Downmat or Synmat

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Strider
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Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 6:25 pm

Hi All

Looking for a new sleeping mat. Am I better off getting the Downmat over the Synmat for an extra few clams? Don't really need the extra insulation, so unless its going to be too warm in summer I can't see any reason why not to go all out.

Neoair is out due to pricing.

Cheers,
Aidan
Drifting
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 6:49 pm

I love my downmat, but the down had recently been clumping in the bottom. Last time I used it I shook it up, so hopefully it wont continue. Even with it clumped it is awesome.
Miyata610
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 6:59 pm

I chose a synmat 'cos I was worried about clumping and I wanted to be able to inflate it using my breath.
ILUVSWTAS
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 7:13 pm

Hi Aiden.
How much are ou willing to spend?? Neoair's can be picked up online for around $130. I havent tried the other mats you mentioned, but cant see they'd be TOO much cheaper than that?? and the old saying is very true when it comes to walking gear.. "you get what you pay for"
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 7:14 pm

ILUVSWTAS wrote:Hi Aiden.
How much are ou willing to spend?? Neoair's can be picked up online for around $130. I havent tried the other mats you mentioned, but cant see they'd be TOO much cheaper than that?? and the old saying is very true when it comes to walking gear.. "you get what you pay for"

Show me where I can get a Neoair for $130 without a shipping forwarder!
ILUVSWTAS
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 7:18 pm

Search for it yourself. More rewarding when you do the work yourself. :wink:
If I get bored later I might.
Got mine for $99. Most of my walking mates all paid between that and $130 for theirs.
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 7:20 pm

ILUVSWTAS wrote:Search for it yourself. More rewarding when you do the work yourself. :wink:
If I get bored later I might.
Got mine for $99. Most of my walking mates all paid between that and $130 for theirs.

I've had a bit of a look around but most places won't ship Thermarest overseas.

BTW I'm after a full (regular) length.
ILUVSWTAS
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 7:27 pm

There is a thread on this forum somewhere saying which sites do and do not ship overseas....

I have a short mat, most of my walking mates have the full length.
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 7:40 pm

ILUVSWTAS wrote:There is a thread on this forum somewhere saying which sites do and do not ship overseas....

I have a short mat, most of my walking mates have the full length.

Cheapest I've come across so far.
http://www.mountaingear.com/webstore/Ge ... 214747.htm

Anyway! Any more opinions on the Exped mats?
Rick
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 7:45 pm

We got our Neoair mats from Ebay UK.....after a lot of searching!!

Would not use any other mat! :D
ILUVSWTAS
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 7:47 pm

Rick wrote:Would not use any other mat! :D



Me either, which is why i try to put others onto superior equipment.
Miyata610
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 7:48 pm

Does the neoair have an advantage over the synmat ul 7 m?

I think it's 50g lighter but with a lesser R value. Although hasn't it been superseded?

I must be out of date.
Drifting
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:08 pm

Miyata- I got put onto the Downmat by folks here, and also by a guy who has been an outdoor educator for 25+ years, and has used one extensively. If for whatever reason you're not getting your questions answered here try one of the big American backpacking forums.

I have heard that earlier models of the downmats had problems with delaminating, but I've not encountered that myself.

I paid a bit extra and got us the 9's, which are heavier, but then you need a lot less sleeping bag with them, so it sort of makes up for the weight.
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:18 pm

Found a cheap Neo, but the crinkling puts me off a bit. Also the lower R-value than the Expeds.

Happy to carry the extra weight of an Exped if its more comfortable, but which is honestly the better mattress?
ILUVSWTAS
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:22 pm

Strider wrote:
Happy to carry the extra weight of an Exped if its more comfortable, but which is honestly the better mattress?



Neo users will say Neo. Exped users will say Exped........ :roll:
your job will be to research both, maybe even lie on both (if you can arrange) and make a decision yourself....
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:31 pm

ILUVSWTAS wrote:
Strider wrote:
Happy to carry the extra weight of an Exped if its more comfortable, but which is honestly the better mattress?



Neo users will say Neo. Exped users will say Exped........ :roll:
your job will be to research both, maybe even lie on both (if you can arrange) and make a decision yourself....

I've spent the last week researching and still can't decide! :lol:

Layed on a neo the other day but find it hard to judge until I've spent a night on it. I'm a side/front sleeper, but not sure if this lends better to horizontal/vertical baffles...
Nuts
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:33 pm

Iv'e used both personally and seen many of each subject to 'accelerated use'. Exped had a lot of problems to fix before i'd bother again.
here, the search engine is your freind..............

Perhaps the U/L exped might represent a cheap alternative??, (then what about neo trekker if in a budget, least it'll likely stay up)
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:34 pm

Nuts wrote:Iv'e used both personally and seen many of each subject to 'accelerated use'. Exped had a lot of problems to fix before i'd bother again.
here, the search engine is your freind..............

Perhaps the U/L exped might represent a cheap alternative??, (then what about neo trekker if in a budget, least it'll likely stay up)

Yeah. The issue you speak of are the only thing steering me away from Exped.
Nuts
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:45 pm

i had the downmat first, ultimate winter luxury but useless when flat, others haven't had a drama...
I like the neo horiz baffles n the new neo will supposedly match the warmth... if needed.
budget might rule though.. think i paid 80/90 for the trekker iirc on sale then + private delivery from US
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:48 pm

Neoair on its way, $132 posted from the US :)
Nuts
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:54 pm

ha ha, see easy, not that painfull.. which one is that?
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:58 pm

Nuts wrote:ha ha, see easy, not that painfull.. which one is that?

Standard Neoair, Regular size. Thinking now I should have got the large now I realise its the same price and a bit wider!
Nuts
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 9:02 pm

ahhh, buyers remorse :) :wink: it'll pass..
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 9:06 pm

Nuts wrote:ahhh, buyers remorse :) :wink: it'll pass..

No it won't, I sleep with my arms curled up under my pillow, plus I could do with the extra width. Emailed the seller to change the order :P
ILUVSWTAS
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 9:51 pm

Strider wrote:Neoair on its way, $132 posted from the US :)



and no need to thank me. :P :P :P
Strider
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Re: Downmat or Synmat

Sat 18 Feb, 2012 9:51 am

ILUVSWTAS wrote:
Strider wrote:Neoair on its way, $132 posted from the US :)



and no need to thank me. :P :P :P

Actually I need to thank Rick, as its coming via Ebay UK!

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