Overlanding Comfort - Exped Megamat Upgrade in our iKamper Skycamp 2.0

After our most recent trip to the Anza Borrego Desert overlanding in our iKamper Skycamp 2.0 Rooftop Tent, I decided it was time to try something different when it comes to sleeping comfort on top of our 2016 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. In this video you'll see the changes I make in preparation for our next trip and installing a couple of Exped Megamats on top of some Field & Stream Camping Mats to help reduce any condensation.

[@minayu8340]

Your very thorough review gave me a better idea of Megamat! I don't know why all of the Exped folks in their official videos don't even try to sit or lay down on the mat to show its firmness and comforts. I really appreciate your family's participation on this video!

[@395jnky]

Glad we could help! Happy Trails!

[@gj0628]

Great video and channel. Awesome rig and set well thought narrated very well thx 365

[@395jnky]

Thanks for the kind words Gilbert! I enjoy making these videos for all to review and keep themselves busy during these difficult times we have found ourselves in. Stay healthy!!!

[@gj0628]

395jnky you welcome I agree tough times but we’ll make the best of it and certainly gain new respect for life and our freedoms. Stay safe !!

[@CSC1steel]

Awesome job putting this together

[@395jnky]

Thanks Craig. Glad you enjoyed. Take care!

[@Leon-lp9fl]

Like your theme and manner of setting things up, getting to a site and enjoy. Watched a few of your video,s and happy to subscribe. Thank you. Regards(SA - South Africa)

[@395jnky]

Thanks Potshot. Hope all is well there in SA. Take care!

[@josephkahlich3326]

By chance bought an exped today. Came out to YT for research. Pleased to see one of my favorite creators to have a video on it.

[@OverlandTrax]

Nice video, keep them coming 👍

[@395jnky]

You got it!!!

[@DuyanFarms]

Hey 395jnky Family. I just found your channel while looking at the Exped Megamat. I grew up in SoCal, going to motorcycle ride our at Cuddieback, fishing at Convict and other Bishop spots and even doing some Wheelin' in Kennedy Meadows. Now we're in South Korea with a 2014 Rubicon Unlimited and exploring the neighborhood. We just did a shakedown trip this weekend. Wife has never been camping before and suddenly she's hooked. Hahahaha... Cheers brother. We'll be watching. ~Mike and Ester~

[@benreeve6597]

Hey dude we did exactly the same as you when we bought our ikamper in Australia so much comfort now compared to the standard mattress. We have sinced shipped our set up back to the UK and put it on top of our landrover defender 110. I just just wanted to say your video was great and wished I could have found a video like this 2 years ago. Happy trails bro.

[@395jnky]

Big difference isn't it Ben. I just love how the two expeds are a perfect fit inside the RTT. Take care.

[@matt4p77]

Great effort with the video!

[@idrissamorehouse5776]

Solid review !!

[@blindcry]

Thanks for doing this, made it easy for me to decide on buying the exped. fyi, I used my old air pump from an airbed to pump the exped faster.

[@395jnky]

Glad I could help

[@larrybriggs2920]

Just stumbled upon your channel. From N County Coastal. Like your videos. I hit all the trails possible in San Diego

[@395jnky]

I'm glad you enjoy the videos. Stay Healthy Larry! Happy Trails!!!

[@garygomer7940]

Best sleeping pad ever for Overlanding!

[@395jnky]

I can't wait until we get to use it on a multi-day trip...

[@chuck4050]

@@395jnky , On a trip at the Rubicon we got 6" of snow I was on a regular air mattress in a ground tent and froze after that bought one of these Exped self inflating mattress and it was a great improvement. I also have one of their back packing air mattress's and its great also thanks for the videos!

[@395jnky]

@@chuck4050 sounds like I made a good decision with the Exped. We love snow camping, albeit we are in the RTT, but I suspect it will still stay a bit warmer then a thin mattress pad. My pleasure putting out these videos. Its a lot of fun. Happy Trails Chuck!

[@bjtitus]

I’ve been checking reviews for the Exped Megamat, and 3 years after those first COVID lockdown, your intro really takes me back to 2020. Hope you’re doing well.

[@395jnky]

Lots has changed in three years...right? We're well..thanks! Hope you are well too!

[@alexyustas4148]

Thanks man, Great video!

[@395jnky]

Glad it helped!

[@UtahNick71]

I love my Exped. I use it in my 4 Runner, but I sleep inside. I no longer have a Jeep, but I subscribed because I miss the ease of modifying it. I will live vicariously through you.

[@395jnky]

Hi Nick, Thanks for watching and the sub. We're looking forward to a weekend trip that we can use the Exped for a few nights in a row and really test it out. I like everything about it up to this point. And based on the many positive reviews like yours, I'm confident I'll be happy with the comfort. 4 Runners are very capable as well, and I've had a few of those too. I'm glad to have you as a subscriber and I welcome you along for the ride. Happy Trails and stay healthy!!!

[@skobuffs_303]

Nick, do you have a 5th Gen 4Runner? How does the Exped Megamat sleep in the back? Do you have the single or duo? I am looking at purchasing today but was going back and forth between Exped Megamat Duo or the AirBed for the 4Runner. AirBed that fits in Jeeps and 4Runners seems like it is extremely short though so I am leaning toward Exped. Let me know your thought when you get a chance! Thanks!

[@a.k.forister1400]

For my exped, I made an adapter out of pvc and a schrader valve. I dremeled around the edge of the pvc so that it fits snug in the exped valve. Then i connect my onboard air hose to the schrader valve. Less than a minute and it's full. Easy and fast.

[@395jnky]

Innovative. I like that idea. Right now we just use a Coleman electric pump that you would otherwise use for a regular air mattress. Gets the job done quick also. Sometimes too much air...There's a sweet spot that I like but can rarely duplicate....Thanks for watching AK and the comment. Take care.

[@williamegbertjr7971]

Thanks for the vid. No doubt a pain to film and took a great deal of time but man that really solves the problem w those mattresses!

[@395jnky]

My pleasure...And yes...the RTT mattresses suck...ALL of them. LOL. Happy Trails William

[@malikwebster1794]

Do you happen to know the size of the smaller one? I have the Duo LW for the larger size

[@Iam_Machines]

Hey dude thanks for the video. I have an iKamper arriving in a few weeks. The exped is a great mattress. Just be careful about pinching the edges of it in the tent. Don't ask how I know 😆👍

[@395jnky]

LOL - Thanks for the tip...I'll watch the edges...Take care!

[@emmanuel5499]

Hello, thank you for your demonstration a French reader

[@triblemusic]

Great video. Love all the time you take to show your passion & explanation on everything you do. I got a big 11 year two 7 year old & the wife and me, for a total of 5 would we fit in the ikamper?

[@395jnky]

I appreciate that! I think you would all fit....but it will be very tight...even for an iKamper.

[@TheExplorerAlbum]

Do you know where we can get those interlocking foam mats with holes? Looks like these are all out of stock everywhere. Might have to buy the regular ones and drill holes in them.

[@BretGashDJBFG]

Love the matts, great demonstrMatt's, just a suggestion/question: why didn't you use the lapel mic for the entire video?

[@395jnky]

Good question! I was being lazy! LOL. Thanks for the comment Bret! Take care

[@shawndunfee2566]

Hey Daniel, I can't believe how similar our jeeps are, I have the same tent getting ready to install on my jeep. I am running 4.5" long arms and 40's My question to that is is my ladder long enough without the extension? you seem to have plenty of ladder length but I can't tell if you have an extension on the bottom or not. Also, with your experience with your set-up, would you or have you run the Rubicon? My wife and I and 2 dogs are coming to Cali this fall from florida for a month of exploring and the Rubicon is on our list as well as Death Valley and Mojave, and any extras between! Love your videos, thanks for any input.

[@395jnky]

Hi Shawn - Thanks for watching and the kind words. I am not running the extension. I purchased it, but never needed it. But with an extra 1” in lift and 1 1/2” in tire height you will be a bit taller, but I still think you would be fine. As far as the Rubicon goes, we have only been on a short part of it in order to take an off shoot to Buck Lake. But, I will run the Rubicon one day, hopefully soon! Safe travels heading out this way and take care!

[@MajorMalfunction13]

Can you give the precise dimensions of the Megamats? I understand that both the single and duo have different lengths and widths (long wide vs. medium wide). Thanks in advance! Awesome helpful video and a great option for the iKamper!

[@395jnky]

The length on both my duo and the single are exactly the same. I do agree with you that when you order the pads they provide different options. Here is exactly what I purchased and you see in this video. Exped, Megamat 10, Long X-Wide (77.6"x30.3"x3.9") & Exped Megamat 10 Duo, Long Wide Double (77.6"x52"x3.9"). I hope this helps...

[@taconasty]

@@395jnky great video man.. I just have a question and not sure if you misprint the measurements but the 77.6x30.3x3.9 is it supposed to be 77.6x33.3x3.9? Because on the site the only sizes that are close to the measurements you gave are either 25.6 wide or 33.3 wide. please let me know because I have the same exact setup and want to upgrade my mat inside my ikamper. thanks

[@fnfethan]

Nice work! And much appreciated. I just got a Skycamp 2.0 and was about to add the Expeds. Can you please add the specific models you used? I know it was the Duo and Single but there seem to be different widths and lengths on the Exped site. Thanks!

[@malikwebster1794]

Did you ever figure out the proper ones?

[@TheAdhirst]

I have the same question about which size Duo model the larger one is?

[@thecreeksidehomestead3329]

Did you ever try leaving both Expeds in the Ikamper at the same time to see if it would close? You made a comment in your video when you were closing it that you thought it was closing easier than when you had the pad supplied by Ikamper. And where did you get that little mat for your Heater Buddy?

[@395jnky]

Hi Ripped - Your question is timely. When I made this video, it did close easier than when I had just the iKamper mattress, so I went back last weekend and tried putting the other Exped mattress in there as well, and it was a huge success. Closed so easy. Still easier then when I just had the iKamper mattress. So now in my iKamper I am able to store two full size bedroom pillows, both Exped mattresses & that mat for the Heater Buddy. As far as where I got that little mat, I can tell you it was Amazon, but the exact description of what it was called, I don't remember. But, I suspect you can find something very similar on Amazon. Also, I've heard of people just using a baking sheet as well. It is about the same size. Happy Trails!!!!

[@heatherjohansen5185]

How did the side sleeping comfort go? Your shoulder? My husband and I both sleep on our sides and he has an old baseball injury in his shoulder. We are hoping this Exped will be more comfortable than all the cots and air mattresses we used to own.

[@395jnky]

The Expeds are much much better. I would highly recommend.

[@HannibalACP82]

Probably should have watched this video BEFORE I bought the mattress but hey...you know. Better late then never. My two are inflating right now in the tent for a trip tomorrow.

[@raymondcastillo9720]

What Size mattress where they I see the Duo and Single have alot of varieties. Thanks

[@oliverr9967]

Do you have a video on your Mr. Heater setup? If not, could you do one?

[@395jnky]

Hi Oliver-I’ll try to remember to shoot some video on the next trip. Stay tuned

[@bryangutierrez8816]

Do you think you would be able to leave a Exped Megamat Max (6 inch) in there and still be able to close fold the tent shut? Or would that just be over kill? I’m curious as to how you’re liking the mattresses themselves.. do you feel like the 4 inch mat is perfect or do you kind of wish you would have got the 6 inch mat? Thanks in advance and keep up the awesome content!

[@395jnky]

Hi Bryan - So in mine I have the 4", both the single a double Expeds. If you are also trying to get both the single and double in the 6", I'm not entirely sure. But for what its worth, I also have in my iKamper our 2 pillows and 2 mummy sleeping bags, along with the expeds and Field and Stream mats. So if you didn't go with the Field and Stream mats, and had no sleeping bags up there, you might actually be OK. I hope that helps! Happy Trails

[@bryangutierrez8816]

395jnky that sounds like the perfect set up. I would love to not have to worry about my sleeping bags and pillows too. How do you like the 4 inch mats so far?

[@OH-qp1fk]

👍

[@fathertime209]

Could you tell me what bag is hanging over the leading Jeep’s spare tire at 3:45? And do you like it? Thanks for putting out a great video...

[@395jnky]

Hi FatherTime - That is called a Trasharoo. Just google that name and lots of sellers will pop up. We've never had a problem with it.

[@fathertime209]

@@395jnky Thanks a bunch...

[@thecreeksidehomestead3329]

How did the Field and Stream six pack camping floor mats work out? Did they eliminate the condensation?

[@395jnky]

I have not had a chance to camp yet due to the COVID. I'm hoping we get a chance to start camping again in May....

[@shawndunfee2566]

Hey Daniel, next question, what sizes did you end up with on your exped single and the duo? If this was mentioned in the video and I missed it I am sorry for the redundancy

[@395jnky]

No problem Shawn. I went with the long options.

[@nm5028]

Would you be kind enough to post the link for both of them?

[@10ectaco10]

I kampers just like a jeep. Cost a fortune and still gotta pour money into it to get it right :-)

[@KRTLyfe]

😂😭😭😭

[@clairemariefergley]

@@KRTLyfe ain’t that the truth? I was just about to mention you guys! Stay safe

[@jacko714]

Will the iKamper close with just opening the deflate valves of the exped or do you have to muscle the air out of the exped first ?

[@395jnky]

Hi there - I didn’t try, but if I was a betting man, I’d say it would be ok w not muscling it. I could tell after muscling it flat that there was more room than usual. So I could likely get the single up there too (assuming that was muscled flat as well) or just leave the duo with just pulling the deflate.

[@jacko714]

Thanks for the reply and the video post. Figuring how and what will pack in the ikamper can be an annoying game. I just bought the exped after watching this video. I think we all deserve it after this covid BS lol.

[@395jnky]

Yah...annoying is right. And once you get it down don’t change a thing! LOL

[@alexkaa6351]

Thanks for your video. Setting up iKamper and then taking everything out is very annoying. Especially with multiday trips. I mean it takes 10 min or so to do that with original mattresses but why? I would happily take extra inch in the tent height for the ability to keep all bedding inside. I hope iKamper is listening for the version 3! Just ordered my megamats. I don't plan to use that green rubber mat you have and hope two deflated megamats and all bedding will finally stay where it should! :) @395jnky have you thought of having a small electric air pump to get the air in and out fast? It looks like those air valves are not standard size, I wonder if some kind of adapter is available for sale. Or can you please confirm that is you leave deflate valves open for say 10 minutes while you pack other stuff, mattress would be flat enough to close the tent?

[@395jnky]

Im with you. I wouldn't mind an extra inch or so to assure a comfortable mattress. We do use a Coleman pub to top off the mattresses. When I deflate, I get up in the tent and try to squeeze all the air out of both mattresses. This allows me to leave two pillows, both expeds as well as two mummy sleeping bags up there. Take care.

[@alexkaa6351]

@@395jnky "When I deflate, I get up in the tent and try to squeeze all the air out of both mattresses." why not use the same pump to suck the air out?

[@jacklaw3566]

Great video. What’s the size of the single do you have, 72.1 x 25.6? Thanks a lot.

[@395jnky]

Hi Jack - Glad you enjoyed. I purchased the 77.6 X 30.3

[@jacklaw3566]

@@395jnky Thanks a lot. I am ordering the single now. I bought carpet tiles at Home Depot, easy to install.

[@baszuidberg801]

which length mattress are you using? 72 inch or 77.6 inches?

[@395jnky]

77.6"

[@galeriafuentes]

sux with the price of the tent you needed to upgrade mattress plus need to inflat/deflate every time, not optimal for being on the move camping. I'm still on the fence whether to go ikamp or james baroud

[@395jnky]

I agree Jay, the iKampers aren't cheap. For what its worth, its not that the mattress was unbearable, considering how thin it was. As you know, iKamper, like all the manufacturers, work tirelessly to keep it as light and compact as possible, thus resulting in not the most ideal when it comes to comfort. I tend to look at the Exped upgrade as a luxury item I could have definitely lived without, but felt like spoiling my wife and myself. As far as the extra work inflating/deflating, I don't mind that as much either. It takes less time as you would imagine. Nevertheless, you're correct in that it is just one more thing to do. Good luck with your decision. Either way, you're looking at two very nice RTT's, so congrats on that!!!!

[@cyusi01]

hI! will this fit in the back of your jeep? Thats where I sleep when i camp with my daughter. Looking for a new mat! Thanks!

[@395jnky]

The single definitely would. Im not entirely sure about the double. If you look up the Exped Duo on REI website they give the dimensions...Hope that helps. Take care

[@cyusi01]

395jnky thank you so much!!!!!

[@cynthianelson9623]

Exped megamat has medium too. It's 40 inches wide.

[@jasonr428]

How would this hold up with dogs, say an 80 pounds labrador? I am considering one of these for my iKamper, but I usually camp with my labrador, and it would have to work with him.

[@395jnky]

I would think it would hold up fine. We stopped having Sierra sleep with us once she got to about 70 pounds. But she was up there with us until the weight. After that weight it was just a little too sketchy getting her up and down the ladder. But provided your pup is just going to sleep in there and not get all wild, I think it would do fine.,

[@happy2watchu]

Buy a schnozzel pump made by exped. You will love it.

[@395jnky]

I’ll check it out. Thx for the tip.

[@marambula]

Have used the Exped MM duo for >50 nights across 3 major cross country trips and even more weekend camping trips. We LOVE our giant sleeping pad, and use it as a spare guest bed. Bought the exped schnozzel pumpbag after the first 3 week trip and it’s pretty amazing to inflate the mattress exponentially faster, there were 2 sizes and got the larger pump bag and have no regrets. I saw Exped came out with a latest and greatest MM max and found your video when looking for reviews: you do a great job! thank you for your content... now i have iCamper envy! especially based on how the two MegaMats fit neat perfectly like a king size mattress.

[@buffiegorge8977]

Three years later, you should have went!

[@395jnky]

Tell me about it....😂

[@dougg8280]

Thanks for the video. I have used Exped in ground tents. Seeing remnants of what we were going through back in 2020 makes me sad, and mad, how we were all lied to, specifically CA residents.

[@santosmendoza2984]

I’m new and I want a walk around of your man cave

[@395jnky]

Welcome Santos.. Glad you found the channel. You're not the first that has asked for a mancave walk around. Maybe one day soon I'll put a video together.

[@shupingyin8082]

Can you pump it with an electric pump?

[@395jnky]

Yes...we use an older Coleman rechargeable pump and it works great!

[@shupingyin8082]

@@395jnky thanks

[@yetioverland]

Does anybody know if anybody has ever use the duo 15 instead of the 10

[@395jnky]

I think the 15 might be a little too tight up there. I find the 10 is plenty thick enough to provide us plenty of comfort.

[@yetioverland]

395jnky I hope it will fit I just got both

[@anthonyt2460]

I believe it is a good choice to stay home.

[@395jnky]

It was a wobbler...

[@BrooklynNY1979]

Great video, and thank you for being responsible during these trying times regardless of all of the misleading noise these days!

[@395jnky]

Absolutely!

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

i bet a year into the lockdowns you probably have a different opinion

[@tomallen6073]

Worlds longest camping pad review.

[@happy2watchu]

It was painful to watch you pump mega mat with the old pump. Get new Exped schnozzel

[@395jnky]

Hi Happy - Yah. That got old real quick. I ended up pulling out my old Coleman rechargeable pump from my old camping gear from when we used to tent camp with air mattresses. Way easier...just a tad bit louder...for about 2 mins...LOL

[@juanmcsweeney4503]

Who doesn't have an extra set of tires in their backyard? Thanks for making up my mind NOT to buy this mattress. Open it, wait an hour, pump for three minutes, wait 24 hours? Where am I supposed to sleep? By the time the mattress is ready to sleep on its time to break camp and move on.

[@395jnky]

LOL. Juan - Those time limits are for the initial opening and initial time blowing it up. Not every time. That would be awful and I agree, who would want to do that every time. Now, on the trail it blows up in minutes, and deflates even quicker. Hope that helps.

[@willlathrop2403]

You only need to do that for the initial inflation, because the memory foam needs to expand and create"memory". I have the Exped MegaMat which is almost double the thickness and it never takes more than 10 mins of self-inflation with 1-2 mins of using the included pump, Exped makes the best and most comfo rtable sleeping pads out there. You will be doing yourself a disservice if you go with any other mat.

[@mattpewpewpew]

If you want to do this as a channel, invest in some good audio equipment. It's what separates mediocre videos from great videos, and it doesnt have to cost a lot. Good luck with your channel!

[@rockvalenz]

Watching this video 10 months later I can tell you you did the right thing. Here in New Zealand we did the right thing and we are covid free now, probably not the case in US but you must never stop doing what's right regardless what's doing the rest. Peace ✌️

[@395jnky]

Yah, looking back I think so too! It’s a crazy crazy world right now that we all live in! Take care!

[@femacampetiquettefordummie6979]

At nearly 4K, it’s a joke that the IKamper doesn’t come with a condensation mat.

[@395jnky]

And the mattress leaves much to be desired....

[@tj-kv6vr]

well spoken, but. why do youtubers feel the need to explain their actions to people they don't even know????

[@Changesonemack]

The virtue signaling ends @ 3:15 Review starts 3:20. Just in time for crass outdoorsy ads. Good review tho

[@lindo12ful]

This one didn’t age well lol

[@TrumpDesantis-zm3kg]

don't let them control you..this will be the new norm for decades to come if you let the liberals have their way