Campman Outdoor Gear & Apparel

It’s camping season again, and that means more days on the trail, more campfires, and of course, more nights spent on the ground. Cue the image of a previously happy camper waking up with a sore back and a stiff neck.

We aren’t quite sure how people did it before, but all we know is that we’re happy to have modern day sleeping pad technology around to save us, and our backs, from a rough night’s sleep.

Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe

Exped MegaMat

Today, we’re talking comfort, and no, not the “comfort” that ultralight sleeping pads claim to offer. We’re talking about that “I’m replacing my mattress with this camping pad” kind of comfort, which is where the Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe and the Exped MegaMat sleeping pads enter the picture.

Comfort

It’s hard to imagine having a bad night’s sleep on either of these pads. Both feature a foam core that self-inflates and can be micro-adjusted for firmness through their valves. The MegaMat puts about 4 inches between you and the ground, while the Captain Comfort Deluxe goes a step further with up to 5 inches of cushion, depending on the size you pick.

The Captain Comfort Deluxe earns its name here. Big Agnes wraps the foam core in a stretch top fabric that’s soft enough to sleep on directly, and the extra-thick 3D shape with vertical side walls keeps you cradled no matter how you're sleeping on it. Horizontal coring in the foam trims weight and packed size without giving up any of that thickness.

The MegaMat isn’t far behind. Its recycled, laminated top fabric is plush enough to sleep on without a sleeping bag, and Exped's 3D design with vertical sidewalls maximizes usable sleep space so you don't feel the edges of the pad. It’s a slightly slimmer profile than the Captain Comfort Deluxe, but side sleepers and anyone who tosses and turns will notice the extra inch of foam on the Big Agnes pad.

Advantage: Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Sleeping Pad

Versatility

Both of these pads can go the distance for two sleepers, so versatility comes down to how each brand handles it. Big Agnes builds double-wide sizing directly into the Captain Comfort Deluxe lineup, while Exped offers a dedicated two-person model in the Exped MegaMat Duo.

The Captain Comfort Deluxe comes in three sizes, including two double-wide options, so you never have to fuss with combining two single pads or dealing with a gap down the middle. It's also compatible with Big Agnes System sleeping bags that use the Pad Cinch Sleeve, which keeps your bag locked to the pad all night, a nice bonus if you're already invested in the Big Agnes ecosystem.

The MegaMat Duo covers the same ground with its own three sizes, from a Medium double up through a Queen big enough for two adults to fully sprawl. It carries over the same 30 percent foam boost, Top-Up Pump, and larger deflation valves found on the single MegaMat, so setting up and breaking down a two-person camp bed is just as quick. Exped’s 3D design and vertical sidewalls also maximize usable sleep space, which matters more once you're sharing the pad.

Since both brands now offer purpose-built double-wide pads rather than a workaround, this one's a genuine tie. Couples leaning toward maximum plushness and Big Agnes sleeping bag compatibility should go Captain Comfort Deluxe, while those who want a bit more room to spread out, with the Queen size, or who already prefer the MegaMat's inflation system should go with the Duo.

Advantage: Tie

Inflation

Manufacturers labeling their sleeping pads as self-inflating is the rough equivalent of a job applicant writing "detail-oriented" on their resume. It's nice in theory, but when it comes time to get down to brass tacks, it’s easy to tell when someone is stretching the truth.

The Captain Comfort Deluxe uses two 2-way, pull-tab valves. Pull the tab and the pad self-inflates on its own, then you can use the same valve to add a few extra breaths or purge air until you land on the exact firmness you want. It's a quick process with very little manual pumping required.

Exped rebuilt the MegaMat’s inflation system too. The latest version packs 30 percent more foam than previous models, which speeds up inflation and deflation, and it now ships with a Top-Up Pump stuff sack that tops off firmness without you having to kneel there blowing into a valve. Larger dual deflation valves also make packing it back up noticeably faster than older MegaMat pads.

Both pads get you to a comfortable sleeping surface with minimal effort these days, so this one is close to a toss-up. The Captain Comfort Deluxe's pull-tab valves feel slightly more intuitive if you've never used a self-inflating pad before.

Advantage: Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Sleeping Pad

Warmth

Both of these pads are rated to handle genuinely cold nights, so for this one we’ll go off their stated R-values.

The Captain Comfort Deluxe carries an R-value between 8.3 and 9.9 depending on the size you choose, thanks to its high-density foam core. The MegaMat comes in at an R-value of 8.1.

That puts the two pads in nearly the same league, with the Captain Comfort Deluxe holding a slight edge at the top end of its range. Either pad will keep you warm through shoulder-season camping and well into genuinely cold nights.

Advantage: Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Sleeping Pad

Weight

Foam camping mattresses usually aren’t on a backpacker’s list of essential gear, and neither of these pads is meant for the backcountry. Still, weight matters for car camping too. Lighter gear means fewer trips from the car to the campsite, and the faster you get camp set up, the faster you can get to the important things, like drinking a cold one and setting up camp chairs.

This is where the MegaMat pulls ahead. Its updated foam core shed weight along with packed size, bringing the Long X-Wide size down to 5 pounds 11 ounces. The Captain Comfort Deluxe, by comparison, weighs 6 pounds 6 ounces in its comparable size. It's not a massive gap, but the weight-conscious camper will notice it after a few trips from the trunk to the tent.

Advantage: Exped MegaMat Sleeping Pad

Packed Size

This is potentially the biggest difference between the two pads, and it flips the script from what you might expect. The Captain Comfort Deluxe rolls down to a compact 11 inches by 17 inches thanks to its horizontal coring, easily tucking into a gear closet or the corner of a packed sedan.

The MegaMat, even with its updated, more packable foam, still rolls up to roughly 39.1 inches by 9.8 inches in the Long X-Wide size. That’s a long package to find room for, especially if your trunk is already full of camping gear, two kids, and a dog.

Advantage: Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Sleeping Pad

Comparison at a Glance

Spec	Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe	Exped MegaMat
R-Value	8.3 to 9.9 (size dependent)	8.1
Max Thickness	Up to 5 inches	4 inches
Weight (comparable size)	6 lb 6 oz	5 lb 11 oz
Packed Size (comparable size)	11" x 17"	39.1" x 9.8"
Inflation	Dual 2-way pull-tab valves	Dual deflation valves + Top-Up Pump
Double Wide Option	Yes, two sizes built in	Yes, via the MegaMat Duo (Medium, Long Wide+, Queen)
Best For	Maximum plushness and easy storage	Lighter setup and van life

Conclusion

No two pieces of gear are the same, and the Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe and Exped MegaMat are no exception to that rule. Either of these sleeping pads is going to perform incredibly well in almost any circumstance. And yes, they also work well as an air mattress for your brother who wants to come visit but doesn’t want to pay for a hotel room. That said, different campers value different features, which is why we’re here, to make sure you get what you need. Per usual, the “best sleeping pad” comes down to what you’re looking to get out of it.

If you value maximum plushness, easy storage, and built-in double-wide sizing, the Captain Comfort Deluxe is for you. The extra inch of foam and compact roll make it ideal for side sleepers, anyone who tosses and turns, and anyone short on gear closet space.

If, on the other hand, shaving a few ounces matters more to you than packed size, and you like the idea of a dedicated Top-Up Pump for quick firmness adjustments, the Exped MegaMat is what you’re looking for. It still offers plenty of cushion between you and the cold, hard ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe good for cold weather camping?

Yes. With an R-value between 8.3 and 9.9 depending on size, the Captain Comfort Deluxe is built to handle genuinely cold nights and holds up well through shoulder-season and winter car camping.

How thick is the Exped MegaMat sleeping pad?

About 4 inches. The MegaMat's foam core puts roughly 4 inches between you and the ground, which is plenty for most car campers, though it's an inch less than the Captain Comfort Deluxe.

Is there a two person version of the Exped MegaMat?

Yes. The Exped MegaMat Duo is a dedicated two-person version of the single MegaMat, available in Medium, Long Wide+, and Queen sizes, with the same updated foam core and Top-Up Pump.

Which double wide option is bigger, the Captain Comfort Deluxe or the MegaMat Duo?

They're close. The Captain Comfort Deluxe's largest double-wide size measures 52 by 78 inches, while the MegaMat Duo's Long Wide+ comes in at 52 by 77.6 inches. If you want to spread out even more, the MegaMat Duo also offers a Queen size measuring 59.8 by 80 inches, which the Captain Comfort Deluxe doesn't match.

Do these pads come with a pump?

Both self-inflate on their own. The Captain Comfort Deluxe uses two 2-way pull-tab valves for inflation and firmness adjustment. The MegaMat ships with a Top-Up Pump stuff sack that tops off firmness after the pad self-inflates.

Which sleeping pad packs down smaller?

The Captain Comfort Deluxe. It rolls down to about 11 inches by 17 inches thanks to its horizontal foam coring, while the MegaMat's Long X-Wide size packs closer to 39.1 inches by 9.8 inches.

Which sleeping pad is lighter?

The Exped MegaMat. Its updated foam core brings the Long X-Wide size down to 5 lb 11 oz, about 11 ounces lighter than the comparable Captain Comfort Deluxe size.

Are these sleeping pads meant for backpacking?

No. Both pads are built for car camping, base camp, and van life. Their thick foam cores and larger packed sizes make them a poor fit for anyone carrying gear on their back.

Is the Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe compatible with a sleeping bag?

Yes. It's compatible with Big Agnes System sleeping bags that use the Pad Cinch Sleeve, which keeps your bag secured to the pad throughout the night. You can also just lay a regular sleeping bag, quilt, or blanket on top.

About the Author

Dan Goodman

Most of the year, Dan can be found chasing the best climbing conditions he can get his hands on, and in the dead of winter, he’ll settle for chasing powder on his snowboard. He’s constantly seeking out better gear, testing new climbing shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more to make his life in the outdoors a bit more comfortable. When he’s not outside putting his gear to good use, he’s writing about the products that he knows best.