
With camping season fast approaching, there’s no better time to start testing three-season gear. That’s exactly what I did on a crisp March evening, when I put the Vango Thermocore XPD to the test. This four-season insulated sleeping mat enveloped me in a cocoon of warmth, shielding me from the near-freezing ground temperatures.
The Thermocore XPD stands out as one of the thickest and most insulating mats I’ve tried. Straddling the line between a camping mat and a lightweight camping bed/ mattress, it offers ample depth and width while still packing down impressively small—perfect for backpacking adventures. As a side sleeper, I was particularly pleased with its comfort, making it a welcome companion for nights spent under the stars.