Exped - FlexMat

I haven't used it standalone below 2C. In winters gobe by, I have "stacked" with GG thinlight, Switchback and Klymit Xlite torso size (it's kinda like a frame rather than a total inflatable). Or another combo was Switchback with shorter sections of Exoed Flexmat- orange one. This is my conundrum at the moment, and I have moved to a much colder climate. I have ordered a thermarest womens prolite plus self inflating mat in short 120cm size as when side sleeping that will have all but my toes on it anyway. It's R Value is 3.6 I think and it weighs 450g. With a CCF I think I will be ok subzero as anecdotally I fond ccf in those conditions perform better than the R value would suggest, whereas the inflatables I had pre-2021 always seemed to perform worse than advertised. I know it seems very old-fashioned and not UL to get a SI mat, but unless I really have to get an inflatable mat for Winter, I would really rather not.

I'm just saying all the ccf pads are essentially the same. Yes the decathlon one is better value than the thermarest or Exped or nemo.

I have three; Exped Ultra 5R, Exped Flex, and Exped Deep Sleep. Ultra & Flex are my backpacking pads and the Deep Sleep is for car camping. Side and back sleeper that runs hot. Spring/summer/fall in the PNW. Go wide/long since you like to roll around.

I hated it like hated hated it.

Phenomenal mat! This is the one I'm currently using. Try a couple nights car camping with it, or sleep out in the backyard, before taking it on your long trek. Works for me, no inflatable required.

Would it work? Yes. They’ll do the job, but they’re just not that comfortable. Just about everyone these days uses an inflatable. R values are generally higher (shouldn’t matter for you), they’re compact, weigh about the same, but most importantly, they’re pretty comfortable. The only real downsides to inflatables is they can be pricey, and they will eventually get a leak.

I love mine, it goes under my Nemo insulated pad when I know it's going to be cold.

I exclusively sleep on CCF mats. the best budget, packable and easily available option is the Decathlon MT500. The warmest is the Thermarest Ridgerest but it's bulky. The epxed flexmat, Thermarest Z lite and Nemo Switchback are all good but a bit more pricey. Don't get hung up on R values like you would with an inflatable pad. for some reason CCF mats always feel warmer, i think due to the density of the material. I've slept on ice in the alps with CCF mats. As always though it will depend on the person and you'd need to exercise caution with a young en.

I did the PCT with one of these. Actually half of one. It was fine. If I did another thru hike, I’d prolly use the same one.

what worked for us was separate cots (I love the back support and it doesn’t matter as much if the ground isn’t perfectly flat) and closed foam insulated pads like the Exped or REI Camp Dreamer. Hold hands when you want physical touch Also a sleep mask and ear plugs. I was waking up to every snap, crackle and pop before. Deafening outside noise reducing visual stimulation helps.