Quite possibly the lightest and most compact self-inflating mattress in the world. Made with nonslip Staytek fabric on the sleeping surface, with damp and dirt resistant durable nylon on the underside. OK well theres the sales pitch, so on with the review....
The full length ultralite gives a warm and comfortable nights sleep when used in conjunction with a good sleeping bag. Many people advocate using the 3/4 length and substituting the shorter length with clothing or other softish materials. However I don't usually carry enough clothes to do that. This may be an option if you are 6 feet tall or less, but for anyone over that, I'd suggest the full length version.
The anti-slip treatment works very well and will keep all but the most restless insomniac in place. The firmness of the mat can be adjusted by adding a couple of extra breaths of air.
The thermarest is also made by a quality company that will back up their gaurantee if any faults arise. However saying this punctures can easily be repaired with the handy repair kits that come with the mat or can be purchased seperately.
Weaknesses:
Although lighter than the standard version, it is considerably heavier than a foam mat. A lighter 3/4 length version is available, or if you're very weight conscious, use a z-rest.
Rolling the mat into it's stuff sack is quite a technique. As in its damn hard and takes alot of practice. Always funny asking the shop assistants to show you how it works and then watching them struggle to put it back in its packaging, hehe! :) not so funny when i used to be that shop assistant though :(
Anyway to do it properly I suggest you start by folding the mat over, squeezing out the air and then closing the valve. Unfold the mat, fold along it's length and start rolling it as tight as possible. Let out trapped air towards the end. You may have to repeat any of the processes a number of times, but it should fit into the stuff sack ok, especially if you rotate the mat as you insert it. Apparently it can puncture easily, but I've used one for 4 years without incident.
Overall:
Ditch that old foam mat and get a good nights sleep! The penalty of carrying extra weight is more than offset by getting a proper rest which will send you off with a little extra zip the next day. The mats are fairly expensive, but pay for themselves very quickly. Use the full length if you are very tall, the 3/4 length to save weight.
Advice:
A smal piece of advice would be, when not in use Thermarests should always be stored flat, with the valve open - Under a bed or behind a wardrobe is ideal!!!
Full length Weight 680g Rolled pack size 27 x 13 cm Mat size 51 x 183 x 2.5 cm Price: £55.95
3/4 length Weight 450g Rolled pack size: 27 x 11cm Mat size 51 x 119 x 2.5 cm Price: £47.95
Available from all good outdoor shops, Blacks, Field and Trek, YHA etc and many many internet sites.
Happy Camping, remeber when camping involves the use of a car always take a blow up matress with a duvet, far more pleasant time!
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