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Self inflating air mattresses.

IdratherbeclimbingM9

16-Apr-2011
9:13:46 PM

Already have car camper style self inflating 3.8 cm thick air matress, also have ye olde style 2.5cm thick, long Thermarest.

Although I like them, I am looking at upgrading to a lighter style self inflating mattress and have done a litlle homework.

I note that 'cored' mattresses are lighter, but are usually rated as one season less in thermal insulation properties, compared to 'uncored' equivalents.

I also note that a 2.5 cm thick lightweight mattress is about the same rolled up size, and weight, as a 3.8 cm thick 3/4 length mattress.
~> I lay on both briefly in a shop and reckon the 3.8 cm thick jobbie is much more comfy, but obviously does not cater for the under-bod insulation/padding from the knees down...

My questions are to the learned Chocky readers based on the following ...
I favour small size and weight as 1st preference, but am undecided on whether to go 2,5 cm light-weight long, or 3.8 cm short, ... given the final rolled dimensions and weight are comparable...

Those who have used the short version; what are the (if any), disadvantages re thermal insulation in lower regions, ie is it actually noticable in temps down to say -2 Celcius??

Those who have used the 'cored' versions of mattresses as well as the uncored versions, have you noticed any significant difference in insulation properties, or is this statistic marketing hype?

Caveats;
I consider myself a 'cold' sleeper, ie generally use a lower temp rated sleeping bag than many in any given conditions...

I usually sleep in a bivvy bag instead of a tent. This helps add a few degrees of insulation to the bag/mattress rating.

I want to get this item primarily for a m/cycle adventure, but intend using it for climbing adventures (particularly on a portaledge), afterwards.

I do not intend using it in the snow.

Thoughts anyone?

Rob668

16-Apr-2011
9:18:00 PM

I acquired an Exped 7 recently.

It:
-is 7cm thick
- packs up smaller than a thermarest
- is way more comfortable than my old thermarest (never ever again),
- is bloody warm.

brendan

16-Apr-2011
11:27:01 PM

i have a prolite3 short and a prolite4 long, i have tended to use the prolite 3 for the last couple of years and generally i'll pair it with a foam mattress. I used a foam mattress/prolite3 for 4 months camping in Europe and it was fine, I have slept on the snow a couple of times with just the prolite 3 blown up quite hard and its been fine (i pad my feet using my pack) if weight wasnt an option though i would go the prolite 4 as its super comfy

Mike Bee

16-Apr-2011
11:40:53 PM

My thoughts:
A prolite (previously prolite 3) pad is great for non snow conditions. I've used it to below zero and not been cold on it. However, sleeping on snow in the vic alps I found it lacking, and haven't used it since on a freezing base. I have used both the short and the regular, and since I purchased the regular, I haven't used the short. I find the extra length indespensible, and I don't plan on buying a short (or 3/4) length pad ever again. Basically, when I'm not sleeping on a subzero base (ie snow), I'll use a regular prolite (or prolite 3) for any lightweight style trip. It's more comfortable than a foam pad, and far smaller. The weight penalty is minimal.

I use foam for situations where space isn't an issue. For alpine trips when I'm not pushing through scrub, taking a Z-Lite is warmer, lighter, but bulkier. It's a much preferred option for me these days if I can get away with the bulk.

Sturge

16-Apr-2011
11:45:00 PM

On 16/04/2011 Rob668 wrote:
>I acquired an Exped 7 recently.
>
>It:
>-is 7cm thick
>- packs up smaller than a thermarest
>- is way more comfortable than my old thermarest (never ever again),
>- is bloody warm.
>

I agree whole-heartedly. I've got one of the short Exped 7s. It's small, fairly light and way more comfy than any of the Thermarest alternatives.
I have occasionally used a full-length foamie underneath, if it's particularly cold or damp (I only have a 0C down bag). This may not be necessary with a bivy bag as well.
The only negative I could think of is it may be a pain in the arse to inflate this mat on a portaledge...? It's easiest to use the pump on a solid surface.

Rob668

17-Apr-2011
6:46:43 AM

On 16/04/2011 Sturge wrote:
>>
>
>The only negative I could think of is it may be a pain in the arse to
>inflate this mat on a portaledge...? It's easiest to use the pump on a
>solid surface.

May I point out that you should have a great big blo_dy wall next to you if you are on a portaledge, surely this should be solid enough :-)

Spent a month sleeping on my Exped when I arrived in Switzerland, was waiting for my stuff to arrive from Australia. It is very close in comfort to my normal mattress, which is sehr bequem!

If you need extra warmth go with the Exped 9 which is 2cm thicker, and a little warmer.

bw

17-Apr-2011
9:07:32 AM

^^^ yeah, I've an exped synmat 7. bloody brilliant, apart from the inflation which isn't too bad. Mine is primarily for ski touring/snow camping and is a huge step up from my old thermarest/foamie combo...

JamesMc

17-Apr-2011
9:35:09 AM

Another vote for Exped. I have a full length one that I combine with a Big Agnes "bottomless" sleeping bag. (There is no down in the lower side of the bag, just a pocket that you slide a sleeping mat into.)

Brilliant combination. Very light, very warm, and very comfortable.

Exped is not cheap!

JamesMc

Decoy

17-Apr-2011
12:19:19 PM

Another vote for Exped from me...

I use the Synmat. Quite a bit cheaper than the Downmat (of course, a little less warm). The R-value of the Synmat is ~4.7, which is right up there when compared to Thermarest type self inflating matressess...but way more comfortable (and smaller when packed).

dmc

17-Apr-2011
8:35:17 PM

I sleep on my Exped Downmat 7 about a third of the year and I now find my real bed uncomfortable!!

Rob668

18-Apr-2011
2:39:57 AM

A friend of mine had to convince his wife that if she did not get her own she would not use it. That is how good things are.

The comfort levels are worth the little extra costs.

IdratherbeclimbingM9

20-Apr-2011
10:18:24 PM

Many thanks for the feedback all.
~> I shall certainly be checking out the Exped mats, as I have heard buggerall about them prior till now.

There are 12 messages in this topic.