Therm-A-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad Review

Bottom Line

The Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap XL is an excellent camping mattress for plush comfort without the bulk. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has spent more than 30 nights on this mattress, and he loves the impressively low profile. It’s only three inches thick, making this thing a great pick for back sleepers and belly sleepers with tons of room to sprawl like a starfish.

We found the foam mapping design offers targeted support with slightly firmer foam and a more supportive feel at key pressure points. For us, this made for an excellent night of sleep. With an R-value of 6, we’ve comfortably slept on this mattress down to 10°F, and it kept us toasty-warm. Inflation and deflation are easy-peasy thanks to user-friendly valves – including a self-inflating design and a huge dump valve. Plus, it rolls up neatly for easy packing. We love that this model comes at a lower price than the competition, too, making it an outstanding value.

However, the LuxuryMap isn’t flawless, so you might consider other options from our best camping mattresses guide. The edges are slightly tapered, which mean knees and elbows can bottom out while shifting positions. Sensitive sleepers will also want to beware: its fabric can be a bit noisy when moving around, depending on the fabric of your sleeping bag or baselayer. The valves are extremely durable and functional, but they stick out, which can be a downside if you’re limited on space.

Still, these are minor drawbacks. This mattress delivers a fantastic balance of comfort, warmth, and convenience for back and belly sleepers with an eye on their budget.

Comfort

Drifting off on the LuxuryMap XL is easy thanks to its plush foam support. This model is only 3 inches thick – an inch less than most of the competition on our best camping mattresses guide – but we barely noticed, thanks to Therm-A-Rest’s foam mapping design. This pattern gives targeted cushioning and a bit more support at key pressure points like the head, shoulders, hips, and feet. It may be too thick for side sleepers. However, it provides excellent support for back and belly sleepers where it matters most, and a slightly softer feel everywhere else.

Gear Analyst Ian Krammer loves this lower-profile design, especially for sleeping in vehicles, on a cot, or in lower-ceiling tents. With a bit less bulk, we weren’t as likely to bump our heads. Ian also appreciates that the slimmer design doesn’t sacrifice width. This thing has tons of room to spread out. Its smooth polyester knit surface is soft enough to sleep on directly. We always recommend the largest version of these camping mattresses simply for comfort. Although, this one also comes in slightly smaller dimensions, including a regular and a large.

However, we have two small gripes with this mattress. The LuxuryMap has tapered edges, which slightly reduces the usable space. It’s also thinner at the edges, which means our knees and elbows occasionally hit the ground when we shifted too close to the sides. Ian is an active sleeper who flops between belly, side, and back throughout the night, and he found himself occasionally bottoming out near the edges throughout the night. This was a minor issue, but it’s another reason to size up if you’re able.

We also found the mattress is just a bit noisy. If you’re a light sleeper, it takes some getting used to the slight crinkle when rolling over. Despite these quirks, the LuxuryMap still offers an excellent mix of support and softness for a restful night outdoors.

Ease of Use

Setting up camp shouldn’t feel like a chore, and the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap XL makes sure it doesn’t. The self-inflating design takes most of the work out of setup. We unrolled it, opened the valve, and let the mattress do its thing. When it’s time to fine-tune firmness, a few breaths are all it takes to get the pressure just right. Our total setup time? About 8 minutes – with less than 60 seconds of actual effort.

Packing up is just as simple, with a quick-release dump valve that lets air escape fast. The lower profile also makes it straightforward to roll up or to fit inside the carrying bag without any awkward maneuvering. Once deflated, it packs down efficiently and is easy to stash away for the next trip.

That said, the Luxury Map’s valves protrude off the end of the mattress about an inch. This design is great for inflation and deflation but gets in the way when rolling it up or positioning inside a tent that’s already tight on space. It’s a little annoying compared with mattresses where the valves sit flush with the edge of the pad.

Also, the LuxuryMap doesn’t come with a pump sack for inflation. Even though it self-inflates almost the entire way, it’s worth noting that topping it off can take a bit of extra effort to find the ideal firmness for you.

Warmth

Cold nights at camp are no match for the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap XL. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has slept in frigid nights on this pad in the Utah and Arizona desert in February, where temps hovered around an icy 10°F. Paired with a quality sleeping bag, he slept like a baby in these conditions.

With an impressive R-value of 6, this mattress provides reliable insulation against very cold ground temperatures. The three-inch foam core not only offers comfort but also helps trap body heat, keeping us warm throughout the night. 

That said, the thinner profile means it won’t hold as much heat as some thicker models. An R-Value of 6 is still outstanding, but considering most of the competition ranges upwards of 6.5 to 9.9, it’s technically on the lower end of warmth. Don’t let that deter you, though. Unless you’re sleeping in extreme cold, this mattress is more than enough to keep you feeling warm all night long.

Packed Size

The Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap XL packs up to 31 by 10 inches. That’s slightly larger than average yet mostly in line with the camping mattresses we’ve tested. 

We don’t mind the large packed size since it’s so comfy and supportive, but this isn’t the smallest or most portable camping mattress out there. At over five pounds, it takes up more room than smaller and lighter alternatives. Its foam core means it doesn’t  shrink down as much as an inflatable pad. Also, there aren’t compression straps to get it as small as possible. The wide dimensions also make it bulkier when rolled, which could be an issue if space in the trunk or gear closet is limited. 

 Luckily, the included stuff sack is roomy, so we weren’t wrestling with the mattress to get it in or out. The nylon shoulder strap makes the Luxury Map a breeze to carry.

Should You Buy the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap?

Car campers, cot sleepers, and anyone who wants a comfortable basecamp will appreciate the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap XL for its blend of comfort, warmth, and convenience. The self-inflating design takes minimal effort to set up, and a dump valve helps it empty fast. The foam mapping design provides extra support at pressure points, and it offers plenty of warmth for reliable insulation from the ground year-round. Its lower profile makes it a great fit for people sleeping in shelters with more limited headspace. And if you’ve got an eye towards budget, this is one of the more affordable options on our list. Our testing shows it can last for year after year of rough use, potentially surviving dog nails, kids, and dozens of nights.

However, this mattress has tapered edges, so if you’re a side sleeper or move a lot in the night, you may find yourself bottoming when rolling over close to the edge. The mattress is a bit noisy, which might not work for sensitive sleepers, and the valves stick out more than we’d like. However, the LuxuryMap XL is true to its name. It is a luxuriously comfortable mattress. For campers who want a comfortable, supportive, and easy to use mattress, this one is a great choice.

What Other Camping Mattresses Should You Consider?

Check out our best camping mattresses guide to find alternatives:

REI Campwell Review: The REI Campwell offers a similar level of comfort and straightforward setup as the LuxuryMap. It’s a half-inch thinner, though, so it’s not our top pick for side sleepers, although it weighs less and costs less. 

REI Camp Dreamer Review: The Camp Dreamer matches the LuxuryMap’s price and easy setup. But, this one is an inch thicker, slightly warmer, and over a pound heavier, offering a cushier but bulkier sleep experience. 

Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe LW Review: Consider the Comfort Deluxe LW if you’re looking for the same support and fast setup as the LuxuryMap. It’s thicker, warmer, and more durable, but you’ll pay much more for it.