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"! The Expedition is also available in small. The "Expedition", Large weighs in at 1330g compared to the "ProLite4" large that ways in at 939g. Not a huge difference in weight but the "Expedition" only compacts down to 66 x 12cm whereas the "ProLite4" takes up 33 x 13cm! The "Expedition" has a thickness of 4.4cm and the "ProLite4" a thickness of 3.8cm.
I carried my thermarest, attached to my rucksack. It came in a handy protective bag but it would have been useful if this bag had been waterproof. I used a binlyner around the bag to keep mine dry! The mat also came with a repair kit in case of any tears, but I would say it is unlikly you will get any. The mat also comes with a lifetime warranty, explained further on the most helpful thermarest website: http://www.thermarest.com
The thermarsest brand is well respeceted by outdoor enthusiasts and I can see why. The mat is hard wearing and comfortable thanks to the open cell foam design. The non-slip polyester underside prevents the mat from slipping whilst you sleep. It is easy to inflate and de-flate, in fact the self-inflate mechanism means you only need a few breaths to bring it up to the desired pressure. When you packing up you can simply deflate, roll and pack. At this point I can't stress enough the difference between a normal foam mat and one of these. Once you try one you will wonder why on-earth you have been suffering for all these years. I have done well over 100 nights on a standard foam mat, and know how it feels to have aching limbs in the morning. The thermarest gives you a comfortable nights sleep and this makes all the difference to the following day's activities.
The thermarest is rather expensive, when you consider it is only a carry mat. However, it is value for money as I am quite willing to pay 50 or so pounds for however many good nights sleep a thermarest provides. For the price of a room for a night at some motels you can buy a thermarest. A sound investment!
In hindsight, after completing the expedition with the appropriatly name "Expedition" mat, I would probably recommend that any of you serious backpackers go for a "ProLite". My friends had these, they took up far less space weighed less. The slightly better comfort from my mat, was not worth the extra bulk. I would however recommend this mat to those of you that are not planning on covering vast distances with your equipment. Even if you are on a budget though like me, don't be swayed and pick the expedition for price alone, if your doing the distance go for the ProLite!
I recommend the Expedition to those of you that are undertaking short expeditions of weekend trips. Those of you that are more extreme go for the ProLite series!.
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