Thermarests are great, but if you're looking for packabilty some of the newer camping inflatables are about half the size of a thermarest, warm, and comforatble. Not much room for rolling around tho.

Thermarest; mutts nuts.

I use to use thermarest but now have a EXPED down air mattress, its an inflatable matress that is filled with 700 fill goose down and really keeps the cold out for frosty nights, in summer it means a muchlighter sleeping bag is needed and it is more comfy than thermarest. packs up smallish 12" x 5" the open size is 178x52x7cm. they do a larger model 198x66x9cm. It comes in a padded waterproof stuff sack that also incorporates a pump to inflate the mat as well as being usable as a pillow when stuffed with clothing. the chambers contain baffles to hold air and down in place so it keeps its shape when lay on and is about 3 times warmer than comparable mats. weight 810 grams. really good bit of kit. cost about £80.00 UK.

Theres a small company here in the UK thats selling some good (much much cheaper) versions of thermarests. All good quality, but you can pick up a 3/4 length one for £15.

they also have some nice looking sleeping bags

check them out at http://www.alpkit.com

Exped Downmat 7DLX
 

Forget the thermarest the exped mats are the bees knees! I got one at Ripley 2010 after a terrible first nights sleep on a thermarest trail lite.

They have excellent insulation but the comfort factor is what sold me. They are relatively expensive but I'll easily get my monies worth out of it. And how much is a good nights sleep worth?

The current/new models now have a great little built in pump and the stuff sack doubles as a pillow. Furthermore, it all packs down very small. If these factors are important to you don't waste your time buying and trying others like I did just go straight for the exped - you won't regret it.

xXx

Really old thread, but can anyone tell me how the Exped down mat is in hot weather? I imagine the down does really good in the cold, but would it make sleeping in hot weather uncomfortable?

I camped this weekend on my exped downmat, in our UK heatwave (it was still 30c at 6pm), fine no problems, its not a fabric that you get sweaty on (well I don't anyway), its not a plasticy finish, nor is it heavily flocked.

Way late on this reply. I'm 68 with many years of back problems, but I still want to bike camp. I got a Thermarest Mondoking 4" think pad a few months ago. It's almost as nice as my mattress at home. For its size it doesn't weigh very much. I pack it into a waterproof duffel and it is so deceptive because it looks large but it feels so light. Anyway it took care of my back problems on the trail.

The Big Agnes Q-Core comes in a 25” width with larger tubes on the side which assist in keeping you centered. I’ve been a Thermorest user for 25+ years. But, I recently switched to the Q-Core. It is way more comfortable and packs in about 1/4 of the space. I sleep the entire night without waking on it. They are expensive, but for me, well worth it.

If you go that route, be sure to get the inflation bag which saves you from passing out when filling it! It works well. Also, they squeak a bit when you move. I’m gpoong to try putting a Coolmax rectangular sleeve over it to see if it quiets it (and to be able to comfortably sleep on it on warm nights with no sleeping bag.

Left-field sleeping pad idea
 

I've been using the Exotogg for a while now (full disclosure - I developed it). At the launch weekend at the Overland Event recently we were camping, and my airbed decided to give up the ghost on the first night. Although it's primary purpose is as a thermoregulating vest, I designed it to be adaptable and multi-use; so I laid it out flat and used that as a sleeping pad. It worked fine and saved my back. The next night it was used as a pillow, which also worked well.
It inflates with about 4 breaths, weighs 12 oz (340g) and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. Give it a try if you're looking to stay comfortable whilst packing light. https://exotogg.com

Sleeping gear
 

Had thermarest sleeping pad for long time agree with all are now trying there ultralite cots jury’s still out but seems better on old bones

Can I even quote my own message?? :stupid: Anyway, here's a recent webbikeworld review that explains the Exotogg concept better than I could: https://www.webbikeworld.com/exotogg...ll-of-promise/

Sleeping pad
 

I used the Klymit static V ( $48 from Amazon) on my Appalachian thru hike and was quite impressed with it. It is lightweight and packs down really small. The V-shaped air chambers spread your weight well and I used it without fail for most nights of the 5 month trip. I also used a superlight foam yoga mat under the pad for added insulation and to protect the pad from being holed.
I may be throwing a spanner in the works here, but I remember a lot of hikers using that distinctly orange thermarest pad and complaining of the noise that the thing would make when they moved around on it.
I recommend going into a outfitter to try out a few different pads and see what best suits your body type.

Thermarest?
 

I don't know... I got a leak in my Thermarest, Damn thing was only 40 years old. Guess I'll buy another one.

No don't. Get a synthetic 9cm Exped. I've done years of unsupported long distance trekking and I would quite happily sleep on that instead of my own bed - it's that good.