Rather than the underside of your sleeping bag being compressed, as you'll find on a flatter mat, the distinctive deep grooves are there to help the bag loft. In a sleeping bag the fill has to "force" the two sides of fabric apart to create loft/space; but in the Exped mats the inflation pump creates the space for the down to fill.

They could have made the pack size a bit smaller but other than that it’s a great all-round, hence why it’s our number 2. I headed up my favourite mountain in Snowdonia and pitched up with a beautiful view of the Ogwen Valley, enjoying the peace and solitude of the outdoors with a gorgeous sunset. Folding the mat away is quite straightforward, once you know how and I have YouTube to thank for this. With a view towards walking The Ridgeway in May [yes, I’m actually going to do it, this year], I recently started looking back over the kit I intend to carry with me. Because the two layers can be pressurized independently, the top layer can be inflated to your personal comfort, while maintaining a high-pressure base layer for protection from rough or uneven terrain.Provided the mat stays dry then it has an R-value of 7, an impressive number which according to Exped equates to performance down to -32C. To deflate the mat, a little toggle is popped into the valve to hold it open, and then you simply squeeze and roll - it's quick and easy. The best of the rival models are both considerably warmer and a lot lighter, and for cold weather campers who are especially keen on counting grams both will be a major consideration. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit.

The in/out valves are robust and very simple in use, a clever design consisting of layers of stoppers: it can either be closed, opened (one way) for inflation, or fully opened for quick deflation.The Pumpbag can also be enlisted as an impromptu pillow, though in this role it works better stuffed with clothing than full of air. The xlite comes in a range of sizes, with models available to suit taller, shorter and wider campers. The Flux 3 has an R-value of 3, which means that it provides insulation suitable for 3 seasons, meaning it’s suitable to use most of the year but not in temperatures below freezing.

Klymalite lofted synthetic insulation in the pad offers exceptional warmth without the dreaded crinkle noise of other insulated pads. unlike my partners cheaper OEX mat - which was super small and light to carry, but slippery, noisy as hell and suffered leaks. A foam-filled inflatable mat of a very familiar style, what the Airo lacks in thickness, lightness and temperature performance it compensates with value for money and general no frills robustness. To avoid the down fill getting damp and degrading over time, Exped recommend that you never blow the mat up with your breath but only ever with the 'Schnozzel Pumpbag' that comes included. Although, it is worth mentioning that this mat isn’t as thick as some premium double designs at 7cm, so if you’re looking for an alternative to your bed at home, pick a thicker pad.That being said, they are less comfortable and you’ll still feel the ground underneath you which is definitely worth taking into consideration.