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Looking at purchasing a new sleeping mat from Bivouac as they currently have 20% off.
I predominantly hunt the Ruahines, Kaimanawas and Kawekas. I hunt all year around both in the bush and on the tops. Size and weight are of importance.
What does everyone have? Suggestions?
Cheers,
Pop Shot
Hey dude I've got a 3/4 length thermarest, I think it's their winter warmth one (it's thicker and heavier, the green one).
I bought it in 2004.
It has been perfect for everything and been looked after well. Only problem I've ever had was when I lent it to someone earlier this year and it came back with a munted valve. Of course after ten years I most certainly didn't have the receipt so I couldn't get a new one...but a $20 kit fixed it! New valve and glue.
Never had a puncture. I clear the ground of sharp stuff before use, have used it straight on the ground and also a ground sheet, soapy sponge to clean, store not inflated but totally open with valve open either under the bed or standing up in the cupboard.
I think I paid a couple hundred bucks for it. I either have it rolled up in the bottom of my pack or more likely folded into quarters and shoved in between inside of pack and pack liner as it can be handy to pull out quick for a dry, warm seat :-)
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I use a Exped Synmat ul9 and love it. Im a big guy and i fit perfectly and have a great night sleep. Bloody warm for those cold winter trips. Highly recommend.
Another vote for exped, love mine
Just don't lend them to idiots who can't follow the instructions
What model do you have?Quote:
Originally Posted by res
Not sure, it's about four years old.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pop Shot
If it matters I can check for you tomorrow
Exped Downmat. internal pump. All good. Slightly bulky but SOOOOO worth it.
$15 kids one from the warehouse. Makes it a three quarter length. Head to mid thigh. Small light and oh so cheap :)
Ditto I've got the three quarter length one.Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwijames
How do you find the 3/4 length? I've actually been considering one of this length.Quote:
Originally Posted by outdoorlad
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwijames
I bought the Downmat 7. I don't like 3/4 as I'm bony and they get uncomfortable. The best thing I've slept on. Even with ice on the outside of my sleeping bag the underside was still warm.
I like the inbuilt pump for keeping everything compact and together. Before that I had a Thermarest but it didn't take long for the inside to rot out.
Klymit inertia x frame, surprisingly comfy
Exped Synmat UL (? 3.8)
Very happy, would by it again.
The trade off between a good nights sleep vs extra weight/bulk I will always favour a decent nights sleep. Some mats are the equivalent to a roll of corrugated cardboard. Ever since I bought my Downmat I have slept better than ever on it. Exped do a Downmat UL.Quote:
Originally Posted by gadgetman
Neoair, full length, bloody coffortable as!!!!!
Just like me! Oh...hang on, wait......Quote:
Originally Posted by Gibo
;)
Ha ha ah ok :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Dougie
I have a macpac self inflating sleeping pad/mattress thing, only used it once and it was very warm and comfortable, the only thing that puts me off is the bulkiness of them. I use a normal foam pad as they fold flat inside the pack.
I find it ok, it was a trade between bulk & weight vs length, the only thing is if your in a tent for a week & it's a wet week the foot end of your sleeping bag can get a bit damp if you end up with a bit of moisture on the tent floor, that's the only downside of a 3/4Quote:
Originally Posted by Pop Shot
Ive got the Exped with the mini-pump doodad and it's great
Still got the bulletproof old Thermarest and it's less than half the size of that. The following provisos apply-
I didn't pay enough attention to cutting down stalks at my last campsite and a branch punctured my old cheapo $35 pad, hence the new one
Also the guy in the shop warned me to leave it unplugged/unsealed during the daytime - the theory is that the tent heats up during the day and the mattress blows up in the heat and munts its internal baffles.
It works really well and keeps me really warm
Just purcased the ul 7. Medium is 450gms minus 4 rating and you dont need to worry about the pump because they don't have the down fill.
@possum_shooter - What's the warranty like with that product? Being the UL model - more prone to punctures?Quote:
Originally Posted by possum_shooter
2 years I think. Best to put a tarp or builders paper underneath
I use a Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm size large - packs down to about the size of a pump bottle. Pricey here in NZ, but slightly less so when purchased overseas. SUPER warm and plush. I'm generally a side-sleeper, and thinner mats (plain foam ones, old-school thermarests) leave me sore in the morning.
Neo air you won't regret it:)