SLEEPING PADS
Big Agnes Q-Core SL Insulated Sleeping Pad: A True Bed Replacement for You
Sleeping is one of the most important things a human body requires in order to function and look properly, our body needs a decent amount of rest, but just like with a lot of things quantity does not have to be the only important thing, it is also the quality of sleep that keeps us well functioning.
It has probably happened many times that you or your friends, maybe even a family member complain about a lack of sleep when outside and hiking on a long distance, it is because it can be extremely hard and complicated setting up a proper sleeping space. Setting up a proper sleeping space requires good positioning and most importantly dryness.
With Big Agnes Q-Core the problems you have encountered before can be called the past. This sleeping pad is a real super light and super compact air pad which will make your sleeping in the wilderness, even more fun and relaxing than it was ever before. This awesome sleeping pad comes in various shapes and sizes, with an amazing insulation system.
Review
If not used to sleeping outside in the wilderness, sleeping can become extremely annoying and uncomfortable experience – for those who are willing to give their sleeping habits a nice treatment, buying a good sleeping pad can be a true lifesaver. Read on to check out some main features Big Agnes Q-Core SL Insulated Sleeping Pad.
Packaging
The first thing you will see about the Big Agnes Q-Core SL sleeping pad is that it packs down little and is really lightweight. The 20″ x 78″ model weighs just 625 grams, and packed, it quantifies only 12″x4″. This sleeping bag packs down to somewhat more than one and a half liters. It is quite similar to many air construction sleeping pads and is substantially littler when packed compared to most than most self-inflating or foam cushions.
You’ll absolutely have the capacity to pack this sleeping bag into the base of your backpack or simply place it in a compression. The Q-Core SL sleeping pad has a packed size of 3.5 x 9 inches.
The Q-Core SL sleeping pads are so easily packed that they fit into a nylon mesh sack (4.5″ in diameter and 10″ in length). Every Q-Core SL pad comes with a nylon mesh stuff which keeps your pad secure and safe from the bad weather conditions, bugs and other things you might encounter in your adventures.
A field repair kit is included and is tucked away in a small pocket located right at the end of the stuff sack. For long-term storage, it is advised that you store the pad with the valve completely open and in an uncompressed state to allow any moisture inside the pad to disappear and help to keep the integrity of the materials used and construction of the pad.
Design and Durability
The Big Agnes Q-Core SL is designed with some basic features such as a full-length zipper together with a draft tube, neck and hood neckline to prevent cold, hang circles, nylon stuff sack and recycled mesh storage sack. On the design side, this sleeping bag utilizes ‘Alternating I-beam Construction’ which is a popular term for lengthwise baffles instead of the normal width-wise baffles. This gives a greater dispersal of warmth from your center where you produce the majority of warmth and disperses it down to your furthest points where you have a tendency to get cool first.
The baffles’ top has ‘flow gates’ worked inside them, which limit the capacity of the down to move and cluster together, hence expanding its insulation features. ‘Alternating I-beam likewise gives a more shape fitting feel with less weight because the baffles follow your body contour. This just bodes well than most sleeping bags with a conventional baffle outline. The Q-Core SL pad utilizes a very special quilted design. This sleeping bag is durable, strong and dependable.
Sizes and Weights
Designed to fit inside the integrated sleeping pad sleeve which can be easily found in many of the Big Agnes’ sleeping bags products, this mummy shaped Q Core SL pads are 20″ in width and are available in both 72″ or 78″ lengths. The lack of squared-off corners makes it extremely lightweight and easy to pack. The width rectangular pads are each 20″ wide and are available in 66″, 72″ and 78″ lengths. The wide-width model is 25″ wide and 78″ long makes it a little bit heavier due to its size (bigger than the rest of the models).
The standard rectangular pads are 20″ x 72″ and these weigh 20.7 ounces in the stuff sack, and 19.6 ounces without the stuff sack. Every Q-Core SL sleeping pad is designed from a durable nylon rip-stop material from the bottom to the top. The Q-Core SL sleeping pad is textured minimize slippage and the noise, quilted with an I-Beam pattern for a stable and smooth, extremely comfortable sleeping pad. Considered to be way more effective than other inflatable sleeping pads which only have vertical baffles.
The Temperature Ratings
The Q-Core pads are designed to be coated internally with a heat-reflective polyurethane, adding a very good durability and an X-Static synthetic insulation to increase its anti-odor properties, anti-microbial and thermodynamic properties. The Q-Core SL pad falls under the R-value of 4.5 giving a temperature rating down to 15°, which is perfectly amazing for a three-season sleep solution.
The insulation in an air pad does not work like an ordinary insulating layer that creates loft because an air pad already has a loft. The insulative fibers do nothing but, reducing the air that is currently inside the pad produced naturally by convection, causing the pad to lose thermal efficiency. For the colder temperatures, you are advised to include a closed cell foam pad so as to get an extra insulation.
The Comfortability Ratings
The center of the Big Agnes Sleeping Pad is much thicker than the rest of it, even for the people who like to sleep on the side, the thickness of the center provides a lot of comfortability. At 3″ thick, the pad adjusts to the body exceptionally well, providing the maximum amount of support where it is needed and helps to easily relieve some of the most common pressure points (those located at the hips and shoulders) while keeping its insulative properties.
The outer edges of the pad have a larger 3.5″ thick air space that is made and designed to cradle you, keeping you in the center of the pad. This helps a lot when it comes to keeping the pad beneath you.
Value for Money and Guarantee
Buying Q-Core SL is really a good value for money. At approximately $120, the Big Agnes Q-Core Sleeping Pad might look a little bit pricey and not as an important part of the hiking and backpacking equipment, but in real, it is worth all of the money and will provide you with a good sleeping experience outside, anywhere. The Q-Core SL sleeping bag is somewhat pricier and certainly worth the cost. It is durable, strong and dependable.
Concerning the product guarantee, it was not mentioned that guarantee is being offered. However, it is certain that the producers and sellers somehow have a provision for defect goods. So, in case your sleeping bag has issues, you can send it to them and contact their customer service. Amazon also provides warranty for faulty goods.
The Q-Core SL is without any doubt a rugged insulated air pad and an extremely important part of any good 3-season outdoor sleep system. In warmer climates, all four seasons are certainly possible, which makes this sleeping pad a really good choice and a smart buy. Using this pad in any outdoor situation would certainly improve the physical and mental state of anyone who decides to do so, and in a real survival situation, it will surely be a perfect choice.
This sleeping pad will not only provide you the comfort and warmth better than most sleeping pads out there, this sleeping pad will simply not allow you to be restless at all! Many hikers and people who spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities which require sleeping outside tend to find themselves very tired and with a lack of proper rest. It will surely make their lives easier after a long hiking day, they can easily set up this sleeping pad and jump into their sleep, comfortably.
It is on you to decide whether you believe sleeping is extremely important part of your life, keeping your body and mind well-functioning or not, picking and taking care of things such as this is extremely important and you should never ignore the fact that your body deserves a good and comfortable good night sleep. This awesomely designed sleeping pad might be a start of an amazing adventure after you experience spending the night sleeping on it and waking up with a feeling like you slept in your own bed.
Get your family and friends together and take a look at your new hiking equipment piece which will probably make everyone happy and well rested when on an adventure! Sleeping on a thick, lofty sleeping pad can have a huge influence on how you function, your level of the rest and recovery you achieve.
Pros:
- X-Static synthetic form of insulation with the normal performance of silver filament to promote thermodynamic, anti-odor properties and anti-microbial
- Estimated R-Value of 4.5
- Durable inflation valve
- Internal polyurethane coating
- Rated at 15F
- Alternating I-Beam construction creates a smoother, more comfortable feel.
Cons:
- Quality comes with a price
- Not durable enough
Currently, the best sleeping pad you can find from the Big Agnes – the lightest and most comfortable sleeping pad (air pad). The Q-Core SL is the three season variation sleeping pad, coming in many different shapes and sizes, including a mummy and rectangular shape – this sleeping pad will surely please all your good sleeping needs.
SLEEPING PADS
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Mattress: Great Outback Comfort
Are you an explorer? Do you enjoy trekking through dense forest paths, or up high mountains, or across vast strips of land? If so, then chances are you can’t always get from point A to point B without staying a night in-between. Heck, you may be trekking out there with the sole intention of spending many nights in one place (aka camping).
When thinking about an overnight trip, it’s important to consider not only where you’ll be sleeping, but what you’ll be sleeping on. That’s why we’ve written this review on the Therm-A-Rest Z Lite SOL Mattress.
The Z Lite SOL Mattress from the Therm-A-Rest brand is considered by many to be the perfect outdoor camping mattress for both active day hikers staying overnight and passive campers staying at a fixed base. You might consider it the best sleeping option for backpackers during their travels too.
Weighing in at just 10 ounces in its small size and 14 ounces in regular size, the Z Lite gives people of most any body type, the ability to carry it with them on their hiking expeditions without too much effort. It’s got a streamline design that provides comfort and insulation without adding any unnecessary weight to your backpack. This sleeping mattress is also incredibly durable, with a closed-cell foam pad design which has been specifically created to be nigh on indestructible.
A decent sleeping spot is often overlooked by inexperienced campers or hikers because they don’t realize that after water, food and shelter, sleep is the fourth most important survival element. You will be able to enjoy the outdoors and your trip a whole lot more if your brain is functioning at its full capacity. In order to meet the next morning happy and energetic instead of groggy and uncomfortable, you need to get yourself a decent sleep-on item.
REVIEW
You can choose for yourself whether the Z Lite SOL Mattress is the best choice for you among its competitors on the market with this detailed review. So without further ado, let’s get into it. Positives come first, so here are some of its great features.
Packaging
This pad does not come with the detachable components you would expect to find in mummy bags. However, it comes with a closed shell form that acts a barrier to moisture and keeps you dry throughout the night. Its egg-crate shape keeps the air flowing and its material offers perfect insulation from the ground.
You can use this product with inflatable for a more comfortable experience. Its foldable design makes it ideal to carry around as the product can easily be stored in the backpack.
Design and Durability
With an extremely durable foam pad make-up, the Z Lite SOL Mattress provides overnighters the option of folding parts of it up double in order to even out the rough terrain and enhance their sleeping experience. These factors and others are summarized briefly in the table below.
Best use: | Camping, hiking, backpacking |
Color: | Silver and yellow |
Unfolded Dimensions: | 51 x 20 x 0.75 inches [Small]72 x 20 x 0.75 inches [Regular] |
Folded Dimensions: | 20 x 5.5 x 4 inches [Small]20 x 5.5 x 5 inches [Regular] |
R-Value: | 2.6 |
Material | Closed-cell foam – ThermaCapture |
Unfolded Shape | Rectangular |
Folded Shape | Cylindrical |
Cost | Around $30USD [Small]$40 USD [Regular] |
Shipping Weight | 1 pound |
Another particularly impressive thing about the Z Lite is its durability. Quoted as being nearly indestructible, it’s nice to know your investment will go the distance with you. When buying any outdoor item, you should opt for the roughest and toughest version – that way you don’t have to worry about your gear when deciding on which locations and terrains to go exploring in. The world becomes your oyster.
If there’s a reason to purchase this product, it is because the Z Lite Sol is as tough as it can be. By far, this pad is the toughest and most durable products as it is able to withstand harsh weather and hardship zones. The aspect of comfort aside, this pad can be used in sharp rocks, uneven surfaces, or on cacti (although not recommended).
You can even take a hole to this product without destroying it. Its greatest advantage lies in the fact that the Z Lite Sol is indestructible in the field. If two parts of the pad come apart as a result of extreme folding (which is hardly conceivable), you can still tape them back together and your product is good to go!
Comfort
The Z Lite Sol is not the most comfortable pad on the market. Due to its small thickness, it is quite impossible for this gear to compete with other products that have a much higher thickness such as the 2 inch-Therm-a-Rest XLite. When you are using it on the ground surface, you’ll discover that this pad doesn’t have the thickness needed to provide adequate support for your nook and crannies.
When used on uneven surfaces, the Z Lite Sol is outdone by the thick air construction pads since they are unable to absorb lumps. With that in mind, there are better ways of using the Z Lite to provide the comfort you would need when you are sleeping in the wilderness.
When using this product, there are a number of things which will assist you to get an amazing sleep. Anytime you are about to go to bed, you need to make sure you have selected the right site on which to place your pad. If you can find a place that has a level and smooth surface, then you are on your way to an excellent night’s sleep. If you find a non-clumpy grass or pine duff, that will be a plus for you.
Additionally, you can try sleeping on your back so you can reduce the pressure points on your side or hip. Perhaps, one of the best ways to ensure you get the best out of these pads is to hike and trek enough so you can be very tired. That way, you will be too tired to feel any discomfort when you finally put your head to rest.
There have been instances when people have complained about this product the first time they use it, but on the second night, they are too tired from the long day of trekking and therefore sleep the entire night and wake up rested and ready for the following day’s explorations.
If you like hammocking, the foam pads such the Z Lite Sol will perform much better compared to their inflatable counterparts since the suppleness of the pads places the under you. On the other hand, the inflatables usually slide out from under making them quite uncomfortable. Although comfort is not Z Lite’s strongest feature, this pad definitely delivers on other aspects.
Weight
If you are in need of a super lightweight mattress to use in your outdoor adventures, the Z Lite is an excellent option which is ideal for your countless ultralight endeavors. The small version for this gear weighs just about ten ounces, making it the super light option. Additionally, you can cut its weight by customizing the edges to create a mummy shape.
The short version of Z Lite Sol is also preferable due to its lightweight aspect and performs extremely well when supplementing your winter inflatable pad. For four ounces or more, you can have the regular version of this product which is seventy-two inches long.
One of the greatest benefits of the foam pads is the fact that they can be used in replacing the back panel of almost all backpacks. The versatile Z Lite Sol is particularly suitable for this task due its excellent folding capability. You can fold it into two sections by stacking the two halves in parallel and sliding in inside your backpack.
Of course, this will deduct your internal space, but a lot of backpack frame-sheets will have just about the same weight if not more. That way, the foam pads are able to equate to approximately zero additional ounces if they can be used to replace the frame!
When you compare the Z Lite Sol to other pads, you’ll notice that this product packs down small thanks to their accordion style and dimples. According to the manufacturers and experts, this product packs down to approximately nine liters unless it’s trimmed smaller.
If you own a backpack that has a removable back panel, you may opt to use the Z Lite Sol in place of the panel, although some volume in your pack will be lost. Alternatively, you can attach the Z Lite to the outside of your pack such that it takes no volume inside the pack.
Unique Features
The Z Lite Sol is a gear that comes with so many unique features to make your outdoor expedition a memorable experience. These features are as follows:
- Has a share-able unisex design
- Aluminium surface for heat reflection
- Easily maintainable with water wash and dry
- Comes in two sizes to give consumers greater choice of length
- Egg-carton foam pattern increases the overall comfort of the pad
- Durable foam can withstand years of abuse
Warmth
The Z Lite SOL improves upon old designs by adding a silver reflective coating to boost warmth. With an R-value of 2.6, this pad is warm enough for three-season use, but should be supplemented in winter, or rather, this pad should be used to supplement an inflatable pad.
Though it isn’t very warm in itself, the Z Lite Sol is a superb pick if you’re looking for a foam pad that you can couple with another pad for winter. Remember, R-value functions in a linear way, so if you add this pad, to a pad like the XLite that has an R-value of 3.2, in ideal conditions you’ll have an added R-value of 5.8!
If your plan is to use the Z Lite Sol during the winter, there are a number of things you will need to consider. First, the dimples in the pad are meant to assist the product to fold up smaller and enhance its warmth. However, the fact that these dimples get filled with snow makes the pad a little less desirable. You will need to brush the gear completely to get rid of the snow before you can go to sleep or you risk having the snow melt into your gear.
During the winter, any sort of moisture is undesirable and must be battled with all means necessary. Placing the Z Lite Sol on the ground under another inflatable pad will help mitigate this problem since any melting snow will get trapped between the inflatable and the Z Lite Sol.
Another drawback with the dimples is that these features increase the pad’s surface area, particularly on the bottom, maximizing the degree of heat that could be lost. If you’re camping in a tent, it is advisable to place the pad on top of your inflatable after you have brushed the snow off the dimples.
Overall, this product is an excellent foam if you intend to supplement the inflatable. However, a special amount of care is needed if you are to get the best out of the Z Lite Sol.
Value for Money and Guarantee
The Therm-A-Rest Z Lite SOL Mattress is a brightly colored rectangular foam sleeping pad. Priced from around USD $30 to USD $40 for the small and regular sized versions respectively, this is a very affordable pad. What’s surprising is the amount of functionality the designers are able to provide within this price bracket
The Z Lite SOL Mattress from the Therm-A-Rest brand is considered by many to be the perfect outdoor camping mattress for both active day hikers staying overnight and passive campers staying at a fixed base. You might consider it the best sleeping option for backpackers during their travels too.
Weighing in at just 10 ounces in its small size and 14 ounces in regular size, the Z Lite gives people of most any body type, the ability to carry it with them on their hiking expeditions without too much effort. It’s got a streamline design that provides comfort and insulation without adding any unnecessary weight to your backpack. This sleeping mattress is also incredibly durable, with a closed-cell foam pad design which has been specifically created to be nigh on indestructible.
To summarize, this is a quick list of pros and cons mentioned by real users of the Z Lite Mattress:
Pros:
- Comes in two sizes
- Great insulation warmth
- Easy to set up and pack up
- Lightweight
- Reasonably priced
- Highly durable
Cons:
- Thin material can make for an uncomfortable bed base
Once again how you interpret the above results will depend entirely on what is important to you personally. Overall, however, we’d say that users seemed very satisfied with the Z Lite Sol Mattress. Even so, it’s worth comparing this item with other products on the market, so here’s our take on that.
Lightweight, durable, highly insulating and easy to pack up/down, the Z Lite Sol is capable of meeting the needs of most avid hikers and campers when it comes to sleeping bases. We like that it comes in two sizes so that you can have more choice over what you are going to be getting.
Remember to think about where you’ll most likely be using the Z Lite Sol Mattress and to choose the sizing appropriately. A decent insulated item to sleep on will improve your camping experience tenfold.We’d highly recommend the Z Lite based on all the information in this review.
SLEEPING PADS
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Mattress: An Affordable Ultra-light Self-Inflating Mattress
Whether you travel with an ultralight tent to camp in designated campsites or you plan to chill under the tree’s shadow, a mattress is a need to have. It’s an obvious assumption that outdoor surfaces are notorious of sharp pebbles and rocks that might hurt your back when lying down. As thus, one needs protective sleeping pads to prevent blisters caused by rocky surfaces. Therm-a-Rest has a ProLite Mattress in response to your desires.
Whenever participating in any outdoor activity such as hiking, particularly the long mileage ones, a light weight, comfort, and durability are paramount. The bottom-line is to have a minimal hiking or backpacking gear as possible to avoid hurting your back and straining your muscles.
Can you imagine a heavy weight of having a camping tent, a mattress, and other indispensable accessories? That could be too inconvenient. Fortunately, Therm-a-Rest ProLite Mattress brings a compact design that is portable enough to fit in many backpacks for your convenience. So, the weight issue is dealt and done with.
But then the ProLite Mattress is designed to keep you warm only in 3 seasons except winter. It is not that sophisticated with its insulation to an extent of overcoming the winter’s harsh outdoor temperatures despite having a warm tent. With this in mind, you will have to purchase an additional sleeping pad or a sleeping bag in order to survive, for example, the snowy surfaces because ProLite is only 1 inch high when fully inflated. It is nonetheless a great value for hikers that are fond of hiking in spring to the early fall when the temperatures are mild.
We have discussed the paramount features of this sleeping mattress below in order to give you a glimpse about its capabilities. These features can also be used as critical factors when evaluating similar products on the market prior to making a purchase.
Review
Packaging
The mattress will be shipped to your location in a 10 by 8 by 10 inch packaging, and it weighs 1.4 pounds. Since it is compact and lightweight, the mattress is sure to fit in your backpack easily, without stressing too much about space considerations or worrying that it will weigh you down when you decide to carry it during your hike.
Design and Durability
With a 50 denier Hex Rip Polyster, a ProLite sleeping mat reassures you durability of all the times. It can survive numerous uses in a variety of surfaces no matter how rough they are. Even if it gets punctured mistakenly, the pad can be patched with ease to keep its inflating features. This advantage is seldom seen in other sleeping mattresses due to their complex baffle designs. The urethane foam, the internal fabric, is also durable.
Weight is commonly an important feature that often trades durability when selecting sleeping mattresses. Many ultralight hikers focus on the weight to check if the product will not compromise their mobility whenever climbing steep mountains or travelling for hundreds of miles. But in most cases, with an ultraweight comes less durability and a compromised warmth in many sleeping pads. Just be vigilant about that.
ProLite sleeping mattress proves the convention somehow untrue for sleeping pads. It is lightweight yet durable and comfortable. The design and the brand have existed for many years, and, as many customers have asserted, durability has not been compromised in spite of the quest to trim excess pounds. The mattress weighs 1 pound and 5 ounces with dimensions 10 X 8 X 10 inches. This light weight can take you places. The pad can fit in your hiking gear, and can also fit in ultralight camping tents.
Unique Features
Some of the ProLite mattresses’ unique features are what sets it apart from others just like it on the market.
Comfort: Unlike its counterparts, the air construction sleeping pads, ProLite mattress offer a notably better comfort when camping on it. It has a flat surface and a self-inflating foam that plays a supporting role of providing comfort. What this means is that you can comfortably rest your body on this sleeping pad, either sleeping by side or against your back, without an adverse feeling of rocks or pebbles. Its self-inflating foam makes sure that it keeps the pad inflated at all times.
Furthermore, the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Sleeping Pad provides no bouncing sensation as is the case with other sleeping pads especially the air construction ones. Many campers have fallen in love with the ProLite’s firm and stable feeling. Moreover, the pad has a grip surface for a fixed position of sleeping.
Warmth: If you tell me about a sleeping mattress that fails to optimize warmth, I’d rather advise you sleep on the ground of your tent. Warmth is critical and paramount, especially when taking into consideration the cold midnights in the wilderness. All you need is a warm sleeping pad that has a high heat retention to avoid unnecessary convective heat loss.
ProLite comes with an R-value of 2.4, and temperature usage range of 28 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. With these features, the mattress is sure to keep you cool and warm. But, a word of advice, do a thorough research about the temperature fluctuations of your desired hiking destinations and then act accordingly to pair the mattress with some blankets or sleeping bags for an added warmth.
Self-Inflating : Perhaps or arguably the most attractive feature in this sleeping mattress is its self-inflating feature. Imagine that moment you’re tired from a long distance hike, and then be faced with a non-self-inflating mattress to blow air into. That would be too much of a tedious work. ProLite mattress is self-inflating within the first 10 minutes of unfolding it from your backpack, although it doesn’t self-inflate to the maximum level. You only need a minimal blow to complete the inflation process. Then you’ll be all set up to sleep on your mattress.
It is also compressible in case you want to re-pack it and move to the next destination. But if you remain fixed at a designated campsite, we reckon you store it inflated to avoid the energy exhaustion of having to prepare it daily. ProLite sleeping mat scores high with this feature because majority of sleeping pads needs a tremendous blow to inflate them.
Pack size: With a diagonally-cut foam and a tapered shape, this sleeping mattress is compact and portable. The tapered shape eliminates unnecessary excess space at your legs. As thus, this makes it possible for the pad to be packed small. It comes with varying sizes, which include small, large, and regular.
Furthermore, the pad’s perforated foam construction trims the bulkiness that is seen in its predecessors. Its compressibility feature also plays a great role in its compact packable size. The stuff sack is provided to store the mat.
Versatility: It will be such a pleasure knowing that you can use your sleeping mattress in a wide range of applications or surfaces. Almost in every kind of hiking or backpacking, you can rely on ProLite mattress. Some of its uses include the following:
- Laying it in an ultralight camping tent
- Laying it directly on the ground on any surface when taking a rest during hiking
- Laying it in your car to take a nap
- Use it indoors in your household
Now that you are well-hooked up with the most paramount features of this mattress, let’s unfold more of its technical aspects and many more in the review below. We have also discussed related products that can be paired with this mattress for a complete preparation for your hiking. Some of the accessories may warrant this sleeping pad’s use in the winter season.
Value for Money and Guarantee
The mattress costs around $60 and $173. The prices vary according to the size of the mattress purchased. Additional costs may be incurred if you consider supplementing the sleeping pad with other products for an extra warmth, particularly for winter use. For instance, a compressible pillow from Therm-a-Rest can cost between $12 to $86, a Kelty Cosmic sleeping bag between $150 to $350, and another mattress from Therm-a-Rest between $35 to $115.
Spending such a whopping large sum of money is a good investment for outdoor enthusiasts. These products are durable, so you won’t have to return to the store anytime soon unless if it’s a factory, but that can be fixed by the supplier or the seller.
As you have seen in this review, this self-inflating mattress is a perfect companion for hikers who plan to blaze some hot trails in between spring and fall. And it’s not only hikers who can enjoy the ProLite mattress, anyone who loves the great outdoors, whether its campers, bikers and hunters, can benefit from it.
And why not? It is lightweight, comfortable and warm. One thing to note about its warmth, though, is that during the extremely cold winter months, the mattress needs to be paired with other blankets and a sleeping bag to achieve optimal warmth.
And the fact that it is also compact is a huge plus, meaning that when it is compressed it should fit right in with the rest of your gear without forcing you to leave anything behind. On top of that, you have the durability of the mattress to consider as well. Its 50 denier polyester exterior is tough and can withstand multiple outdoor trips while being soft and comfortable on the body.
Sometimes, manufacturers have to sacrifice one or the other, but this is not the case here. All these features add up to one mattress that we’d recommend to bring with you on your next outdoor adventure.
PROS:
- Self-inflating
- Comfortable
- Durable with a 50 denier polyester
- Affordable
- Best fit in 3 seasons
- Compact design and weighs 1.4 pounds
- Versatile
- Warm
CONS:
- Not suitable for winter hiking unless paired with others
- Only an inch after inflating it – insufficient to use in rocky surfaces
- No baffle system on the perimeter or any lining to prevent you from falling off in the night
Based on our unbiased review of this product, we guarantee that you will not be disappointed with the product now that you know where its strengths and weaknesses lie. You don’t have to sleep on the hard ground next time you need a rest during your hiking or camping trip; you just need this mattress instead to ensure you get adequate rest.
SLEEPING PADS
Sea to Summit Ultralight Mat: Bring Comfort to Your Outdoor Trips
Sleeping is the best thing for making us capable of doing things right, and it also makes us feel great throughout the day. When sleepless night occurs, we all have intense mood and all the things make us feeling nervous and distracted. So, we have to invest in our sleeping mattress not only in our sleeping room in the home, but also when we are in our favorite outdoor location, in order to avoid the inconvenient situations and provide a better quality of the upcoming day.
We are here to help you choose the most convenient sleeping mat on the market. More precisely, we will present to you one of our finest choices, and we would be grateful if you share your opinion with us and tell us if you like our suggested product.
With that being said, we can start our review. A Sleeping mat is one of the tools that you have to put on your outdoor equipment list. But, since there are many types of sleeping mats that you can find it on the market, how to know which one to choose?
The best ones are those called inflatable sleeping mats. The fact that they are using the air as an insulator from the ground, is an excellent point that makes them one of the best offered. This mark provides greater comfort, and that is what you should be looking for. The Sea to Summit Ultra Light Mat is our choice, and we will create a list with its features.
It is a good product for any outdoor activity, more precisely, for light weather conditions like those trips in late spring and hot summer nights. You can also use it for your scouting activities. It offers a great comfort too, and you can buy it for an affordable price.
As you continue to read the chapters below, you will decide if this Sea to Summit Ultra-Light Mat matches your needs and if it is a perfect choice when compared to the alternative products.
Review
Packaging
This Sea to summit sleeping mat is part of the ultra light series that packs in minimum volume and minimal weight. The air sprung cells are contributing to this feature, while maintaining the support of the mat. Comparing to air mats with baffles or tubes, this sleeping mat is lighter, therefore more suitable for your backpacking gear.
However, what’s impressive is that the pressure support it is providing is also better than the tube mats. It is the only type of mat in which every individual cell could absorb individually the pressure without distributing it to the closest cell. Having this in mind, we definitely recommend this sleeping mat for your next backpacking trip.
This sleeping mat is also pretty thin which is why we don’t recommend it for rocky terrains. However, it is perfect for flat surfaces. Nevertheless, most air sleeping mats are not recommended for rocky terrains and the ones that are don’t last a long time. Because of its thickness, we recommend this sleeping mat for stomach and back sleepers. However, for the side sleepers, it might feel a bit uncomfortable depending on the ground and your own preferences.
Design and durability
The inner design of the Sea to Summit sleeping mat is responsible for its remarkable features that are incomparable to other products on the market. Having this in mind, the most important feature this Sea to Summit sleeping mat possesses is the Air sprung cells. The air sprung cells are allowing the user a better support and they are making sure you don’t end up touching the ground with your body. They do so, by copying the individual coil system in sprung mattresses.
This means that the pressure that your body is making when sleeping on the mat is distributed evenly throughout the entire mat. Even more, the pressure which is applied to one air sprung cell don’t affect other cells. For this reason, the weight is distributed evenly and you are left with a high quality mat and a good night’s sleep.
The manufacturing technology Sea to Summit is using in the manufacturing process of this sleeping mat is aeronautical grade, which means that it is a highly durable product that you are going to use for years to come. Mouth inflation is usually being avoided by the sleeping mats manufacturers since there is a risk from internal mold growth. When you are inflating the mat, you are letting inside a moist and bacteria rich air which over time could lead to mold growth that could infect you if used continuously.
However, the Sea to Summit are using a specific design that is preventing this process. They are using liquid anti-microbial treatment in the form of TPU bonds, that is sticking to the shell of the fabric and is creating a protective layer that is acting as a barrier between the bacteria and the shell of the fabric. This is allowing you to use the mat for a long time, without the risk of growing mold inside and having to get rid of it after a while.
Insulation
The Sea to Summit sleeping mat is made from high quality nylon material, more specifically 40 denier ripstop fabric which is contributing to the lightness of it. However, this material is also very durable and it is somewhat resistant to damage. Even though these features might come very useful in warm weather conditions, the insulation is not one of them. Its thin material, is usually making the users doubt whether it is going to get punctured or not.
However, as long as you use it on the leaves or dirt, you have nothing to worry about. It will serve you for many wilderness trips to come. The thinness of the material also means that you would be nice and warm, but only if the ground underneath is warm. When the temperatures drop, you will need a different type of material with heavier insulation properties.
Nevertheless, even though the material is thin, compressing it and packing it to the small sack might be a bit more difficult. It requires that all the air is pushed out of the mat and no one likes this activity. However, the comfort during the night is making up to the lack of insulation, at least in spring time.
Warmth
Even though the temperature rating is not mentioned in the manufacturer’s specifications, this is spring and summer sleeping mat. Even though its comfortableness is indisputable, this is not an insulated pad for cold weather conditions. If you are looking for such item, look through our other pad reviews. Its R value is 0,7 which makes it less of an insulator between you and the cold ground and more of a supportive pad that will keep you comfortable throughout the night.
Comfort
The comfort of the Sea to summit sleeping mat is greatly connected to the intensity of inflation that you choose to do. The inflation and deflation process is usually the main issue with the air mats, which greatly affects the comfort level. However, the Sea to Summit inflation system is easy to use and quite effective and, most importantly, it stays the same for the entire night. This ensures that you start with a certain comfort of your choice and wake up with the same one in the morning.
For this reason, they are pending their patent approval, which would make them the only company using such inflation system. The mat contains low profile valves and this is the main reason why the inflation and deflation are occurring faster than with any competitive model. There is also a possibility of tuning your comfort level, which means that you could sleep on a harder surface by inflating it more or a softer one with only 30 seconds of inflation.
In order to do so, this mat is equipped with the Sea to Summit pump which is completely electronic free, even though it is as effective as an electronic pump. The inflation process wouldn’t require you more than 1 minute even if you intend on inflating it hard. It would only require 8 to 12 full breaths, so there is no risk of fainting while inflating it as it is the case in some competitive products. The deflation process, however, is even faster and it takes only few seconds.
Water resistance
This sleeping mat also comes with a high quality sack, which is made from nylon material. This makes the sack completely waterproof and breathable. It is important for the packaging sack to be breathable because if it gets wet for any reason, it will partly dry itself while you are transporting it.
However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t dry it out before compressing it; drying it out on the sun is always necessary. A 3M kit for repairing the mat is also included in the package. The kit contains 6 patches, and one spare silicone valve insert which works one way.
Noise
The main issue with air pads, is their noise, when you are moving in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, Sea to Summit hasn’t solved this issue and it is a bit noisy if you are a restless sleeper. However, there are mats that are more noisy, so it is not too bad. If you are a tight sleeper though, this sleeping mat would be ideal for you.
Unique features
Ultralight: This sleeping mat’s main advantage compared to similar models on the market is its weight which is considerably lighter. It owes this feature to the thinness of the mat itself and its durable material. The material is durable enough so that it won’t get damaged easily, yet it is light enough so that you have a considerable lower amount of weight on your back during your trip to the nature.
Inflation and deflation: Sea to Summit have recognized their leading feature and failed a patent request for their inflation and deflation technology. With the help of multi function valves, the inflation and deflation process is very fast and effortless. As mentioned before, the process itself, doesn’t take more than a minute and only 8 to 12 mouth inflations depending on your preferences for the sleeping mat’s hardness.
Air sprung cells: The air sprung cells is a feature that is bringing this sleeping mat to the top between its competitor’s models. The cells have an involvement in the packed volume of the sleeping mat as well as its minimum weight properties. They also let it operate as a pocket sprung mattress which means that the support they are providing is incomparable with any other model on the market.
Value for Money & Guarantee
The Sea to Summit provides a great value for the price offered, at least if you use it as recommended. If you try using a sleeping mat such as this one on colder weather, or on rocky terrain you will of course be dissatisfied. However, when used right, you will definitely be amazed by the features and comfort it has to offer.
It provides the user a wonderful experience, starting from your trip, all the way to the top of the mountain. It will not let you down and it will prove to you that there is a possibility that a product is both lightweight and with an excellent quality.
If you have ever spent a restless night on an uncomfortable sleeping pad, you are ready to go through every buying guide available online. Hopefully this buying guide gave you an answer to all of your questions and doubts regarding sleeping pads intended for hikers, backpacker, and campers. You have certainly learned about which mat to take on a long expedition and which mats are more suitable for a one night sleep.
Presented above are all the features and the downsides of this product. We have included our own review as well as the opinions of the other users. It is up to you to choose the lightest, cheapest or the best version of a mat, according to your own opinion and your needs.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Easily inflatable
- Easily deflatable
- Antimicrobial technology
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Bad customer service (stated by the users)
- Thin at first glance
- A bit noisy
The trick in finding the best option for you is always measuring the pros and cons and whether the pros are compatible with your needs. One product could have all the desirable features, but if those are not suitable for your trip, every feature it has is redundant. Therefore, above all, you should consider your trip’s conditions and decide accordingly.
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