Exped Vs. Big Agnes

Consider looking at NeoAir. 14 oz. IMO, as comfortable as my Exped Downmat 9.

(Note: temperature range unknown – maybe 40F/4.5C?)

My concern is the price as I'm on an extremely tight budget (I'm going on a year long mission's trips so I won't be having an income/have to pay $14,000 to go). Right now I just don't think I'll have that sort of cash, though I really do want one!

>2. Exped Synmat 7.5 basic air pad
>- This is 3 inches thick, self inflating, and weighs 23.5 oz.
>- 71.5x19x3
>- R value of 4

I'm fairly certain that the Synmats are not self inflating. The Exped website states that you can inflate by mouth, Pillow Pump or Mini Pump. So that may / may not be a factor in your decision.

Mike

The newest Exped mats, both down and synthetic, are inflated via a built in push pump. Its pretty…handy.

i found them very annoying and you cant blow it up your self they removed those valves for high flow values for when you roll it up. Pumping it up is a pain I find, I got one after I popped my old one, they replaced it with a newer one.(by the way there is no crazy warranty anymore its only 5 years)

>The newest Exped mats, both down and synthetic, are inflated via a built in push pump. Its pretty…handy.

No – they have two versions – the Pump (which has the integrated pump) and the Basic (which does not and is the one the OP is referencing).

Mike

Accoring to REI's website it says for the Exped: "pad self-inflates, but to top off, inflate easily with a few hearty breaths"

http://www.rei.com/product/797661

Is this new?

Hi Kathleen,

It is a better idea to use a pump sack with any inflatable pad, in order to keep moisture out. Once it's in there, there is little chance of getting it all back out.

Have you taken a look at the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core pads or the Pacific Outdoor Equipment Ether Thermo 6 or Ether Elite? You can come in closer to 16 oz. with some of the above options.

Also, talk to Bender at kookabay.com, he may be able to work something out that will work well for you at an affordable price. His work is fine and he is a BPL member also.

Kathleen,

What is the lowest temperature you expect to encounter?

Andy,

That is one thing that I've been trying to figure out. I do not know specifically where I will be in the countries I am going to (it would make things a lot easier if I ws told!). I will be mostly in warm/hot climates but I will also be in countries like Nepal where the temps can vary depeding on location.

Don't believe what you read on REI's site, go to Expeds site. These are not self inflating.

To save weight, look at kooka bay. you can email bender and ask him how much a pad with Climashield insulation will cost (R4). plus you can get any length you want, don't need 72 inches, get a 70 or 68 inch or whatever you want.

He told me a rectangular 66x20x2.5" in Climashild R4 would be about 18.7 oz.

Kathleen,

Surprise locations sounds like a fun adventure, especially in Nepal! :)

I'd vote for the Exped. I have the Exped Downmat 7 with integrated pump for winter trips. It's well designed and well built. From what I've read, the Big Agnes R value is somewhat controversial and might be exaggerated. Exped R values seem to be more accurate.

…

"Will keep it inflated for a week in the closet to see if it leaks. Probably fine, but why find out later."

Just sleep on it one night at home and find out right away.