Bushwalk Australia

Subsequent to feedback on this forum I purchsed 2 exped Synmat 7's from Bivouac in NZ. I decided against the Downmat as I felt that I didn't need the extra insulation (yet) but most importantly I was worried about the potential for moisture to cause the down to deterioate. I took one of the mats for its inaugral outing a few weekends ago and was horrified to find moisture in the non-valve end of the mat after using it. I inflated it with a Schnozzel. It was raining and the tent floor was damp but not sopping. I'm curious as to whether I've committed a basic error in using the mat and secondly the optimum way of drying and storying a mat where moisture has entered. In the case of my Thermarests I've just stored them with the valves open however the Synmats don't sit like the Thermarests when the valve is open.

I've got a SynMat Basic 7.5. A simpler mat than yours, without the pump & lighter.

Have had it for at least 3 years now, have used it for at least 150 nights, maybe even close to 200.

Best mat ever! Very comfy, simple, light, cheap, warm enuf for what I do ... which occasionally includes frosty & snowy nights snowy nights in Tassie Moutains and Vic/NSW alps.

I blow it up by mouth ... ie. must be some moisture getting in ... and store it with valve open 3 times folded lengthwise in a shelf.

No issues so far.

Moisture shouldn't pose any issue to a Synmat - hence why they don't come with internal pumps or schnozzle bags. Exped do have instructions somewhere regarding circulating warm air through the mat using a hairdryer (I think?) though I am quite certain this is specific to the Downmat's.

On the topic of caring for Exped mats, my 83kg father though it would be it good idea to jump on my Downmat UL7 the other day while it was laying on the couch (we were cleaning the carpets). I have no idea how, but it seems to have survived.