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Exped Downmat Vs Thermarest Neo Air Vs Thremarest Pro Light Exped Downmat Vs Thermarest Neo Air Vs Thremarest Pro Light
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  #1  
Old 23 Jan 2012
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Exped Downmat Vs Thermarest Neo Air Vs Thremarest Pro Light
What are the pro's and Cons of each type camping mat.

It seems the exped is favoured but is also the most expensive, I could afford the exped but the price difference will go along way on the road.

I assume i will only know the real difference when there is frost/ Snow/ Ice on the ground??
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Old 23 Jan 2012
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This might be of use:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...mattress-26009

I have an Exped synth mat. It's definately not small (10cm deep), BUT is extremely comfortable. I, too, searched here and found that many people seem to prefer the Exped (in various flavours). I remember people mentioning that the down mat kept them warmer.

Although a big old thing to lug around, I wouldn't change my exped - everything just felt like I may as well have been lying on the floor. For me, a little extra comfort goes a long way!
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Old 24 Jan 2012
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Exped issues...
Having broken 3 (yes, one of them twice!) collarbones over the years I always struggled to sleep on Thermarests (I sleep on my side/front) and so I chose an Exped (9cm)down mattress for my RTW trip.

Unfortunately it de-laminated internally causing a cushion sized 'bubble' to appear in the middle of it! I was in Australia at the time so I took it to the local Exped dealer and they had it replaced by the Aussie importer within a week. That one lasted just over two years before developing a similar fault. Unfortunately it was out of warranty and I was in a country where there was no dealer.

Comfort and warmth were very good but the three things I disliked about it the most were:

1. Time it took to inflate using the stuffsac 'bellows'
2. Bulk when packed
3. Noise! That thing was bloody loud when you moved around on it!

I replaced it with a Thermarest Prolite Plus (Womens). A last, a benefit to being short!!! The womens model has a higher 'R' rating and is therefore slightly warmer than the mens (its also a little shorter).

I've been extremely happy with the Prolite. Its much more comfortable than I expected it to be and I've slept on it comfortably down to -12C in the Andes.

Hope that helps

Adam
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  #4  
Old 24 Jan 2012
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If you plan to spend a lot of time camping, I would choose the Exped Synmat (with integrated pump) without hesitation simply for the comfort at night. Any extra bulk when packed will be worth it. If you will only camp rarely, get whatever packs the smallest and lightest.
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  #5  
Old 26 Jan 2012
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+1 for Exped synmat.
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Old 12 Feb 2012
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+1 for the Exped Synmat. I have the delux version and finally sleep well.

On a side note- Has anyone tried taking the sponge out of the internal pump to reduce the size? I am considering it but it could be an expensive mistake.
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Old 13 Feb 2012
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+2 for the Exped
We have a pair of exped downmat's and thoroughly recommend them.

It's been said before, but it comes down to how much camping you plan to do. For us our tent was our home for a year, and will be again soon, and after trying various thermorest et al in camping shops we weren't convinced, somebody kindly let us have a lie on their exped at Ripley and we were sold. Yes they're expensive but if your planning on doing more than a little camping you'll be glad you splashed out.

The old saying goes something like 'Spend good money on your bed and shoes, because if you're not in one you're in the other' and as an octogenarian overlander we met in Ethiopia said 'Only a fool is uncorfortable!'

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Old 13 Feb 2012
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WEll I have 2 Exped Down 7 mats,
note the pump in internal, it rolls up quite small (just mesured it for you) rolled up it is 8 inces high in its stuff sack & 4 across, as said mine has the down inside,
the benefit is if you have a 3 season bag on a down mat makes it a 3 / 4 season mat due to the air in the mat warms up & teh down in it.
I paid £80 for 1 I then saw them later at £100, you need to search around for best deal but worth it I think
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Old 13 Feb 2012
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I am looking at Exped mats vs. camping bed as I am worried because of my weight (18 St/115kg). Any experience from another heavy (ok a bit over weight ) person is with Exped?
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Old 14 Feb 2012
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Hi,

I have a Thermarest Neo Air mattress. I have never owned or used the others that you are considering so I am unable to compare. I find the Thermarest Neo Air brilliant, I have the large as I am 6'3", it is warm when cold outside, comfortable, and most importantly to me as I travel by motorcycle, it packs really small - about the size of a 1 litre water bottle, and is very light. It's easy to inflate, probably 20 - 30 breaths, and very easy to expel the air and roll up in the morning. If you require a mattress for motorcycle travel I highly recommend the Neo Air.

Thermarest Neoair Air Mattress – Best Air Mattress Reviews
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Old 14 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vleis View Post
I am looking at Exped mats vs. camping bed as I am worried because of my weight (18 St/115kg). Any experience from another heavy (ok a bit over weight ) person is with Exped?
Hi Vleis - I had the same worry. I was 23 stone when I got mine (here's the video EXPED Downmat 7dlx - YouTube) and I thought I'd need the DLX9 - but in fact I got the DLX7 and it's fantastic - very very comfortable even with my weight.

I'm now 18 stone and it's still very very comfortable.
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Old 16 Feb 2012
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+1 for Exped
Exped of course more comfortable and warmer
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Old 22 Feb 2012
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+1 for Exped, but not the downmat. I have an Exped Synmat 7 UL, packs to the size of a 16oz/500ml can. With an r of 3.1, its pretty decent down to about freezing but below that you should have something thicker or add a cheap foam pad to it.
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Old 23 Feb 2012
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I was looking into a neo air now I'm not sure;

but if you are serious about saving money other sleeping mats are available;

Numo inflatable camping mat - Camping Outdoor Gear Shop - Alpkit

if these ever come back in stock i think i may be sold
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  #15  
Old 29 Feb 2012
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Exped downmats are fantastic.

They pack much smaller than any other mats, they are much warmer (have used them directly on snow) and they are very very comfy.

An exped downmat and a RAB sleepingbag is the best combo IMHO.

Not that I am affiliated in any way, I have just tried alot of different stuff.
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