blowing up Synmat UL 7?

It's a great question. I have had my mat for just over 2 years and use my mouth to blow it up. I acknowledge no degradation that I can measure but I suspect to increase the longevity of the pad, a pump might be better?

A lot of people here seem to use and recommend the ultra cheap and light "instaflator" pump and say it works well. I have no experience with it, so can't say. I plan to get it at some point though.

Exped also makes a "Mini Pump" that snaps onto the inflate-valve and works pretty fast. Weighs 40 grams/1.4 oz. Packs in a little stuff sack – 4.7" x 2", 16 cm x 5 cm

The exped schnozzle is a work of art!! It came with the downmat I just purchased and I have never been so impressed with such a simple piece of gear. And it doubles as a waterproof dry bag to keep my quilt in. Worth every penny.

The schnozzle is big enough to function as a pack liner as well. Very ingenious piece of gear.

Also have to throw my hat in for a Schnozzle. It pumps up my long wide UL7 in 4 bagfuls, weighs 2 oz, which is less than my trash compactor bag liner I was using and serves as a complete dry bag.

Thanks guys I checked out the different options. and at the weight of those things I will get one.