My old Thermarest had served me pretty well. It was light and packable, but just too thin, especially as I get older. I was just getting to dread the actual sleeping portion of camping trips.
I'm done with backpacking, per se, but do lots of off road motorcycling to camping spots. I needed something comfortable, but it still needed to fit onto the motorcycle. I looked at the Thermarest Dreamtime: super comfortable, but enormous. Yes, it's like sleeping on a bed, but it's about like carrying one, too.
So I found this Exped. It isn't small by any stretch, but it's about a quarter of the size of the Dreamtime when it's rolled up. No problem finding a place for it on the back of my motorcycle.
It's really comfortable. It's thick enough to keep the rocks and sticks from poking through, and even the places - like hips and shoulders - that press into it, I still don't contact the ground.
There's another Exped that packs smaller than this one, and it's shape is rounded baffles like a standard old air mattress. It's gets good and small, but I found it to be kind of "wallowy" like I was going to roll off all the time. It's also about $40 more than this one.
This one is not self inflating, but that's about the only real disadvantage. (That... and it's $160. I never would have thought I'd pay that kind of money for a camping pad. But oh well... I want to sleep when I camp.)
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Finally, I can't say anything about durability. I've only had it for one trip so far. But it looks bullet proof. If it doesn't stand up, I'll amend this review!
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Sim Comfort 10 DLX Sleeping Pad by ExpedProduct Description: 218340 Features: Get the utmost protection from the cold ground with 4 inches of open-cell foam that provides an R value of 95 Made to last, mat can withstand 5 times the pressure normally generated while pumping and is fully airtight thanks to a humidity resistant polyether laminate and welded seams You don't slip and slide on the mat, the top surface of the honeycomb fabric provides just enough grip to keep you on the mat during the night while still being able to change position Inflate your mat quickly and easily with the integrated pump to inflates within one minute Deflates with a FlatValve; this technology is difficult to damage, eliminates sharp internal edges, deflates faster, and uses a one-way flap that prevents air influx Repair kit with adhesive and fabric patches included Specifications: Weight: 3 lb 15 oz Dimensions: 4 x 78 x 26 inches Insulation: open-cell foam R value: 95 Stuff size: 28 x 7 inches
Buy cheap Sim Comfort 10 DLX Sleeping Pad by Exped now
This mat is the best I have found.Went to several local stores to buy a mat.All were either the same price or more expensive, but terrible quality!Pilates mats need to be non-slip and a bit cushy.The Stott Pilates green mat is all of above and a great price too!Mine came with a sunrise DVD that is fantastic as well!Stott Pilates is the way to go!
