The Exped MegaMat is one of the most talked-about camping mattresses in Australia — and for good reason. If you’ve ever woken up sore, cold, or exhausted after a night on a cheap air mat, this is the mattress that fixes all of that. This review covers everything you need to know before buying.
What is the Exped MegaMat?
The Exped MegaMat is a self-inflating camping mattress designed for car campers and base camp adventurers who refuse to compromise on sleep quality. It comes in two main versions:
MegaMat 10 LXW — 10cm thick, R-value 8.1, weight 1.8–2.3kg depending on size. The most popular option for three-season camping.
MegaMat Max 15 LXW — 15cm thick, R-value 10.6, weight 3.4kg. Hotel-bed thickness for side sleepers, joint issues, or extreme cold conditions.
Both use a self-inflating open-cell foam core that expands automatically when the valve is opened, reaching about 70–80% inflation on its own. A few extra breaths or a pump brings it to full firmness.
What makes it stand out
Exceptional insulation
With an R-value of 8.1 (MegaMat 10) to 10.6 (Max 15), the Exped MegaMat is one of the warmest camping mattresses you can buy. For context, most budget air mattresses have an R-value of 0 — meaning zero insulation from the cold ground. The MegaMat handles everything from Queensland summer to Victorian alpine conditions reliably.
Comfort for all sleeping positions
The thickness is the key here. At 10–15cm, there’s enough cushioning that side sleepers don’t feel pressure on hips and shoulders, back sleepers get even spinal support, and stomach sleepers have enough firmness to maintain alignment. One reviewer has used his MegaMat as his primary home bed for over two years — never once needing to top up the air.
Built to last
The MegaMat uses 75D polyester on top and 50D on the bottom — significantly more durable than most camping mattresses. Reinforced welded seams and high-quality brass valves mean this isn’t a mattress that fails after a season. Multiple Australian campers report 5–10 years of regular use with no performance issues.
Who should buy it
The Exped MegaMat is ideal for:
- Car campers who prioritise sleep quality over weight savings
- Cold weather and alpine campers needing R-value 8+
- Side sleepers who struggle with pressure points on thinner mats
- Couples — double and duo versions are available
- Campers with back or joint issues
- Anyone tired of waking up sore from inadequate gear
Who should consider alternatives
- Backpackers — at 1.8–3.4kg it’s not designed to be carried on your back
- Budget campers doing 1–2 trips per year — the $450–$650 price tag is hard to justify for occasional use
- Motorcycle or bicycle tourers with limited storage
Specifications
| Feature | MegaMat 10 LXW | MegaMat Max 15 LXW |
|---|---|---|
| R-Value | 8.1 | 10.6 |
| Weight | 1.8–2.3kg | 3.4kg |
| Thickness | 10cm | 15cm |
| Dimensions | 77.6 x 30.3cm | 77.6 x 30.3cm |
| Temperature Rating | 75D/50D polyester | 75D/50D polyester |
| Material | 75D/50D polyester | 75D/50D polyester |
| Type | Self-inflating | Self-inflating |
Value assessment
At $450–$650 AUD the MegaMat sits at the premium end of the market. But for frequent campers the maths works out — at 15 nights per year over 7 years that’s roughly $4–6 per night, comparable to mid-range options that won’t last as long or perform as well.
The real question is whether you camp enough to justify it. If you camp regularly and value proper sleep, the answer is almost always yes.
Final verdict
Rating: 9.5/10
The Exped MegaMat is as close to a perfect car camping mattress as you’ll find. Exceptional insulation, genuine hotel-bed comfort, and durability that justifies the price. The only reasons not to buy it are weight (if you’re backpacking) and price (if you’re on a tight budget or camp rarely).
For Australian campers doing anything from weekend family trips to winter alpine adventures, this is the mattress we recommend above everything else at its price point.
Also see our guide to best camping mattresses for Australian campers and camp cooking essentials.