sleeping mat recommendations

[Liamy77]

that interesting... i havnt tried any thinner foam mats.... but the one i got does take up a bit of room.....

[Nuts]

Thanks Nuts. It's certainly food for thought. I would imagine that in summer if sure the weather ain't gonna be too cold, then the Neo on it's own might be enough, and make for a very light weight summer mat. Then in winter, or if camping in cold conditions (eg, alpine) take the extra rubber mat.

Yer, we take one of these mats all year (more for extra puncture-proofing than anything) but yer i think down to zero as mentioned by others is probably about right, even then its probably just noticing cool spots.

To be accurate, we cut the 2X1m mats into three (ie 3x1m x around.7) and use them under/over the torso section. Can always take the three put an empty pack or something under the feet but havent needed to as yet.

Let me know if/when yer ready to buy Neo if you like Nik..

[Taurë-rana]

I'm looking for a recommendation for sleeping mats to use here in Tassie. I'm a (very) cold sleeper, but not very tall or strong, often walk solo and want to minimise weight as much as possible (as does everyone I suppose!)

Me too, to all of the above and I got a Women's Prolite Plus which I really like. It's a bit heavier than some others but very comfortable and so far, warm.

[Miranda]

For anyone reading this old thread, I ended up getting an exped down mat 7, which is nice and warm and comfy. But I would like to add a note about the in built pump.

In my opinion, a complete waste - barely works and just adds bulk and weight. As the mat only requires half a dozen breaths or so to blow up, the need for a pump at all is non existent, unless you happen to be suffering from an asthma attack. Plus is a little bulkier than I would like when rolled up. But in all reasonably happy with the purchase.

[Franco]

Miranda
The pump (built in or not) with downmats is suggested by the manufacturers (not just Exped) to avoid blowing condensation into the mat and compromising the loft at first and then causing a bacteria build up.
Some claim to have used a Downmat for years blowing it up by mouth but in this case I would be very cautious of doing that.
BTW, when you are tired and particularly at altitude , the mat avoids becoming a little dizzy from blowing in.
Franco

[Bluegum Mic]

Franco do you see the same bacterial build up problem with the synthetic mats? I appreciate down doesn't like moisture vs synthetic but I would imagine the bacteria could still be a problem for both. I've got a newish POE thermo ether 6 which I've blown up by mouth the couple of times I've used it.
Cheers
Mic

[Franco]

Hi Mic
I have not had the problem and never have come across anyone claiming that they have with the synthetic version.
Maybe the foam is treated, I don't know ( or remember...)
Franco

[Liamy77]

never had a problem with my foam mats.... except once when i left the valve done up and the sunshine got to it - air expanded and split the mat from the foam.... still air-tight but not as flat in shape... you could probably clean a foam mat with home-brew steriliser soln. but i hate to think how long it'd take to dry out.... wouldnt wanna mess around tryin that with down though....

[norts]

I have one of the older versions, bag as a pump. i wouldnt use anything but the pump. Even after a short walk I always leave the bag somewhere in the warm sun to get any moisture out of the mat. Not because of bacteria but I dont want the down compromised. You have paid alot of money so why not use it as instructed and know that when you need the down on a freezing night it will do the job.

Roger

[nakedape]

I would not recommend blowing either the down or synthetic mats up by mouth - moisture in your breath may lead to delamination. Delamination looks like it is becoming a serious issue with the expeds. I'd also suggest opening them out when you get home and airing them.

N

[Genesis]

Just purchased my first self inflating mattress, as I have always used the foam type in the past. I went for the exped SIM Lite 3.8 as the budget allowed. So far seems great comfortable to lay on and light. Cannot wait to give it a field test.

[roysta]

Mont don't provide the length of the Warmlite mats on their website, but they are as follows:
For the standard 183 cms and for the XL 198 cms.

[sailfish]

One thing I have found is that a non insulated matt can be very greatly improved by simply putting a space blanket between it and the ground. I have slept warm on a simple cheap inflatable this way with snow falling outside. No idea what the actual temperature was but it was darn cold without the space blanket. Since then I carry a durable space blanket that I put under the tent floor partly to protect it. It probably doesn’t improve my now prolite4 matt though as it is so very warm anyway. I can’t give a rating for this for sure but my impression from reading is it may give similar performance to the Neo Air. I wouldn’t purposely camp on snow without a well insulated matt but it’s probably a good thing to know and depending on your requirements and conditions may be good enough.

Regards,
Ken