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Outwell Dreamcatcher Review

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Amazon Rating Brand – Outwell Price – £64 Variety – Self Inflating Mat  R-Value – 6.7 Weight –  2.3KG Thickness – 7.5cm or 10cm or 12cm (Three Options) Inflated Size – H195cm  W63cm   Packed Size – 67cm X 17cm Valves – Twin Valves view best deal on amazon Pro’s High R-Value (warmth rating) High level of comfort Extremely stable  Very competitive price Cons Large packed size Slow/ hard to deflate The Outwell Dreamcatcher – The Bottom Line Comfort The mattress were looking at in this review is the 10cm version. The thickness of this camping mattress provides a good level of comfort, although it lacks the plushness of the Dreamboat Single and Therm-A-Rest Mondoking. Despite its thickness, it feels stable and you don’t feel like your going to roll off unlike some taller inflatable mats. Another area the Dreamcatcher lacks compared to the Dreamboat is the fabric. The fabric isn’t as gentle on the skin as the Dreamboat Single, however it doesn’t produce noise and isn’t slippery.  Sleeping Positions It may feel slightly too firm for side sleepers or individuals with hip issues, but adjusting the air pressure can easily achieve a softer sleeping surface. Perhaps if you do like to sleep on your side you should look at the Dreamcatcher 12cm version which will provide easily enough depth. This version also has a seriously impressive 7.5 R-Value! Or, if you’re more concerned about weight, bulk and pack size, you might consider the 7.5cm Dreamcatcher version. Compared to standard inflatable sleeping pads or basic air mattresses, the Outwell Dreamcatcher will feel like genuine luxury. Much like the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing, the Dreamcatcher has vertical sidewalls. This means you can fully utilize the expansive 195cm length and 63cm width. Again, its nice to not feel like you’re going to roll of in the middle of the night!  Warmth and R-Value This Outwell Dreamcatcher really wins against the Dreamboat when it comes to combining winter level insulation with year round comfort. With an impressive R-value of 6.7, it should help you sleep safely and warmly through frosty nights. R-value is the measurement of a products thermal resistance. Basically the higher the number the warmer the mattress. You can find out more about R-value in our how to choose the right sleeping mat article.  Although 6.7 isn’t the highest R-Value mattress we’ve reviewed its certainly a warm cosy mattress. It’s recommended for winter camping to have a mattress with an R-value above 4.0. This means the Outwell Dreamcatcher is a solid four season mattress and will offer sufficient insulation all year round from the cold ground. Just bare in mind that 12cm version has an R-Value of 7.5! So, if you’re wanting to do a lot of winter camping then this is probably a great option!  Obviously your mattress is just one part of your sleeping system and what you wear to sleep as well as the R-Value of your sleeping bag plays a large part. For winter camping you could always use a Closed Cell Foam mat underneath your inflatable mattress to increase the total R-Value (warmth) of your bed.  Ease Of Use Despite its thickness and bulkiness, this mat offers faster and more thorough self-inflation compared to both Outwell’s Dreamboat 12cm and the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3d. Within two minutes and just a few additional breaths the mattress will be at full depth.  However, it does demand more pressure than the others for rolling up again. Nonetheless, after two rolls, this mat can be further compressed with its two Velcro straps, neatly fitting into its storage bag.  The Dreamcatcher has two single Flat High-Flow Valves. They fit neatly on the mattress side and one allows for self-inflation and deflation, the other is a one-way system, which allows you to top up the inflation levels by mouth. Portability And Durability Again just like the Dreamboat you wouldn’t want to be carrying this mattress far. It has a sole purpose of providing year round camping comfort and as it weighs 2.3KG its no good for anything but leisure camping.  Pack Size Due to the Dreamcatcher having a 10cm thick foam core it does have a large pack size. However its weight and packsize is much less than the Dreamboat and MondoKing due to it having horizontal air channels. This means it can roll up a lot tighter.  The Dreamcatcher doesn’t take up too much room in the boot of your car but just bare in mind that if you’ve got a significant other that will also want one, perhaps looking at one of our reviewed double mattresses would be better in these cases.  Durability Although self inflating mats aren’t as durable as closed cell foam mats they are certainly much more reliable than standard air pads. The Danish brand Outwell itself is extremely trusted amongst the outdoor community and is known for producing high quality products. The Dreamcatcher has a extremely durable outer cover layer to protect it from  puncturing. Self inflating mats obviously have much higher R-Values and comfort levels to closed cell foam mats but that’s not to say you can’t put one under your inflatable mat to increase warmth and protection from the ground! Conclusion Great value for such a warm comfortable mattress and at this price I think its definitely one of the best value for money mattresses. The reason why I think its so well priced is because its a solid four season mattress. It means you can get your monies worth all year round so if you’re looking to combine good comfort levels with the insulation levels required for winter camping, this would be a great option for you! View The Best Price Here view best deal on amazon DISCLAIMER– This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase the product I’ve reviewed using the link provided I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Writing product reviews takes time, so this way it will help me to continue writing about products I believe in

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Outwell Dreamboat Review

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Amazon Rating Brand – Outwell Price – £179.50 Variety – Self Inflating Mat  R-Value – 2.8 and 4.7 (Twin sided) Weight –  3.2KG Thickness – 7.5cm or 12cm or 16cm (Three Options) Inflated Size – H200cm  W77cm   Packed Size – 76cm X 22cm Valves – Twin Valves view best deal on amazon Pro’s Effortless inflation and deflation High level of comfort Extremely stable  Soft fabric Cons Large packed size Expensive Low R-Value The Outwell Dreamboat – The Bottom Line Comfort Very much like the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D we reviewed, I honestly don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the comfort of this mattress! No matter what your preferred sleeping position, the comfort is one area that this mattress really excels! I tried out the 12cm version, which is the middle option as you can also get this mattress in depths of 7.5cm and 16cm. I can’t comment personally on the 7.5cm version, however after reading some trusted reviews its safe to say that it also offers great comfort. This obviously means that the 16cm version must offer enough comfort for even the princess and the pea to get a full nights sleep!  Compared to standard inflatable sleeping pads or basic air mattresses, the Outwell Dreamboat will feel like genuine luxury. Much like the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing, the Dreamboat has vertical sidewalls. This means you can fully utilize the expansive 2M length and 77cm width. If you like to sprawl out like a starfish then you can do just that! Not only that but the Dreamboat sidewalls are also really tough, which makes for a really stable mattress and a good nights sleep.  Warmth and R-Value The MondoKing has an R-value (warmth) rating of 2.8 and 4.7. R-value is the measurement of a products thermal resistance. Basically the higher the number the warmer the mattress. You can find out more about R-value in our how to choose the right sleeping mat article. The Outwell Dreamboat is quite unique in that its twin sided. The clever shaping of the foam not only makes this mat more comfortable and easier to deflate, but it also gives it two different insulation levels, with its R-value of 2.8 on one side and 4.7 on the other taking it into warmer autumn months as well as summer ones. It’s recommended for winter camping to have a mattress with an R-value above 4.0. This means the Outwell Dreamboat could be used over winter but I wouldn’t recommend this! If you’re wanting to winter camp then I’d recommend looking at mattresses with a higher R-Value to ensure warmth and comfort. The Outwell Dreamcatcher and Therm-A-Rest MondoKing are two really good options.  Obviously your mattress is just one part of your sleeping system and what you wear to sleep as well as the R-Value of your sleeping bag plays a large part. For those colder nights you could always use a Closed Cell Foam mat underneath your inflatable mattress to increase the total R-Value (warmth) of your bed.  Ease Of Use For initial inflation I allow the mattress to inflate while I set up the rest of my camp. I’d say it takes around 10 minutes to self inflate to its maximum level and then you do have give it some breaths to get it to the desired firmness. The tough side panels don’t  bend under pressure, which does aid with the inflation.  The Dreamboat has two single Flat High-Flow Valves. They fit neatly on the mattress side and one allows for self-inflation and deflation, the other is a one-way system, which allows you to top up the inflation levels by mouth. The deflation valve releases air from the mattress. Compressing the foam does require some effort to fit it into the storage sack but is easier than a lot of the mattresses we’ve tested due to the internal foams clever shape.  Portability And Durability Again just like the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing, you wouldn’t want to be carrying this mattress far. It has a sole purpose of providing ultimate comfort and as it weighs 3.2KG its no good for anything but leisure camping. Pack Size Due to the Dreamboat having a 12cm thick foam core it does have a large pack size. Its not as big as some of the mattresses we’ve reviewed however, just bare in mind that it will take up a lot of space in the boot of your car. This might not be a problem for you but especially if you’ve got a significant other that will also want one, perhaps looking at one of our reviewed double mattresses would be better in these cases.  Durability Although self inflating mats aren’t as durable as closed cell foam mats they are certainly much more reliable than standard air pads. The Danish brand Outwell itself is extremely trusted amongst the outdoor community and is known for producing high quality products. The Dreamboat has a extremely durable outer cover layer to protect it from  puncturing. Self inflating mats obviously have much higher R-Values and comfort levels to closed cell foam mats but that’s not to say you can’t put one under your inflatable mat to increase warmth and protection from the ground! Conclusion You’ll want to get plenty of use out of this camping mattress for the price but after a couple of summer nights on it, you might end up wondering why you ever worried about the cost! Its up there with our favourite reviewed leisure camping mattresses due to its unbelievable comfort. The only thing that’s holding it back is its low R-value but we understand that the majority of people going leisure camping tend to do it over the summer months. No matter what your sleeping position, you’ll find this mattress comfortable due to its super thick, clever designed foam core!  View The Best Price Here view best deal on amazon DISCLAIMER– This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase the product I’ve reviewed using the link provided I’ll receive a small commission at no

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Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D Review

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Amazon Rating Brand – Therm-A-Rest Price – £280 (XXL version) Variety – Self Inflating Mat with Inflation sack R-Value – 7.0 Weight – 2.38 KG Thickness – 10.8cm (4.25”) Inflated Size – H203cm  W76.2cm  D10.81cm Packed Size – 9x 32” Valves – Twinlock Accessories – Stuff Sack view best deal on amazon Pro’s Included stuff sack doubles as a pump Effortless inflation and deflation High level of comfort Warm enough for all-season use Cons Large packed size Expensive Therm-A-Rest MondoKing – The Bottom Line Comfort I honestly don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the comfort of this mattress! Compared to standard inflatable sleeping pads or basic air mattresses, the MondoKing 3D elevates your camping experience to genuine luxury. The vertical sidewalls mean you can fully utilize the expansive 2M length and 76.2cm width. If you like to sprawl out like a starfish then you can do just that! While this may seem over the top for camping, the reassurance of not teetering on the edge of the mattress is really nice. I bought the XXL version which features the specifications above but you can get a large version if you don’t require such a big mattress and want to save some money and space! I’ll attach it down below as well so you can take a look. Sleeping positions Irrespective of your preferred sleeping position, adjusting the firmness of the MondoKing’s 10.8cm foam core is so simple with its separate one way valves. One for inflation and one for deflation which are conveniently labeled. Speaking from experience I recommend adding extra air before settling in for the night. It’s a lot easier to release air out of the release valve than have to get up and start inflating the mattress with the inflation sack. This way you can fine tune the air level for optimal comfort as needed without leaving your bed! Crafted with StrataCore Foam, which is basically a thermal foam core ensconced between foam and air ridges, the MondoKing has a distinctive wave like texture which is designed to be easier to roll up than previous models. Its also much lighter than its predecessor but with that being said on paper it does have a lower R-Value. You can’t feel the ridges during sleep and the soft polyester cover provides a non-slip, breathable, and all round comfortable surface. While many mattresses we’ve tested offer comfort, the MondoKing undoubtedly stands out as one of the premier choices. Warmth and R-Value The MondoKing has an R-value (warmth) rating of 7 which is slightly lower than the previous model. R-value is the measurement of a products thermal resistance. Basically the higher the number the warmer the mattress. You can find out more about R-value in our how to choose the right sleeping mat article. Although 7 isn’t the highest R-Value mattress we’ve reviewed its certainly a warm cosy mattress. It’s recommended for winter camping to have a mattress with an R-value above 4.0. This means the Therm-A-Rest Mondoking is a solid four season mattress and will offer sufficient insulation all year round from the cold ground. Obviously your mattress is just one part of your sleeping system and what you wear to sleep as well as the R-Value of your sleeping bag plays a large part. For winter camping you could always use a Closed Cell Foam mat underneath your inflatable mattress to increase the total R-Value (warmth) of your bed.  Ease Of Use The labeled valves positioned at each of the bottom two corners of the mattress are such a great feature and make getting the desired firmness so easy. They’re larger than the older two way valve, allowing for increased airflow resulting in quicker inflation and deflation compared to the old system. The Therm-A-Rest MondoKing can still be inflated by mouth, but the stuff sack serves a dual purpose as an inflation sack!  So, no more feeling like you’re going to pass out! The sack attaches securely to the valve, and with a light blow into the bag (or catching a breeze), followed by rolling up the sack to push air inside, inflating the mattress is easy! Although I can’t confirm Therm-a-Rest’s claim that this system is three times faster than the old one, it’s undoubtedly user friendly.  For initial inflation I allow the mattress to inflate while I set up the rest of my camp. I’d say it takes around 20 minutes to self inflate to its maximum level and then using only the pump sack, it takes approximately two and a half minutes to fully inflate. The deflation valve releases air from the mattress. Compressing the foam does require some effort to fit it into the storage sack. However, thanks to the one way deflation valve, air doesn’t re-enter, making it a simple process of rolling once to remove most of the air and then rolling again to pack everything tightly.  Portability And Durability Even though the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing is lighter than the previous model, which is impressive considering its bigger, you wouldn’t want to be carrying it far. This mattress has a sole purpose of providing year round ultimate comfort and as it weighs 2.38KG its no good for anything but leisure camping. Pack Size Due to the MondoKing having such a thick foam core it does have a large pack size. Its not as big as some of the mattresses we’ve reviewed however, just bare in mind that it will take up a lot of space in the boot of your car especially if you’ve got a significant other that will also want one! Perhaps looking at one of our reviewed double mattresses would be better in these cases.  Durability Although self inflating mats aren’t as durable as closed cell foam mats they are certainly much more reliable than standard air pads. Therm-A-Rest is one of the oldest, most trusted brands in the outdoor market and is known for producing high quality products so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a premium product.

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Exped Flexmat Plus Foam Sleeping Mat- £60

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Amazon Rating Brand – Exped Price – £60 Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat  R-Value – 2.2 Weight – 0.55 KG Thickness – 1.5” (3.8cm) Unfold Size – H197.1cm  W65cm  D3.81cm Packed Size – H65cm W18cm D16cm view best deal on amazon Product Features Rapidly deployable folding form for quick and easy camp setup and takedown. High-quality, lightweight, and durable microcellular IXPE foam with a Flex-Cell structure ensures long-lasting use; DWR-free. Array of air-trapping Flex-Cells creates a thick, warm sleep surface, nesting inside one another when folded to minimize packed size. Multiple rectangular segments fold compactly for easy packing  Extremely high warmth to weight ratio makes the FlexMat Plus an ideal add on for all season sleeping systems.  Adds substantial insulation, durability, and moisture resistance when layered beneath inflatable sleeping mats. Winter Mode: Folding in half doubles thickness for increased insulation and cushioning under the torso, perfect for winter camping. Pillow Mode: Stacking initial segments creates a customised pillow section for head and neck support. R-value of 2.2 makes it best for cool weather adventures, providing moderate insulation from ground temperature. The Bottom Line Warmth and R-Value Closed cell foam mats are known for their consistent warmth in all weather conditions. Exped is a trusted brand that was developed in 1983 and now produces a wide range of quality outdoor products. The Exped Flexmat Plus has an R-Value of 2.2 making it the warmest closed cell foam mat on the market. It is 140 grams heavier though than its lighter model, the Exped Flexmat lite. This is down to the Plus version also being the thickest ultralight closed cell foam mat on the market, measuring 3.8cm thick. Most closed cell foam mats are around 1.5cm thick, so it just goes to show that doubling the thickness doesn’t double the R-Value of a sleeping mat.  That being said, most closed cell foam mats have an R-Value of 1.5- 2. The thickness and R_value of the Exped Flexmat Plus is really what sets it apart from the others on the market. This sleeping mat will effectively shield you from the cold ground. It will also prevent any damp from striking up due to its water resistant properties. The mat has a good unfolded size (larger than most other ultralight mats) and will mean for most people their whole body will be insulated from the ground. Its ideal for use alongside inflatable mats as well to prevent damp and cold striking up as well as providing protection for the inflatable mat.  Comfort The Exped Flexmat light has a thickness of 3.8cm thick, even though its the thickest on the market I personally don’t think its the comfiest as I think both the Nemo Switchback and the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite beat it for comfort when lying directly onto the mat. The pad is very hard and the egg shaped bubbles are bigger than the usual style, so they can feel weird and uncomfortable until you break in the pad or get accustomed to it.  With that being said closed cell foam mats are designed only to provide adequate cushioning from the ground. This makes them suitable for camping, backpacking and outdoor activities such as thru hiking and fishing. However, they don’t offer the same level of plushness as some other types of sleeping pads, such as self-inflating or air mats.  That’s not to say this mat can’t serve as a ground layer to a SIM or air pad. Closed cell foam mats work great to protect Air Pads and Self Inflating Mats from getting punctures from the sharp ground. Also, acting as a base layer closed cell foam mats will insulate and increase the R-Value of your sleep system. To calculate R-Value, simply add each R-value together of your sleep system.  Portability And Durability Closed cell foam mats are valued for their durability and lightweight design. At just 500 grams this mat has incredible weight to warmth ratio, having an R-Value of 2.2. The Exped Flexmat Plus mat has a ‘Z’ fold up design so it can be easily compacted down and attached to the outside of a rucksack. The egg shapes also interlock making the packed mat secure and compact. (see top of page for packed size) The pack size isn’t as small as that of an Air Mats. However, because closed cell foam mats are virtually indestructible, they can be carried on the outside of rucksacks without concerns of damaging them. This also means more room inside the rucksack for other items! View The Best Price Here view best deal on amazon DISCLAIMER– This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase the product I’ve reviewed using the link provided I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Writing product reviews takes time, so this way it will help me to continue writing about products I believe in long into the future! Thank you! Similar Products & Posts How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat Selecting the ideal sleeping mat for your camping adventures… Read More Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Mat- £70 Nemo Switchback V’s Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL No you haven’t clicked the wrong link don’t… Read More Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Sleeping Mat- £50 Nemo Switchback V’s Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL No you haven’t clicked the wrong link don’t… Read More

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Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Mat- £70

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Nemo Switchback V’s Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL No you haven’t clicked the wrong link don’t worry!  It’s just that these market leaders are so similar that we thought it’s best to compare them side-by-side to make it easier for you to choose. Although after reading this article the choice might be even harder, who knows! There’s absolutely no doubt that the Nemo Switchback and the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOl are the best two closed cell foam sleeping mats on the market today. So, how do you decide? Well, lets get into it! Side-By-Side Comparison Nemo Switchback Features Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Features Nemo Switchback Features Amazon Rating Price – £68.77 Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat  Design –  Z folding design Best For – Backpacking  R-Value – 2.0 Size – H182cm W50cm (regular)  Weight – 411 Grams Thickness – 2.286cm  view best deal on amazon Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Features Amazon Rating Price – £42 (currently on offer) Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat  Design –  Z folding design Best For – Backpacking  R-Value – 2.0 Size – H182cm W50cm (regular)  Weight – 397 Grams Thickness – 1.9cm  view best deal on amazon So, How To Choose? Alright, so both of these pads have a folding design, and both have the same sort of bubble texture. Both have a regular version available (both 182cm long), as well as a short version (both 129cm long). Both are 50cm wide. Both have the same R-value, listed at 2.0. Both are extremely high quality and durable Both would serve well as base layer to your sleeping system to increase R-Value and make it an all-season system as well as protecting your inflatable pad from punctures.  Both are extremely versatile and can double up for a range of different uses. And finally both have the same 4.7 rating on Amazon So finally, a difference! In the US both these mats are the same price however with UK deals and shipping the Therm-A-Rest comes in a little bit cheaper than the Nemo! This may just be how you base your decision, although that decision might change by the end of the review 😉 Here’s another difference, the Therm-a-Rest is 1.9cm thick, but the Nemo has a plush thickness of 2.286cm! Which does sound nice! But wait… the Therm-a-Rest weighs 397grams, and the Nemo weighs 411grams.  Oh, and the Nemo does pack slightly smaller than the Therm-A-Rest. Although both will be attached to the outside of your rucksack, so this isn’t a deal breaker for the Therm-A-Rest. So, the basis of your choice is clear!  Whats more important to you? Price, less weight or greater thickness. Here’s My Experience I’ve owned the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite Sol for a number of years now, and I’ve come to a significant realisation. Basically, all foam pads are quite alike. The disparities are minimal, and noticeable differences only emerge when swapping from a high end branded pads to a basic budget closed cell foam variants. That being said, before I owned the Z-Lite SOL, I owned the Therm-A-Rest Ridgerest Classic. Another great mat from Therm-A-Rest, although it doesn’t have the foldable design and instead roles away. (I’ll leave a link to this at the bottom of the page). I’ve noticed that the Z-Lite tends to degrade more rapidly and lose its cushioning (along with R-value warmth) quicker than the traditional Ridgerest. Initially, the folding bubble pattern of the Z-lite may appear technologically superior, and perhaps it is more efficient when the pad is brand new. However, I’ve found that the bubble design deteriorates faster over time. While I haven’t tested the Nemo Switchback (although it’s high on my list of new purchases), given its similarity to the Therm-a-Rest, I would imagine it will succumb to the same wear and tear. However, its additional thickness may offer some cushioning against this effect, which gets me thinking. If I were starting fresh and had to decide between the two, I would choose the Nemo Switchback. The slight increase in weight isn’t significant (even for an ultralight backpacker) when it provides that extra, albeit minimal, degree of thickness. VIEW THE NEMO SWITCHBACK HERE VIEW BEST DEAL ON AMAZON VIEW THE THERM-A-REST Z-LITE SOL HERE VIEW BEST DEAL ON AMAZON VIEW THE THERM-A-REST RIDGEREST CLASSIC HERE VIEW BEST DEAL ON AMAZON DISCLAIMER– This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase the product I’ve reviewed using the link provided I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Writing product reviews takes time, so this way it will help me to continue writing about products I believe in long into the future! Thank you! Similar Products & Posts How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat Selecting the ideal sleeping mat for your camping adventures… Read More Why Choose A Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat? Why Choose A Foam Mat When Self Inflating Mats and Air Pads Exist? Inflatable pads are absolutely… Read More Wolf Walker Lightweight Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat- £34 Amazon Rating Brand –… Read More

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Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Sleeping Mat- £50

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Nemo Switchback V’s Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL No you haven’t clicked the wrong link don’t worry!  It’s just that these market leaders are so similar that we thought it’s best to compare them side-by-side to make it easier for you to choose. Although after reading this article the choice might be even harder, who knows! There’s absolutely no doubt that the Nemo Switchback and the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOl are the best two closed cell foam sleeping mats on the market today. So, how do you decide? Well, lets get into it! Side-By-Side Comparison Nemo Switchback Features Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Features Nemo Switchback Features Amazon Rating Price – £68.77 Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat  Design –  Z folding design Best For – Backpacking  R-Value – 2.0 Size – H182cm W50cm (regular)  Weight – 411 Grams Thickness – 2.286cm  view best deal on amazon Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Features Amazon Rating Price – £42 (currently on offer) Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat  Design –  Z folding design Best For – Backpacking  R-Value – 2.0 Size – H182cm W50cm (regular)  Weight – 397 Grams Thickness – 1.9cm  view best deal on amazon So, How To Choose? Alright, so both of these pads have a folding design, and both have the same sort of bubble texture. Both have a regular version available (both 182cm long), as well as a short version (both 129cm long). Both are 50cm wide. Both have the same R-value, listed at 2.0. Both are extremely high quality and durable Both would serve well as base layer to your sleeping system to increase R-Value and make it an all-season system as well as protecting your inflatable pad from punctures.  Both are extremely versatile and can double up for a range of different uses. And finally both have the same 4.7 rating on Amazon So finally, a difference! In the US both these mats are the same price however with UK deals and shipping the Therm-A-Rest comes in a little bit cheaper than the Nemo! This may just be how you base your decision, although that decision might change by the end of the review 😉 Here’s another difference, the Therm-a-Rest is 1.9cm thick, but the Nemo has a plush thickness of 2.286cm! Which does sound nice! But wait… the Therm-a-Rest weighs 397grams, and the Nemo weighs 411grams.  Oh, and the Nemo does pack slightly smaller than the Therm-A-Rest. Although both will be attached to the outside of your rucksack, so this isn’t a deal breaker for the Therm-A-Rest. So, the basis of your choice is clear!  Whats more important to you? Price, less weight or greater thickness. Here’s My Experience I’ve owned the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite Sol for a number of years now, and I’ve come to a significant realisation. Basically, all foam pads are quite alike. The disparities are minimal, and noticeable differences only emerge when swapping from a high end branded pads to a basic budget closed cell foam variants. That being said, before I owned the Z-Lite SOL, I owned the Therm-A-Rest Ridgerest Classic. Another great mat from Therm-A-Rest, although it doesn’t have the foldable design and instead roles away. (I’ll leave a link to this at the bottom of the page). I’ve noticed that the Z-Lite tends to degrade more rapidly and lose its cushioning (along with R-value warmth) quicker than the traditional Ridgerest. Initially, the folding bubble pattern of the Z-lite may appear technologically superior, and perhaps it is more efficient when the pad is brand new. However, I’ve found that the bubble design deteriorates faster over time. While I haven’t tested the Nemo Switchback (although it’s high on my list of new purchases), given its similarity to the Therm-a-Rest, I would imagine it will succumb to the same wear and tear. However, its additional thickness may offer some cushioning against this effect, which gets me thinking. If I were starting fresh and had to decide between the two, I would choose the Nemo Switchback. The slight increase in weight isn’t significant (even for an ultralight backpacker) when it provides that extra, albeit minimal, degree of thickness. VIEW THE NEMO SWITCHBACK HERE VIEW BEST DEAL ON AMAZON VIEW THE THERM-A-REST Z-LITE SOL HERE VIEW BEST DEAL ON AMAZON VIEW THE THERM-A-REST RIDGEREST CLASSIC HERE VIEW BEST DEAL ON AMAZON DISCLAIMER– This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase the product I’ve reviewed using the link provided I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Writing product reviews takes time, so this way it will help me to continue writing about products I believe in long into the future! Thank you! Similar Products & Posts How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat Selecting the ideal sleeping mat for your camping adventures… Read More Why Choose A Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat? Why Choose A Foam Mat When Self Inflating Mats and Air Pads Exist? Inflatable pads are absolutely… Read More Wolf Walker Lightweight Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat- £34 Amazon Rating Brand –… Read More

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Why Choose A Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat?

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Why Choose A Foam Mat When Self Inflating Mats and Air Pads Exist? Inflatable pads are absolutely great and definitely have their time and place! They can offer great comfort, R-Value’s and pack sizes however, we’re not going to talk about them here. The fact you’re reading this article tells me you know or have experienced the drawbacks to the modern sleeping mats. So, this article is all about classic closed cell foam mats.  We all know what they are and we’ve all seen them but why would you choose them over the more modern Air Pads and SIM’s?  Well let me ask you this, if you were given a choice between a foam pad and an inflatable one with a hole in it, which would you choose? Here’s all the benefits and drawbacks to this classic style of sleeping mat! Advantages Of Foam 1) Foam is Durable Sooner or later, an inflatable pad will inevitably develop a hole. It might take months, or even years of rigorous use. You could hike thousands of miles before encountering it. But it’s almost certain to occur. When it does, you’re left with the options of patching the hole and hoping it holds, especially in cold weather, or replacing the pad altogether. In contrast, foam pads don’t get punctures. This assurance means you can use them without worry, even in rough, pointy terrains. You can confidently camp anywhere, knowing your pad won’t fail you. Additionally, you can utilise it as a handy seat during breaks, further enhancing its practicality and versatility. 2) Foam Is Fast And Easy Hiking and Backpacking involves a multitude of daily tasks, from packing and unpacking gear to cooking, cleaning, and treating water. Inflatable pads introduce an additional step to this routine. Each day requires inflating and deflating the pad, compressing it, tightly wrapping it, and struggling to fit it into a stuff sack. This process becomes a repetitive chore, requiring time and effort on a daily basis. In contrast, foam pads offer a simpler and more efficient solution. With no need for inflation or deflation, they streamline the packing process, saving valuable time and energy. From personal experience, I can attest that minimising daily chores during a long-distance hike can greatly improve the overall experience. 3) Foam Is Silent Inflatable pads are notorious for their noise. They emit squeaky plastic sounds with every movement, which can be quite disruptive for yourself and neighbouring campers. The sound of getting comfortable on a night can soon become frustrating and this is yet another problem you won’t have with the classic foam mat.   4) Foam Is Cheaper High quality inflatable pads typically cost around £200. The highest quality foam mats are between £40- £80. For those seeking a more budget friendly option, you can get good quality foam mats for £20- £30. All the pads listed on the bottom of the page are under £80, with the majority falling below £40. Although some inflatable pads may be comparable in weight, foam pads generally lighter. They offer greater cost effectiveness when compared by weight. This is particularly evident when considering that many lightweight backpackers choose to trim down foam pads with a knife to reduce weight. 5) Foam Is Versatile A fundamental principle of backpacking is maximising the versatility of your gear. Inflatable pads, however, are limited in their utility, primarily serving as sleeping surfaces. While you can attempt to repurpose them for other tasks, there’s always a lingering concern about damaging or puncturing them. In contrast, foam pads offer a multitude of practical applications. Aside from providing a comfortable seat during breaks, they can double as a windscreen for cooking or be utilised as an improvised splint in emergency situations. The versatility of foam pads opens up numerous possibilities for resourceful hikers, with some ultra light enthusiasts even using them as backpack frames. Disadvantages of Foam 1) Foam Is Not As Comfortable Inflatable pads are more comfortable than foam options. They excel at providing padding against rocks and roots, offering customisable firmness levels by adjusting air pressure. Some people can drop off to sleep anywhere and anyhow. The sleeping surface for these people is far less significant than for those who really struggle to get comfortable when trying to sleep. Personal preferences really do play a big part and due to various factors, some people seek greater comfort and insulation against external discomforts. Therefore, they may prefer foam pads for their enhanced comfort. Other personal preferences also play a significant role in choosing sleeping pads. For example, those accustomed to extra-firm mattresses at home may naturally lean towards firmer foam pads. People’s preferred sleeping position may influence their choice between foam and inflatable pads. Also, the choice in bedding like sleeping bags or quilts has an impact on sleeping pad choice among individuals.  Ultimately, while researching gear is essential, it’s possible to delve too deeply into minor details, especially when it comes to sleeping pads. While factors like sleeping position may play a role in comfort, personal preferences and comfort levels remain paramount in selecting the right sleeping pad for individual needs. 2) Foam Is Bulky It’s certainly convenient that a lot of pads now come with a foldable ‘Z’ style compared to the older roll up design. However, it’s impossible to overlook the fact that foam pads can be quite bulky and wont usually fit inside a rucksack. Carrying them externally on your pack can be a significant inconvenience, particularly for activities where bulkiness is a concern, such as bicycle touring (due to wind resistance). Nevertheless, foam pads are closed cell which means they wont absorb water so can be stored on the outside of a rucksack worry free. This allows them to remain a viable option for most backpackers. Many seasoned hikers opt to trim them down to at least a 3/4 length, significantly reducing both weight and bulk. This allows for a more manageable load and helps maintain a neater exterior appearance on your pack! 3) Foam Is

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Trail Outdoor Leisure Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat- £25

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Amazon Rating Brand – Trail Outdoor Leisure Price – £25 Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat  R-Value – Unknown Weight – 0.36 KG Unfold Size – L180cm W50cm H1.5cm Packed Size – Height: 50cm Width: 19.5cm view best deal on amazon Product Overview Warmth and R-Value Closed cell foam mats are known for their consistent warmth in all weather conditions. Trail Outdoor Leisure is an affordable outdoor equipment brand. Its aim is to make the outdoors accessible to everyone and now produces a wide range of quality outdoor products. As it is a cheaper brand, this sleeping mat doesn’t have a stated R-Value. With that being said the mat will effectively shield you from the cold ground. It will also prevent any damp from striking up due to its water resistant properties. The mat has a good unfolded size and will mean for most people their whole body will be insulated from the ground.  Comfort This Trail Outdoor Leisure mat has a thickness of 1.5cm. This is fairly standard for closed cell foam mats and will offer some comfort and warmth. One thing we really like about this mat that sets it apart from a lot of other is the contoured bottom layer of foam. These contours are specially designed to evenly distribute your weight and provide better support. If you’ve pitched your tent on bumpy ground, the contours also help the mat to shape around it and form a flat, level surface to improve comfort when you’re sleeping. With that being said closed cell foam mats are designed only to provide adequate cushioning from the ground. This makes them suitable for camping, backpacking and outdoor activities such as thru hiking and fishing. However, they don’t offer the same level of plushness as some other types of sleeping pads, such as self-inflating or air mats.  That’s not to say this mat can’t serve as a ground layer to a SIM or air pad. Closed cell foam mats work great to protect Air Pads and Self Inflating Mats from getting punctures from the sharp ground. Also, acting as a base layer closed cell foam mats will insulate and increase the R-Value of your sleep system. To calculate R-Value, simply add each R-value together of your sleep system.  Portability And Durability Closed cell foam mats are valued for their durability and lightweight design. At just 360 grams this mat is incredibly light considering the comfort it offers as well as being a full sized mat. The Trail Outdoor Leisure mat has a role up design so it can be easily compacted down and attached to the outside of a rucksack. (see top of page for packed size) The pack size isn’t as small as that of an Air Mats. However, because closed cell foam mats are virtually indestructible, they can be carried on the outside of rucksacks without concerns of damaging them. This also means more room inside the rucksack for other items! View The Best Price Here view best deal on amazon DISCLAIMER– This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase the product I’ve reviewed using the link provided I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Writing product reviews takes time, so this way it will help me to continue writing about products I believe in long into the future! Thank you! Similar Posts How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat Selecting the ideal sleeping mat for your camping adventures… Read More Wolf Walker Lightweight Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat- £34 Amazon Rating Brand –… Read More Exped Flexmat 2020 Light Sleeping Mat- £27 Amazon Rating Brand –… Read More

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Exped Flexmat 2020 Light Sleeping Mat- £27

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Amazon Rating Brand – Exped Price – £27.28 Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat  R-Value – 1.5 Weight – 0.4 KG Unfold Size – L183cm W52cm H1.8cm Packed Size – Height: 52cm diameter: 11cm view best deal on amazon Product Overview Warmth and R-Value Closed cell foam mats are known for their consistent warmth in all weather conditions. Exped is a trusted brand that was developed in 1983 and now produces a wide range of quality outdoor products. This Exped Flexmat has an R-Value of 1.5 so this sleeping mat will effectively shield you from the cold ground. It will also prevent any damp from striking up due to its water resistant properties. The mat has a good unfolded size and will mean for most people their whole body will be insulated from the ground.  Comfort The Exped Flexmat light has a thickness of 1.5cm. This is fairly standard for closed cell foam mats and will offer some comfort and warmth.    With that being said closed cell foam mats are designed only to provide adequate cushioning from the ground. This makes them suitable for camping, backpacking and outdoor activities such as thru hiking and fishing. However, they don’t offer the same level of plushness as some other types of sleeping pads, such as self-inflating or air mats.  That’s not to say this mat can’t serve as a ground layer to a SIM or air pad. Closed cell foam mats work great to protect Air Pads and Self Inflating Mats from getting punctures from the sharp ground. Also, acting as a base layer closed cell foam mats will insulate and increase the R-Value of your sleep system. To calculate R-Value, simply add each R-value together of your sleep system.  Portability And Durability Closed cell foam mats are valued for their durability and lightweight design. At just 400 grams this mat is incredibly light considering the comfort it offers as well as being a full sized mat. The Exped Flexmat Light mat has a ‘Z’ fold up design so it can be easily compacted down and attached to the outside of a rucksack. (see top of page for packed size) The pack size isn’t as small as that of an Air Mats. However, because closed cell foam mats are virtually indestructible, they can be carried on the outside of rucksacks without concerns of damaging them. This also means more room inside the rucksack for other items! View The Best Price Here view best deal on amazon DISCLAIMER– This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase the product I’ve reviewed using the link provided I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Writing product reviews takes time, so this way it will help me to continue writing about products I believe in long into the future! Thank you! Similar Posts How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat Selecting the ideal sleeping mat for your camping adventures… Read More Wolf Walker Lightweight Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat- £34 Amazon Rating Brand –… Read More Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Sleeping Mat- £50 Nemo Switchback V’s Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL No you haven’t clicked the wrong link don’t… Read More

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Highlander Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat- £29

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Amazon Rating Brand – Highlander Price – £29 Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat  Weight – 0.35 KG Unfold Size – L185cm W50cm H3.8cm view best deal on amazon Product Overview Warmth and R-Value Closed cell foam mats are known for their high R-Value and consistent warmth in all weather conditions. This sleeping mat will effectively shield you from the cold ground as well as prevent any damp from striking up due to its water resistant properties. The mat has a good unfolded size and will mean for most people their whole body will be insulated from the ground.  Comfort The Highlander does have a 3.8cm thickness so is thicker than most other closed cell foam sleeping mats. As a result it is more comfortable, so if you’re a side sleeper or just want the extra comfort while still having the benefits of a lightweight mat then this one might be worth considering.  With that being said closed cell foam mats are designed only to provide adequate cushioning from the ground. This makes them suitable for camping, backpacking and outdoor activities such as thru hiking and fishing. However, they don’t offer the same level of plushness as some other types of sleeping pads, such as self-inflating or air mats.  That’s not to say this mat can’t serve as a ground layer to a SIM or air pad. Closed cell foam mats work great to protect Air Pads and Self Inflating Mats from getting punctures from the sharp ground. Also, acting as a base layer closed cell foam mats will insulate and increase the R-Value of your sleep system. To calculate R-Value, simply add each R-value together of your sleep system.  Portability And Durability Closed cell foam mats are valued for their durability and lightweight design. At just 350 grams this mat is incredibly light considering the comfort it offers as well as being a full sized mat. The Highlander mat has a role up design and with good quality elastic holding straps it can be easily compacted down and attached to the outside of a rucksack. The pack size isn’t as small as that of an Air Mats. However, because closed cell foam mats are virtually indestructible, they can be carried on the outside of rucksacks without concerns of damaging them. This also means more room inside the rucksack for other items! View The Best Price Here view best deal on amazon DISCLAIMER– This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase the product I’ve reviewed using the link provided I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Writing product reviews takes time, so this way it will help me to continue writing about products I believe in long into the future! Thank you! Similar Posts How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat Selecting the ideal sleeping mat for your camping adventures… Read More Wolf Walker Lightweight Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat- £34 Amazon Rating Brand –… Read More Trail Outdoor Leisure Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat- £25 Amazon Rating Brand –… Read More

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