Thermarest Explorer Full Length Mat

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 thermarest mats so your basically getting a normal thermarest mat for £30 cheaper, although the Explorer is slightly bigger. Like with all thermarest mats 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 of the mat... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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

Advantages: Very Light, Very Comfortable
Disadvantages: Hard to get back in its stuff sac

...This was my second thermarest pad that i purchased after amazing usage of the first one. It is increadly light and very very small meaning that it can be packed inside your rucksack along with your sleeping bag, not lashed to the outside of your pack. The pad is very very durable and is not very prone to holes and if i ever do get one i have the free repair kit included in the stuff sac. The pad is exceptionally comfortable and provides an excellent nights sleep for anyone who finds those annyoying foam things a nightmare. The pad is a little pricey at £65 but i call it an investment as it provides so many more hours of rest that the closed cell mats. Once youve gone thermarest, you never go back.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful