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 fulllength 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 ...
Advantages: Cheap Thermarest Mat, Very Comfortable Disadvantages: Size
be used in any situation for an affordable price. I paid about £50 online for this from snow and rock. Now i am able to have an excellent nights sleep without worrying about carrying something too big the next day.
"The Explorer is the perfect mattress for beginning backpackers and those on a budget. With a foam core 1.5 inches thick, it provides the ideal combination of comfort and minimal weight. Available in full-length and 3/4 sizes."
The mat uses the open cell foam such as the classic thermarestmats so your basically getting a normal thermarestmat for £30 cheaper, although the Explorer is slightly bigger.
Like with all thermarestmats the explorer has a self inflating valve, making the mat easy to inflate and deflate and also giving it the ability to be rolled up really small into the provided stuff sac.
The bottom ...
Advantages: Comfort & warmth in a field!! Disadvantages: About 10x price of cheap mat but worth it!
In a word, Thermarest! These are the best invention since someone clever though "ooh why don't I put something soft between me & this rock I'm sleeping on!!) I've had one for 4 years now & they are just the best - loads of friends have bought them on my recommendation!!
They cost about 50 quid now - not bad seeing as I've had hundreds of what would have otherwise been uncomfortable nights on mine!!
Something you might not know: the more you have underneath you the warmer you'll be, obviously because the cold ground just leeches the heat from you - these things make all the difference!!
Now available in lots of sizes as well as a super lightweight & luxury version (for those lushes amongst us!), they also come in fulllength & three quarters.
Newer versions have a special non slip coating on one side to stop you sliding ...
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