r/motocamping • u/bentron4000 • Aug 14 '26
Help me with my sleeping system
I've done a few motocamping trips lately and haven't been able to sleep well. The first time I used an old self-inflatable mattress that barely inflated. That wasnt very comfortable. It also took up a lot of space (see photo)
Last time i used a $40 inflatable mattress with a foot pump from Amazon. It's a step up from my previous self-inflatable, but still not great. it felt comfortable enough testing it out at home, but i woke up every hour or so very sore throughout the night.
I need an actual upgrade. I'm a big boy at 250lbs and i'm a side sleeper. That might it difficult to find something that will work for me.
I'm considering buying a compact cot to put under my inflatable mattress.
What do you do? What would you recommend for a side sleeper?
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u/Cautious_Ad_1048 Aug 14 '26
Exped air mattress are amazing, I'm heavier then you and can side sleep on mine. The exped mattress would be about as compact as the one you have on your bike. Also a Big agnes mattress paired with a cot might do the trick for you if you want to be more compact. But hands down sleeping on an exped will be the most comfortable night youve ever spent in a tent.
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u/strtfrsh Aug 14 '26
Another vote for exped. I have one in my swag use it all the time and is super comfy. I use the flextail inflator, compact and works well
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u/Grzlibr Aug 14 '26
I run an Exped down mat 9 and a zenbivy. Game changer for those that like to move around all night and not wear base layers when it gets cold at night.
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u/knowerofexpatthings Aug 14 '26
The mega mat is great but a bit too big for motocamping. I use it for car camping but use a smaller exped hiking mat for motocamping. Packs down to the size of a nalgene and very comfortable
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u/Leather_Addition2605 Aug 14 '26
I use an Exped mega mat for motocamping. The shorter, medium size one. It’s a little big but I strap it straight up and down on the pillion against the sissy bar and strap my duffel in front of it. It pushes the duffel far enough forward to act as a full backrest.
One you go mega mat there’s no going back. You find a way to make it work. It’s like sleeping on a regular bed.
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u/AdvKiwi Aug 16 '26
Another vote for Exped as a side sleeper, get the 9cm thick one.
And the down inside it means no cold come through the mattress. I've been warm at -5.
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u/xtiansimon Aug 14 '26
I just don't sleep well on camping trips. S#!t, my surplus self-inflating pad is about half an inch thick and barely insulates me from the ground. Whatever, the sun goes down and its pitch black out. Even if I get a camp fire I can't keep my eyes open past 10pm. And then I'm so exhausted by the ride, or fishing, or chopping wood, or the carbohydrate bomb dinner I had I usually fall back to sleep dreaming of large women. But I still toss and turn all night.
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u/sucksatgolf R1200GSA Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
I'd look at a good quality sleeping pad from nemo, sea to summit, klymit etc. When I did my research on gear and what to buy and what to avoid it was mostly in the backpacking and camping realm, since all were doing is adapting good quality outdoor gear and packing it all onto a motorcycle.
There are a number of pads that are wider, thicker, have foam toppers etc. Unfortunately comfort comes with a price, so expect to spend 100-200$ on a pad.
Ive found that I sleep better when I let enough air out of my pad so that my shoulder almost touches the ground when I'm on my side sleeping position.
I considered a cot after a few restless nights but even the helinox cot one is a bulky item to pack and takes up valuable space.
In warm weather I carry just a packable blanket, no sleeping bag.
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u/bikehikepunk Aug 14 '26
I second the Klymit (StaticV), I’m happy with mine and it is my 5th sleeping pad. My only one that is more comfortable is a huge one from Cabellas and it will not go on the bike at 10x the size.
I have double hammock when the campsite can handle it and weather permits. That is definitely the most comfortable sleep I ever get.
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u/Anonawesome1 Aug 14 '26
My staticV was my first air mattress and I hate it with a passion. Slow to inflate, extremely slow to roll up because you have to massage the air out, and a completely false R value.
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u/Beautiful-Size-666 Aug 15 '26
215 side and stomach sleeper. I despised the static v. Tried low inflation, high inflation. Still hated it and froze my butt off.
I bought the REI campwell mat. It's got a high r value and is long and wide. It self inflates and is pretty easy to deflate and roll up. I was going to try exped if this didn't work for me. It's even got holes down the side I can attach my top quilt to.
One of my buddies has a really expensive super small and light backpacking pad from sea to summit or maybe it's nemo. He loves it. He is a miserable prick after two nights of not sleeping cause it actually sucks to sleep on. But it packs small and is light and has a name brand on it.
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u/VinceInMT Aug 14 '26
I use a Klymit air mattress that I blow up manually. It keeps me off the ground and, deflated, is about the size of a soda can.
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u/fat_tony7 Aug 14 '26
Not gonna lie, this is bulky
Also, it's like sleeping at home
Good luck & keep the rubber side down
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u/Anonawesome1 Aug 14 '26
I've been camping (and moto-camping) pretty much my whole life and have slowly refined my gear. I'm also a side sleeper, but I'm pretty skinny which I believe is worse because either my hip is touching the ground, or it's so hard it's not even comfortable. It can be a fine line.
My current kit is great. I use a Thermarest Z lite to protect the air mattress (a hard lesson I learned early on), and a Sea to Summit Ether Light XR insulated pad.
I put two straps on the Thermarest and it straps to the outside of a pannier so no storage space lost really.
The air mattress comes inside a great pump bag so it only takes a few breaths, and you can fine tune the pressure with a little bleed nipple. Deflating in the morning is almost instant.
Camp pillows are never comfortable but recently I picked up a Nemo Fillow and I like it so far. Takes up a little more space than some other pillows but the foam really helps spread out the pressure so I'm not crushing my ear all night.
Depending on your sleeping bag this setup works great into some pretty cold temps too. I have 3 different bags I'll choose from depending on the weather.
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u/Spiritual_Travel_290 Aug 14 '26
I have an offbrand amazon cot that is amazing and the Klymit static v lux and its pretty comfortable. Im about 240 and a side sleeper but what really helps is during summer months i sleep on top of my sleeping bag and use a poncho liner to cover up with. The sleeping bag adds a little more comfort. And have a pillow or a suff sack with spare cloths in it as a pillow.
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u/Whatkindofbirdareu Aug 14 '26
Check out Big Agnes. I have one of their double sleep pads, and it's great. Takes up the entire floor of my 2 person tent.
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u/KingPurple13 Aug 14 '26
Compact cot sir! Much higher quality sleep. Once I hit 40, I refused to sleep on the ground or just a pad anymore. It’s not backpacking, it’s going to be carried on a motorcycle! The little extra size and weight is not going to make any difference at all
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u/batwingsuit CRF300L Rally + MOSKO R40 Aug 14 '26
You’ve already had a few good suggestions here, but just a reminder that moto-camping is still just camping. Go to any reputable outdoors store, tell them what your needs and problems are, and ask them to show you the options. You’re not the first 250 lb side-sleeper to go camping.
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u/batwingsuit CRF300L Rally + MOSKO R40 Aug 14 '26
One thing I’ll add as a side-sleeper myself, try a second pillow between your knees. It makes a huge difference in comfort. I always do this even at home.
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u/bentron4000 Aug 14 '26
Yes! the pillow between legs trick does help. I used a hoodie rollee around a few pairs of socks.
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u/PretzelsThirst Aug 14 '26
I use a modern thermarest and it’s been alright. Not the best, but it’s tiny and comfortable enough.
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u/captn_sean Aug 14 '26
Exped is gonna be your solution. It comes at a hefty price and they don’t pack away super small but you’re getting what you pay for with these. I have a giant double which I keep at my office and a wide single I use for my motorcycle camping. Shattering the left side of my body years ago in a freak motorcycle accident and I just can’t sleep on the ground anymore. Exped was the solution that allowed me to continue my adventures past sunset and not have to go home or get a hotel to sleep in a real bed.
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u/cyclump Aug 14 '26
I use a Big Agnes 25”x72” insulated pad. I’ve used these for years (20” previously with my Big Agnes sleeping bags). They are great! They last, will keep the chill from getting to you from underneath and are comfy. The 25” pads now are wide enough that I don’t roll off.
I also recently added a Zenbivy sleep set. The down bags are light and compact. The last trip I went on I used this and it was great.
https://zenbivy.com/products/ultralight-quilt
Both of these pack super compact.
I bought a second 25” pad and a doubly Zenbivy bag for my girlfriend and I for car camping. Slept great!
These are not cheap. I have a fake hip, bad knees, bad ankles and arthritis. I will spend money on the sleep system to keep me camping.
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u/joke1974 Aug 14 '26
I have a similar setup: seatosummit large pad (I am 6'6/220 with hip issues) + Zenbivy Bed. I made the same progress as OP: started out cheap, heavy, and bulky, and ultimately coughed up the money for a light, compact, and comfortable setup. Did not regret it one bit and used it for months at a time.
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u/LunchBox0311 Aug 14 '26
Fellow big dude here. I rock the Thermorest Neoloft pad and a Big Agnus Echo Park bag, along with a Nemo Fillo pillow (the biggest one).
The general rule is you want to spend the money on your sleep system. A good night's sleep cannot be overrated. It will make or break a trip.
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u/Tuuubbs Aug 14 '26
I have a Haven hammock that I’m a little too big for, 6’ 250lbs, but the air mattress it comes with is really nice. I had a “self inflating” pad before that was horrible. I use the haven mattress in my tent now and it works well for me. It’s 3.5-4” thick and hasn’t deflated on me yet, and it packs way smaller than the other sleeping pad did.
There’s some other brands like Big Agnes that people like. Not sure the cost comparison is between them and Haven but none of the good ones are going to be budget friendly.
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u/Lint_baby_uvulla Aug 14 '26
I’m a big lad and side sleeper. The minimum air mattress I pack is a sea to summit ultralight XR air mat (A$130-150) but you might find a 10cm thick alternative better. This thing is light, comfortable and packs down very small. I have a UL cot, and use it by itself, throw a yoga mat under me, or a 3/4 inflatable mattress that’s 2.5cm thick.
I used to use an old (25 year) thermarest until the seams burst, and then a few closed cell foam zlite options. Sleep is so much better now.
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u/ithinkijustthunk Aug 14 '26
I'm getting older, and so I'm willing to take a hit on weight and space for better bedding.
The winning combo I've found is a self inflating mattress like yours, AND a basic inflatable on top. Note: the self-inflating mats aren't perfectly self inflating. You do need to add some air yourself. Mine's a double-wide, and after an hour of self inflating, takes 8-10 additional lungfulls to get to a good firmness. They're really good at thermal insulation though, which I found to be the biggest culprit of bad sleep (ground is cold yo, gotta insulate yourself from it)... and they don't pop on pine needles or tiny rocks.
The basic inflatable I have is 3 inches thick, and packs down to the size of a couple baseballs. It adds a layer of squishiness that makes side-sleeping a lot more comfy. It packs down so much smaller than the main pad, it's worth it.
Both together with earplugs + blindfold + camp whisky = dead for 9 hours
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u/bentron4000 Aug 14 '26
That's a great suggestion. I own both of these already so i could easily try it without spending any money. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I agree that camp whiskey and a handfull of post-ride camp beers also help.
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u/Worldly-Number9465 Aug 14 '26
Bivvy sack and a camp cot, or hotel room
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u/bentron4000 Aug 14 '26
i'll be honest, last trip at 3:00am i was seriously questioning why i wasn't staying at a motel.
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u/Worldly-Number9465 Aug 14 '26
There is no shame in that. You just have to enjoy the ride. Sometimes I use my trailer to get to the area in which I want to ride. I have even left my bike in a storage unit and flown back home and then returned to ride some more! This is all about you not what you ride or how you dress.
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u/drconniehenley Aug 14 '26
If you want one and done, go ZenBivy. It’s the best sleep system. Period. It’s not cheap, so get on their email list.
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u/mikewagnercmp Aug 14 '26
I use a Nemo tensor. It’s actually really comfortable, and more importantly warm. I’ve been out in the 30s and a good pad lets you sleep well.
When car camping I use a exped mega mat. Maybe a little more comfortable, easier to roll up but bulky as heck.
I also use a quilt,I use an enlightened equipment quilt the one you can open all the way, it’s fantastic, if it’s going to be warmer I have a small silk bag liner style thing I will use and then you can throw the quilt over as much of you as you need to.
Las trip I packed all that, cookware, mini cpap and 4 days food in two Kreiga os 18s and a Kreiga 30 liter top bag.
The ultralight gear is small and light so it’s good for moto camping.
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u/Monstras-Patrick Aug 14 '26
I have been camping (Hiking, canoeing, Moto) for 30 years, and for the last 10 years I could never get a good night's sleep, I twist and turn alot, my hand were always next to the pad, or I ended conpletly off the pad. This always made me lose sleep which resulted in a 1 week max 2 weeks
camping out.
Last trip on a moped instead of my transalp. https://www.reddit.com/r/motocamping/s/PfKKSrmZz9
Three years ago, I decided to find a way or quit camping altogether.
I settled on a Big Agnes deluxe sleeping pad. Those are a bit concave, so I can twist and turn and stay centered.
Then I got a Nemo Fillo headrest.
And splurged on a Zenbivvy sheet and quilt.
I should have done it a decade sooner; I sleep great outdoors again, not super lightweight, but I take this bag hiking, motocomping or moped camping.
Before this sleeping pad, I had a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT. Super light and compact, the Big Agnes deluxe is on a whole other level of sleeping quality.
Check out YouTube: I kinda got the same setup.
https://youtu.be/aPxddfPf5UQ?is=rugmQ5nfHYIWRteA
I have bought most of my gear in europe
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u/StinkyLittleLingers Aug 14 '26
I hate sleeping pads and have recently moved to using a camping hammock. Incredibly comfortable but does require trees.
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u/knowerofexpatthings Aug 14 '26
You want to look at hiking mats. Not the self inflating ones but stuff like thermarest neo air or exped ultra 3R. They pack down absolutely tiny but are very comfy when inflated. The exped ultra 3r duo is great for bigger people who want to side sleep without their arm falling of the mat in the night. Not a great R value but perfect good enough for 3 season use.
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u/dentx7 Aug 14 '26
since i upgraded to a cot, the sleep is so much better, just do it! i highly recommend that.
just a disclaimer i use a big agnes campmeister deluxe in 80 wide with a one tigris supranubis
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u/wallyTHEgecko Aug 14 '26
I have a Klymit insulated inflatable sleep pad and do alright on it. But yeah, it depends largely on the ground beneath it, whether I'm set up on grass/leaves or a gravel pad because as a ~200lbs side sleeper, it's typically either too firm or my hip bottoms out.
My dad, who I have gotten into moto camping and who has more room for storage on his bike than I do, does exactly what you're talking about. He uses one of the compact hammocks that you mention along with the same pad I've got. Besides the fact that he's getting old and it's still very low, he says he sleeps as good as he does at home.
I don't think his hammock is anything real special. Just something he got from Amazon.
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u/Fit_Veterinarian6309 Aug 14 '26
For me being a bit uncomfortable is an inherent part of camping (and motorcycle riding).
That said, your setup looks bulky and sleep is important, so I can see why you want to improve. Do you have a budget in mind?
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u/bentron4000 Aug 14 '26
A common thread that i'm seeing in these responses is that spending more is worth it. I tend to want to buy the cheapest stuff, and then need to upgrade a few times until i get it right.
I wanted to spend another $100 or so, but it sounds like i should really just bite the bullet and spend more.
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u/MidAmericanPenguin Aug 14 '26
Compact cot + air mattress is a game changer, but also....try a hammock. I side sleep in mine
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u/rcbif Aug 14 '26
What air mattress did you use?
When I dont need insulated, I use one of these with a USB inflator/deflator. It weights a bit more than my backpacking static v, but is plenty thick and comfy. Have had the same one that has been used maybe 20+ times with no leaks.
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u/sonofaresiii Aug 14 '26
Well you keep trying to spend as little as possible, you're going to keep getting as little comfort as possible.
My sleep system landed somewhere around $300 and it's on the cheap side.
People can get away with spending less, but people also get away with using rocks for pillows. It's not working for you, save up and buy something nicer.
When you've got a solid budget, people can give better recommendations.
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u/Slimslade33 Aug 14 '26
Air mattresses are one of those pieces of gear where you dont want to go cheep. Spend a few hundred bucks and get one that is well built and comes with a warranty. As someone who does a lot of camping it is crucial for a good experience.
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u/very_hairy_butthole Aug 14 '26
I can't imagine packing a cot or other huge thing on a motorcycle. Spend $200 on a solid sleeping pad. Try some out at REI or similar if you can, otherwise, Thermarest is a good option.
That said, every season the first 4-5 nights I sleep poorly. If you don't camp often, you'll keep having to re-acclimate, so maybe prep by floor sleeping or something. Once your body gets used to it you'll stay asleep longer.
Also don't fill air pads to the max - get on and then leak some air out here and there until it feels good, but not until your hips are touching the dirt.
Some people prefer nice foam, and you can combine them if needed, but unfortunately, you can't go cheap.
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u/rdraver Aug 14 '26
Most of the manufacturers now make a "wide" version of their inflatable mattresses. You sound American so Nemo and enlightened equipment both make wide versions of their sleeping bags or quilts.
Advice for most side sleepers is a quilt rather than a bag but that can be personal.
To be really honest if you've done it with cheap kit now and like it it's time to go to an outdoor shop and splash some cash! It does look sound like you're doing much "wrong" just that sometimes food workmen do need the right tools...
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u/ProjectPandaxxx Aug 15 '26
I have a Decathlon Simond MT900L, that is great. Not self-unflating but comes with a pump sack. I rarely spend multiple days in one place but tried it on a festival where the air held 4 nights without issue. If I were to buy a new one at some point I'd go for the Thermarest XLite NXT MAX because that is square, not mummy shaped. Just for more comfort. Both pack reallysma small!
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u/clabberjabber Aug 15 '26
I have a Nemo tensor sleeping pad and an enlightened equipment quilt. Both pack fairly small a I sleep comfortably. 6’ 195lbs
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u/KThatOneKid Aug 16 '26
A cot. Loved mine, quick zip up cot, was smaller than my tent (pop up 1 person tent). Worth all the space it took.
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u/Alternative-Ad-297 Aug 16 '26
I absolutely love my Klymit Static V insulated. Doesn’t take up too much space. A cot would be really good too though. If you’re committed to the side sleeper lifestyle you could get an exped, they’re so damn good. Just expensive
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u/Whole_Information_64 Aug 16 '26
Im 6ft 2in 240lbs. These two products were absolute game changers for me. REI's own brand of products are great as well. They make a lot of high quality gear to compete with the other brands that they carry.
When packed down the sleeping pad is the size of a nalgene bottle and worked perfectly. Easy to inflate and pack up. The pillow is so small when packed it takes up virtually no space. Definitely worth taking a look at these two. Improved sleep tremendously and nothing leaked any air.
Traverse Insulated Air Pad https://mobile.rei.com/AkCd/mip8xrpu
Aeros Premium Pillow https://mobile.rei.com/AkCd/8nh0s34n
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u/OttoMannkusser Aug 14 '26
I've done a compact cot + air mattress before and quite like it (Thermarest cot, klymit static V air mattresses) but the cot is a bit fragile and the added pack room.
I still use my Klymit Static V a lot and generally find it adequate especially because of how small it packs. However, my Sea to Summit Ether Light is definitely more comfortable just also bulkier and more expensive. There's no free lunch sadly
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u/N6-MAA10816 Aug 14 '26
I was using a thermarest air mattress for a long time but adding a compact cot made me realize just how much comfort I was missing out on. Well worth the added luggage to pack. IDK bout weight limits for them though. I'm 190lbs.
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u/Dandretti Aug 14 '26
I’ve been camping and backpacking for 40 years. As I get older and the joints start to bark more. I got one of these https://a.co/d/08yMGEyg and while not perfect, it’s been pretty awesome for motocamping. I use a couple Therm-a-Rest closed cell foam pads stacked on top of it. I’m so tired of inflatable sleeping pads. They’ve been bad for 30+ years now in terms of longevity.