Down filled Sleeping Mats

[SurferShane]

I currently have a lightweight ¾ length “Thermarest” mat, but I found that the ground in Tassie last December at Frenchman’s Cap a lot cooler than I expected. Consequently, I am looking at upgrading to one of the new full-length “Exped” DownMats. I have heard they are more comfortable than the Thermarest at a similar weight with a significant insulating advantage?

Hopefully this is the only other piece of equipment I need for a trip to Tassie within the next few months. What I was thinking of doing is walking the Overland Track and staying mainly in my tent. With any luck this mat will make the trip that bit more comfortable? As I already have a 3 seasons Thermarest mat, I am looking at getting a second mat for 4 season use.

Any comments from persons who have either used these or other suitable full length mat would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone know a cheap place to buy these mats?

[Nuts]

these guys have reasonable shipping (and u can use the reward points in with the order):

http://www.moontrail.com/home.php?cat=345

Had the exped downmat, nice (probably too warm most of the year), but swapped for exped synmat (similar thing better pump system, synthetic insulation)

these guys are a good source for what's available online (and reviews):

http://www.trailspace.com/

[SurferShane]

Nuts,

Thanks, I had a look at the site and it sounds like the synmat might be a lot easier to pump up? It seems like one of the biggest drawbacks of the downmat is the complicated pumping procedure?

[whiskeylover]

Yes, I've got one of these Exped Downmat 7, and it's my favorite piece of gear as far as comfort for my aging body, and warmth and good sleep. But I agree it is a bit of a pain to pump up - I thought it was just me; that I was still having trouble getting the hang of it. It's not too bad considering the extra comfort though, I've decided. It usually only takes about 8-10 squeeze and refills of the bag (which doubles as your soft pillow). The main thing is that I tend to loose a lot of air when I'm about to disconnect at the end of pumping and then I've got to almost start again (about 3-4 pumps) to get it right and disconnect without losing air. But hey how often are you in a super hurry to get into bed, most people fiddle about a bit before bed so it's not like you are taking that much extra time to get organised. The only time I can imagine it would be a real drag is if you were exhausted and cold after a long day and really needed to get into bed right now. But then the extra hours of sleep you get would mean your recovery is much better. It's not to hot in summer if you've got a sleeping bag liner as I just throw off the sleeping bag and sleep in the liner if I'm too hot. I'm converted - anybody want to buy a full length earth mat?

[Nuts]

Yeah, i dont know why they didn't use the same (internal) pump system as in their synmats...perhaps they will? someone was talking here a while back about the thermarest model coming out (Neoair) similar thickness, very light and compact. I mainly went with synthetic (synmat) coz a few people use them(mine) and I can see people getting jack of the pump and just blowing in them...condensation etc.

Really the pumps just take that extra bit of patience...the sleep is unmatched better than at home!
The down would have to be the ultimate snow mat', synthetic warmth seems about similar to a self inflater.

My only concern is punctures (had one in the down-mat,it put meaning to the words...),
Exped also sell multi-mats'-I got one and cut it in thirds (they're 2mx1m) and take it as a sitmat and emerg. warmth/backup. Full size they would make a good ground-sheet and keep the whole tent comfy and warm.

[norts]

I am a downmat convert, it is sooo comfortable. It is a bit fiddly to pump up(I have the 3/4) but it is worth it.
I would get another if something happened to mine.

That is my way of rating my gear. If it dies what would I replace it with. Only a couple of pieces of kit in my pack that I wouldn't even consider changing, stove and down mat are 2 that come readily to mind.

Roger

[Nuts]

W'lover, just a suggestion. I found with my downmat that if you leave the bag in place and sort of use that (twist) to tighten the valve most of the way (after the last pump), it wont loose much air. Then you can just tighten it down the last little bit once the bag lets loose.

[Joe]

Ive not used the downmats. Im basing this post on the opinion of someone else who also hasnt used a downmat...so feel free to ignore it.

Talking to my boss about them he had a low opinion of DownSleeping mats as the only experience he had was of a customer bringing one in complaining because the quite expensive Expeed mat they had bought had punctured itself. The quills on the down had worked their way out through the shell material creating a hole. Has anyone else experienced this?

[strewthm8]

I'm with Norts...been using one for 18 months and it's great....I find I only need 5-6 pumps to get it to the right level of spongy-ness...doesn't need to be too pumped up...haven't had a problem with the pump system at all. The missus even thinks it's comfortable...believe me- that's some endorsement!!!

Cheers,
David....

[Son of a Beach]

The last few posts in this topic have been split off to: Exped Down Mats AUD$117-AUD$123

[SurferShane]

I just bought an Exped DownMat 7.

I am heading out next week for 9 days of fun on the Overland Track, so I just had to grab the one available from Mountain Designs for $233.95 after member discount. It’s a bit of a pity I could not get one cheaper earlier, but it ended up one of those last minute purchases, which I hope will make the walk that bit more comfortable.

When I get back I will post a product review letting you all know if they are worth the investment.

[the_camera_poser]

I just bought us 3 Downmat 9's, with the integral pump. The pump is a pain in the butt to use, but after you get the hang of it it's ok. Way more comfy than a Thermorest, or at least the knock-off Thermorest I used to use. They definitely do as advertised for heat- it's like laying on an electric blanket. I'd consider getting a 7.

I got mine form Moontrail, and I picked up a heap of goodies, including a set of OR goretex Gaiters and a blister kit for free with my bonus points.

[flyfisher]

I've got the downmat 7 and it's the best thing i've slept on.
Last weekend I used it on snow and you just don't feel the cold underneath.
If lost, broken etc. I would certainly buy another.
ff

[Nuts]

Consider Backup....you will have almost no insulation if they go Down...
Keep them dry.
When you get a puncture try to keep them dry (while you look for it).
They sell a cover for them now...To Keep Them Dry.....

[Buddy]

I have the Exped Downmat with integral pump. Just sensational for winter camping in Tas. Find the pump a breeze ( no pun intended). No reason to be cold any more. Great price from Bivouac in NZ and freight free into Tasmania.

[SurferShane]

A Quick Review – Downmat 7

I am more than happy with my purchase. As above the new integral pump is easy to use. Although it was September and had been snowing on the Overland, I never once felt the cold trying to rise through my bones as I had done using my ¾ Thermarest in December. Then the thing is really comfortable!

The good thing about the 7 is that it does not seem to be too warm for use on mild days in NSW. Obviously, although more comfortable, it probably would be too warm in full summer NSW conditions.

Another upside is if you have a sleeping bag were the down can be moved around, in really cold conditions the down could be near totally distributed to the upper of the bag while the mat would keep your underside toasty. This makes the temperature rating of my Fairydown Ultralight bag a lot more flexible.

The only downside was that I found it did slip around a bit on my tent floor and the flat ply boards in the huts. Given the pros this downside was negligible.