a coupon code at Moosejaw to save a little when I bought mine. I only have the anti-condensation mat under it, no foam. It is full of foam and provides great insulation.

I just set up the tent and pop open the inflation valve and it inflates to a point pretty quickly, maybe 20 minutes -- not sure, I'm usually starting fire/cooking/drinking beer for a while. Then I give it about 100 pumps from the little hand pump it comes with to top it off, takes a couple of minutes. Depending on whether you like firm or soft, you may need a little more or a little less. When I get up, pop the deflation valve and get breakfast. When closing up the tent, I just sit on top of the tent for a minute and let it squeeze down. All in all, it doesn't add much at all to the whole process.

Before you close up the tent, I'd advise arranging your bedding and folding the mattress over first to avoid any possible pinching in the hinges area. Makes it easier to close and avoids damaging the mattress.

 

@Little Lion - this is so spot on. I mean, the Exped is great. Second best mod ever (after the fridge).

Here was my initial rig review, and I've actually got a "1 year later" review that I plan to post on Thursday.

Rig Review: Hiking Death Valley - What worked and what didn't?

I should note - I'm also not sponsored by Exped, and paid full price for mine. I'm just a fanboi, lol.

 

Hey thank you for the share - Love your writing style and all the great photos! You’ve got a new fan.
looking forward to your upcoming post - be sure to keep us ... posted

 

You’re very convincing my friend! Sounds like a bit more work than foam, but at the same time comes with some nice benefits!

 

OK, posted my "1-year later," enjoy!

Exped Megamat Review - 1 Year Later

So after having my Exped MegaMat 10 Duo LXW for a little over a year - during which time I've spent about 90 nights on it - I figured it was time to share my long-term impressions as well as a few things I've learned. "Pro tips" as it were... or at least, "tips." I should also note here that I'm not sponsored by Exped in any way, and I paid full price for my mattress. I'm just a fanboi, and want to help others get a great night sleep.

TL;DR - I really like the Exped. Of everything I've done to make camping more enjoyable - including all the truck mods - it is my #2 mod of them all. Only the ARB Fridge is more valuable in my mind. So yeah, I recommend picking one up as soon as you can.

Read the full review at: Exped Megamat Review - 1 Year Later

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Awesome article Turbobd thank you!
Reading this has made me strongly consider the whole dog/sharp things vs air mat.
Certainly sounds like you're getting your moneys worth, real comfy as long as you tend to its gentle needs!
Love your website, you've got me thinking about fridges and sliding storage racks...

Edit: FYI turbodb has the best quality and volume of overlanding photos I have ever seen. If anyone is looking for that wanderlust, just head over to his website

 

I put my dog in my tent all the time, but I have the mattress covered with a double-wide sleeping bag. He's a 40+ pound Shiba that tends to his own nails since touching his paws is a severe no-no, so they aren't short but not super long either (he gnaws them down a bit). I don't worry about it too much with the sleeping bag on there, but I may regert that someday.

 

Thanks for posting the reviews. Just ordered one.