Exped DeepSleep 7.5 Review
Cons: Heavy, large packed size
Manufacturer: Exped
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Exped DeepSleep 7.5 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | | | |
| Price | $210 List Check Price at REI | Check Price at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $179 List $179.00 at REI | $187.46 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $80 List $79.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Warm, comfortable, easy to use | Warm, comfortable, easy to inflate | Bed-like comfort, easy inflation, great value | Very comfortable, very warm, easy to use | Inexpensive, easy to use |
| Cons | Heavy, large packed size | Large packed size | Too big for some single person tents | Large packed size, expensive | No insulation, bouncy, heavy |
| Bottom Line | A really warm foam mattress that is a little bit cheaper than its rivals, and a little less comfortable | Our favorite option with easy to use valves and pump sack for easy inflation | All our favorite features we love from a camping mat at a great price | Deluxe and plush, this is a top choice for car camping comfort | A classic air mattress, it's easy to use and good for the occasional warm night outdoors |
| Rating Categories | Exped DeepSleep 7.5 | Therm-a-Rest MondoK... | REI Co-op Camp Drea... | Exped MegaMat 10 | EnerPlex Camping Se... |
| Comfort (40%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
| Warmth (20%) | |||||
| Versatility (10%) | |||||
| Packed Size (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Exped DeepSleep 7.5 | Therm-a-Rest MondoK... | REI Co-op Camp Drea... | Exped MegaMat 10 | EnerPlex Camping Se... |
| Dimensions | 77.6 x 30.3 x 3 in | 80 x 30 x 4.25 in | 78 x 32 x 4 in | 77.6 x 30.3 x 4 in | 80 x 60 x 9 in |
| R Value | 8.5 | 7 | 6.6 | 8.1 | None |
| Test Model | Long Wide | XXL | XL | Green LXWide | Queen |
| Length | 77.6 in | 80 in | 78 in | 77.6 in | 80 in |
| Width | 30.3 in | 30 in | 32 in | 30.3 in | 60 in |
| Thickness | 3 in | 4.25 in | 4 in | 4 in | 9 in |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs | 5.27 lbs | 6.38 lbs | 6.1 lbs | 10.94 lbs |
| Type | Self inflating | Pump inflation | Self Inflating | Self inflating | Pump inflation |
| Packed Size (inches) | 32 x 8 in | 9 x 32 in | 11 in x 30 in | 9 in x 33 in | 17 x 17 x 8 in |
| Bed Material | 75D polyester | Polyester | Stretch polyester | 50D polyester with TPU polyether film laminate | Polyvinyl Chloride with waterproof flock top |
| Valves | One-way | TwinLock | One valve | Two valves | One valve |
| Accessories | Stuff sack | Stuff sack | Air Pump/Pillow | Mini pump, stuff sack, repair kit and manual | Electric pump, 12 volt car plug, storage sack |
| Breaths to Inflate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The WL size of the Exped DeepSleep 7.5 is the same footprint as its famously comfortable bigger sibling, the MegaMat, but is equipped with 3 inches of height instead of 4. It is also significantly less expensive. While it is a comfortable camping mattress, more foam means more comfort, and the DeepSleep is a little short.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
If the DeepSleep were the first foam mattress you ever slept on in your camping career, you would be stoked, as it is quite luscious compared to any air mattress out there. The cover is a soft, brushed polyester that feels nice next to skin, and it is also very quiet, so it won't rustle in your ear when you sleep. This testing team, however, has been exposed to the best of the best, and it turns out that when it comes to foam, more is just better.
While the mattress is firm and will protect your bones and pressure points, as well as guard again sharp objects on the ground, it doesn't have the same amount of plushness as many of the mattresses in our test. When we lowered the level of inflation with a push to the one-way inflation valve, it didn't add much spring or bounce. Air gives the mattress life, and the best mattresses have a combination of both. The DeepSleep feels a little lifeless. We are being really, really picky, and don't mean to diminish the high level of comfort in this mat. It crushes all of the air mattresses in our test but is up against tough competition in the super deluxe camping mattress competition.
Ease of Use
This mattress will self-inflate most of the way if you give it a little time. We found that about 30 minutes got the DeepSleep pretty well self-inflated and then we supplemented it with about 2 minutes of breaths to get it fully inflated. If you don't have time, then you will be doing some serious huffing and puffing to get this mattress fully inflated. While Exped makes a handy hand/foot pump that snaps onto their inflation valves, it is not included with the budget-conscious DeepSleep. We would recommend purchasing this, as blowing up a giant foam mattress is super awkward and will leave you lightheaded.
Deflation, on the other hand, is easy. Simply open the one-way deflation valve and use your body weight to get out most of the air. Then roll it up to get the rest out. It comes with a velcro strap, should you need it to keep it rolled. The large stuff sack will hold the mattress even with a sloppy roll, which makes it easier to stow.
Warmth
The DeepSleep is rated with an R-value 8.5, plenty high enough to insulate against very frigid weather. Our research shows that an R-value of 6 or higher is required to insulate against extreme cold, and R-values are exponential. We were not able to test it below freezing, but we have no reason to doubt that this mattress would be very effective in cold weather. Foam is an excellent insulator, and this mattress feels well-equipped in that department.
Versatility
The DeepSleep, while comfortable and warm, is not incredibly versatile. Weighing five and a half pounds, you probably won't carry it on your back to a remote campsite. If you typically camp close to your car, however, this may not matter. And it will make a suitable bed for unexpected guests, in a pinch.
Packed Size
While the DeepSleep packs down to 8 by 32 inches, a bit smaller than its foam rivals, it is still a big package to store and carry in the car, especially if you have enough for a whole family. If saving space is a big concern, you should probably take a look at some other options.
Value
The DeepSleep is significantly cheaper than some of the other foam mattresses in our review, and it is intended to be a more budget-conscious choice. With the high level of warmth and comfort, as well as the excellent reputation of Exped behind it, we feel like this is a good value.
Conclusion
While not quite as comfortable as the bigger foam mattresses, the DeepSleep is mighty warm and much more comfortable than any air mattress in the bunch. It is very warm and quite durable and will make almost any car camper happy.
— Laurel Hunter
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