Exped - SynMat 7

I purchased the Exped SynMat 7 in 2015. In 2018, while on a 10-day trek in the Grand Tetons, the glue that separates the channels let go and the center channels got fused. Got by by under-inflating it significantly and stuffing the pad inside the sleeping bag. After the trip, contacted Exped for warranty claim, and they honored it by replacing it with the same model. About 40 nights of total use. Stored rolled up and in the bag. [This looks overinflated because I'm sitting on the opposite end. ](https://preview.redd.it/s1iahb7gkkzd1.png?width=3142&format=png&auto=webp&s=ddf077a1186e97f4558bf468a57691156adc69e1) Now, six years later, just came back from a backpacking trip, and similar sort of thing happened. Around 30 nights of use during that time. This time, stored unrolled and laid flat under the bed. https://preview.redd.it/l938mtbskkzd1.png?width=988&format=png&auto=webp&s=7765c3e1b3b8e3c3fd5cd6bc841b30cf772c0b64 So, how long are these inflatable pads expected to last? How long has yours lasted, and how many nights have you on yours?

My exped synmat 7 from 2010 is still going strong so not sure what you did… have you been blowing air in there with your breath? That will degrade the interior.

G'Day Practical, I've had an Exped Synmat which I recently replaced with an Exped 5R (I haven't used this yet, but it is the successor the Synmat). The Synmat lasted quite a few years and I was very happy with it. Both mats are rectangular rather than tapered so I think you will be less likely to slide off it. I certainly never had any problems, which is why I bought the 5R. Regarding sleeping bags, I have a three season bag (Exped Ultralite 300, \~300 g down) which I can pair with an inner bag (Macpac Snowflake, 130 g down). I used this combination (along with a silk inner sheet) in Nepal up to 4000 m (in accommodation) and was always comfortable. Note, you didn't mention having an inner sheet. If you do not have one, I advise you to get one (silk, not cotton). I think it is worth buying quality products from reputable manufacturers. They will last you a long time and be reliable.

Exped mats are warm and comfortable- just pick the one with a high r value that best fits your needs. I have the synmat not sure if they still make it but it has been the most comfortable one I’ve slept on

Spend a few dollars more - exped has some great mats- synmat or downmat. Light, comfortable and warm in cold weather too. I justified the price based on how much a hotel costs- being comfortable is important and you will have it forever

Exped downmat or synmat. Most comfortable and lightweight sleeping pad I’ve ever used and they have long versions for us tall guys

Look into exped insulated pads. They use insulation instead of the reflective inner layer other manufacturers are now using. Insulation instead of reflective layer is quieter, warm, but a bit heavier. Can’t stand the crinkly noise produced by reflective layer models.

That’s a legit complaint. Ive tried pads from every company and NONE has solved the noise caused by the sleeping bag sliding around on the pad. But the newer reflective tech layers that are inside the pads add an additional crinkling noise that the reflective layer makes when it moves. So yeah, the exped still makes noise but I find they’re less noisy than the reflective pads. I turn over nonstop all night long and am insanely sensitive to noise. I suspect pad reviewers who claim ANY current pad is silent probably aren’t turning over very much or are simply less sensitive to the noise. Overall, i find expeds less noisy.