My New DoD Soto Sleeping Pad Review

This DoD Soto Sleeping Pad review is about my new self-inflating large and comfortable pad with great two-way valves, that comes with a bonus self-inflatable pillow and a cover.

---

Key features & benefits

---

What this is about

Here you have a very thick and comfortable self-inflating sleeping pad that DoD Outdoors builds in three sizes S, M, and L. From the specifications below, you will realize that their meaning of these sizes is quite different from ordinary sleeping pads.

Namely, all three pads are very large. To realize this, note that their S size is 31 inches (80 cm) wide, and you probably know that this corresponds to what is normally described as a very wide pad.

Similarly, the M size pad is wide enough to accommodate two people, it is 45 inches (115 cm) wide. The L size is a super-luxurious option with plenty of space for two adults. Here they are side by side with the size numbers:

I own the M size and my description and rating below is focused on this particular size. But the essential features of all three pads are the same. 

The length and thickness

All pads are of the same length so you have 82 inches (208 cm). With such a length, these pads are in the group of extra long pads. They are around 4 inches (10 cm) thick and very supportive, suitable for any sort of sleeper.

How it is built & materials

The pad is with an open-cell polyurethane foam, you cannot see it of course because it is inside of its air-tight shell. The shell fabric is a polyester and it is in two different colors for the bottom and the top. The same is with the pillow.

When you deflate the pad, you will be able to notice that it has inner core channels on the side, you notice their presence because the air is partly sucked out. This sheds the weight and also allows the pad to self-inflate quickly.

The pad cover sheet is polycotton, a blend of polyester and cotton 80/20%, and the same material is used for the pillow cover. So this is a machine-washable material and easy to maintain and keep clean.

Valves, inflation & deflation 

This is a big pad with a huge inner volume; the M pad’s volume when inflated is formally around 240 liters. This is why the issue of inflation and deflation is very important, hence my detailed description below. 

You have a pair of dual-use valves with a rotating core. So one side of a valve is used for inflation, and if you rotate it for 180 degrees it becomes a valve for deflation. This is what some brands like Zempire describe as a 360° double-way valve.

The picture below shows both valves. On the left, I have rotated the valve for deflation. In this position you can force the air out, but it will not go back if you decompress the pad. On the right, you see the other valve which I rotated for inflation.

You can keep both valves positioned for the same function of course, and you can also half rotate them both for a faster inflation or deflation. Note that a very similar system is in the ALPS Mountaineering Outback Self-Inflating Air Mat. Observe also the caps that you attach to them and keep them secure.

Advantages of two valves: Having two valves that can act both ways, and simultaneously, means that inflation and deflation is faster than in many other top-competitors of this type.

To realize this, have a look at the Zempire Monstamat Single Self Inflating Mat that has a single valve that works both ways. On the other hand, the Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5 Duo Sleeping Pad has two valves, but they are one-way type.

Initial inflation: When you order the pad, self-inflating for the first time may take some time because it has probably been compressed for many months since it left the factory.

So it is best to unfold it, position the valves on inflation, and let it stay overnight. But you can speed this up by a pump or by mouth, though the latter is not advisable, to avoid moisture accumulated inside. 

This first inflation is important because the foam inside needs time to properly restore its elasticity. They write that it will self-inflate to up to 70%. This is probably so for the first time, but later it inflates far more, this is what I have experienced.

Anyway, I was testing it initially a few times. So after keeping it inflated for one week to check for eventual leaks, I deflated it a few times. From my experience it self-inflates in half an hour.

For deflation and storage of the M size shown in the pictures, you should fold it to half width. Then start rolling from the side opposite to the valves. Both valves should be positioned for deflation. Be ready for some work, this is a big pad. Use your knees to keep the pad rolled.

In the process, you will hear the air going out through the valves. Then unfold it, and roll up again, this will be enough. After that put the compression straps on as in the picture below, and store the pad in the bag.

Pillow doubles as a pump

As mentioned, I tested how it was self-inflating a few times, and can tell you it looked almost completely full when the foam completely restored its shape.

But they have built the pillow to double as a pump. The picture below shows how you attach it to the pad’s valve. You can see more details in this manual.

When attached as in the picture, you simply roll the pillow and force its air into the pad, and repeat this a few times. The pillow may look small, but this indeed works; after being self-inflated, it took me just 4 times of these extra pumps to have the pad very firmly inflated.

What is included

 The picture above shows the following elements that you get in the package:

• A pad.
• Two compression straps for the pad.
• A self-inflating pillow with a foam inside. The foam is anatomically profiled as well, and the pillow is equipped with one two-way rotating valve, the same as the valves on the pad.

• Two elastic straps for the pillow to keep it rolled up.
• A polycotton canvas pad’s cover. It is equipped with a strap that keeps it in place on the pad, you can cinch it and fix with Velcro tabs that are sewn on it, see the picture:

• A zippered polycotton canvas pillow cover.
• A stuff sack for the pillow and its cover. You can use it to pack the pad’s cover as well.
• One replacement valve.
• Several repair patches.
• A carry bag with two carry straps. Note that it is has two compression straps equipped with buckles shown in the picture. The size of the bag is very good and everything fits inside easily. 

Please see more in this short video:

---

Who is it for & comparison with competitors

Regarding the best use & climate, this is a thick foam pad and it is suitable for all seasons and climates. The R-value is 8.3, and this means you can use it even in the most extreme cold conditions. 

Regarding the size, I already mentioned extraordinary sizes of these pads, you have already seen the numbers above. But to understand this better, it is best to compare with some other excellent pads on the market.

So even the S size is wider that what some other brands call a wide pad. To realize this, it is best to compare this pad with the HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad which is yet another great self-inflating pad but much smaller, its wide option is 30 inches (76 cm).

Note also that the S size is in fact larger than the XL version of the mentioned ALPS Mountaineering Outback Self-Inflating Air Mat.

You can compare it also with the long and wide (LW) version of the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI Sleeping Pad which is both shorter and narrower; it measures 79 x 29 inches (201 x 76 cm).

The M size of this Soto sleeping pad is larger than any extra-large solo pad known to me. It is a very good option for a mother and a kid. But it can be used also by two intimate adults.

I was willing to use it in the car, but unfortunately it is too wide for my old Mitsubishi car which I use in the mountains, my space in the back area between the two wheels is not wide enough. But it will fit in most cars with a flat floor, though bear in mind the length as well.

In any case, it is incredibly wide for a M size pad, its total area is 2.4 square meters. It can fit in any two-person or larger camping tent. 

Note also that the M size is a great option for extra wide single-cots. It is around 7-8 cm wider than the widest single cots on the market, but this is good because it covers the side rails of the cot so you will not touch or feel the frame anywhere. 

Regarding the weight and packed size, all these pads are heavy and bulky (see the numbers below), so this is for car camping only.

It is useful to compare again with the competitors. So the packed volume of the mentioned XL version of the ALPS Mountaineering Outback Self-Inflating Air Mat is (L x D) 32 x 12 inches (81 x 30 cm). This is much larger than the packed volume of the M version of the Soto pad (the numbers below) although the Soto Pad M area is 50% larger.  

Note also that the S version is still lighter than the mentioned HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad which is smaller. 

In any case, my rating for these parameters are relatively low because this is a consistent rating applied to all the pads here in the site. So this is mainly a guide for comparison with the other similar pads.

Regarding the price, it is quite steep but it is in the same range of the other top-class sleeping pads of this type presented here in the site. On the other hand, the M version is practically a pad for two people, plus the bonuses that are included.

---

Specifications

• Type: self-inflating.
• Weight:
  – S: 10.1 lb (4.6 kg).
  – M: 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg).
  – L: 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg).
• Dimensions (L x W):
  – S: 82 x 31 in (208 x 80 cm).
  – M: 82 x 45 in (208 x 115 cm).
  – L: 82 x 54 in (208 x 138 cm).
• Thickness: 4 in (10 cm).
• R-value: not given, most likely above 8.
• Packed size (L x D):
  – S: 35.8 x 9 x 9 in (91 x 23 x 23 cm).
  – M: 23.6 x 11.8 x 11.8 in (60 x 30 x 30 cm).
  – L: 27.5 x 12.2 x 12.2 in (70 x 31 x 31 cm).
• Color: tan.

---

Final thoughts & rating

Below you can see how the M version stands against my rating criteria for single pads. So it is heavy and bulky for a single pad.

If rated as a double pad, the weight and packed size (calculated per person) become better but the comfort is reduced because the width is shared, yet the overall rating becomes very high 8.5.

 

BEST PLACEs TO BUY

DOD Outdoors

Backcountry

Amazon

For more options of this type, please check under the category Sleeping Pads.

Bookmark this site and come again, this will keep you informed because I add texts here regularly. Let me know if you have questions or comments, there is a comment box below. Have a nice day.