Review: Exped Ultra 6.5R Sleeping Pad
Updated 05/21/2026
The Exped Ultra 6.5R is an ultralight sleeping pad with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio — delivering strong cold-weather performance in a highly comfortable design.
The EXPED Ultra 6.5R is an insulated backpacking sleeping pad designed for cold weather use. Available in both rectangular and mummy versions in multiple sizes, I tested the medium wide mummy version. It uses synthetic microfiber insulation with reflective layers for warmth, a tapered mummy shape to reduce weight, vertical baffles with raised side rails for stability, and a softer stretch fabric top that feels less slick and crinkly than many ultralight pads.
This is the first time I’ve been able to use a 25-inch wide sleeping pad without a weight penalty, while still getting a high level of warmth. At 15 ounces, it stays ultralight without giving up insulation, and the R-value of 6.9 gives it a wide temperature range — good for all seasons of backpacking trips I typically do.
Part of that balance comes from the tapered design, which reduces unnecessary bulk while still providing extra width at the torso and shoulders. That added width makes it more comfortable to sleep on , and the stretchy top fabric and 3.5-inch height also provide more comfort than previous versions of Exped pads I’ve used.
Specs
(based on the medium wide mummy size)
- weight: 15 oz
- R-value: 6.9
- dimensions: 72 x 25.6 x 3.5 in
- packed dimensions: 8.3 x 4.3 in
- fabric: recycled 20 D ripstop polyester, TPU polyether film laminate
- insulation: recycled Texpedloft microfiber + reflective foil
- includes: stuff sack, Schnozzel Pumpbag UL, repair kit
- sustainability: Exped utilizes recycled, PFAS-free, bluesign-approved materials with climate offsetting
- price: $199.95
Comfort & Materials
The fabric has a soft, stretchy feel that adds to comfort and does a good job of relieving pressure points, especially when shifting positions during the night. Combined with the 3.5-inch thickness, it creates a cushioned sleep surface that feels comfortable over multiple nights.
The pad is also quiet, without the crinkly sound that many other pads have that can keep you — or your campmates — awake at night.
Shape & Stability
The wide mummy shape is one of the main reasons I wanted to try this pad. I prefer having more width at the shoulders and torso but don’t need a full rectangular pad. This gives that extra space where I actually need it while keeping overall weight down. Even though it tapers, the foot end still feels plenty wide enough in use.
The vertical baffles create a stable sleeping surface that feels consistent from edge to edge, and they help reduce the feeling of sliding or rolling off the pad. The raised side rails add to that stability by helping keep you centered, and I like how they also help keep my arms on the pad during the night, which makes it easier to stay comfortable as I move around.
Inflation & Deflation
The pad uses two separate valves — one for inflation and one for deflation — rather than a single combo valve. I prefer this setup since it makes each function easier to use compared to all-in-one valve designs.
Inflation is easy using the included Schnozzel pump bag — it takes me 2.5 fills to fully inflate the pad. There’s also a small release button built into the inflation valve, which makes it easy to fine-tune the air pressure for comfort.
Deflation is also quick — the dedicated out valve releases air fast, and it packs down without much effort. To pack it up at the end of a trip, I fold in the wider sections of the pad, fold it in half, and roll it up from the bottom to push out the air as I go, then close the deflate valve. This helps the pad fit back into the stuff sack without any issues.
I’ve also used the Exped Ultra Pump & Lamp with this pad. At 3 ounces, it’s a lightweight option that works well as an alternative to the inflation bag. It connects easily using the included adapter, and it’s also fairly quiet compared to other pumps I’ve used. The built-in lamp has three brightness settings and provides enough light for use inside a tent. The hanging loop makes it easy to position, which adds some versatility if you want a combined pump and light in one piece of gear.
A Unique Feature: Pillow Attachment System
A feature I haven’t seen on other sleeping pads — the Ultra 6.5R has small attachment tabs at the top of the pad for securing a pillow using cord. This helps keep a pillow from sliding around during the night, especially when moving around.
Exped also makes the Ultra Pillow, which comes with side tabs and the cord needed to connect to a sleeping pad. At 1.8 ounces, it’s very light and can also be used with other sleeping pads. The pillow feels best to me when it’s about two-thirds full, where it provides enough support while still feeling comfortable under my head.
Final Thoughts
For how I backpack, this pad checks all the boxes — low weight, solid warmth, and a shape that’s more comfortable than most. It’s one I plan to keep using across a wide range of trips. I also appreciate how the Ultra Pillow and the Ultra Pump & Lamp from Exped work with the sleeping pad.
Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.
Gear Reviews: My goal is to share clear, unbiased information about outdoor gear. I am not sponsored by any gear companies and I don’t accept paid posts or links. I regularly receive products from brands for review, with no expectation of a positive review and no compensation for my opinions. As an independent gear reviewer, I only review items I’ve personally used on multiple trips and that I believe are high-quality and worth recommending.
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