Lightweight Down Mat

[Dale]

Exped have done a great job at setting the gold standard for down mats, but they do come at a weight penalty. Downmat 7 weights range from 780g for small through to 860 for the regular and 1180 for the 7 Pump DLX:

http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage_na.nsf

Has anyone picked up a Kookabay mat ?

http://sectionhiker.com/kookabay-down-a ... irst-look/

If you're not familiar with them they are a US cottage manufacturer who do custom made mats, the link above details the weight savings which are quite significant. What grabbed me was the 3.5" (8.89cm) mat weighs in at about 520g for a mummy shaped down filled mat. So that is thicker than my downmat 7, still filled with down, and depending on the Downmat 7 you have, could be up to 600g lighter ! The only downside I see is the mummy shape - so it is smaller. This is similar dimensions to the Big Agnes mat I use and it's been fine for me.

Pricing is also competitive relative to the downmats.

I'm thinking it's a good way to cut weight and volume for winter camping.

[Nuts]

I read a comment by someone selling a down mat cause it was too warm...

Kookabay are pretty popular in the states Dale, they get mentioned a lot on their b/w site. There are likely reviews?

Personally, i dont think that down is necessary (in Oz at least) and there are lighter better value synthetic insulated mats with high (enough) temp ratings.
(Pacific Outdoor are great value, TR Neo are great mats (unfortunately overpriced (even purchased from OS/ with no effective return policy), and can be hard to source).
That said, if choosing down I would buy anything over an exped mat. Some may take umbrage...

[Dale]

Hi Nuts

I have seen mats under 500g but nothing comparable with fill and thicknesses to the Kookabay. I've checked the Pacific Outdoor range and can't say I've spotted anything there either with similar properties.

Personally, i dont think that down is necessary (in Oz at least) and there are lighter better value synthetic insulated mats with high (enough) temp ratings.

I would have figured that the down / synthetic choice for mats would echo sleeping bags ? ie better performance for less weight. Certainly in winter anyhow. What mat do you find works for you in winter ?

The Neoair seems to be a polarising piece of gear - so many love / hate reviews around comfort I've decided to stay away. My Exped and those of my friends have performed well so I suppose we were lucky to not have any of the quality issues I've heard about.

It will also be interesting to see the results of Roger Caffin's efforts to standardise temperature testing for mats so we can better compare.

Cheers

Dale.

[Nuts]

I'm wondering whether its just the constant humidity down here or just the amount of use they get in a short space of time. Some people have no dramas whatsoever, Flyfisher just blows his down mat up by mouth and I think he has had it a long time...

Whatever... the PO mats lasted 2 yrs, the exped (And their replacements..) lasted one, the neo has held up pretty well for 1 summer so far.

This in mind, I dont trust inflatable mattresses... When talking about warmth, to me that means a real possibility of snow camping and I just think there are better/safer ways than a single mat.

Last winter we used the neo (U/L) to -7/8 by simply carrying these: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... :MESELX:IT ( ) (but any thin cc foam would do..)
They were cut up into 3rds and we used 2 of these 3rds (now about 1mx 70cm ea). We used one over, one under. I would just be making up a temperature rating (as do all the manufacturers) but (to me) they were as warm as the synmat (at least). Likely close to the 500g mark and they pack up easily (also give a nice warm seat or kneeling pad)..

Downmats I have nothing against, as i said i just dont think theyre necessarily the best way... Added to that you have down in a closed vessel with no effective ventilation, not ideal and not the same situation with a sleeping bag.

I also have seen issues with separation of the tubes, i dont think lengthways tubes are the best idea and they seem common.

This is all quite general (and repetitive) but some applies to the Kooka's. If your set on a single down mat they would be my choice.

All that said, the neo (which is being sold on) is being replaced by the neo-trekker model. A bit heavier, tougher, Cheaper (and to replace) and they will be used the same way as the neo. This might seem a step backwards but has been a lesson learn't at considerable expense.

[MJD]

My 3/4 NeoAir is two and half years old and still going strong. A little thick compared to other mats but I like it and I'm yet to see anything that comes close weight wise.

[Nuts]

Do you use anything under it (on scoparia and that) (besides a tent floor..) mjd?

[MJD]

Tent floor and footprint. Haven't actually pitched on top of scoparia but it has done the Franklands and numerous other off track walks. It was out near Helder & Cawthorn last weekend .

[Nuts]

hold on i'll grab a map ...

was just interested, i put all sorts under them, probably a bit too cautious i guess..