Sleeping Mat News

Robert P

Thru Hiker
Now they just need to update their valves to be as good as exped or sts and I'll have one.
I'm curious about how the Thermarest Winglock valve divides opinion. Having recently got an Uberlite with Winglock valve as a warranty replacement for an old version I am very impressed - a huge improvement, works much better for inflation and deflation, nicely engineered.
However, I've only used Thermarests (and Alpkit mat with valve similar to old Thermarest), so I have nothing really to compare with.
What is it about some of the other valves that makes them attractive - reliability, speed, convenience?
 

craige

Thru Hiker
I'm curious about how the Thermarest Winglock valve divides opinion. Having recently got an Uberlite with Winglock valve as a warranty replacement for an old version I am very impressed - a huge improvement, works much better for inflation and deflation, nicely engineered.
However, I've only used Thermarests (and Alpkit mat with valve similar to old Thermarest), so I have nothing really to compare with.
What is it about some of the other valves that makes them attractive - reliability, speed, convenience?
The winglock seems like an improvement. Sea to summit is the gold standard for me. It has a one way valve... attach your inflation sack and inflate quickly and easily without it coming off. Once it's inflated, if you need to let a little air out, there is a small button in the valve, push it and air escapes then stops when you're not pushing. Deflation is incredibly quick, there is a second layer to the valve that removes the one way section and opens the whole valve area up. It is less than a second for a s2s mat to deflate if you're lying on it. Exped is good too but the valve is much simpler and not quite as good imo, just a rubber seal to make it one way self sealing that you pull out to deflate. Takes longer to deflate. It is certainly slightly lighter weight than s2s, but I'd take a couple of extra g on my mat for how good it is.
 

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
The NXT XLite regular is £210 and the same retailer has the old version at £120, so there are some good deals on the old models if the upgrades aren't too important for you.

Since they don't have the stock, the prices are MSRPs, so once they'll have stock, I reckon the prices will come down a bit.
 

Kef9

Trekker
I wish they would give the Uberlight the same treatment. 3 inches thick with a wide max rectangular shape would be ideal for summer camps.

I love my topo luxe which people don’t really talk about. I don’t mind carrying the extra weight to get 4” of thickness but if they made the pad above I could be swayed.
 

verysimple

Trail Blazer
I wish they would give the Uberlight the same treatment. 3 inches thick with a wide max rectangular shape would be ideal for summer camps.

I love my topo luxe which people don’t really talk about. I don’t mind carrying the extra weight to get 4” of thickness but if they made the pad above I could be swayed.
Uberlite with 30d floor and 3" height would be really good improvement for sure.
 

tallest of pauls

Section Hiker
I've gone off these great thick mats. Mainly because of failure, baffles popping, leaky valves or punture easily . Most of them just deflate in the night. (Temp difference etc).
I also have to ask, are users with 'company' worried about them popping? If, you know... Things develop.
Anyway I went back to self inflating foam filled alpkit airo 120. Cheap n cheerful and suprisingly comfortable. You also have alot more room in your tent (when it's a Notch it all counts!).
Just got a Nordisk Ven 3/4 cheap. At 280grms I'm hoping it's hit the sweet spot.
 

Robin

Moderator
Staff member
I've gone off these great thick mats. Mainly because of failure, baffles popping, leaky valves or punture easily . Most of them just deflate in the night. (Temp difference etc).
I also have to ask, are users with 'company' worried about them popping? If, you know... Things develop.
Anyway I went back to self inflating foam filled alpkit airo 120. Cheap n cheerful and suprisingly comfortable. You also have alot more room in your tent (when it's a Notch it all counts!).
Just got a Nordisk Ven 3/4 cheap. At 280grms I'm hoping it's hit the sweet spot.
I’ve got a Nemo Zor which is very similar. I’ve used it in conjunction with a thin foam mat. It is surprisingly comfortable although not as good as the totally different Nemo Tensor Alpine. If you want an in between mat, the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated is good. I’ve got the woman’s version which is slightly warmer and just about long enough for me.
 

Kef9

Trekker
Just seen this which I have never heard of before. For those who prefer comfort it could be a lighter version of the Rapide SL as its only 1/4" thinner. Looks like a rip off of the the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT design.

 

WilliamC

Thru Hiker
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