With a full 3.8 cm/1.5" of foam, FlexMat Plus is the thickest, most-comfortable closed-cell mat available. It is highly versatile for stand-alone use and will increase warmth and puncture protection for inflatable mats. The rapidly-deployed folding form makes setting up and striking camp a breeze.
With a full 3.8 cm/1.5" of foam, FlexMat Plus is the thickest, most-comfortable closed-cell mat available. It is highly versatile for stand-alone use and will increase warmth and puncture protection for inflatable mats. The rapidly-deployed folding form makes setting up and striking camp a breeze.
in 2 offers
The lowest price for Exped FlexMat Plus Sleep Mat - Blue right now is $47.92 at PAST Outdoors, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $47.80 on 25 Nov 2025. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 10 May 2026.
Exped FlexMat Plus Sleep Mat - Blue
With a full 3.8 cm/1.5" of foam, FlexMat Plus is the thickest, most-comfortable closed-cell mat available. It is highly versatile for stand-alone use and will increase warmth and puncture protection for inflatable mats. The rapidly-deployed folding form makes setting up and striking camp a breeze.
With a full 3.8 cm/1.5" of foam, FlexMat Plus is the thickest, most-comfortable closed-cell mat available. It is highly versatile for stand-alone use and will increase warmth and puncture protection for inflatable mats. The rapidly-deployed folding form makes setting up and striking camp a breeze.
Last updated at 10/05/2026 11:46:44
Exped Flex Mat Plus Sleeping Pad XS
Delivery between 14–22 May $7.90
Exped FlexMat Plus Foam Sleeping Pad XS
Free delivery between 14–19 May
originally posted on REI
My review is based on a two-night non-extreme weather session, and I'm comparing it to my Therm-a-Rest folding pad. I'm mainly concerned with padding, not warmth.Side sleeping: YesBack sleeping: YesStomach sleeping: NOSadly, as a stomach sleeper this pad did not make the cut. The "egg carton" design stabbed into my ribs uncomfortably.It's a shame because side and back sleeping is fine. The pad is plenty thick; but again it's sleeping on my stomach that was not doable. While the Therm-a-Rest is not as thick as this pad, it's far more comfortable in every way when it comes to stomach sleeping.Also at times the thickness was annoying because you're (technically) higher off the ground so if your limbs hang over the edge then it might be uncomfortable. That's a ... MoreMy review is based on a two-night non-extreme weather session, and I'm comparing it to my Therm-a-Rest folding pad. I'm mainly concerned with padding, not warmth.Side sleeping: YesBack sleeping: YesStomach sleeping: NOSadly, as a stomach sleeper this pad did not make the cut. The "egg carton" design stabbed into my ribs uncomfortably.It's a shame because side and back sleeping is fine. The pad is plenty thick; but again it's sleeping on my stomach that was not doable. While the Therm-a-Rest is not as thick as this pad, it's far more comfortable in every way when it comes to stomach sleeping.Also at times the thickness was annoying because you're (technically) higher off the ground so if your limbs hang over the edge then it might be uncomfortable. That's a personal thing as some might think the extra thickness is worth it.Note that I don't have extremely cold weather experience with this pad, in which case it might be better than the Therm-a-Rest and/or worth adapting your sleeping style if it keeps you warmer.Another review mentioned a breaking in period. That kinda makes sense as I'm sure the foam would become a bit more supple over time. But I don't feel like enduring it on another overnight or two or three in hopes that the pad eventually becomes more comfortable.
originally posted on REI
Updated review. Initial review was much better but I have to downgrade it. I would not recommend this product even after the break-in period is finished. It never did soften up to a comfortable level and continued to feel like I was sleeping on spaced rocks. Being too late to return it I have repurposed it by cutting it into pieces and making a sit pad, which it works well for, and also for providing an extra layer UNDER my nemo pad where my lower ribs dig in too far for the thin pad to deal with. I used four sections of the larger pad to provide extra padding under the other ultralight pad, to be clear. So yeah, it was a good deal for the money and how I ended up using it but it was not good as a standalone product.
originally posted on REI
I had the distinct misfortune this past April of being on a multiday wilderness backpacking trip along the Pacific Coast of Washington where my inflatable air mattress failed. After spending a couple of nights with no insulation on the nearly frozen ground, and no cushioning, I vowed to never let it happen again. I wanted something as light as my inflatable mattress (which cost over $100!), but would never fail, and would be reasonable for ultralite backpacking in cooler to cold temperatures. I decided to go with the Exped FlexMat, and I am very happy thus far with it!Here are the great points from my perspective:1) It is very lightweight2) You can't puncture it and make it fail3) It provides as good of insulation from the ground as my Thermarest Base Camp, but ... MoreI had the distinct misfortune this past April of being on a multiday wilderness backpacking trip along the Pacific Coast of Washington where my inflatable air mattress failed. After spending a couple of nights with no insulation on the nearly frozen ground, and no cushioning, I vowed to never let it happen again. I wanted something as light as my inflatable mattress (which cost over $100!), but would never fail, and would be reasonable for ultralite backpacking in cooler to cold temperatures. I decided to go with the Exped FlexMat, and I am very happy thus far with it!Here are the great points from my perspective:1) It is very lightweight2) You can't puncture it and make it fail3) It provides as good of insulation from the ground as my Thermarest Base Camp, but without the weight and bulk4) It provides very good cushioning. I weigh 250 lbs, and so I can "squash" a lot of pads. This pad really gives me excellent cushioning!5) I can fasten the pad to the outside of my pack, and it doesn't matter if it gets wet. I can shake it out and give it a minimal drying with a cloth and have it ready to put a down bag on without fear of getting the bag wet.6) It packs down into the shape of a rectangular log, which actually fits available space in my kayak hatches better than something that rolls up into a cylindrical log.7) I can quickly detach the pad from the outside of my pack, put it down on a hard surface, and use it as a kneeling pad to purify some water from a stream into my bottles.So far, I haven't found any downsides, even though I have used this pad for about 12 nights thus far, including a multiday sea kayaking trip on the Cascade Marine Trail system in the Salish Sea, and several nights when I was dispersed camping in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.Every once and a while you come across a superior camping/backpacking product. In my 40+ years of camping, kayaking, backpacking and such all over the world, this is one of those products!
| Dimensions | 120cm X 52cm |
| Thickness | 3.8cm |
| Packed Dimensions | 52cm X 13cm (7 litres) |
| R-Value | 2.2 |
| Recommended Min Temperature | 0oC (when used on its own) |
Exped Flex Mat Plus Sleeping Pad XS
Delivery between 14–22 May $7.90
Exped FlexMat Plus Foam Sleeping Pad XS
Free delivery between 14–19 May
My review is based on a two-night non-extreme weather session, and I'm comparing it to my Therm-a-Rest folding pad. I'm mainly concerned with padding, not warmth.Side sleeping: YesBack sleeping: YesStomach sleeping: NOSadly, as a stomach sleeper this pad did not make the cut. The "egg carton" design stabbed into my ribs uncomfortably.It's a shame because side and back sleeping is fine. The pad is plenty thick; but again it's sleeping on my stomach that was not doable. While the Therm-a-Rest is not as thick as this pad, it's far more comfortable in every way when it comes to stomach sleeping.Also at times the thickness was annoying because you're (technically) higher off the ground so if your limbs hang over the edge then it might be uncomfortable. That's a ... MoreMy review is based on a two-night non-extreme weather session, and I'm comparing it to my Therm-a-Rest folding pad. I'm mainly concerned with padding, not warmth.Side sleeping: YesBack sleeping: YesStomach sleeping: NOSadly, as a stomach sleeper this pad did not make the cut. The "egg carton" design stabbed into my ribs uncomfortably.It's a shame because side and back sleeping is fine. The pad is plenty thick; but again it's sleeping on my stomach that was not doable. While the Therm-a-Rest is not as thick as this pad, it's far more comfortable in every way when it comes to stomach sleeping.Also at times the thickness was annoying because you're (technically) higher off the ground so if your limbs hang over the edge then it might be uncomfortable. That's a personal thing as some might think the extra thickness is worth it.Note that I don't have extremely cold weather experience with this pad, in which case it might be better than the Therm-a-Rest and/or worth adapting your sleeping style if it keeps you warmer.Another review mentioned a breaking in period. That kinda makes sense as I'm sure the foam would become a bit more supple over time. But I don't feel like enduring it on another overnight or two or three in hopes that the pad eventually becomes more comfortable.
Updated review. Initial review was much better but I have to downgrade it. I would not recommend this product even after the break-in period is finished. It never did soften up to a comfortable level and continued to feel like I was sleeping on spaced rocks. Being too late to return it I have repurposed it by cutting it into pieces and making a sit pad, which it works well for, and also for providing an extra layer UNDER my nemo pad where my lower ribs dig in too far for the thin pad to deal with. I used four sections of the larger pad to provide extra padding under the other ultralight pad, to be clear. So yeah, it was a good deal for the money and how I ended up using it but it was not good as a standalone product.
I had the distinct misfortune this past April of being on a multiday wilderness backpacking trip along the Pacific Coast of Washington where my inflatable air mattress failed. After spending a couple of nights with no insulation on the nearly frozen ground, and no cushioning, I vowed to never let it happen again. I wanted something as light as my inflatable mattress (which cost over $100!), but would never fail, and would be reasonable for ultralite backpacking in cooler to cold temperatures. I decided to go with the Exped FlexMat, and I am very happy thus far with it!Here are the great points from my perspective:1) It is very lightweight2) You can't puncture it and make it fail3) It provides as good of insulation from the ground as my Thermarest Base Camp, but ... MoreI had the distinct misfortune this past April of being on a multiday wilderness backpacking trip along the Pacific Coast of Washington where my inflatable air mattress failed. After spending a couple of nights with no insulation on the nearly frozen ground, and no cushioning, I vowed to never let it happen again. I wanted something as light as my inflatable mattress (which cost over $100!), but would never fail, and would be reasonable for ultralite backpacking in cooler to cold temperatures. I decided to go with the Exped FlexMat, and I am very happy thus far with it!Here are the great points from my perspective:1) It is very lightweight2) You can't puncture it and make it fail3) It provides as good of insulation from the ground as my Thermarest Base Camp, but without the weight and bulk4) It provides very good cushioning. I weigh 250 lbs, and so I can "squash" a lot of pads. This pad really gives me excellent cushioning!5) I can fasten the pad to the outside of my pack, and it doesn't matter if it gets wet. I can shake it out and give it a minimal drying with a cloth and have it ready to put a down bag on without fear of getting the bag wet.6) It packs down into the shape of a rectangular log, which actually fits available space in my kayak hatches better than something that rolls up into a cylindrical log.7) I can quickly detach the pad from the outside of my pack, put it down on a hard surface, and use it as a kneeling pad to purify some water from a stream into my bottles.So far, I haven't found any downsides, even though I have used this pad for about 12 nights thus far, including a multiday sea kayaking trip on the Cascade Marine Trail system in the Salish Sea, and several nights when I was dispersed camping in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.Every once and a while you come across a superior camping/backpacking product. In my 40+ years of camping, kayaking, backpacking and such all over the world, this is one of those products!
Full disclosure: I can't stand inflatable sleeping pads. They take forever to blow up, are noisy when I move around at night, and have never felt all that comfortable to me. I want a sleeping pad that takes 10 seconds or less to unfurl, that protects me from the cold, and that keeps my hip bones from gauging into the ground when I sleep on my side. The Exped FlexMat Plus is the perfect solution for my camping needs (which do not include snow camping)--cushy enough for car camping but light enough for backpacking. I have used it this past summer along the PCT and the Tahoe Rim Trail, and while it is indeed bulkier than an inflatable sleeping pad, it was worth it to me because the Exped FlexMat Plus weighs almost nothing, unfolds in seconds, was thick enough to ... MoreFull disclosure: I can't stand inflatable sleeping pads. They take forever to blow up, are noisy when I move around at night, and have never felt all that comfortable to me. I want a sleeping pad that takes 10 seconds or less to unfurl, that protects me from the cold, and that keeps my hip bones from gauging into the ground when I sleep on my side. The Exped FlexMat Plus is the perfect solution for my camping needs (which do not include snow camping)--cushy enough for car camping but light enough for backpacking. I have used it this past summer along the PCT and the Tahoe Rim Trail, and while it is indeed bulkier than an inflatable sleeping pad, it was worth it to me because the Exped FlexMat Plus weighs almost nothing, unfolds in seconds, was thick enough to protect me from rocks and roots, and brushes off easily if you want to fold it in half to use as a backcountry seat. I have used ultralight closed-cell foam pads like Big Agnes's Third Degree Foam Pad in the past, and while I applaud ultralight hikers who can make them work, the Third Degree Foam Pad was too thin to protect me from the cold ground and rocks jutting through. If you don't mind lashing a sleeping pad to the outside of your backpack and you are looking for an affordable and comfortable sleeping pad (that also excels on gravel or raked dirt at campgrounds), you should definitely give the Exped FlexMat Plus a go. I am female, 5'6", ~150 lbs and I went with the Medium size. The pad is wide enough for me to raise one or both knees. If you are taller than 6'2" I am not sure this pad would be long enough for you. I also can't attest to whether the egg-crate design would hold larger and heavier men's hips off the ground when side sleeping like it does for me.
I got this pad for backpacking instead of the thinner inflatable pad I usually use, mainly for a quicker setup/breakdown so I am not having to blow something up. I think it's perfectly comfortable compared to an inflatable pad and don't mind the big eggshells. I have slept on the side and on my back but with the sleeping bag as cushion. I sleep fairly cold and it seems to keep me warm down to ~45 degree low at night so it's more of a fall/spring pad. Note the regular sized plus is quite heavy as compared to other closed cell foam pads or inflatable pads, but fine for a weekend trip.
This is the 3d type of flexible mattress made of foam I buy (I have the thermarest and the nemo switchback).They are very very robust, and work well in all situations.In summer one is enough.In shoulder season, two are a must.Right now ( really cold weather of -15C), three is the minimum.Two times these foam mattress have saved my bacon when my inflating pad punctured during the night.I never hike without one of these, as they provide a critical safety in case of accident.As they are so robust, one can pad them with branches / leaf in emergency.This Flexmat plus is very noticeably thicker than the two others, and as a result takes up more volume. The great point is that it resists compression as well as the two others.I personally use the 3 pads ... MoreThis is the 3d type of flexible mattress made of foam I buy (I have the thermarest and the nemo switchback).They are very very robust, and work well in all situations.In summer one is enough.In shoulder season, two are a must.Right now ( really cold weather of -15C), three is the minimum.Two times these foam mattress have saved my bacon when my inflating pad punctured during the night.I never hike without one of these, as they provide a critical safety in case of accident.As they are so robust, one can pad them with branches / leaf in emergency.This Flexmat plus is very noticeably thicker than the two others, and as a result takes up more volume. The great point is that it resists compression as well as the two others.I personally use the 3 pads stacked in winter, and what is great is that they all have difference patterns, which mean then isolate you better from the ground.In winter, a sleeping bad is better than a quilt with this pad, as the down is going to fill the patterns (yep, you definitively notice the difference).I use a size small as the key pressure points are shoulders and hips in my case.Only criticism is that they incorporate a non-patterned place to write the brand, which is wasteful imo. The two other brands also do that sadly.When carrying light load, I usually put the mat inside my bakpack to reinforce the back. As the Flexmat is bigger, it's a bit harder to do so.Usually I carry the mats outside of my bag though.
I used this pad at home for 20 minute naps for a couple of weeks until it looked like it had broken in. As you can see in one of my photos, the weight-bearing bumps start to dimple with use, and this makes them less uncomfortable. After it felt broken-in, I tried sleeping on it all night. Around 2 a.m. I gave up trying to sleep and traded the FlexMat for my Nemo Switchback pad. The Switchback is too thin for my liking, but at least I am able to sleep on it. I had hoped the FlexMat would be a cushier z-fold type of pad but it is not. It’s just lumpy. I’m 5’6” and about 135 lb. A larger person might flatten the lumps more and find the pad acceptable. But for me, it was like sleeping on pine cones.
I just finished a 9-night trip in Oregon with the Exped FlexMat Plus sleeping pad. I chose the XS size, which I decided is long enough for backpacking (ends above my knees - I’m 5’10”). I have never used a sleeping pad before. In my younger days I slept on the ground with just a ground cloth, a tarp or tent for weather protection, and maybe some extra clothes under me, in my sleeping bag. Later I decided a simple nylon mesh hammock, suspended below a tarp wide and long enough to be a sun/rain/snow shelter, was both less total weight and a comfort upgrade. While this latest trip did not totally convert me from using a hammock to a sleeping pad, I can see using the FlexMat Plus as a great cold weather base layer, even in a hammock. Especially if trimmed to be less ... MoreI just finished a 9-night trip in Oregon with the Exped FlexMat Plus sleeping pad. I chose the XS size, which I decided is long enough for backpacking (ends above my knees - I’m 5’10”). I have never used a sleeping pad before. In my younger days I slept on the ground with just a ground cloth, a tarp or tent for weather protection, and maybe some extra clothes under me, in my sleeping bag. Later I decided a simple nylon mesh hammock, suspended below a tarp wide and long enough to be a sun/rain/snow shelter, was both less total weight and a comfort upgrade. While this latest trip did not totally convert me from using a hammock to a sleeping pad, I can see using the FlexMat Plus as a great cold weather base layer, even in a hammock. Especially if trimmed to be less rectangular and so better match the shape of the hammock. I won’t repeat the various comments of other reviewers; I think they have all made accurate observations based on their personal impressions. Personally, I didn’t have a problem adjusting to the pad’s “pointed” or “dimpled” eggshell shape and feel under me, probably due to being used to the vaguely similar feel of sleeping in a wide mesh hammock (and for years prior to that, sleeping almost directly on the ground). I also didn’t notice any change in the overall softness or comfort of the pad over the time I used it. I prefer a very firm mattress at home, so consider anything that flattens and stiffens the hammock, as the FlexMat did for me, a benefit. I was impressed with how quickly and easily the mat folded and unfolded, and with its relatively very light weight compared to its total volume. The design is well thought out, and the material seems to be high quality and very durable. My impression is that the mat would last for many, many trips. I was somewhat bothered by the size of the fully folded mat. It’s many times the volume of my hammock, tarp and associated rope/cord and hardware combined. My usual preference is to travel on long-abandoned forest roads and trails, the vaguely helpful game trail, or mostly just follow a path of least resistance in the general direction of an intended destination. I don’t enjoy having items so large they must be attached outside my pack where they can catch on brush and limbs. I also don’t like to carry or wear exposed gear or clothing of colors not natural to my surroundings, that create what I consider “visual pollution”. On these two personal preferences (bulk/size, and color) the FlexMat Plus didn’t meet my usual preferences for an item I would carry backpacking. But apart from that, I can see it’s a great product for someone who especially values the mat’s simplicity, support and insulation. I would recommend it for most anyone who wants a comfortable night’s sleep, a quality product, and doesn’t mind the size, color and texture.
I find thick mattresses to be horribly uncomfortable and sleep on a camp pad on a regular basis, and it was time to replace my worn out Thermarest foam pad. Came across this Exped and holy cow, it’s amazing. It’s a major upgrade in comfort (I got the LW and the extra 6 inches in width makes a huge difference) and I feel like I’m getting a gentle massage with the bumps. If you’re adapted to a crazy thick modern mattress, you might not like this, but our ancestors slept on firm surfaces and this is what our bodies are meant to do. Yes, there will be a transition period going from a 12 inch thick pillow top mattress to this pad, but that is not the pad’s fault. For anyone who has taken the time to transition to a firm sleeping surface and wants something low ... MoreI find thick mattresses to be horribly uncomfortable and sleep on a camp pad on a regular basis, and it was time to replace my worn out Thermarest foam pad. Came across this Exped and holy cow, it’s amazing. It’s a major upgrade in comfort (I got the LW and the extra 6 inches in width makes a huge difference) and I feel like I’m getting a gentle massage with the bumps. If you’re adapted to a crazy thick modern mattress, you might not like this, but our ancestors slept on firm surfaces and this is what our bodies are meant to do. Yes, there will be a transition period going from a 12 inch thick pillow top mattress to this pad, but that is not the pad’s fault. For anyone who has taken the time to transition to a firm sleeping surface and wants something low maintenance and relatively light weight, this is the best I’ve come across.
I love the thickness of this pad. I’m 220lbs and comfortable enough sleeping on my side or back with this pad. It’s much thicker than the Nemo Switchback. This pad would be good for heavier hikers looking for a comfortable lightweight puncture proof solution. I’ve used it once on a thru hike so far and it seems durable enough. I can’t speak to its long-time use and it may compress overtime, but all egg carton style mats do. Ultimately the comfort of this mat will depend on the ground below, but it will always be more comfortable than thinner pads. I went with the smallest version to support my upper body and rest my legs over my pack to reduce overall packing weight.
| Dimensions | 120cm X 52cm |
| Thickness | 3.8cm |
| Packed Dimensions | 52cm X 13cm (7 litres) |
| R-Value | 2.2 |
| Recommended Min Temperature | 0oC (when used on its own) |
