DGUK Own Driving Mat

Advantages: Pack Size, Weight, Reliability
Disadvantages: Cost, Slidyness

...should inflate itself after some time. Deflating is easy, all you do is undo the valve, fold the mat in half and press down as you roll the mat up, and then making sure all air is out, redo the valve up and slip the stuff sack over the therm-a-rest. One note, if you are going to keep your therm-a-rest stuffed away for some time, take the mat out of the stuff sack, open the valve and store it somewhere, under the bed perhaps! One negative though, is if you are in a 2 man tent on your own, you tend to have a lot of room, and by using a therm-a-rest with a sleeping bag, you can slide right off the therm-a-rest. The best use this mat can get is in a one man tent where the space is not so generous. Also, the cost at £60, but if your a member of the YHA etc, you can always get 10% off at most outdoor stores!... Read review

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Advantages: Reduces pain in arthritic horses, helps horses with COPD, reduces mucking out time significantly, reduces muck heap dramatically, cheaper in long run, warmer than concrete floor. Less bedding needed so less to store.
Disadvantages: Expensive initial outlay, hard to clean under mats, difficult to move.

...I have three horses and have kept horses for over 18 years. Two years ago I moved to ahouse with land and built my own stables. I worked full time, and had just one horse at that time. Moving to a new house meant that I needed to buy a companion horse for my original one, and later I bought another horse for my husband to learn to ride on. I decided to splash out and buy rubber matting, because I was told it was easy to use and cost effective in the long run. It aslo helps horses with athritis, which one of my guys has. It was expensive, approx 60 pounds per mat, and each 12 X 12 stable needed approx 5 mats. I used good quality straw bedding just to add banks, and because horses dont like to pee if it is likely to splash their legs. It was so easy to clean, just a quick sweep, and it drained superbly. I found that one of my... Read review

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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

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful