Thread: New sleeping mat? Exped...?

Looking at purchasing a new sleeping mat from Bivouac as they currently have 20% off.

I predominantly hunt the Ruahines, Kaimanawas and Kawekas. I hunt all year around both in the bush and on the tops. Size and weight are of importance.

What does everyone have? Suggestions?

Cheers,
Pop Shot

Hey dude I've got a 3/4 length thermarest, I think it's their winter warmth one (it's thicker and heavier, the green one).

I bought it in 2004.

It has been perfect for everything and been looked after well. Only problem I've ever had was when I lent it to someone earlier this year and it came back with a munted valve. Of course after ten years I most certainly didn't have the receipt so I couldn't get a new one...but a $20 kit fixed it! New valve and glue.

Never had a puncture. I clear the ground of sharp stuff before use, have used it straight on the ground and also a ground sheet, soapy sponge to clean, store not inflated but totally open with valve open either under the bed or standing up in the cupboard.

I think I paid a couple hundred bucks for it. I either have it rolled up in the bottom of my pack or more likely folded into quarters and shoved in between inside of pack and pack liner as it can be handy to pull out quick for a dry, warm seat :-)


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I use a Exped Synmat ul9 and love it. Im a big guy and i fit perfectly and have a great night sleep. Bloody warm for those cold winter trips. Highly recommend.

Another vote for exped, love mine

Just don't lend them to idiots who can't follow the instructions

Originally Posted by res

Another vote for exped, love mine

What model do you have?

Originally Posted by Pop Shot

What model do you have?

Not sure, it's about four years old.
If it matters I can check for you tomorrow

Exped Downmat. internal pump. All good. Slightly bulky but SOOOOO worth it.

$15 kids one from the warehouse. Makes it a three quarter length. Head to mid thigh. Small light and oh so cheap

Originally Posted by kiwijames

Exped Downmat. internal pump. All good. Slightly bulky but SOOOOO worth it.

Ditto I've got the three quarter length one.

Originally Posted by outdoorlad

Ditto I've got the three quarter length one.

How do you find the 3/4 length? I've actually been considering one of this length.

Originally Posted by kiwijames

Exped Downmat. internal pump. All good. Slightly bulky but SOOOOO worth it.

+1

I bought the Downmat 7. I don't like 3/4 as I'm bony and they get uncomfortable. The best thing I've slept on. Even with ice on the outside of my sleeping bag the underside was still warm.

I like the inbuilt pump for keeping everything compact and together. Before that I had a Thermarest but it didn't take long for the inside to rot out.

Klymit inertia x frame, surprisingly comfy

Exped Synmat UL (? 3.8)

Very happy, would by it again.

Originally Posted by gadgetman

+1

I bought the Downmat 7. I don't like 3/4 as I'm bony and they get uncomfortable. The best thing I've slept on. Even with ice on the outside of my sleeping bag the underside was still warm.

I like the inbuilt pump for keeping everything compact and together. Before that I had a Thermarest but it didn't take long for the inside to rot out.

The trade off between a good nights sleep vs extra weight/bulk I will always favour a decent nights sleep. Some mats are the equivalent to a roll of corrugated cardboard. Ever since I bought my Downmat I have slept better than ever on it. Exped do a Downmat UL.