Two sleeping pads worth lining up side by side. The Helix Insulated takes a modest overall edge, led by warmth, but the Dura 5R has its own case.
| REI Co-op Helix Insulated | Exped Dura 5R | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 79✓ | 74 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 4.9 R✓ | 4.8 R |
| Weight | 21.0 oz✓ | 30.0 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 0.82 R/100g✓ | 0.56 R/100g |
| Packed size | 3.05 L✓ | 4.25 L |
| Thickness | 3.0 in | 3.0 in |
| Durability | 30 /100 | 96 /100✓ |
| Price | $169 | $160✓ |
| Features | 0 | 3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included✓ |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Mummy | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Helix Insulated in blue, Dura 5R in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. GearScore is the rating for the Overall use-case (0 to 100). Pick another above to re-score. Prices are current MSRP.
The REI Co-op Helix Insulated and Exped Dura 5R take different routes to the same job. The Helix Insulated wins on warmth and low weight, and the Dura 5R pushes back on durability and price.
The Helix Insulated is warmer (R 4.9 vs R 4.8), 9 oz lighter, and stronger on warmth-to-weight. The Dura 5R is more durable and $9 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Helix Insulated leads 79 to 74.
Pick the Helix Insulated if you care most about warmth and low weight, which makes it the better call for colder nights and shoulder-season trips. Pick the Dura 5R if durability and price matter more to you, or you are focused on rough ground and hard use.
The REI Co-op Helix Insulated. It is warmer (R 4.9 vs R 4.8) than the Dura 5R.
The REI Co-op Helix Insulated. It is 9 oz lighter than the Dura 5R.
The REI Co-op Helix Insulated, 79 to 74 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Helix Insulated for warmth, or the Dura 5R for durability. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.