Exped SynMat UltraLight 7 Sleeping Pad

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.

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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!

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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.

Write a review for the Exped SynMat UltraLight 7 Sleeping Pad here.

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 Upgrade
July 24, 2012

I've switched over to this pad from my Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Mummy pad, so if you're considering that cheaper option let me give my 2 cents... My main reason switching was simply size. The Big Agnes pad is reasonably comfortable, but as a side sleeper who tosses and turns it was impossible to stay on. I would constantly wake up slipping off the pad and it made it impossible to sleep. The Exped in long and wide is the same weight as my old pad, yet a solid 6" wider makes it much easier to actually sleep on. In terms of comfort, I don't think there is any real significant difference. Perhaps a slight edge to the Exped, the thinner material makes it feel slightly "softer". The Exped also has a similar R value to the insulated air core. I will say the air core definitely seems more durable, just from looking at it, it is clearly made with a thicker and stronger material. The Exped UL seems like it will last just fine but there is no denying the fact that the material is thin to save weight, and thus probably more easy to puncture. The Exped is also significantly easier to inflate than the air core, which seems to take much more lung force. Obviously, due to the increased size, the exped takes longer but it feels like less work. The valve design is also brilliant, you can blow air into it and take a break without worrying about the air rushing back out (as it did in the air core). Whoever came up with the dual one way valve system has my gratitude. My only real complaint with the pad is that I find deflating it and packing it away to be a bit more of a challenge. I need to roll it up multiple times to get all the air out and even then rolling it up tight enough to fit back into it's sack is a bit of a challenge. The air core did seem much easier to get packed away. Overall though, I'm happy. For the same weight I've gained comfort and the ability to stay on the pad all night.

Best Sleep Ever
February 21, 2013

I have the LW version of this mat, and believe that its comfort and high R value are worth a few extra ounces. The quality is excellent, it makes much less noise when rolling around than its Thermarest competitors. It packs down ultra small. For tall folks, the extra coverage of the LW is appreciated, and the width certainly helps in colder temperatures, especially when using a quilt. The surface is fine to sleep on directly as is, though the cover Exped sell is an upgrade and I use it for trips when weight does not matter. A great product. Expensive, but worth it.

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.

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

Best camping sleep I've ever had
February 14, 2013

My boyfriend bought one of these sleeping pads a couple years ago, and I was skeptical. It seemed like an awful lot of money to spend on a sleeping pad, when we both already had perfectly acceptable thermarestsIt. Plus, I wondered about the warmth and comfort of a pad that didn't have any of the foamy stuff I'm used to in the thermarests. Then, he got the pad and started sleeping on it. And raving about it. And raving about it some more. Finally, I got my own, and it is truly awesome! I always thought slightly iffy sleep was just a part of backpacking, but this pad is SO much more comfy than my old one. I'm a side sleeper, and my hips and shoulders used to get so uncomfortable. Not with this pad! It gives tons of cushioning, and is warm, too. I worry a bit about the durability -- the outside fabric doesn't seem as sturdy as what I'm used to, but in a year of heavy use, I haven't had any problems. Also, I love how tiny it packs down -- about the size of a standard Nalgene bottle! It's perfect for ultra-light backpackers. This has helped me get my gear down to fit in a large daypack for weekend trips, which is awesome! One thing to note -- you shouldn't fill it all the way firm - it needs to be a bit squishy for the best comfort. Oh, and I highly recommend getting one of the mini pumps or pillow pumps to go with it. You can fill it up by blowing into it, but it's annoying. The pump makes it SO much easier. Worth every penny!

Already own the Exped SynMat UltraLight 7 Sleeping Pad? Tell us your thoughts.

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.