Rab and Exped are comparable in terms of gear quality. Rab is one of my favorite brands. I will buy anything from them with confidence. I've used an Exped 7 downmat in winter and I personally wouldn't go lower than that r value for winter, but you might run hot - YMMV.
Dump the nemo Astro out of the running:
Its R value is listed at only 2.6 and it's 1lb 11 oz. The others are warmer and lighter. Plus it's a 20" wide pad. I don't know why, after all these years, we don't have a 23" option - more comfy than a 20", which tbh sucks but lighter than a 25". But I digress. We don't. It's either 20" or. 25". 25" is a way nicer nights sleep and Some of the pricier pads you've chosen here come in at this size for a very similar weight and significantly more warmth. And since all of these options are in your price range, according to you, then I'd say dump the nemo Astro. By comparison, the other Nemo pad, the extreme conditions, is an 8.5 r value and the Long and Wide size Is only 1 lb 10 oz. That's WAY warmer and more comfortable. It may suffer from a little less durability.
Rab is a REALLY solid brand. I would categorically buy anything they made, and I have a lot of Rab gear. So if you are ok with a 20" pad, then this might really hit a sweet spot for you if price is an issue. I would forever and always buy a 5.5 R rating pad over a 2.6.
The Thermarest has a very, very good 7+ R rating while also being very light for a long wide mat at 1lb 8 oz. Kinda seems like the winner to me. Again, the question is durability and how you will use it. If you expect to be at altitude or in cold weather or shoulder season, you'll want at least a 5 R value.
Fyi Exped pads are really super too. I rock an older down filled Exped mat that's been good to me for a very long time now. R rating of 7+ - Have taken that into 20 degree temps on Mt Rainier for winter camping etc.
I don’t know what mats you’re talking about, as my appreciation comes for the Synmat Duo that only has baffles inside. I think the same of the Downmat. Agreed tho, they let me sleep like a little lamb in the backcountry. 😴
Hiker here: if space is a main concern you will want an inflatable mattress (not a foam pad). Read up on R-values. Decathlon make a cheap mat that is small and comfortable, but is not warm at all. Exped makes a mat that bigger but also involves down, and is very warm. There are many options in between.
Bagwise consider your ability to keep it dry. Down is better in any way except when wet. Then syntheric is your option.Absolutely do not trust the ratings on a bag. Go at least 10c lower on the comfort rating. You will be hungry, and therefore cold. I love me a Nemo spoonshaped bag, which is ideal for a side sleeper.
When I got an exped downmat. It seemed like a lot of money at the time - light weight- folded up to the size of a water bottle and damn it’s comfortable- more comfortable than any camping pad I’ve ever used
I went for a nice exped pad and spent more than I wanted to and I’m glad I did. Think how much a hotel room would cost- probably double the price of a pad you can use for years and be comfortable sleeping on
I’ve had an Exped DownMat for several years. It’s amazing. My last sleep setup was a Big Agnes bag with their Q-Core pad. Agree, too narrow and low R value.
Sold them both and got the Exped. I’ve slept in my truck bed, on a plywood deck, many times. The Exped is pretty damn nice, and I’m a 225 lb side sleeper.
Do it, OP, you’ll be glad!
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