Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D vs Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap
In short: The Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap costs $40 less; the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is warmer by 1.0 points of R-value; the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap saves 3.0 oz; the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is 4.25 inches thick against 3.
| Spec | Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D | Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$260 | ~$220 |
| R-value | R 7 | R 6 |
| Season band | Winter | Winter |
| R-value standard | ASTM F3340 | ASTM F3340 |
| Weight | 4 lb 6 oz | 4 lb 3 oz |
| R per ounce | 0.10 R/oz | 0.09 R/oz |
| Thickness | 4.25 in | 3 in |
| Pad type | camping mattress | camping mattress |
| Inflation | self-inflating | self-inflating |
| Dimensions | 77 × 25 in | 77 × 25 in |
| Packed size | 26 × 10.3 in | 26 × 9.5 in |
| Insulation | StrataCore layered open-cell urethane foam | Pressure-mapped die-cut open-cell urethane foam |
| Top fabric | 50D | 50D |
Shaded cells mark the row where one has a measurable advantage. Weight, thickness, girth and shape are left unshaded on purpose: heavier is sometimes tougher, wider is sometimes warmer, and calling a winner on those would be an opinion dressed as a measurement.
What each one does well, and costs you
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D
- 4.25 inches of real foam is closer to a guest-room mattress than to a camping pad, and it holds that loft all night.
- R-value 7 is a winter number — this works on a frozen campground or an uninsulated cabin floor.
- Self-inflates almost completely on its own given ten minutes; the pump/stuff sack tops it off.
- 25 inches wide in the Large and 30 in the XXLarge, so you can actually roll over.
- Fabric and foam are heavy-duty enough that this is a decade-scale purchase rather than a season one.
- Four and a half pounds and a 26-inch roll — this never leaves the vehicle.
- Getting it small enough to fit its own sack takes a knee and some determination.
- $260 is a lot for a camping pad, though it is priced against a decade of use rather than a season.
- The foam core needs to be stored unrolled with the valve open, which takes closet space most people don't plan for.
Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap
- R-value 6 is more than most people will ever need out of a car-camping pad, winter included.
- Zoned foam densities do a real job — the hips sink less than a uniform 3-inch pad would allow.
- About a pound lighter and a few inches shorter packed than the MondoKing, which matters in a full trunk.
- Three widths up to 30 inches, so a restless sleeper or a big frame is covered.
- Three inches is enough for most people but not for heavy side sleepers, who should spend the extra on the MondoKing.
- Four pounds in the Large — a car-camping pad only, despite the reasonable packed size.
- Self-inflation is partial; expect to finish it by mouth or with a pump sack that isn't included.