Our buffer to the Earth we tred

[ColD]

So while I'm at it I would appreciate some comments on ground matts. With view to buy for solo traveller.

[weetbix456]

8 buck bit of foam

[taswegian]

for years before I got into mats I had a sheep skin (short wool) that I would sleep on. (skin inside my sleeping bag, not out)
It extended from my hips to my shoulders and I'd shove my legs in my pack and pull the sleeve up and be quite warm inside my sleeping bag.

That was winter in The Walls and at times no tent. They really do provide a level of protection that needs experiencing to believe.
I never really experienced the same 'comfort' with those modern synthetic ground mats.
The sheepskin was not that much heavier than the mats.

[Joel]

are you really reccomending sheepskin over a sleeping mat?

Get an Exped Down mat and have toasty feet and sweet dreams.

[taswegian]

well yes and no - I would not discount a proper sheep (not small lamb) skin, wattle tannned, short wool - 15-20mm clip.
They are soft and supple and lighweight and great insulators. Dont burn if near a flame, don't lose air. Don't need inflating. Always immediatley at your service.
I'm not saying modern sleeping mats are inferior, just offering an alternative.
Carbon footprint probably less but do they pass wind?? Sheep ie

Try wrapping a sleeping mat around you to keep warm. It doesn't conform like a sheepskin and the extra warmth is fantastic.
You can wrap it inside your pack and then place, stuff or however you pack the pack gear etc inside that.

OK I'll admit get them wet and that's not nice.
But then that applies to most stuff we cart about the bush.

Exped Down does looks good. How long do they last in real use in bush?

There are some comments here you may find useful http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=7081

[mjdalessa]

I was looking at the exped myself. Do you notice much of a differnce between Downmat 9 and 7?

[Blister]

Depends on weather you would like to do walks in winter if so then the exped mats (down filled) whilst dearer are exceptional. Whilst for summer i would recommend a 3/4 thermarest. I am trying to get as light as possible and i have heard great things about the thermarest neo's.

[ColD]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the advice of those more experienced and as I'm slighlty built the thermarest sounds the go although none of likes to be cold hey? I will do some more homework weight/bulk/cost etc.

[Drifting]

exped mats are heavy, but you can skimp somewhat on your sleeping bag, and the warmth from them makes the extra 2-300 grams worth it, IMHO. Soooooo toasty!

[flyfisher]

Have used an exped downmat 7 for a couple of years now and they really are good.

Slept on it last night on solid snow in a Yurt, and was quite warm. Haven't had it leak etc yet and hope if it does it's not on snow.

Tried a few over the years and it's by far the best for me.

Some of my walking mates like Neo-airs which are a bit lighter but I don't think as warm.

ff

[north-north-west]

Thermarest's latest - the XTherm. Lighter and warmer and probably just as comfortable.

[ColD]

Flyfisher love your quote "If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you need to drink more" Cheers mate. Pity alcohol is so heavy to take bush.

[flyfisher]

Flyfisher love your quote "If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you need to drink more" Cheers mate. Pity alcohol is so heavy to take bush.

Actually borrowed that quote from a friend,

Some of my walking companions have gone almost ultralight so they can carry more wine etc.

I usually don't bother too much.

FF

[steveh72]

Just reading the thread re sheepkins.

I was "boat based"camping at Lake Jindabyne & for sleeping mats we took sheep skins. Magnificent !!!

Very warm & very comfortable. as we carried them in via car & boat I'm not sure about weight & space issues, but they do work very well & Lake Jindabyne was damm cold at the time, January & it snowed, cold drinks left out of esky frooze overnight.

Cheers

Steve