When it comes to camping, few things are as crucial as a comfortable sleep setup…
Whether it’s a Big Bear or Eastern Sierra winter night or a summer coastal camping trip, getting a restful night’s sleep makes all the difference in energy, mood, and overall enjoyment.
After nearly a year of using the HEST Foamy Wide mattress, I can confidently say it’s one of the best upgrades I’ve made to my gear in years. This mattress has become my go-to mattress for at least 90% of my trips. It’s that good!
In this HEST Foamy wide mattress review, I’ll take you through my thoughts, experiences, and the reasons this mattress has earned its spot as my top choice. I’ll also share with you what I use for the other 10% of the time on my trips, as well as some possible pitfalls to watch for with this mattress.
With that, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Why the HEST Foamy Wide Mattress? A Little Backstory
- First Impressions and Initial Setup of the HEST Foamy Wide Mattress
- HEST Foamy Comfort and Construction: A Dream for All Seasons
- Why Size Matters: Go for the HEST Foamy Wide Mattress for the Win
- Durability and Practicality of the HEST Foamyv
- A True Bed Replacement with the HEST Camping Pillow
- Comparison with the Competition
- Wrapping Up: Why the HEST Foamy Wide Mattress Has Become My Go-To
Why HEST Foamy Wide Mattress? A Little Backstory
For a while there, I was a dedicated fan of the Exped MegaMat series, which was my gold standard for camping comfort. I championed the MegaMat, calling it the “King of the Hill” in the world of camping mattresses. And while I still appreciate what Exped brings to the table, the HEST Foamy Wide has gone above and beyond my expectations, winning me over for reasons I’ll explain below.
If you’ve been searching for a mattress that provides a bed-like experience, that luxurious feel we all crave, the HEST Foamy Wide mattress is a worthy contender. Let’s dive into why this mattress stands out from the competition.
First Impressions and Initial Setup of the HEST Foamy Wide Mattress
One of the most impressive aspects of the HEST Foamy Wide mattress is its fast and hassle-free setup. Seriously, it’s faster than I can crack open a tasty adult beverage — and that’s saying something!
Out of the bag, you unsnap a couple of buckles, unroll it, and boom – you’re ready to sleep. Yeah, as I said, it’s crazy fast to set up. There’s no inflation required and no tedious adjustments. As someone who sometimes rolls into camp late, tired, and looking to get right to sleep, this is a feature I appreciate more than I initially realized.
Other mattresses may have intricate setups or demand a bit more muscle and patience, but with the HEST Foamy Wide mattress, simplicity is clearly a big ol’ win. This mattress shines in its design – from the soft memory foam on top to the sturdy, waterproof material on the bottom that resists the elements.
As I’m typing this, it dawned on me that there is no way I’m going to be able to explain how comfortable this thing is. It’s one of those things you’re going to have to take me for my word. Or heck, get down to REI or Bass Pro Shop and lay on one of these things!
HEST Foamy Comfort and Construction: A Dream for All Seasons
How HEST hest pulls off an insane level of comfort is due to the fact that the HEST Foamy Wide is built from two layers of foam, each with a different density to maximize comfort.
The top layer, crafted from soft memory foam, molds around the body, creating a plush surface to lie on. This means that even after a hard day exploring, I don’t feel sore or uncomfortable pressure points – it’s a full-body relaxation experience. Beneath the top layer, there’s a denser foam that provides stability and support, lifting you slightly off the ground and away from rocks or uneven ground surfaces.
With an R-value of 8.8, the mattress is exceptionally warm and well-insulated, making it suitable for four-season use. I’ve taken the HEST Foamy Wide into some pretty chilly conditions – including nights where temperatures hovered around 13°F. It held up, providing warmth and comfort against the cold ground and even the steel bed of my truck (which, full disclosure, I only tried once!). The vast majority of the time I use the HEST Foamy Wide, it’s on a cot inside one of my ground tents.
Why Size Matters: Go for the HEST Foamy Wide Mattress for the Win
HEST offers the Foamy in both a regular and a wide version, and after testing the wide, I have zero regrets. At 30 inches wide and 78 inches long, it’s not just a mattress; it’s a luxurious sleep platform that feels like a bed.
If you’re tall or just want more space to move around, the wide version is worth the extra investment. There’s something freeing about not feeling confined, and on a quality mattress like this, that freedom is amplified.
That said, the wide version does come with a trade-off – it takes up quite a bit of space. The HEST Foamy Wide mattress is undeniably bulky, and it isn’t the easiest to roll back up for storage. I won’t sugarcoat it: getting this thing rolled up tightly takes some muscle and patience. However, I find the storage struggle to be worth it, given the comfort it provides. Actually this is the only con I have on this mattress!
Durability and Practicality of the HEST Foamy
The HEST Foamy is designed to be as durable as it is comfortable. This is so clear the moment you lay on this for the first time…
The base is coated with a waterproof polyurethane that’s rugged enough for camping directly on dirt or even in damp conditions. I appreciate the thought put into this because, let’s face it, camping isn’t always clean, and the durable materials make cleaning and maintenance easy. Plus, the entire fabric cover is zippered, so you can remove and wash it – a huge plus for those dustier adventures.
In terms of practicality, the HEST Foamy Wide mattress features a pocket for a phone or headlamp. The handle is metal, which gives this a big boost in the looks department and makes it easy to carry (though this mattress is not lightweight). While it might not be ideal for backpackers, it’s perfect for vehicle-based campers or anyone with a rooftop tent or camper trailer.
A True Bed Replacement with the HEST Camping Pillow
To maximize the comfort of the HEST Foamy, I pair it with the HEST Camping Pillow and a good cot. The cot I use and highly recommend is the BYER OF MAINE Easy Cot shown above. With this setup, the comfort level reaches a whole new height – to the point where, frankly, I don’t want to get out of bed!
The HEST Camping Pillow complements the Foamy with its support and size, creating an experience that’s about as close to home as you can get while camping. (Stay tuned for an upcoming review of the various camping comforters and blankets I have tested and recommend.).
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that good sleep gear is essential for sustained adventures. With the HEST Foamy Wide mattress and pillow, I wake up refreshed, ready to tackle the day. This combination is almost addictive – I look forward to crawling into bed every night!
Comparison with the Competition
I’d be remiss not to compare the HEST Foamy to other top options I’ve used, such as the Exped MegaMat 10 or 15 and Therm-a-Rest MondoKing (that name always cracks me up).
The Exped MegaMat 10 and 15 remain impressive contenders, especially for those who need an adjustable air feature. But in terms of pure comfort, the HEST Foamy has a clear edge.
Meanwhile, the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing is another quality option, especially if you’re looking for adjustability. It’s more compact than the HEST Foamy Wide mattress when stored, so it’s friendlier for those with limited vehicle space. However, the trade-offs are in setup and comfort; the MondoKing requires more effort, especially at higher altitudes, where inflation can be tricky.
The HEST Foamy Wide Offers Convenience, Warmth, and Comfort
What the HEST Foamy lacks in adjustability, it makes up for with convenience, warmth, and sheer comfort. I’ve come to realize that it’s all about finding the right balance. If storage is your top concern, other models may fit better. But if comfort and warmth are your priority, the HEST Foamy will win every time.
Which reminds me, as promised, I hinted at the start of this article that roughly 10 percent of the time, I don’t use the HEST Foamy Wide. And you might be asking, if this mattress is so awesome, why not use it all the time?
Well, first, sometimes, I take trips during which I’m testing mattresses, so I don’t take the HEST Foamy Wide with me. Second, on past trips when my son was with me, I only had a single cot, which the HEST Foamy Wide didn’t accommodate. I also have the King Camp Dual Cot, which in these cases, I simply use the Exped MegaMat 15 Duo.
However, I got smart, and picked up one of those Disc-o-bed Camping bunk beds (shown above) for the trips with my son. I won’t lie–it’s a pain in the ass to set up. It’s also really heavy. My son loves it, though, and he’s taken claim to the top bunk (so I don’t fall on him!). This bunk bed is so comfortable that technically you don’t even need a mattress (my son sleeps without a mattress, in fact). But, I do of course use this opportunity to use my HEST Foamy Wide mattress!
Wrapping Up: Why the HEST Foamy Wide Mattress Has Become My Go-To
After nearly a year with the HEST Foamy Wide, it’s safe to say it’s now my preferred camping mattress, replacing even my beloved Exped. The setup simplicity, paired with the bed-like comfort, has made it a favorite for me and my family. From the sturdy base and plush foam to the warmth that’s perfect for cold weather, this mattress provides everything I look for in a sleep setup.
Of course, it has its quirks – the bulkiness and the challenge of rolling it up, especially when you’re tired. But for me, those are small inconveniences for the quality of sleep I get in return. This mattress has taken my camp sleep experience from decent to exceptional, and that’s worth every penny.
If you’re looking for a camping mattress that genuinely changes the way you rest outdoors, the HEST Foamy Wide mattress is worth considering!
Friendly disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links that support us without costing you more, and sometimes we spice things up with sponsored content—but only for products we truly stand behind!