Ultralite Therm-a-rest
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 fulllength 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 fulllength 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 ...
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 ...
