Self inflating mat recommendations

[DonQx]

Wrong mat.

You''re right ... sorry ...

Big difference between "Exped AirMat Basic UL 7.5" and "Exped SynMat Basic 7.5".

Must pay more attention!!!

"Exped SynMat Basic 7.5" still my allround favorite ... have now spent probably close to 200 nites on it ... no probs

Sounds to me like there are quite a few good mats out there.

[CapnGusBloodbeard]

Lots of good responses, I'll definitely check out the SynMat.

Nemo mats seem decent, but they also look like they're a bit on the heavy side..I figure even just a few hundred grams could be significant over the course of a trek.......

[Spartan]

Cap'n Gus,

"Nemo mats seem decent, but they also look like they're a bit on the heavy side..I figure even just a few hundred grams could be significant over the course of a trek......." Please reassure me that you're not the sort of chap who cuts half the handle off his toothbrush to save a gram or two?!

All the best,

Ian

[CapnGusBloodbeard]

Hahaha, no. This is my first time trekking (it's a backpacking trip, but we're going the 3- day Inca trail hike), so I'm sort of figuring it out as I'm going along; I'm not a hiker normally.

(and from seeing some of the other posts on here about StupidLight, I imagine some would cut their toothbrush in half - and others would say there's nothing a toothbrush can do that a handful of sand can't!).

For isntance, some of the Thermarite mats are about 400gm, whereas some of the better looking Nemo ones are about 800-900gm (and I figure I definitely don't want anything over a kilo), but the weight of these various mats does concern me; I figure a few hundred grams here and there adds up to a few kilos by the time everything is packed (additionally, I'm carrying the majority of the weight of my partner and I as she has a back injury)

There seems to be a bit of a cost-comfort-weight equation. If I want something a bit more comfortable I'll either need to spend a bit more or use a heavier mat, does that sound about right? It just looks like Thermarite and Exped mats are a bit lighter, but also more expensive.

Tell me if I'm being foolish in any of that

[ULWalkingPhil]

Hahaha, no. This is my first time trekking (it's a backpacking trip, but we're going the 3- day Inca trail hike), so I'm sort of figuring it out as I'm going along; I'm not a hiker normally.

(and from seeing some of the other posts on here about StupidLight, I imagine some would cut their toothbrush in half - and others would say there's nothing a toothbrush can do that a handful of sand can't!).

For isntance, some of the Thermarite mats are about 400gm, whereas some of the better looking Nemo ones are about 800-900gm (and I figure I definitely don't want anything over a kilo), but the weight of these various mats does concern me; I figure a few hundred grams here and there adds up to a few kilos by the time everything is packed (additionally, I'm carrying the majority of the weight of my partner and I as she has a back injury)

There seems to be a bit of a cost-comfort-weight equation. If I want something a bit more comfortable I'll either need to spend a bit more or use a heavier mat, does that sound about right? It just looks like Thermarite and Exped mats are a bit lighter, but also more expensive.

Tell me if I'm being foolish in any of that

I think that sounds about right, If you want something a bit more comfy it's either spend more or it's heavy weight. Overseas is a good source for quality lightweight gear that will not break your bank balance. I made the mistake of purchasing good quality but heavy gear, after my first hike, I sold all my heavy gear and purchased lightweight gear, best thing I done. The gear I've purchased has not compromised to much on durability, I did my research before purchasing. Most of the gear purchased overseas, mainly because the items are not available in Australia.

Believe me, backpacking is a lot more enjoyable if your not carting a monster that weighs a ton on your back. Maybe you younger hikers out there can do it, like I used to in my younger days, but as you start to age a bit, you don't tend to get much of a choose, it's either lightweight or no hiking for me. I am also very careful with my gear and look after all my purchases and treat them with care. it's natural for me to do this, I've always take the time and care for my products. Last's a very long time.

[Spartan]

Hi again, Cap'n.

Nope, there's nothing foolish in what you've shared.
The Nemo 'Astro Insulated' mat that I use and recommended weighs only 0.5kg, so I can only assume that you were looking at their self-inflating, nylon bonded open cell offerings (the 'thermarest' type).

All the best for the trip, matey.

Ian

[CapnGusBloodbeard]

Thanks for that You said it's recommended, so worth checking out... Looks like a decent offering from what I can tell...

I haven't really started checking out overseas sites yet, so I'm not sure what good sites are (somebody's probably got a thread on here about that, I'd imagine). Ebay didn't seem particularly cheap though, and I know when I've tried looking overseas for backpacks I couldn't find anything particularly cheap either (got my backpack now anyway)...

I figure saving a couple of hundred grams on 2 mats, and even looking on the lighter end of the 2 sleeping bags (though not sacrificing sleep) could save me a kilo or more in pack weight. That could be what, 10% of the pack? Significant difference I'd imagine.......

[ULWalkingPhil]

Instead of starting a new topic I thought I should post here as I am looking for the ideal mat for those times I am not able to use my hammock.

I purchased a Neoair Xlite a while back and got to use it for the first time last night and it was the worst sleep I ever had. Felt like a torture machine.

I went to bed early. At 12:30am I woken with the worst lower back pain. I tried with more air less air. Nothing I could do gave me a comfortable lay. It's obvious the Xlite is not for me. There's no way I am laying on that thing again.

I own a Exped 9cm Downmat. With regular air adjustments I can eventually get a good comfortable lay.

Is there anything out there that is similar or better in comfort than the Downmat? That is around 500 grams. My Downmat is 1200 grams.

It's impossible for me to tell if a mat will work for me unless I test it for the night. If only I could trail some mats for a night.

Thank god for hammocks. I will be using my hammock for the rest of my trip near Sydney.

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[Strider]

Is there anything out there that is similar or better in comfort than the Downmat? That is around 500 grams.

Synmat UL 7 M - 455g

http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_ho ... endocument

[ULWalkingPhil]

Is there anything out there that is similar or better in comfort than the Downmat? That is around 500 grams.

Synmat UL 7 M - 455g

http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_ho ... endocument

If I could try before buy I would not hesitate to purchase. But far to many times now I've purchased items that dont suit me and have to sell at a loss.
The fact that its 7 is concerning as my 9 Downmat takes a lot of adjustment to get right.

I need a thick mattress or hammock to get a good sleep.

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[Bluegum Mic]

I havent owned one but Ive been eyeing it off for a while
https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/qcoresl
It seems to tick all the boxes and will likely be my next purchase.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I havent owned one but Ive been eyeing it off for a while
https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/qcoresl
It seems to tick all the boxes and will likely be my next purchase.

This could be the one.

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[ULWalkingPhil]

Now I have another item that I need to sell cause it dont work for me.

Only used once Neoair Xlite. I will post in the for sale over the weekend. Located in Sydney.

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[Solohike74]

The 4' thermarest neoair xtherm. Weighing in at 310g or 10oz.

Great minimalist size & weight.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I thought the Neoair Xtherm was the same thickness as the Xlite.

I am not game to invest that sort of money without knowing for sure.

I have come to the conclusion I must have minimum 10cm sleeping mat.

The rest of my hikes will be in my hammock. My back is still in agony. I couldn't go through another night like that.

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[Strider]

That Big Agnes mat looks awesome.

[ULWalkingPhil]

That Big Agnes mat looks awesome.

Yes. It sure does look awesome. I wonder if any of the stores in Sydney stock them.

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[Strider]

I thought it was a US only brand?

[Onestepmore]

Looks like a good mat choice Mic
I love my NeoairXlite Phil, sorry to hear yours is uncomfortable. I get a back ache with my women's Prolite, but not with the Neoair. Everyone's different.

Is it just me, but does anyone else find the brand name 'Big Agnes' kind of off putting for a lightweight hiking item?
Whenever I see the name I conjure up an image of a huge lumpy woman sitting on a backcountry porch with a flagon of moonshine, and dribbling through a lost tooth down a hairy chin
(Apologies to the marketing gurus who came up with the name)

[michael_p]

Yes. It sure does look awesome. I wonder if any of the stores in Sydney stock them.

I had to buy the two I have from the states, just couldn't find anyone here that stocked Big Agnes.

[randal]

[quote=onestepmore

Is it just me, but does anyone else find the brand name 'Big Agnes' kind of off putting for a lightweight hiking item?
Whenever I see the name I conjure up an image of a huge lumpy woman sitting on a backcountry porch with a flagon of moonshine, and dribbling through a lost tooth down a hairy chin
(Apologies to the marketing gurus who came up with the name)[/quote]


I'm excited!!!

[ULWalkingPhil]

Looks like a good mat choice Mic
I love my NeoairXlite Phil, sorry to hear yours is uncomfortable. I get a back ache with my women's Prolite, but not with the Neoair. Everyone's different.

Is it just me, but does anyone else find the brand name 'Big Agnes' kind of off putting for a lightweight hiking item?
Whenever I see the name I conjure up an image of a huge lumpy woman sitting on a backcountry porch with a flagon of moonshine, and dribbling through a lost tooth down a hairy chin
(Apologies to the marketing gurus who came up with the name)

Sounds like a few I seen in Sydney today. They where the spitting image of what you described

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[Onestepmore]

LOL, might be a good match for Doogs' avatar

[north-north-west]

I own a Exped 9cm Downmat. With regular air adjustments I can eventually get a good comfortable lay.

Is that the Sexy Sadie, or the Lovely Raquel?

[ULWalkingPhil]

I own a Exped 9cm Downmat. With regular air adjustments I can eventually get a good comfortable lay.

Is that the Sexy Sadie, or the Lovely Raquel?

Both I hope

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