Exped - Synmat HL

I also want to mention that the valves of some pads are not designed to be mistreated. For instance, on Exped pads, DO NOT simply pull the flap to open the valve. BE SURE to hold the part of the valve that is permanently attached to the pad fabric separately so that the forces of opening the flap do not tear the valve out of the fabric.

In the late 1970s doing winter camping on snow I just had a CCF pad and all was well, so I am not surprised by the video which I thought was well done. Then I upgraded to a ThermARest open-cell-foam pad encased in air bladder which would be called "self-inflating" nowadays, but one still blew it up. Here is a photo of that exact pad next to an Exped SynMat HL Winter pad R=5.2: https://i.imgur.com/evwX3bw.jpg Nowadays, I use a 1/8" EVA CCF pad under my wide Exped mummy pad, but the CCF pad (aka thinlite or goodnight) is only 20" wide and the Exped inflatable extends past the area of the CCF pad. The Exped inflatable pad is very comfortable, so I have no reason to not use it and just try a CCF pad alone. I will also note that my non-winter pad, an Exped SynMat HL R=2.9 pad is definitely cold for me below freezing.

I have an Exped Synmat and it's quite comfortable. It's more "air mattress" than my Thermarest Prolite Plus but more comfortable. So much so I'm insisting my wife use my Synmat mattress instead of her existing Thermarest on our next trip. I can handle the lesser one (I hope). I think basically if you're spending some money it's always going to be more complicated than "air mattress". I think OP means a classic vinyl sack filled with air. They tend to have poor support, zero vapor management, and are cold (because air convection inside the mattress takes all your heat and moves it to the ground).

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 makes some great pads. I got mine for weight and pack size and it’s the most comfortable pad I own

Exped makes a great mat. But you might want to look at the thicker thermorest pads as an option as well

I have an Exped as well as the bestway one often mentioned here and the zen bivvy one, and the exped is the comfiest and warmest hands down. However I can’t remember which one it is exactly (it’s an old model, now deprecated, but 7 cm deep). Also has by far the best inflation system.

I don’t find these comfortable. Lightweight - yes. Comfort - no. I just bought my second xped and it is bulkier but so much more comfortable. You feel as if you are being rolled off. And yes you can let them down which helps but still uncomfortable and then when you sit up you are on the hard floor.

xped makes a great pad/mattress, it's kind of a cross between the two, mine has lasted for years

love my xped for car camping. kind of a cross between the two

if it helps i think i'm on year 5 with it.

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.

I had a Tensor and it was uncomfortable for me as well. I’ve found Exped inflatable pads comfortable. My favorite right now though is the Neoloft.

I have an Exped. Not loud. And of them can make some noise sliding about on say tent floors, depending on the relative texture etc of the fabrics. Not way to know for sure until you try it. Or, more easily, just use something between them if it's an issue.