Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad with Pump

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

I took this backpacking a couple weeks ago in 40s weather at night. One morning I woke up and briefly forgot I was on a sleeping pad instead of my firm Lebeda mattress at home. Then the reason I first realized I was camping was the sleeping bag around me - not the pad. That moment says it all! 2.2 lbs isn't all that heavy, and I can't imagine ever waking up feeling stiff on this pad. Because it folds in thirds before rolling it up to fit in 9"long x 6"diameter "canister"-shaped stuff sack, I can easily stow it inside a compartment - which I couldn't do with a 21" wide Thermarest roll that had to be attached outside my pack.

Just compare to the specs of Thermarest Trail Pro (my next top choice) to see how truly amazing and innovative the design is for this DownMat9 pad. Weight is practically the same at 2.2 vs 2.0 lbs. Yet the DownMat9 is almost twice as thick (3.8in vs 2.0) and over twice as warm (the "R" value to insulate you from the cold ground is 8.0 vs 3.8) At the same time the DownMat9 takes up about HALF as much space: it packs up 9" x 6", vs 21"x 4.3" for ThermarestTrailPro (about 340 cu inches vs 633). It's an engineering marvel. Yes, it also costs about twice as much - until you figure in the cost of buying the Thermarest stuffsack separately.

I also tried out the original version DownMat that used the stuffsack as a pump, and this new innovative built-in pump is so much better and easier. It pumps up firm in just a couple minutes. I store the pad under my bed inflated most of the way, and don't notice any deflation even after several months. The pad seems well-made and durable. Definitely wouldn't get it anywhere near a campfire or other heat-source though!

Bottom line, the only downside I can see to this pad is the higher price. This pad blows away the competition in every other respect. You aren't paying for marketing a big brand name - people seem to know about this pad mainly through word-of-mouth. You're paying for quality and innovation. You're paying to wake up fresh, well-rested and ready for any adventure. Is there any other piece of equipment that will make a bigger difference in how much you enjoy camping out in a tent? If you can afford it, buy it.

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

A friend and I made an attempt at Mt Whitney, in California, a couple of weekends ago, and I brought this pad with me. It was a new purchase, so I didn't know how it would turn out, but it packed small and was light, so I was open-minded. Our first night we were met with 6-12" of powder and 10 deg F weather. My friend had a standard inflatable thermarest. Both of us had 0deg down bags. I stayed toasty -- he was "warm enough". When we struck camp, you could see that the snow under where I had slept was still intact and frozen (though packed), while the snow under where he had slept was melted down to the gravel. Obviously, I lost a lot less heat to the ground than he did.

The pad self-inflates to about 1/4 it's final volume. It can be quickly inflated the rest of the way with the hand pump.

I won't argue that the bag isn't expensive, but it's a must-buy if you want to stay warm and comfortable in the cold.

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

I switched to this pad from a Thermarest Prolite Plus. I am a side sleeper and while the Prolite Plus is a nice pad, this puts it to shame in pretty much every way but weight and price, and considering the improvement in my sleeping I'll take the extra twelve ounces. I was looking for thickness more so than warmth but my last trip was a cold one and man what a difference a high R value pad makes. The pump is very slick and the overall design and quality is very nice. It includes the stuff sack (which it fits into perfectly) AND although the site specs say no repair kit (at least at the time I bought mine), it does include one. It is very easy to inflate and deflate/pack. The one way deflation valve is a welcome change. It is very hard not to brag about this piece of gear. Ultralight stuff is great but so is sleep. I can live with a 36 ounce pad that feels like a real bed

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

I have had this mat for a little under a year. It's is fantastic, warm in the winter plus it is thick enough and wide enough to insure that you never touch the uneven ground you will sleep on. Ok, so the pump is a little funky and take a bit to get the hang of. And at 36oz. it is not for the ultra lighter. But I don't snap the handle off my tooth brushes or eat my dinner with a comb. And it is by far and away the most comfortable air mat I have ever owed. Not only that but with a R-Value of eight it is warm in the snow. In the past I would take a Therm-A-Rest Ridge Rest and a Therm-A-Rest Pro-lite and I have replaced both of them with this one mat.

The Therm-A-Rest Ridge Rest weighs in at 19oz. and has a R-Value of 3.5 with equates to 1r for every 5.43oz. The Therm-A-Rest Pro-lite weighs 16oz. and has a R-Value of 2.2 and that equates to 1r for every 7.27oz. And the Exped Downmat 9 weights 36oz. has a R-Value of 8 which give the it the incredible R to oz. value of 1r for every 4.5oz. What this all means is that 1oz. more I get almost a one third more insulation, I am more comfortable, and it's just a much better solution.

I will admit that I have not used this mat on a hot summers day or evening. And that in a hot environment it may be less ideal. But if you do any snow or winter camping. You need this mat.

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

AWESOME!! I have slept on it three times already, twice outside in my tent and once inside in my tent, and I love the comfort factor. This is going to be my bed for the next 11 months while I'm on a mission trip so I needed something durable and comfortable. Everying about this is spot-on, except I wish it was a little wider since I like to sleep on my side and roll around at night. Very nice product. Worth the extra mulah $$

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

I am an older guy and heavy (approx 250). I have never found a pad so durable and warm. We backpack on the AT and in just a couple of minutes, the Exped pumps up and feels as good as your bed at home - REALLY! Sleeping as cold as 20 F with this as the only thing under the bag (Big Agnus without any insulation on the underside) you will be warm as toast. If you need a firm and strong pad to prevent stiffness when sleeping on the ground, this is the best you can buy.

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

Let me start by saying I love this pad. I do mountaineering and I previously had to use 2 pads to get the same level of warmth that I get from this pad. I borrowed my friends on a climb of Mt Rainier and not once was I even close to cold. It is by far the most comfortable pad I have ever used and was well worth the $$$.

That being said I really only have a few minor cons...it doesn't pack down all that small and is kinda heavy for a sleeping pad, but I think the comfort is worth it. I'm also not a huge fan of the integrated pump. It works well but if you're in cramped conditions or on really uneven surfaces it can be a pain trying to use the pump, but other than that this thing is awesome, well worth the cost.

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

If you are wanting a great balance with weight, comfort and warmth, this has no rival. I used to have the thermarest prolite plus due to its extreme lightweight appeal, but lightweight doesn't mean much when you are uncomfortable and still cold. this mat is extremely thick for the weight, 3.5 inches is amazing, plus the warmth and packability, it's great. Also just look at the company and what you get, sure this thing is expensive...very much so, but you get the stuff sack and repair kit with it, themarest does't offer that, and I had some trouble with my mat, lets just say I did some stupid things to it, my fault completely, and exped inspected it and sent me a new one completely free and gave me tips for the future, this mat is a no brainer, suck it up on the weight and you will be comfortable no matter what style of camping you are into. The only thing I would suggest though is not to use this mat while summer campping in very warm weather, it's a bit of an overkill, you will be toasty when toasty isn't ideal.

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

I added "season 4" to my repetoire. I have never camped/backpacked in the cold until 2008. My first time sleeping in the cold is when I realized I need to upgrade my system. I laid there all night wondering when the sun was supposed to come up! haha

After some research and opinions I decided to go all the way and get the Exped Downmat 9. Why mess around? I saved up my dough for a few months and waited for my REI dividend to come in and BLAM! I got this thing April of 2010. As advertised and as already reviewed, it sure is comfy. It's durable too, enough that I trust it (the main reason I had never gotten an inflatable before). I just make sure there's something between it and the ground (tent floor and footprint, tarp or poncho as ground cloth, bottom of my bivvy bag at the least)and the ground I am laying it on is somewhat clear.

It will fit in an MSS Bivvy sack BTW, (Military sleep system).

The only problem I have had with it is mainly my own abilty to inflate it. You need to lay it flat on flat ground and have some room to pump the pump thing. It's a bit difficult if the ground is uneven and/or rough... and you've just walked 8 miles... and you are not a prime specimen of absolute physical ability.

Comments about Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad w/ Pump:

I bought the Exped Downmat 9 Deluxe for a spring fishing trip to Quetico Park and it exceeded my very high expectations. Since I've only used it on one trip I hesitate to use the term 'perfect' - I'll wait to see how long it lasts before that - but near perfect it is. This Exped 9 packs as small and is nearly as light as my standard Thermarest. With the integrated pump, it inflates quickly to provide a spacious sleeping surface. The 3.5" thickness makes the inevitable Canadian Shield roots and rocks non-factors and there was no need to shim the pad to provide a level surface. My canoeing partner used a standard Thermarest and had to shim every night and complained about the rocks, roots and pinecones under the tent. Also, the Exped Downmat 9 provided enough extra warmth that I could use my 20 degree sleeping bag as a blanket. No need to zip up tight like a mummy when the temperature outside dipped below freezing. I really enjoyed the freedom of not being 'tightly "mumified". I'm definitely going to buy another one for my wife and hand my Thermarests down to my kids.