Hey Gang,

I just found out about the new Exped Synmat UL (the yellow one). It features an ultra lightweight design and packs down to the size of a half-liter water bottle.

Does anybody here have this one? I would suspect not since it just came out this year, but I think I'm going to have to check it out.

What are your thoughts on it?

REI Link

Video

I considered getting it when I bought my synmat 7 pump. The fact that you can't pump it by itself turned me off. Either gotta put your damp breath in it or use one of their pump pillows or similar. The integrated pump in the syn and down mats is the cats meow. Should sleep the same though which is decent but remember even though they are warmer they still sleep like an air mattress.

The R-value is only 3.1 - lower than other Synmat 7's. You can compare on Exped's website. Rated to -4 C (~25 F).

quote boonie: "The R-value is only 3.1 - lower than other Synmat 7's. You can compare on Exped's website. Rated to -4 C (~25 F)."

I've got the AirMat Basic 7.5 LW now. It's R Value is 0.7 so I think that would be an improvement.

my thoughts? i see failures and returns. i know many people who have had original synmats fail (a more robust pad)....exped has been great about that too.

i feel you can only cut so many corners to lose weight with gear. id never buy one of those. lighter means less durable. goes for tents too.

quote Brent: "

quote boonie: "The R-value is only 3.1 - lower than other Synmat 7's. You can compare on Exped's website. Rated to -4 C (~25 F)."

I've got the AirMat Basic 7.5 LW now. It's R Value is 0.7 so I think that would be an improvement."

Yep, it will :), and 25 degrees will cover most 3-season use.

quote LazyLefty: "I considered getting it when I bought my synmat 7 pump. The fact that you can't pump it by itself turned me off. Either gotta put your damp breath in it or use one of their pump pillows or similar. The integrated pump in the syn and down mats is the cats meow. Should sleep the same though which is decent but remember even though they are warmer they still sleep like an air mattress."

I've got the Exped mini-pump to use with my Basic Synmat pads. THe pump weighs in at 2oz, is simple and easy to use, can be shared across Exped users, and cuts significant weight off the built-in pad models. So for ME, the lack of a built-in pump is no biggie.

I suppose if I had multiple mats to inflate using a mini pump wouldn't be a big deal but it's just me so buying yet one more accessory to keep track of seemed like a pain. All the people I camp with in and out of the bwca are thermarest or cot people.

compare BA and Synmat

I used the BA insulated and still do (in summer/warm conditions),
the early version had leakage trouble but have had no problems with the new (red) version. BA has excellent customer service.
A few seasons of use on an Exped downmat and love it for cooler weather. No experience with Exped customer service but they have a good reputation.
Use the built in pump for the Exped because it's down filled. Plain old lung power for the synthetic BA without problems.
One problem though is after a few years of sleeping on these types of mats, I can no longer sleep well on a Thermarest, or foam pad.

butthead

I have the UL 7. I got it to replace my Neo Air which was truly awful. I hated that thing. Luckily mine never leaked, but I know that many people had a lot of trouble with them.

I've been on several trips with the Exped. I backpack in addition to going to the BWCA, so weight was important to me. (I split my ground time with hammocking about 50/50). It is quite warm for the weight, very comfortable, and there is nothing about it that makes me feel like it is going to fail. We have two in the family and no problems with either. It has also come down in price since it was released. I think it was going for $150 then. (I did not pay full price for it, otherwise I wouldn't have one either).

Guess I'm the naysayer amongst the pack here.

Another point is that Down and SynMat 7/9 uses constructed baffles. The Basic Synmat, Airmat 7.5 and UL mats use a welded baffle which they admit in the video below isn't the the same construction as on the Down or SynMat 7/9. I'm not really clear on the difference but my guess is the Down and the none Basic Syns are a step up in durability.

Here is a couple of Videos that may explain this better:

Exped Mats: Overview of the line

Exped SynMat Insulation


I'm also posting again the Exped Mat Chart that I found in my web search that will help you choose the Mat based on your NEED

I own one and absolutely love it. The most comfortable nights sleep ever. I can't speak as far as durability since I've only had it for a 7 day trip to Quetico and a 6 day trip to northern Wisconsin. It only takes about a minute to blow it up by mouth, and is easy to deflate and pack up. And like was said earlier it's about the size of a water bottle when rolled up.

I also have the UL 7, along with a synmat pump, and a neo air all season. Yeah, I've got to many and probably need to sell at least one.

The UL 7 is a great pad. Ive seen no issues with durability and use I quite frequently including a BW trip last year. Packs up way smaller than the other two but doesn't supply the warmth needed for true winter camping. If I was looking at one pad for all year round camping, it would be the neo air all season. Its what I'm using in my JRB bridge hammock and the comfort can't be beat.

Or you could wait a two months for the new thermarest pads like the xtherm coming out. Higher r values at lower weight. I also think there is a new exped down UL7 comin out this spring that is supposed to be spectacularly light and warm. Always something better.