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Exped Synmat UL 7 -
Exped's SynMat UL 7 is an ultralight and compact mat that still has warm insulation. Made from lighter fabric than other Exped mats, the medium-sized SynMat UL 7 weighs only 460 g and has an R-value of 3.1. The small mat weighs 430 grams and the large weighs 600. The smallest size is 163 cm long and the tallest is 197. It is filled with lightweight, yet warm, microfiber. The outside is abrasion resistant, but the lighter fabric does puncture more easily than the regular Exped mats. The mat condenses to the size of a half-liter bottle making it easy to carry in any pack. Other design features of the SynMat UL 7 include flat air valves and high frequency welded seams. The flat design of the valves prevents them from catching on things or becoming damaged, and the welded seams prevent air leaks. With a 7 cm thickness, this lightweight mat provides plenty of comfort on hard ground. It comes with a repair kit that includes fabric patches and adhesive. Like all Exped UL products, the mat has a two-year warranty.
Fabric:
- Also includes repair kit with adhesive and fabric patches
- 20 denier laminated polyester fabric is ultralight, airtight and humidity resistant
- Welded seams create airtight construction
- The new ultralight fabrics are extremely lightweight and compact. The abrasionresistance remains high, puncture resistance is lower than with our standard fabric.
- Ultralight material provides abrasion and puncture resistance
- Fabric grommets and multifunction stuffsack
- Polyester fabric is UV- and abrasion-resistant; non-slip finish helps keep you on the pad
Padding:
- The Exped Synmat UL 7 air pad comes with its own stuff sack for protection during transportation
- SynMat UL 7 pads have a temperature rating of 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius)
Insulation:
- Mirofiber insulation bonded to top and bottom for maximum loft/warmth
- Lofted microfiber insulation is laminated to the top and bottom of the inner walls, providing efficient 4-season warmth
Sizing:
- Compresses to the size of a 1/2-liter water bottle for easy packing and transport
Weather and Wind:
- High frequency welded seams
- Baffles separate chambers and eliminate cold spots
Comfort:
- Intake valve features a built-in flap to prevent air escaping when inflating; flap can be released to let a little air out when seeking out that ideal comfort zone
Features:
- 2011 Outdoor Gold Award from OpPad in Sleeping and Innovation category
- Stuff sack and repair kit for quick field maintenance
- Mat can be inflated by mouth; features 2 wide, low-profile, FlatValves for inflation and deflation
- FlatValve Technology - separate inflation and deflation valves
- Exped accessory pump recommended for inflation
SunnySports
Whats in the box:Exped SynMat UL 7 air mattress and repair kit
The new SynMat UL 7 offers unmatched comfort and warmth at a minimal weight and packed size. The medium size weighs only 460 g at size 183 cm x 52 cm and sumptuous 7 cm thickness and an excellent R-Value of 3.1. All this at the size of a ½ liter bottle.Popular searches that include this item:
Backcountry.com
Add the SynMat UL 7 to your ultralight arsenal.
The ultralight SynMat UL 7 provides some serious insulation when you're counting grams and cutting the tags out of your undies to cut weight. The welded baffles of the SynMat are filled with microfiber insulation to eliminate cold spots and provide a comfortable night's sleep in the backcountry without going over on grams.
ProLite Gear
The Exped SynMat UL 7 is a new product. It is designed for the ultralight backpacker and gets the weight and bulk down to a minimum while still insulating very well. It uses microfiber insulation bonded to the upper and lower internal surfaces, which means that each time the mat is inflated the insulation expands to fill the chambers completely. This mat is built with extremely light 20 denier fabric and, like all Exped mats, is laminated with their proprietary humidity resistant film.REI
The Exped Synmat UL 7 air pad provides refuge from the cold, hard ground. It features an ultra lightweight design and packs down to the size of a half-liter water bottle.
Imported.
Campmor
SynMat UL 7 is Exped's utralight standard: extremely light, comfortable, compact, and warm. Insulation is tuned to 3-season use - this mat is very much at home in the pack of the long distance backpacker or in a tight compartment of a performance kayak. Sizes:
Mountain Gear
Protect your body from the harsh, hard ground with the SynMat 7 Sleeping Pad from Exped. You stay comfortable with durably laminated lofted microfiber insulation and baffled chambers.
Cabelas
Weighing just over 1 lb., this award-winning sleeping pad delivers exceptional portability and compact comfort for backpacking minimalists. Warm, synthetic microfiber insulation delivers a far-superior weight-to-warmth ratio than standard foam-filled sleeping pads. Imported.
Average Price History:
| Activity: | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Average pad weight: | 15.2 ounces Small / 16.2 ounces Medium |
| Bag Shape: | Rectangular |
| Color: | Corn Yellow |
| Country of Origin: | Asia |
| Dimensions: | (S) 163 x 52 x 7 cm, 64 x 20 x 2.8", (M) 183 x 52 x 7 cm, 72 x 20 x 2.8", (LW) 197 x 65 x 7 cm, 197 x 65 x 2.8" |
| Dimensions - metric: | 3.1 |
| Features: | High frequency welded seams |
| Fill Material: | Bonded microfiber and Air |
| Fill Weight: | 60 g/m² Texpedloft microfiber |
| Insulation: | Air pad |
| LW: | 77.5 x 26"; 20.8 ounces |
| M: | 72 x 20"; 16.2 ounces |
| Material: | The new ultralight fabrics are extremely lightweight and compact |
| Packed size: | Rectangular |
| Pad length: | 64 inches, short / 72 inches, regular |
| Pad length (in.): | Rectangular |
| Pad thickness: | 2.8 inches |
| Pad thickness (in.): | Synthetic |
| Pad width: | 20 inches |
| Pad width (in.): | Synthetic |
| R-Value: | Air pad |
| Recommended Use: | ultralight travel, gram counting, weight watchers for campers |
| Repair kit included: | Air pad |
| Rolled Size: | 23 cm x 9 cm/9" x 3.5" (Small) 24 cm x 9.5 cm/9.4" x 3.7" (Medium) |
| S: | 64 x 20 "; 15.2 ounces |
| Shape: | mummy |
| Shell Material: | Laminated Polyester |
| Sleeping pad shape: | Backpacking |
| Sleeping pad type: | Backpacking |
| Stuff Sack: | yes |
| Stuff Size: | (S) 23 x 9 cm, 9 x 3.5", (M) 24 x 9.5 cm, 9.4 x 3.7 ", (LW) 27 x 11 cm, 10.6 x 4.3" |
| Stuff sack included: | Rectangular |
| Temperature Rating: | - 4ºC, 25ºF, R-Value 3.1 |
| Thickness: | 2.8 inches |
| Type: | Air-Inflatable |
| Valve: | FlatValve Technology |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
| Weight: | (S) 430 g, 15.2 oz, (M) 460 g, 16.2 oz, (LW) 600 g, 21.1 oz |
| Weight - metric: | 3.1 |
| Weight [with packaging]: | Small: 1 lb, Medium: 1.1 lb, Long Wide: 1.4 lb |
Compare specifications to related products.
Similar Products:
 | Exped Synmat UL 7 Sleeping Pad - Medium | $165.00 |
 | Exped SynMat UL 7 Inflatable Sleeping Pad | $154.99 |
 | Exped Synmat UL 7 Sleeping Pad - Small | $155.00 |
 | Exped Synmat UL 9 | $155.00 - $218.95 |
Subcategories of Sleeping Bags & Pads:
Exped Synmat UL 7 Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
I have not yet used this enough to speak to it's long term durability, however, I am impressed with how comfortable this pad is. I have used a couple different kinds of Thermarests: the Prolite and an older basic model, along with the RidgeRest (sp?) foam pad, and was never so comfortable as I was the few nights that I spent on this pad in cold weather. The very first night I used it was unexpectedly cold because we planned poorly and didn't watch the weather. We had planned on 35 to 40 degree F temps but when we woke up our full Nalgene bottle was frozen solid and my in-pack Camelback was slushy. Later we learned the temps were about 22 deg F. I was in a sleeping bag which should have been only comfortable down to about 30 deg F based on previous usage, but was undoubtably helped by this pad to keep me comfortably warm to well below freezing. The following couple of nights it wasn't as cold, but still below freezing. Because it was the only piece of equipment that was different from previous trips I am sure that this pad helped my trip to be comfortable.
It takes up about as much room as a Nalgene bottle, weighs very little, comes with a nice repair kit in case of puncture, inflates quickly by blowing it up (MUCH faster than a so-called self-inflating Thermarest,) and appears to be much more durable than the NeoAir.
Not only that, but this is the first pad I have ever slept on where I have awoken with no tingling or soreness from lack of circulation. It was so comfortable to sleep on it that I actually overslept. I hope that this pad proves to be as durable as it appears and lasts forever. I really love it.
The only downsides I have identified are (1) the cost, and (2) the problem that some people have complained about where their sleeping bag slides around too easily on it. I haven't had the sliding issue, but then again I was on mostly level ground the nights I used it. There are a couple of loops on it where you can lash your bag to the top of it, but I didn't have to do that.
I have become a huge Exped fan. They really seem to produce top quality lightweight equipment. I also have their inflatable pillow and have nothing bad to say about it either.
The Holy grail of Sleeping Pads
THIS iS the Holy Grail of Sleeping Pads - for me at the very least. I have tried nearly every decent pad on the market and they are either too narrow, not supportive enough, loose air before morning, fold up like an accordion, so why is this the Holy Grail of pads: (I have had lower back surgery with hardware added, so I am looking for support in a light weight package for my backpacking, scout leadership duties), a pad that is able to handle cold weather as well as warm, won't loose air by morning, wide enough to allow me to go from rollover if necessary, LIGHT, and easy to inflate, durable, and has anti slip but not like sandpaper: Enter the Exped SynMat UL 7 Air Pad.
This pad is light, and depending on length, less then a pound - it is wide enough to support my sleeping needs, and with the 3 glorious inches of lift my hips never touched the ground, plus it has just the right amount of anti slip. The NEOAir in comparison DOESN'T even come close in the air retention requirement, also the NeoAir is very noisy (5x)next to this pad. Oh, for all you all who say the air condenses as it gets colder to justify why the Neo looses air in the middle of the night requiring to re- inflate it are should try the REI EXPad NEVER, NEVER, lost air and I just completed two nights in 34 degree weather, never had to reinflate it. This pad is the holy Grail in light weight all weather, weight conscious backpacker. I am not the hardcore minimalist, but because of my back, lighter is better, yet I enjoy being comfortable, a backpack lighter then say 33 pounds for 4 to 5 days is perfect for me, and this pad along with the new Plasma sleeping bag, make this a rockin combo. Less then 3 pounds for pad and sleeping bag, now were talking.
I own the following pads, NeoAir, Prolite self inflating, TrailPro, Z-Pad, etc... None of them come close to this pad, the Expad is worth ever penny for those of us that spend more then 40 nights in the mountains.
Oh one last thought, the REI product comes with the stuff sack, and repair kits, Therm-a-Rest well it doesn't thus raising the cost even further.
This pad is light, and depending on length, less then a pound - it is wide enough to support my sleeping needs, and with the 3 glorious inches of lift my hips never touched the ground, plus it has just the right amount of anti slip. The NEOAir in comparison DOESN'T even come close in the air retention requirement, also the NeoAir is very noisy (5x)next to this pad. Oh, for all you all who say the air condenses as it gets colder to justify why the Neo looses air in the middle of the night requiring to re- inflate it are should try the REI EXPad NEVER, NEVER, lost air and I just completed two nights in 34 degree weather, never had to reinflate it. This pad is the holy Grail in light weight all weather, weight conscious backpacker. I am not the hardcore minimalist, but because of my back, lighter is better, yet I enjoy being comfortable, a backpack lighter then say 33 pounds for 4 to 5 days is perfect for me, and this pad along with the new Plasma sleeping bag, make this a rockin combo. Less then 3 pounds for pad and sleeping bag, now were talking.
I own the following pads, NeoAir, Prolite self inflating, TrailPro, Z-Pad, etc... None of them come close to this pad, the Expad is worth ever penny for those of us that spend more then 40 nights in the mountains.
Oh one last thought, the REI product comes with the stuff sack, and repair kits, Therm-a-Rest well it doesn't thus raising the cost even further.
Best Sleeping Pad Yet
My list of sleep pads used include Pacific Outdoors Insul Mat, Big Agnes Insulated core mat, Neoair mat, and now the Synmat UL 7 by Exped. Of all the mats I've used, the Synmat UL 7 is the most comfortable, quiet, easy to inflate, and almost the lightest. It weighs 1 oz heavier than the NeoAir, when you add a stuff bag to the Neo because it doesn't come with any. But the Synmat UL7 is wider, quiet, more insulated and more comfortable than the NeoAir pad.
I picked up a Exped Shrink bag and schnozzle from Outdoor Research store (REI doesn't carry them unfortunately),and I can inflate the mat in under 10 seconds with the 40 liter Shrink bag which is used for either a waterproof packliner, or a compression sack for my sleeping bag. Truly amazing. Exped had hit a homerun with this new UL pad. Best purchase made in a long time. Well worth the price.
The flat valves at first seemed strange and not as useful. But then when I found that they coupled with an Exped Pillow pump (also a great piece of 6 oz gear), or a Exped mini-pump (at a mere 3 oz), or any Exped stuff sack or compression bag with a purge valve it became a clear win-win situation. The inflate valve even has a check flap that allows air in, but not out. So you lose nothing between breaths, or pumps, or when closing the valve. And even cooler is blow it up firm, and lay on it and then open the inflate value and then simply take the check flap to let a little air out at a time until it feels perfect.
The R value of 3.1 is truly enough for all but snow and ice camping. In that case, bring along a closed foam pad to place underneath the Synmat and you are good to go. The weight is right as advertised 16.2 oz including stuff sack for the 72x20 size (M). It includes both a repair kit and a stuff sack, something that thermarest is NOT doing lately.
Exped is really making some quality products and the Synmat UL 7 mat is one fine example.
I picked up a Exped Shrink bag and schnozzle from Outdoor Research store (REI doesn't carry them unfortunately),and I can inflate the mat in under 10 seconds with the 40 liter Shrink bag which is used for either a waterproof packliner, or a compression sack for my sleeping bag. Truly amazing. Exped had hit a homerun with this new UL pad. Best purchase made in a long time. Well worth the price.
The flat valves at first seemed strange and not as useful. But then when I found that they coupled with an Exped Pillow pump (also a great piece of 6 oz gear), or a Exped mini-pump (at a mere 3 oz), or any Exped stuff sack or compression bag with a purge valve it became a clear win-win situation. The inflate valve even has a check flap that allows air in, but not out. So you lose nothing between breaths, or pumps, or when closing the valve. And even cooler is blow it up firm, and lay on it and then open the inflate value and then simply take the check flap to let a little air out at a time until it feels perfect.
The R value of 3.1 is truly enough for all but snow and ice camping. In that case, bring along a closed foam pad to place underneath the Synmat and you are good to go. The weight is right as advertised 16.2 oz including stuff sack for the 72x20 size (M). It includes both a repair kit and a stuff sack, something that thermarest is NOT doing lately.
Exped is really making some quality products and the Synmat UL 7 mat is one fine example.
Updated review
. Here are my comments on the UL7 after a week of backpacking.Over the night the temp dropped down to about 40 degrees, and even with the rain fly on the tent was left open all night I never got cold or felt any cold radiating from under me. This morning I put my hand under my sleeping bag to see if I could feel any cold, and I could feel a definite warmth under the bag where I had been laying.I filled the pad completely while it was still warm outside and had to add a puff of air to it after it cooled off, but it held the firmness all night. For the first time EVER, I got a good night's sleep on the trail! I usually toss and turn all night, even at home, but I slept 11 hours straight through on this mat. I woke up refreshed and feeling like I had slept in a good bed. In fact, my wife and I both felt like it was more comfortable than the mattress in the cabin where we had stayed the night before.I did notice that the solution from my contacts lenses seemed to leave a kind of "watermark" on the pad where I spilled a little, but it looks like it may have come out when I got home and wiped the mat down with some clean water. I'm not too concerned about staining on the pad as long as it's durable and I'm comfortable, so that's not nearly a deal breaker for me.As for durability, I don't have any serious concerns as long as it's not abused our used for much other than as a sleeping pad in a tent or at least on top of a footprint, but I wouldn't throw it down on a wooden shelter floor without something under it.I hiked with 17 other people this weekend, and I think several of them are looking at getting this pad after taking a look at it. Well worth the cost for a good night's sleep.
Light, comfy, and durable sleeping pad
This sleep pad is far better than any thing else available on the market! In the process of upgrading our gear to reduce weight, my husband and I purchased the Exped ultralight pads. We were surprised that not only did they weigh a fraction of other pads and packed down smaller than a water bottle, but they were super comfortable and warm.
We also purchased the Schnozzel pumpbag. No more standing around huffing and puffing into your air matress when you get off the trail and just want to get camp set up so you can relax. I love how the Schnozzel is a light weight dry sack but also works as a pump for my pad. Just attach the bag to your pad, open the dry sack, let it catch some air, then roll and push the air into your pad. Simple and it usually takes only two bags to fill my pad.
The pad is very thick and comfortable. We have used our pads in several environments from car camping to week long backpacking trips and these pads are great everywhere. Roots and rocks do not seem to exist when you are on your exped. Cold granite and wet ground will not seep through durring the night.
You will want to top the pad off with a puff or two of air just before bed. Any air pad containing over 2 inches of air has problems with air compression. As air cools it compresses so if you inflate your pad while it is warm, then the temp drops it will seem like you have lost some air. Just top it off and it should be good to go for the rest of the night. I also like to let out a little air if the pad stays inflated all day to accomodate air expansion as it heats up.
When used correctly these pads preform better than any air matress we have ever used, especially when paired up with a Schnozzel.
We also purchased the Schnozzel pumpbag. No more standing around huffing and puffing into your air matress when you get off the trail and just want to get camp set up so you can relax. I love how the Schnozzel is a light weight dry sack but also works as a pump for my pad. Just attach the bag to your pad, open the dry sack, let it catch some air, then roll and push the air into your pad. Simple and it usually takes only two bags to fill my pad.
The pad is very thick and comfortable. We have used our pads in several environments from car camping to week long backpacking trips and these pads are great everywhere. Roots and rocks do not seem to exist when you are on your exped. Cold granite and wet ground will not seep through durring the night.
You will want to top the pad off with a puff or two of air just before bed. Any air pad containing over 2 inches of air has problems with air compression. As air cools it compresses so if you inflate your pad while it is warm, then the temp drops it will seem like you have lost some air. Just top it off and it should be good to go for the rest of the night. I also like to let out a little air if the pad stays inflated all day to accomodate air expansion as it heats up.
When used correctly these pads preform better than any air matress we have ever used, especially when paired up with a Schnozzel.
Awesome compact mat.
I have this and the synmat 7. The synmat 7 will get used in car camping, and as a loaner to friends. This one is going to be used when I need room in my backpack, as it takes up half as much room in my pack, even with the pump pillow that I got for inflating this.My last trip I went to the desert for a week and I brought both mats with me. I was on a slight slope(likely the only slope in the entire flat desert...) and with this mat I found myself adjusting throughout the night because I kept sliding down the mat. Maybe it's because the bottom of my sleeping bag has a coating that makes it rugged and waterproof, but slick. If you have a bag that isn't like that, you may not have the same problem. I used the synmat most of the time because it gave me traction.Also, this appears to be made of a thinner material that would seem to be more fragile than the synmat 7. It hasn't failed on me, but I take care of it because It seems fragile. If you camp on rocks, get a different mat. If you can take care of your gear(and you should) then this will save you weight, but more importantly, room in your pack so you can bring more gear with you. If you're a car camper, then you don't need this mat, you can get something bigger, heavier, and more durable. If you're a backpacker, than you just might need this. I'm glad I got it.Also, the one-way valve makes it super easy to pack when you're done, you don't have to have 4 arms to fight the air trying to get back in as you're rolling it up. Every mat should be that way.
Passed the Dog test
This pad is among the best that I have used or tested. It's weight is accurately reported. It is warm to the stated temp. rating. It is SO much easier to inflate than..... any other pad I've ever used. The valve system is exactly how I would have designed it!
I just got back from a 3 night/4 day trip in the Gila. The first morning was 22f (lots of humidity; ice all over the inside and heavy frost on the outside of the tent). I was using my Marmot Pinnacle 15 and wearing a complete base layer (with socks and beanie). I was just beginning to become cooler lying there talking myself out of the bag that morning. (I would definitely go back to my BA Insulated Air core if it were to be any colder.) I have owned the BA Insulated Air Core, the BA ClearView, the BA REI Sand Mountain Insulated Air Pad (same as the BA Insulated AC but with only 6 cambers instead of 7.)
As far as sleeping comfort, I find the SynMat UL7 at least as comfortable as the BA pads... possibly a litte more comfortable. The UL7 is just not as warm as the BA insulated Air cores.
If it weren't for the ridiculous expense of this pad I would, hands down, say buy this one..... but this is crazzzyy (say it like Nacho Libre would) to ask this much. AT this price, Exped should include turn-down service! I would like this pad to have a true R-value of at least 4.1 at this price.
Durability: My dog (60lb Lab/Pit cross) is pretty hard on anything in the tent. This pad made it through three nights of him clawing at it.
I just got back from a 3 night/4 day trip in the Gila. The first morning was 22f (lots of humidity; ice all over the inside and heavy frost on the outside of the tent). I was using my Marmot Pinnacle 15 and wearing a complete base layer (with socks and beanie). I was just beginning to become cooler lying there talking myself out of the bag that morning. (I would definitely go back to my BA Insulated Air core if it were to be any colder.) I have owned the BA Insulated Air Core, the BA ClearView, the BA REI Sand Mountain Insulated Air Pad (same as the BA Insulated AC but with only 6 cambers instead of 7.)
As far as sleeping comfort, I find the SynMat UL7 at least as comfortable as the BA pads... possibly a litte more comfortable. The UL7 is just not as warm as the BA insulated Air cores.
If it weren't for the ridiculous expense of this pad I would, hands down, say buy this one..... but this is crazzzyy (say it like Nacho Libre would) to ask this much. AT this price, Exped should include turn-down service! I would like this pad to have a true R-value of at least 4.1 at this price.
Durability: My dog (60lb Lab/Pit cross) is pretty hard on anything in the tent. This pad made it through three nights of him clawing at it.
Very happy so far!
Just got back from a 5-day summer backpacking trip in Yosemite NP (7,000-8,000') - this was my first time out with the Air Pad. I own a number of Thermarests of varying weight, length, and thickness, and I have tried (and returned) the Neopad (see review); thus far, the Air Pad has provided me with the best (i.e. most comfortable) nights' sleep yet!
I'm a 5'5", 130# woman and try to go as light as possible. I have found every light weight Thermarest fails to provide enough cushion to keep my hips (and often shoulders) from aching. This often wakes me up and I end up changing positions multiple times during the night. With the Air Pad, which is very light, I don't remember feeling achy once; I slept soundly throughout the entire night. I actually felt cozy!! Another plus - although the Pad's depth is consistent from head to toe, I found my head/neck felt more supported than with flat inflatable sleeping pads. Therefore, by adding a thin down jacket, I had plenty of pillow.
The Air Pad was relatively quick to inflate and easy to pack down (no more labor intensive than getting all the air out of my full length women's ProLite Thermarest). Also, my sleeping bag didn't slip on the surface and I like the designated inflate/deflate valves. My only complaint is that I woke up feeling my lower back hadn't had enough support... I don't know that this is something I can expect from a light weight sleeping pad, but I'm not holding out hope (and a 5th star)!
In all, I'm thrilled with my Air Pad. It ain't cheap, but I feel it's one of the very best gear investments I've made. Strongly recommended!
I'm a 5'5", 130# woman and try to go as light as possible. I have found every light weight Thermarest fails to provide enough cushion to keep my hips (and often shoulders) from aching. This often wakes me up and I end up changing positions multiple times during the night. With the Air Pad, which is very light, I don't remember feeling achy once; I slept soundly throughout the entire night. I actually felt cozy!! Another plus - although the Pad's depth is consistent from head to toe, I found my head/neck felt more supported than with flat inflatable sleeping pads. Therefore, by adding a thin down jacket, I had plenty of pillow.
The Air Pad was relatively quick to inflate and easy to pack down (no more labor intensive than getting all the air out of my full length women's ProLite Thermarest). Also, my sleeping bag didn't slip on the surface and I like the designated inflate/deflate valves. My only complaint is that I woke up feeling my lower back hadn't had enough support... I don't know that this is something I can expect from a light weight sleeping pad, but I'm not holding out hope (and a 5th star)!
In all, I'm thrilled with my Air Pad. It ain't cheap, but I feel it's one of the very best gear investments I've made. Strongly recommended!
This pad is among the best that I have used or tested. It's stated weight is spot on. It is warm to the stated temp. rating. I just got back from a 3 night/4 day trip in the Gila. The first morning was 22f (lots of humidity; ice all over the inside and heavy frost on the outside of the tent). I was using my Marmot Pinnacle 15 and wearing a complete base layer (with socks and beanie). I was just beginning to become cooler lying there talking myself out of the bag that morning. (I would definitely go back to my BA Insulated Air core if it were to be any colder.) I have owned the BA Insulated Air Core, the BA ClearView, the BA REI Sand Mountain Insulated Air Pad (same as the BA Insulated AC but with only 6 cambers instead of 7.) As far as sleeping comfort, I fine the SynMat UL7 at least as comfortable as the BA pads... possibly a litte more comfortable. The UL7 is just not as warm as the BA insulated Air cores. If it weren't for the ridiculous expense of this pad I would hands down say buy this one..... but this is crazzzyy (say it like Nacho Libre would) to ask this much. At this price EXped should include turn-down service! Oh, forgot to talk about durability: My dog is pretty hard on anything in the tent. This pad made it through three days of him clawing at it.
Update : During late summer of 2012 on the CDT (many nights on it by this point), I lost the check flap of the valve on the inflate side. Exped replaced this mat with a new one. Thanks Exped!
Awesome lightweight pad thats comfy!
I have used a variety of sleeping pads over the years, from a piece of closed cell foam when I was younger and tougher to the fat Exped downmat 9 (which I still use in winter camping). This new pad from Exped is perfect for backpacking and mountaineering. It offers the comfort that I have now become used to, but also packs into a very small package! It's plenty warm enough, easy to inflate with the two flat valves (I like that they do not stick out the end of the pad) and small and lightweight so it's really easy to carry, even if going super lightweight. One of the best things is that they did not make it just look small by squeezing it into it's stuffsack in some never to be repeated manner. It just slides right back into the stuffsack, even if I fold it lazily. Infact, I can make it even smaller. I've used a similar pad from another company prior to this, and found it was not as warm and a little crinkly sounding when sleeping on it. I also prefer the baffels going lengthways on the Exped pad, just seems more comfy to me and allow me to move the air easily and get super comfortable.
Many of my friends have commented that Exped pads are great, but they wanted something smaller and lighter. A few of them have now also bought the Synmat UL after seeing mine. So yes, I'd definitley reccomend this a friend.
Many of my friends have commented that Exped pads are great, but they wanted something smaller and lighter. A few of them have now also bought the Synmat UL after seeing mine. So yes, I'd definitley reccomend this a friend.
Negative Reviews:
Doesn't last, mediocre customer service
I bought this early this year and used it for about a half-dozen multi-day wilderness backpacking trips - Joshua Tree, Zion, Mt. Whitney, Yosemite, Mt. San Jacinto, Devil's Postpile. It's no fun to blow up, particularly at altitude, but I was willing to overlook that because I loved the size/weight of it. One early drawback: I found it "noisy" if you tend to move around at night, as I do. A few camp mates said they heard it crinkling. But it was comfortable as a bed and packed so small, it was easy to overlook those minor drawbaks. However, it soon began to lose air overnight - enough that I had to give it a few puffs before retiring. Then a few of the interior baffles ruptured, creating bulges in several areas. By the time my dog popped it by clawing it, I was almost relieved to be done with this rather expensive balloon. There weren't enough patches to fix the rupture, and duct tape didn't help much. It was blown. I was lucky to be car camping and within reach of a sporting goods store. Anyway, why bother fixing it if it was already showing signs of being a bad pad? Customer service mentioned that they were baffled with the baffle issue, and suggested I send photos. I did, and never heard back.
Can't sleep on a sausage
Very confortable and lightweight. Easy to inflate using the Exped air pump pillow. I did not experience slipping issues as others have because I usually slip something under it to level it out. The major problem is that after sleeping on it around 25 night while I was sleeping on this in my bivy, the internal dividers separated (with 2 loud bangs) and what had been 4 tubes became 2 big tubes. At the time of writing this review I've only seen one other person who has experienced this problem, but now that it has occured at least twice, you've got to suspect that this is more than a sample defect and the overall quality of this product may be lacking.
Why Does Everyone Love this exped?
I bought this item before going backpacking in the Tobacco Root Mtns and to upgrade my tired 15 year old Thermarest. I had read all the positive reviews and thought this Exped was for me. Great size, length and lightweight... Maybe too lightweight. It popped in a matter of hours while I was sleeping in my tent with a ground cloth. It came with a number of patches, I could have repaired it (for next time; glue has got to dry) but if it can't survive one night, it's not adequate to take up precise, limited space in my pack.
Light, warm, but not durable enough for
I suspect this mattress would be great for folks that don't move much in their sleep. However, the seams that keep the ridges in the mattress have begun to separate after the third use. I am an average sized female and didn't do anything but sleep on it. I'll be bringing this back to REI and talking to them about whether I just got a faulty one or if I should look at something a little more durable.
Maybe TOO light
After two weeks into a month of kayaking in Baja, several of the tube dividers/baffles split, creating a couple of big sausages in the mattress. It did not actually leak, but you now had to sleep on a couple of big 8" + round tubes.
Swiss Quality?? At this price, you could bring two Big Agnes pads.
Swiss Quality?? At this price, you could bring two Big Agnes pads.
Neutral Reviews:
Nice pad, but too slick on top!
Exped has a very nice pad in the Synmat UL 7. It is lightweight, pumps up/deflates easily, is comfortable, packs up small and the valves are a real improvement over the standard types from Thermarest and Big Agnes, etc. It also comes with a carry sack and patch kit (are you listening Thermarest?).
One feature that stands out are the independent valves - one for inflation and one for deflation. When you inflate, the valve automatically seals, so you don't have to perform any mouth to valve gymnastics between breaths. If you want to adjust the firmness while on the mat, just reach behind, undo the valve cap and tap on the inner seal. Each tap lets out a tiny bit of air, making adjustments a cinch. Very easy to do and very effective. Time to deflate? Pull the other plug and the air rushes out quickly. Nice.
I found the pad slightly wider than spec'd, at 21", and the outer most ridges are slightly taller and wider than those on the inner section, which makes the pad quite comfortable, especially for those with wider shoulders. I found it about as insulating as a NeoAir pad, if just a tiny bit more. Basically, they are nearly the same.
All in all, the Exped could have been my new go to pad, but for one flaw. It is too slippery on top and bottom. After a few nights waking up either near the bottom or near the top of the pad due to sliding as I slept (or having the pad slide in the tent), I have gone back to my NeoAir (which has a top and bottom that sticks like Velcro). For me this was just too important. For you it may not be.
I have not owned long enough to speak as to it's durability, but if you take care and use common sense, it should do just fine. So, bottom line is that the Exped Synmat UL 7 is a very nice pad. Does almost everything right, and if you can deal with the one flaw (slippery surface), then you'll be very happy I'm sure.
One feature that stands out are the independent valves - one for inflation and one for deflation. When you inflate, the valve automatically seals, so you don't have to perform any mouth to valve gymnastics between breaths. If you want to adjust the firmness while on the mat, just reach behind, undo the valve cap and tap on the inner seal. Each tap lets out a tiny bit of air, making adjustments a cinch. Very easy to do and very effective. Time to deflate? Pull the other plug and the air rushes out quickly. Nice.
I found the pad slightly wider than spec'd, at 21", and the outer most ridges are slightly taller and wider than those on the inner section, which makes the pad quite comfortable, especially for those with wider shoulders. I found it about as insulating as a NeoAir pad, if just a tiny bit more. Basically, they are nearly the same.
All in all, the Exped could have been my new go to pad, but for one flaw. It is too slippery on top and bottom. After a few nights waking up either near the bottom or near the top of the pad due to sliding as I slept (or having the pad slide in the tent), I have gone back to my NeoAir (which has a top and bottom that sticks like Velcro). For me this was just too important. For you it may not be.
I have not owned long enough to speak as to it's durability, but if you take care and use common sense, it should do just fine. So, bottom line is that the Exped Synmat UL 7 is a very nice pad. Does almost everything right, and if you can deal with the one flaw (slippery surface), then you'll be very happy I'm sure.
Light weight but expensive and slippery
This is an above average sleeping pad but it is expensive and for the price, need to be ever better. The sleeping pad packs up very small and seems to have some insulation for colder weather but you can still feel the cold on a 40 degree night. The dual valves makes it very easy to inflate and deflate which is great and the material doesn't make much noise when you move around on it like some pads. It is however very slippery and I found myself sliding off of it during the night. Luckily, I was in my Alpinelight WM sleeping bag which kept me warm and dry. This would be a very comfortable pad if your sleeping bag has a slot to insert it and keep it in place but it didn't work out well for me.
Slippy Slidey!!
I bought this mat for two reasons, comfort on backpack trips and compact size. Also, it weighed a lot less than my last sleeping pad, and a good friend of mine uses one and loved it. And it was comfortable, until the gussets started opening up making a large bulge on one side that slid me off the mat!! I managed over the next 8 days by inflating it only slightly adding a yoga mat to the top and putting my tent on a slight slant , if possible, to keep me on the mat better. It's all pretty funny now, but at the time, I wasn't laughing. I love a thicker mat and will try another one. This was probably just a factory second. Wish me luck!!
Comfortable & light but leaked
Had big expectations for this sleeping pad based on the other ratings. Unfortunately, it leaked on me the first night out and I could not find the source of the leak. Had to pump it back up every 90 minutes which was not a good start with this pad. I'm taking it back to REI for an exchange, as I hope I just got a dud. Other than the leak, I liked this pad a lot.
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