Field Notes by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine
Tested during our Highland Lakes boondocking trip, June 2025

A Complete Sleep System for the Sierra

This summer, we’re field-testing a full comfort-oriented sleep system from EXPED—a brand known for its rugged build quality and no-compromise camping gear. On our first outing to Highland Lakes, I put their MegaSleep Duo, MegaMat Duo, Mega Pillow, and Mega Pump to the test in windy, sub-40°F conditions, cowboy camping in the bed of my Avalanche with no topper or tent.

The goal? Find out if this system could deliver a real night of sleep under the stars in real Sierra conditions. It did—and then some.

MegaSleep Duo: Thermal Flexibility in a Big, Comfortable Bag

The EXPED MegaSleep Duo is a double-sized rectangular sleeping bag designed for car and basecamp camping. It features a reversible design for two temperature ratings—25°F on one side (burgundy up), and 40°F on the other (blue up). On warmer nights, you can use it as a roomy comforter. On colder nights, it zips into two individual bags, which is exactly what I had to do mid-trip when the wind and chill were just too much for the double-bag warmth to keep up.

Once zipped into the individual 20-degree configuration, I stayed warm and toasty all night. It was roomy, easy to adjust, and packed into its included sling-style bag without a fuss. My favorite feature is its length of 82″ which let me easily hide inside the bag from the cold wind.

Quick Specs:

  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Temperature Rating: 25°F (side 1) / 40°F (side 2)
  • Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz
  • Length: 82.7 in (Fits up to 6’5”)
  • Shoulder Girth: 133.9 in
  • Packed Volume: 83L
  • Includes: Sleeping bag, sling storage bag

MegaMat Duo: The Gold Standard for Truck Camping Comfort

The MegaMat Duo sets the bar for sleeping pad comfort. It’s self-inflating, ultra-thick (4 inches), and incredibly supportive across its full width. While the Queen size was a touch wide for the Avalanche bed, it still laid flat, didn’t shift, and gave me zero pressure points all night. I didn’t bottom out, didn’t squeak, and didn’t wake up once due to discomfort.

The R-value of 8.1 means this pad is rated for extreme cold (down to -40°F), and I believe it—this mat adds real insulation under you, not just cushioning. Our test night dropped into the mid 30’s and my backside was just as warm as my home bed. The soft texture of the mattress as well is noise free, no unnatural noises as i move in my sleep keeping everyone awake.

Available Sizes (Mine: Queen)

  • Queen Dimensions: 80″ x 59.8″ x 4″
  • Weight: 11 lbs 14 oz
  • Packed Size: 31.5″ x 11.8″
  • R-Value: 8.1
  • Temperature Rating: -40°F
  • Includes: Sleeping mat, SideWinder stuff sack, temporary repair kit, Top-Up Pump

Mega Pillow: Sleep-Worthy Surface, Not Just a Fluffy Add-On

Most camp pillows are a compromise. The EXPED Mega Pillow is not. It’s soft, large, and customizable to your sleep style. The stretch tricot polyester surface is cozy and quiet, and its wide shape meant I never slid off—even when tossing. You can fine-tune the firmness by adding or releasing air, which makes it just as useful in a tent, car, or hammock.

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 20.5″ x 12.6″ x 4.7″
  • Weight: 9 oz
  • Packed Size: 5.1″ x 3.9″
  • Materials: Recycled polyester surface
  • Includes: Pillow, stuff sack

Mega Pump: Fast Inflation, No Fuss Setup

The EXPED Mega Pump was the unsung hero of the system. I had the pad fully inflated in under 2 minutes—and without breaking a sweat. This little pump is USB-C rechargeable, compact, and includes multiple valve adapters (handy if you use other brands too). It even works for deflating the mat, which made breakdown super efficient.

No more huffing into a valve or stepping on a bag pump. This is one upgrade I wouldn’t go without.

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 2.4″ x 2.9″ x 4.8″
  • Weight: 12.3 oz
  • Flow Rate: 142 L/min
  • Inflation/Deflation Pressure: 5–10 kPa
  • Battery: 2500 mAh (USB-C rechargeable)
  • Run Time: 25 mins inflate/deflate
  • Includes: Pump, valve adapters, USB-C cable, drawstring pouch

Final Verdict: Sierra-Ready Comfort You Can Count On

The EXPED Sleep System turned a cold, windy truck bed night into one of the most comfortable backcountry sleeps I’ve had. It’s not ultralight, but that’s not the point—it’s trailhead luxury designed to last. Every piece worked seamlessly together, and I can confidently say this setup is coming with me on every future truck-based adventure this season.

If you’re planning boondocking trips, dispersed camping, or even just want better sleep at a forest service campground, EXPED has created something that’s not only comfortable but seriously reliable. Read our Full Boondocking trip report

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