Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

A place to chat about gear and the philosphy of ultralight. Ultralight bushwalking or backpacking focuses on carrying the lightest and simplest kit. There is still a good focus on safety and skill.
Forum rules
Ultralight Bushwalking/backpacking is about more than just gear lists. Ultralight walkers carefully consider gear based on the environment they are entering, the weather forecast, their own skill, other people in the group. Gear and systems are tested and tweaked.
If you are new to this area then welcome - Please remember that although the same ultralight philosophy can be used in all environments that the specific gear and skill required will vary greatly. It is very dangerous to assume that you can just copy someone else's gear list, but you are encouraged to ask questions, learn and start reducing the pack weight and enjoying the freedom that comes.

Common words
Base pack backpacking the mass of the backpack and the gear inside - not including consumables such as food, water and fuel
light backpacking base weight less than 9.1kg
ultralight backpacking base weight less than 4.5kg
super-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 2.3kg
extreme-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 1.4kg

Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby gbagua » Sat 15 Dec, 2018 7:05 am

Which one would you recommend me please? Got a 30L pack and I'm trying to go as light as I can...food & water will take most of the weight as it's going to be a hot location and a long hike (near 40k divided by 2 days).

Not taking any spare clothing to reduce weight.

Will use a light bivvy bag for the night.

Cheers :)
User avatar
gbagua
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 513
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2012 9:04 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Moondog55 » Sat 15 Dec, 2018 7:10 am

Ve are too soon old und too late schmart
Moondog55
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 11066
Joined: Thu 03 Dec, 2009 4:15 pm
Location: Norlane Geelong Victoria Australia
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Franco » Sat 15 Dec, 2018 7:57 am

Because of the size of your pack, I would suggest something like this :
https://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/therma ... S224-09824
or if the budget allows , the lighter version :
https://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/therma ... S218-06073
Franco
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 2957
Joined: Thu 30 Oct, 2008 6:48 pm
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby gbagua » Sat 15 Dec, 2018 2:29 pm

Thanks but I think I'll get this one instead:

https://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/sea-to ... AMULINSRAS

Slightly cheaper and a tad lighter.
User avatar
gbagua
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 513
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2012 9:04 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby crollsurf » Sat 15 Dec, 2018 4:34 pm

Unless you are big/heavy, the S2S are great but if its hot, the only reason I would buy the insulated version is to future proof for upcomming adventures.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
User avatar
crollsurf
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 2216
Joined: Tue 07 Mar, 2017 10:07 am
Location: Sydney
Region: New South Wales
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Moondog55 » Sun 16 Dec, 2018 8:01 am

The Comfort light is perhaps a better mat in many ways if sleeping comfort is a consideration and not much of a weight or bulk penalty
Ve are too soon old und too late schmart
Moondog55
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 11066
Joined: Thu 03 Dec, 2009 4:15 pm
Location: Norlane Geelong Victoria Australia
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby gbagua » Sun 16 Dec, 2018 2:50 pm

Another option I was thinking of is a Thermarest Z lite SOL with the added bonus that make great sitting pads especially during a meal break. No inflatables have this ability.

How easy do they pack/attach to a 30L pack?
User avatar
gbagua
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 513
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2012 9:04 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Zapruda » Sun 16 Dec, 2018 5:00 pm

Huge Zlite fan here. I can pack it in to my 30L with about 4 days of food and everything else. Great pad.
User avatar
Zapruda
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1690
Joined: Thu 07 Apr, 2016 10:46 am
Region: Australian Capital Territory
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Hiking Noob » Sun 16 Dec, 2018 6:44 pm

I haven't tried one but Klymit have a traditional type inflatable mat that is 340g-
https://www.klymit.com.au/shop/sleeping ... e-sl-blue/
Image
Hiking Noob
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 224
Joined: Sun 08 Feb, 2015 10:11 pm
Region: New South Wales
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby gbagua » Mon 17 Dec, 2018 8:32 am

Zapruda wrote:Huge Zlite fan here. I can pack it in to my 30L with about 4 days of food and everything else. Great pad.


Sheesh!! That's hyper-tight. How do you squeeze the pad in? Any tips :)



Hiking Noob wrote:I haven't tried one but Klymit have a traditional type inflatable mat that is 340g-
https://www.klymit.com.au/shop/sleeping ... e-sl-blue/
Image


Great find. Another good option thanks.
User avatar
gbagua
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 513
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2012 9:04 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Zapruda » Mon 17 Dec, 2018 10:31 am

gbagua wrote:Sheesh!! That's hyper-tight. How do you squeeze the pad in? Any tips :)


I put the pad in the dehydrator before the walk and just rehydrate it camp.

Jokes aside, I use the Zlite small which has 10 panels and I unfold it so there are five panels per side and put it in the pack vertically against my back. As far as fitting everything else in, I pack pretty sparingly. No stove and boring high calorie food. lots of compromises. I am comfortable though. Here a list of stuff I pack for fast and light alpine walks - https://lighterpack.com/r/6k2ru8
User avatar
Zapruda
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1690
Joined: Thu 07 Apr, 2016 10:46 am
Region: Australian Capital Territory
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby gbagua » Mon 17 Dec, 2018 2:57 pm

That makes sense, the pad divided by 2 so it takes less volume as you spread it out. Thanks I'll do likewise and get a regular or S size; need to go to the shop with my pack and tinker a bit with it. They guys at K2 in Brisbane won't mind, they are very helpful. Will probably purchase this pad as the "sitting factor" is a must for me.
User avatar
gbagua
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 513
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2012 9:04 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby emma_melbourne » Mon 17 Dec, 2018 6:31 pm

Zlite pads are not comfortable for sleeping on in my humble opinion. (Mind you I’m a woman with hips etc.)

I’d personally rather take a Thermarest NeoAir XLite in small torso length - approx 250 grams. And then also take a Thermarest Z-Seat at 60 grams, or alternatively 3 or 4 sections of Zlite. Each section of Zlite is about 27 grams.

Then you can sleep on the torso length inflatable NeoAir, and use the Zlite sections for your legs to sleep on, but also use the Zlite sections as a sit pad.

I’d likely go 4x sections if I was going to do that which should fit nicely as pack panel of backpack and provide frame if you’re going frameless.

Although I personally have 3 sections of Zlite as my sit pad and also doubles as a support base for my Helinix Zero chair when I’m lightweight glamping.
User avatar
emma_melbourne
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 326
Joined: Sun 18 Jun, 2017 2:49 pm
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Region: Victoria
Gender: Female

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Zapruda » Mon 17 Dec, 2018 6:52 pm

A zlite on hardpack dirt or a tent platform isn’t going to be very comfortable but on snow grass or tussock it is heavenly. Thin mats work really well for me. No sensation of rolling off or sliding down. Nice and grippy.

But of course, like anything, personal preferences and comfort win out.
User avatar
Zapruda
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1690
Joined: Thu 07 Apr, 2016 10:46 am
Region: Australian Capital Territory
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby ChrisJHC » Mon 17 Dec, 2018 9:01 pm

Hey, Gbagua, don't want to interfere with your search for lighter gear, but for the hike you've described I wouldn't worry too much about a few extra grams.
You say that you're doing 40 km over two days or 20 km per day. That's only around 5 hours walking.
Even if your heavier pack slows you down by 10%, you're still only talking about 5.5 hours.
Given there's around 13 hours of sunlight at the moment, you've got plenty of time.

Of course, there are lots of benefits to lighter gear, however for the walk you're describing, it may be worth taking a heavier sleeping mat and getting better sleep.
Of course, if you're walking up and down mountains then the above doesn't apply.
ChrisJHC
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 783
Joined: Sat 25 Feb, 2017 8:22 pm
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Lamont » Tue 18 Dec, 2018 6:17 am

Hey ZaprudaS what's the width of front and back panels on the V2 at the point where the shoulder straps at the top contact the body of the sack? Is the girth (never been able to find the girth figures top and bottom)at the top so distinctly different from the bottom as some pics suggest? Carrying snakes in the bottom packet by any chance? Lolly snakes obviously, keep those Tigers out!
User avatar
Lamont
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1960
Joined: Sun 21 Feb, 2016 1:27 pm
Location: Upper Kumbukta West
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: https://www.againstmalaria.com/
Region: Other Country

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Zapruda » Tue 18 Dec, 2018 6:38 am

ChrisJHC wrote:You say that you're doing 40 km over two days or 20 km per day. That's only around 5 hours walking.



Not all walks are made equal. Depending on the scrub, scrambling, elevation, navigational challenges and lack of track you could be doing 1km or 2km an hour.
Last edited by Zapruda on Tue 18 Dec, 2018 6:45 am, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar
Zapruda
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1690
Joined: Thu 07 Apr, 2016 10:46 am
Region: Australian Capital Territory
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Zapruda » Tue 18 Dec, 2018 6:43 am

Lamont wrote:Hey ZaprudaS what's the width of front and back panels on the V2 at the point where the shoulder straps at the top contact the body of the sack? Is the girth (never been able to find the girth figures top and bottom)at the top so distinctly different from the bottom as some pics suggest? Carrying snakes in the bottom packet by any chance? Lolly snakes obviously, keep those Tigers out!


Hey Lamont! Ill measure it tonight or tomorrow. It definitely does taper. I am not sure what the logic is but I find it very comfortable and the balance of the pack is great.

No snakes but lots of pecorino and finocchiona. Yum!
User avatar
Zapruda
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1690
Joined: Thu 07 Apr, 2016 10:46 am
Region: Australian Capital Territory
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Lamont » Tue 18 Dec, 2018 7:12 am

Grazie.
Buon natale.
User avatar
Lamont
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1960
Joined: Sun 21 Feb, 2016 1:27 pm
Location: Upper Kumbukta West
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: https://www.againstmalaria.com/
Region: Other Country

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby gbagua » Tue 18 Dec, 2018 1:10 pm

ChrisJHC wrote:You say that you're doing 40 km over two days or 20 km per day.
Of course, if you're walking up and down mountains then the above doesn't apply.


...Or walking on the challenging terrain of Sundown NP. What our party is doing involves: zero tracks, rock hopping, scrambling, canyoning, route finding & scrub bushing in parts and with QLD's summer heat and humidity already in place. One of Australia's premier hiking spots, and from what I read it is a very difficult, tough but also very rewarding hike.

I need a sitting device for lunch and drink breaks, to me this is a must: the Z Lite is like 2 in 1. True is it as comfortable as an inflatable but it doesn't worry me too much.

Thanks all! ;)
User avatar
gbagua
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 513
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2012 9:04 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby gbagua » Wed 19 Dec, 2018 4:01 pm

Franco wrote:Because of the size of your pack, I would suggest something like this :
https://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/therma ... S224-09824


Ended up pulling the trigger for this one instead. I wasn't quite sure about not getting enough sleep because of the Thermarest Z LIte being too hard on a tired body, lol.
User avatar
gbagua
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 513
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2012 9:04 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby ChrisJHC » Thu 20 Dec, 2018 12:40 pm

Good luck!

Tell us how it went.
ChrisJHC
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 783
Joined: Sat 25 Feb, 2017 8:22 pm
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby gbagua » Fri 21 Dec, 2018 3:11 pm

Thavk you. I will. ;)
User avatar
gbagua
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 513
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2012 9:04 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby gbagua » Mon 31 Dec, 2018 8:22 am

I got a lovely sleep night using the Venture pad last Sat. in a hike to Sundown after a gruelling hot day. Highly recommended. Thanks fellas. :)
User avatar
gbagua
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 513
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2012 9:04 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Hiking Noob » Thu 17 Jan, 2019 4:20 pm

I just bought the Klymit one I linked, couldn't resist for $142 posted and it will free up some space in my bike bag.

My S2S one is a rectangle and I wanted something with a taper as I thought it may help keep the feet a bit warmer when using my quilt.
Hiking Noob
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 224
Joined: Sun 08 Feb, 2015 10:11 pm
Region: New South Wales
Gender: Male

Re: Comfy light inflatable mat for an overnighter

Postby Stew63 » Wed 13 Feb, 2019 2:25 am

Everybody's comfort levels are different - especially my +1s!

I'm middle-age male, 179cm/81kgs and I'm very happy with my ThermaRest NeoAir XLite (half inflated) at only 215gm for 3 seasons use - short 120cm length and packs up really small. (Then again I'd be just happy with an old piece of thin foam on the ground) The UberLite is coming out soon at a mere ~170gm! Ye-gads!

Compare that to my +1 who insists on her ThermaRest UltraLite cot with a full length NeoAir X-Them Max on top! (Otherwise she won't come along)

In the past I've patiently tried the VERY heavy ExPeds mats but after 3 ExPeds in a short space of time - they've all failed me. Junk.
Stew63
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 388
Joined: Sat 03 Mar, 2012 2:53 am
Location: Eltham, Victoria
Region: Other Country
Gender: Male


Return to Ultralight backpacking

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests

cron