Big Pack Expedition

Advantages: Reasonable Price
Disadvantages: Rather large if backpacking

...Last summer I embarked on a 100 mile highland hike, carrying my equipment in a 75ltre capacity rucksack. We aimed to complete the expedition in 5 days. I felt that my current carry-mat was unsuitable as it was farily large and made from foam. I was recommended a thermarest by my friends, and tried theres before purchasing my own. I was impressed by the thermarest brand. They make really good quality equipment. I was faced with the choice of whether to go for the "ProLite" mattress from the "fast and light series" or the "Expedition" from "the trek and travel" series. I decided, that as I was on a student budet to go for the "Expedition". I bought the full length version as I am around 6ft. Perhaps going for regular would have been more advantageuous but if you really want to save on weight and size- chose "Prolite... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap Thermarest Mat, Very Comfortable
Disadvantages: Size

...Thermarest mats have been at the top of any kit list for keen campers such as myself. I spent about 5 years sleeping on those terrible closed cell foam mats. It was during a 5 day long expedition that i woke up with a bad neck and said "Im getting a thermarest." I searched the market for a thermarest pad that suited my needs. The first mat i purchased was my Luxury Edition Camprest mat which was about £100. This is a great mat, and when ever there is a car available to be my porter i will pack this. I then purchased a Perforance Series Ultralight mat. This is used when im climbing high in the mountains where a massive mat lashed to the side of your bag just doesent help your performance. Finally i decided to try one of the discovery series mats, mats that i had outcast earlier. To my amazement i was introduced to a mat that could... Read review

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Advantages: Durable, light, small
Disadvantages: not good in colder conditions, other bags are smaller

...size, it packs down to a really small size and in comparison to other synthetic bags it is tiny and weighs very little. But, i think it does lack the qualities of many down bags, such as an even smaller and lighter pack size/weight and the ability to withstand the extreme cold. On the other hand this bag is outstanding value for what it does and if you are planning on doing some small expeditions in temperate regions, and you have a small budget, this is definitely a good bag.... Read review

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