Exped Synmat 7
£88 from Amazon.co.uk
I came across this by complete coincidence when carrying out hours of research on each part of my kit, and I’m glad I did.
I’ve tried a few sleeping pads, after realising my 10 year old, thin foam pad just wasn’t doing me any favours. This pad is thick and warm, comfortable, quick to inflate, quicker to deflate, and packs up into a snug little bundle.
It’s amazing how much difference a good sleeping pad makes – not just in terms of padding (I sleep on my side, so need something which is thick enough to support me). Even during the relatively warm tour in Japan, the ground at night could get wicked cold, and the filled pad made an amazing difference.
The Synmat, as the name suggests, has a synthetic filling, which means that it’s a tad heavier, but a lot easier to maintain – my concerns were that with sustained use, in hot and humid climes, the moisture inevitably getting into a down filled pad would cause it to deteriorate.
It’s also got an innovative pump system (which is akin to giving CPR). It’s really easy, so if you’re pumping for more than a minute or two, you’ve not closed the valves properly (I had a very hot and bothered first experience of this!).
For more info visit Exped.com
Pros:
Very comfortable
Very good insulation
Rolls up tightly
Quick to inflate/deflate
Feels durable (no problems so far)
Cons:
A little bulky
A little heavier than others
