For those spontaneous weekend getaways or planned road trips, the idea of sleeping in your car might cross your mind. If you’re a Chevrolet Bolt owner, you might be surprised at just how comfortable it can be for car camping. Recently, I decided to ditch the tent on a boating trip and sleep in my 2019 Bolt Car, and it turned out to be a surprisingly comfortable experience. Being 5’10”, I found that folding down the rear seats created enough space to stretch out fully.
To make the space comfortable, I started with a simple setup: a half-inch foam yoga mat topped with a Thermarest backpacking pad. This makeshift mattress worked surprisingly well. I even discovered a clever storage solution using wine boxes! An empty wine box, placed on its end behind the front seat, provided perfect head support, while another box filled the foot space, creating a level sleeping area. I was fortunate with mild weather, allowing me to sleep comfortably with just the windows rolled up and no need for air conditioning or heating. This initial experience in my bolt car sparked the quest for an even better mattress solution for future car camping adventures.
Upon returning home, my search for an optimized sleeping arrangement began online. After browsing various options, I settled on the Exped MegaMat Duo 10, a two-person inflatable foam pad. My decision was primarily driven by its dimensions, which seemed like the best fit for the bolt car’s interior, and the consistently positive comfort ratings. I found the MegaMat Duo at both REI and Amazon. Interestingly, REI offered a discounted price on used models, so I opted for one of those. While I haven’t yet spent a full night on it, I did inflate it and test the fit inside my bolt car, and the initial impression is very promising.
I chose the “Medium Double” size, measuring 41″ x 72″. You can see the product here:
Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad | REI Co-op
“Built for basecamp—in a tent, a vehicle or anywhere else—the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 sleeping pad is as warm and comfortable as it can get, with a level sleeping surface from edge to edge.”
www.rei.com
The following images illustrate how the Exped MegaMat Duo fits inside the bolt car with the front seats pushed forward and folded down. At 72 inches long, the mattress is slightly longer than the available space. To address this, I simply folded about 4 inches of the mattress at the end, and it seemed to fit perfectly well. The mattress itself feels exceptionally comfortable, promising restful nights during future bolt car camping trips. Please note that in these photos, the wine box headrest is not included to better showcase the mattress fit and space.
In conclusion, transforming your bolt car into a comfortable sleeping space is achievable with the right gear. The Exped MegaMat Duo appears to be an excellent mattress choice for bolt car camping, offering a comfortable and well-fitting solution for maximizing space and comfort. For anyone considering car camping in their bolt car, investing in a quality mattress like the Exped MegaMat Duo can significantly enhance the experience.
