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kit on trial
Exped Downmat Lite 5M
The first thing that strikes you when you open the Downmat is the weight, or rather the lack of. The first thing you notice when you have figured out how to pump it up (no mouth required), is the warmth ....
Light in weight: the DownMat Lite offers great performance at an affordable price. Aimed at the cheaper end of the down mat range it is a good introduction to the enhanced warmth and comfort that down filled mats can provide. When you unwrap the mat you will realise that there is no “traditional” valve for you to blow in to. The mat is inflated with what looks like a whoopee cushion - a mini pump - In order to avoid getting any moisture in the down filled baffles.
Weight
Width
Length
Thickness
Packed dimension
Small
600 g
52 cm
162 cm
5 cm
24 x 13 cm
Medium
645 g
52 cm
183 cm
5 cm
26 x 13 cm
Large
735 g
52 cm
197 cm
5 cm
24 x 14 cm
Inflating the mat took just over 1 minute. The best way to do it is imagine the pump is a heart and that you are performing CPR. Make sure you place the palm of your hand over the hole, otherwise you will be there for ages! This was not in the instructions, I had to find out via YouTube. Deflating the map is a little more involved and requires a small plastic pin(included) to be used to hold the valve open. The quickest method was to lie on the mat and squeeze the air out. It took over 3 minutes to fully deflate the mat and pack it into the stuff sack.
Unlike traditional air mats, welded baffles between the down filled chambers eliminate cold spots and create a comfortably supportive and stable air cushion. The mat also has a cradle design: raised perimeter baffles prevent sliding off the mat. In practise this makes the mat feel a bit like a hammock.
Reading lots of reviews on the Downmat you may be forgiven for thinking it is mega fragile; it isn’t; however you do need to bear in mind that this isn’t an issue green sleep mat, nor is it as robust as a bomb-proof Thermarest. I have used it in tents, bothys, bivvy bags and a van and, employing a bit of common sense, I have been rewarded with a far comfier nights sleep than on any other mat. The 650 down fill is in effect the same as having a thin duvet underneath you, you are effectively insulated from below. I would just have a moment before you build your bed space wherever that may be, and remove all keys, crampons, climbing hardware, knives etc as it is fairly fragile. It does however come with a repair kit. Be sure to read the manufacturers sizes because, like most mats, it comes in three lengths, this model measures 5cm thick by 183cm long by 52cm wide. Accessories to pimp your Downmat include a mattress cover, a chair kit and a doubler kit. The mat comes with a 5 year warranty.
If you cannot guarantee that the mat can be treated with “kid gloves” then go for a more robust model, or a more traditional air-filled or foam mat. If you can avoid the risk of puncture and want a mega comfy sleep with great insulation choose this one. They retail for about £90.
DOWNMAT LITE 5M
Inflation time Deflation time Comfort Durability Cost
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A big thank you to Cotswold Outdoor for providing both mats for review.
They can be viewed at:
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com