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If you are looking for an 'extreme cold' mat in an oversized rectangular format then this mat delivers huge comfort and insulative performance at a reasonable weight of 865grams.
Exped says:
The Exped Ultra 7R LW is an ultra lightweight and compact sleeping mat featuring recycled 20 D ripstop face fabric, and certified carbon neutral by myclimate. Perfect for human powered adventures including backpacking, thru-hiking, bikepacking and alpinism.
DOWNMAT TECHNOLOGY™: 700 cu in RDS down insulation for use in all seasons, or simply to keep cold-sleepers warm in any weather. 9 cm thick air cushion with Exped cradle comfort design: air chambers run head to toe, fully supporting the body for an unrivalled night's sleep and giving maximum durability.
Schnozzel Pumpbag included: rapid, moisture-free mat inflation: lung power not required!
Our Verdict
Exped's Ultra 7R Sleeping Mats are intended for use in extreme environments and have an R-Value of 7.1, the Ultra 7R M Sleeping Mat is a full rectangular mat and benefits from 700 Fill Power down insulation inside the tubes which have been at the cutting edge of Exped mats for many years. There are four sizes available, either Rectangular or Mummy shaped, in Regular or Longer & Wider versions, if you are buying and 'Extreme Cold' sleeping mat such as this one many people prefer a full rectangular format rather than a mummy shape, this is because the consequences of your legs sliding off a mummy shaped mat in very cold temperatrures are that you come into contact with a very cold tent floor.
The Ultra series are made using 20D face fabric which of course won't be as robust as heavier mats but in our experience its still good for the job, especially if it make the mat lighter.
What we really like about Exped mats are the easy to use non return valves and the superb Schnozzel Pumpsack which makes inflation of the mat simple - its the best inflation sack we've used by far and its big enough to act as a rucksack liner or a drybag. In the case of a down filled mat it is essential to use an inflation device as using your mouth forces moisture into the mat which will eventually compromise the down.
The Ultra 7R mats are 9cm thick, which is 2cm thicker than the standard and that gives an enhanced comfort level. All Ultra mats have slightly thicker side rails which act to discourage you from rolling off the mats - packed sizes are small given the spec of this mat.
We also need to commend Exped for their environmental approach to the new range - Production is Carbon Neutral (by offsetting), the Face Fabrics are recycled and their factories are Bluesign approved. There is very little packaging and what there is is simply constructed from recycled card.
If you are looking for an 'extreme cold' mat in an oversized rectangular format then this mat delivers huge comfort and insulative performance at a reasonable weight of 865grams.
- Reviewed by Basecamp Gear
Features
- RECYCLED 20D RIPSTOP POLYESTER: Recycled polyester keeps plastic out of landfills and uses less water, energy and carbon to produce. Our new ripstop fabric is two to three times stronger than our previous ultralight fabric.
- FLATVALVE: Pioneered by EXPED. Industry-leading durability, reliability and intuitive performance.
- DOWNMAT TECHNOLOGY™: 700 cu in RDS down insulation for use in all seasons, or simply to keep cold-sleepers warm in any weather.
- COMFORT CRADLE: Air chambers run head-to-toe, fully supporting the body for an unrivaled night’s sleep and increased durability. EXPED’s exclusive Comfort Cradle side rails center and secure the sleeper on the mat.
- RECYCLED SCHNOZZEL PUMPBAG AND STUFFSACK INCLUDED: Rapid, moisture-free mat inflation: lung-power not required!
Specifications
- Weight: 865g (excludes storage bag/pumpsack)
- Pumpsack weighs: 57g
- Dimensions: 197 x 65cm
- Thickness: 9cm
- Packed size: 33 x 14cm
- ASTM R-Value: 7.1
- Exped temp rating: -30°C
Material & Construction
- Recycled 20D ripstop polyester, Oeko-Tex® 100 certified
- Insulation: 700 cuin/oz Down, RDS certified
ASTM R-Value:
From 2020, there is a new industry standard for measuring the R-value (level of insulation) of sleeping mats – ASTM F3340-18. This new standard is the sleeping mat equivalent to the EN rating for sleeping bags.
You can now directly compare the R-value of mats rated using the ASTM F3340-18 with confidence that is a fair and accurate comparison between mats. In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat.
In general terms, an R-value below 2.0 is for summer use, 2.0 to 4.0 is for cooler 3 season use and 4.0+ is for winter temperatures. This will be also be dependent on your sleeping bag, how cold you sleep etc. Please contact our customer service team if you need advice on choosing the right mat for your activity.
