Big sleeping pad for car camping.
- Self-inflating
- Big and thick
- Well insulated (R-value 8)
- Lifetime warranty
- Heavy (8 pounds)
- Expensive
- Bulky when rolled up
- Repair kit and stuff sack cost extra
We found the best expert review of the Therm-a-Rest DreamTime XL sleeping pad in Backpacker magazine. Though this publication seldom reviews heavy gear for car camping, editors give this sleeping pad a 2003 Editors' Choice award. We also found about three dozen owner-written reviews at REI.com, Backcountry.com, Moosejaw.com and Amazon.com.
For car camping (or visiting people with uncomfortable guest beds), reviews give top ranking to the luxurious Therm-a-Rest DreamTime XL sleeping pad. It's extremely well insulated, adding a layer of foam cushioning to a self-inflating pad, held together by a removable plush cover. You can pair two mats with an optional kit (*est. $13), and the DreamTime XL comes with compression straps to help roll it up. If the DreamTime XL is too expensive, the REI Camp Bed 3.5 (*est. $90) is five inches narrower but a good budget buy.
Our Sources
1. Backpacker Magazine
Based on extensive field tests, editors of Backpacker magazine give their Editors' Choice award to the Therm-a-Rest DreamTime XL sleeping pad.
Review: Editor's Choice Issue, Editors of Backpacker magazine, April 2003
2. REI.com
About half a dozen campers review the Therm-a-Rest DreamTime XL sleeping pad here, giving it mostly positive reviews. One says it's the only way to get her husband to camp at all, while another says it's too expensive and heavy.
Review: Therm-a-Rest DreamTime Sleeping Pad XL, Staff and contributors to REI.com
3. Backcountry.com
More than a dozen owners review the Therm-a-Rest DreamTime XL sleeping pad here, with high praise for its comfort. A few complain about its bulk or are skeptical about the price, noting that you can just add an inexpensive egg-crate foam pad to a thinner, less expensive Therm-a-Rest pad.
Review: Therm-a-Rest DreamTime Sleeping Pad, Contributors to Backcountry.com
4. Moosejaw.com
About a dozen owners give the Therm-a-Rest DreamTime sleeping pad perfect ratings here, noting that it's heavy and bulky but extremely comfortable, and that the non-slip cover really works.
Review: Therm-A-Rest DreamTime Sleeping Pad, Contributors to Moosejaw.com
5. Amazon.com
Half a dozen owners give the Therm-a-Rest DreamTime XL sleeping pad top marks here, both for camping and as an extra mattress for guests.
Review: Therm-a-Rest DreamTime Sleeping Pad, Contributors to Amazon.com
6. Trailspace.com
Though this site is aimed at hikers, this review recommends the Therm-a-Rest DreamTime for any trip except backpacking, saying it makes any sofa or spare bed comfortable, and the XL size gives plenty of elbow room for reading in bed.
Review: User Review: Therm-a-Rest DreamTime, Contributors to Trailspace.com
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