Exped SynMat UltraLight 7 Sleeping Pad

Comfy sleeping
April 19, 2012

Even after reading the product description, I was still amazed at the light weight and quality construction of this sleeping pad. And so light weight! The package arrived, and I used the Exped pillow pump to inflate the Synmat. Then I tried it out - and within moments I was taking a nap! Very comfortable, even for a side sleeper like me. Highly recommended.

Kept me warm in freezing temperatures
October 26, 2011

Ultralight and super warm. Best two things about this pad. This pad as endured quite the abuse this year and still works perfect without any leaks. One of the best investments for me this year

Great ultralight sleeping pad
September 01, 2011

Straight away I’ll say that this is an extremely good sleeping pad. First impression out of the box was the incredibly small pack size. The packed dimensions they claim are pretty accurate, it is roughly the same height as a standard 1 liter (34 fl oz) aluminium drinking bottle with only a slightly larger diameter. If you pack your gear tight in your rucksack it will compress a little more. Although the NeoAir weighs slightly lighter I have heard that it is a little noisy, I didn’t come across this with the Exped. Inflating the pad took less then 2 minutes by mouth. The flat valve is a little awkward but not that much to be considered annoying. The non return valve on the inflation port definitely stops air escaping during inflation. It is very comfortable in all sleeping positions, including on my side. The only time my hip touched the ground was when I was getting off the pad. The material feels nice against the skin and seems quite durable. Can't comment on actual durability as have not had it that long but time will tell. I would definitely recommend this pad and will be purchasing one for my girlfriend shortly.

Exped UltraLight 7 Sleeeping Pad
June 29, 2011

I bought this pad because of the low weight and the compact size when stowed. It is replacing a Thermarest Prolite pad that I have used for a long time (which replaced an even older Thermarest). The Exped uses about half the space of the Thermarest, which is a critical concern in keeping pack size to a minimum. I consider the price irrelevant. The double valve system is extremely helpful: the air does not bleed back out while inflating. The pad is quite comfortable and neither I nor my wife compress it to the ground while lying on it. As a test, I have left it inflated for a week and there was no leaking. I use ultra light components when they make sense, though comfort and safety in moderately severe conditions are also important. I would define "moderately severe conditions" as late fall in the subarctic. I have not used the pad long enough to be able to judge its durability, but it appears to be nicely made.

A wonderful pad
June 20, 2011

I went with a neoair because it was slightly lighter. That turned out to be a bad choice. My girlfriend bought the exped instead and I was instantly jealous. The neoair isn't a bad pad, but it feels like it could pop fairly easily (mine did not.) My back would kill me every time I slept on it though. In comparison the exped just feels much nicer. It comes with a stuff sack, not a huge deal but nice. The material has a nice feel to it, I had no problems losing air through the night, and my back doesn't hurt in the morning. I'm very happy I returned the neoair for this pad.

I like it better than NeoAir
June 08, 2011

I bought this to replace a NeoAir that was somehow lost in a recent move. I liked the NeoAir and did not have any significant issues with it, other than maybe that it seemed a little fragile. I have only used it a couple times so far, but this seems even better - a little cushier and I do not feel like I'm sliding around. It also does not make any rustling/crinkly noises when you move. It's a little awkward to inflate since the valve is flat. Overall, I'm happy with the choice and have no reservations endorsing it.

Great for Light Packers
May 22, 2011

I haven't used it yet but planning to next weekend on a long hiking trip in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. It packs very small and is very comfortable. I don't like having to blow it with my mouth but it takes only a few breath. Great for light packers!