Mtn Designs sleep mat - air mattress

[davemal]

Has anybody used one ? How comfortable ?

I am using a very std thermarest and am becoming more interested in comfort than thermal performance & weight in recent times...not as young as I used to be.

Any other suggestions without paying ridiculous money ? Comfort is the priority, it it's cold, I will use my thermarest.


thanks

[sunnyape]

Has anybody used one ? How comfortable ?
I am using a very std thermarest and am becoming more interested in comfort than thermal performance & weight in recent times...not as young as I used to be.
Any other suggestions without paying ridiculous money ? Comfort is the priority, if it's cold, I will use my thermarest.

I have a Moutain Designs Pro 2.5 Small (3/4 length) mat. It's a thick self inflating type and I use it for most times of the year. It has great insulation (R2.1), has never puctured, rolls up nice and small and doesn't weigh much (390g). That mat is on sale for $6) : http://www.mountaindesigns.com/store/eq ... eeping-mat .

My MB mat's outer skin recently started separating from the inner foam and I have a bulge growing in the mat near my neck area, but that may be due to me over-inflating it or perhaps the moisture from my breath (I usually add a few puffs into it to complete the inflation). Given that I got six years out of the MD Pro, that works out to $10 a year. Bargain!. I will be buying another as soon as I get the chance.

Looks like MD also make a Pro 3.8, so it would be more comfortable than the 2.5. At only $99, that's a bargain too.

If it is comfort you are after, you really need to look at a thicker, inflatable type. I have a full length Exped SynMat 7.5 and can highly recommend it. The built-in hand pump is fantastic but the internal insulation makes it overkill for anything but winter. If you don't such a high R value, look at their AirMat or SimComfort. http://www.exped.com/australia/en/product-category/mats. ExPed mats are fantastic, but not the cheapest.

[Moondog55]

I've had 3 MD self inflating mats so far and they have all failed. I can't be bothered taking the last one back. So go with a reputable brand that specialises Like Exped or Thermarest

[davemal]

thanks guys - however, me bad. I was referring to the old-school blow up air mattress one that they have. Almost a Li-Lo.

My thermarest must nearly be 20 years old now and still good as new. It's just the single inch and am wanting something a bit more comfy which means either rel expensive down filled air mat. Right ? or maybe a non-filled air mat which led me to the MD one...http://www.mountaindesigns.com/store/eq ... r-mattress

I'm just trying to find out if its worthwhile given that most of my use is summer or just save and get an Exped or Thermarest...

sorry for the confusion.

cheers

[Moondog55]

Li-Lo Love em. Brings back memories of floating down rivers with our packs on them Only thing wrong with them [ Li-Lo that is] the weight, I hear very good things about the new generation of high tech airbeds tho. but no personal experience

[davemal]

yes, weight..for some reason I have an old one at home. Almost need a forklift !

The MD airmat is listed at 440g which is not so bad and R of 0.7 !!! So it def wouldnt be fun in the cold.

[Mark F]

I have been using a Neoair for a few years and it was never quite right but more comfortable than my previous self inflating thermarests. My epiphany in comfort came when I got a wide neoair (25" in the specs) up from 20". Suddenly all those issues about what to do with elbows and shoulders disappeared and I am happy to take the 150 gram hit. I suspect the same would be true with most brands moving up in width.

[Empty]

Not sure what your budget is but have a look at the new seat to summit range. Very impressive and not badly priced when compared to Thermarest and ExPed.

[markg]

I know they are not cheap, but that Exped down mat 9LW is magic to sleep on. They were going a bit cheaper last time I looked.

[Empty]

I just had a look at these Expeds. Gee they seem heavy.

[JohnStrider]

I have a MD Standard mat. It's not too bad. Slept on it the first night I had it and it didn't give me any problems. Plan to take it out camping next weekend.

Retails at about $65 from memory, is light and packs up nicely.

[davemal]

so that was the air-mattress, right ?

Would be very interested to hear your feedback from your camping trip..


cheers

[JohnStrider]

Yep that's the air mattress.

http://www.mountaindesigns.com/store/eq ... r-mattress

[davemal]

Hey John,

How did your weekend go ?

[JohnStrider]

The mat did the job...just. At 190cm I'm a little bit taller than it and a little wider than it. I only got a few hours of sleep at a time but that was probably due to the storm that was going on. I've since upgraded to a Sea to Summit Ultra light that is about 11cms wider and is about 198cm. Much more comfortable.

Hope this helps.

[davemal]

Thanks John,

Reading between the lines, since I am looking at comfort I would be better off looking elsewhere...despite me being a 'shorty'. Appreciate your comments.

david