Klymit sleeping mats

[JackRabbitSlims]

Bloody Expensive down here in NZ

Ouch .... I would be looking on eBay/UK/US suppliers. Even with postage you should be able to do a lot better than that. I have seen them here in Australia at around $280 IIRC. Still expensive but.

would you be kind enough to list some of the better online camping and outdoors stores you have in Oz?

i buy quite a bit of Bike stuff online out of the UK (Wiggle & Chain Reaction) - if I keep it under $400 NZD, it passes through ok.

I'd like to do the maths on some of this stuff....looking at a tent also.

Thanks if you can help me out.
Cheers.

[pjclinch]

Thermarest seems to get the nod on here ahead of Exped and the others.....is that a fair comment?
also, which "Neo Air" are you using please.

My Neo Air is one of the originals, when there was one model called the Neo Air... For more on the various flavours see https://sticksblog.com/2012/04/07/fare-the-well-original-neoair/

I've not tried an Exped so no comment beyond I see from Interweb fora that they are popular and rated by proper gnarly camping types (as are Neo Airs). We've had our Neo Airs within the time frame of a family that precludes stupid cold use so I don't feel my comments on how warm it needs to be would carry much useful weight.

Based on my NeoAir experience I'd get another (though I'd have to think about which model, especially as I like to use my mat with a chair kit as I can't comfortably sit on the ground for long with no back support), but I'd also be happy to experiment with an Exped if a suitable bargain showed up. I think it's fair to conclude that one brand is good, and the other is too, though neither are perfect.

What I can say is my trusty old T-Rest self inflator (celebrating its quarter century this year) now mainly does duty for my daughter's Girl Guide camps and the Neo Air is the usual Weapon Of Choice both for weight/bulk and for comfort. My old T-Rest Ultralite self inflator hasb't come out for a while now.

Pete.

[gloomyandy]

I have an Exped SymMat UL (Short version). I also have the chair kit and leave the mat in the chair kit cover when using it. I've found it very good to sleep on (after a little experimentation with pressure) and the chair kit is brilliant. I suspect the UL version is a little fragile but having the chair kit cover adds a bit more protection. Even with the cover it packs up pretty small and I easily get it and my sleeping bag+liner into a sport packer classic front pannier with space to spare. Would certainly get another.

[Aushiker]

would you be kind enough to list some of the better online camping and outdoors stores you have in Oz?

These are the ones I know of or get a mention on the Bushwalking forums, but not necessarily have used.

http://www.wildearth.com.au/
http://backpackinglight.com.au/

I also make use of http://bike24.com a lot. Postage is a bit steep but if you sign in you will be given VAT free prices and so often they are quite a bit cheaper than other sources. They also have tramping gear as well as bike gear.

[JackRabbitSlims]

Thank you - much appreciated.

[JackRabbitSlims]

WOW - that Bike24 site is great!!

MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 for around half the price we pay in NZ....including the delivery!

[Gattonero]

Thanks for the reply Pete.

Thermarest seems to get the nod on here ahead of Exped and the others.....is that a fair comment?

I use the NeoAir Xlite and I rate it some of the best money I've ever spent.

For the weight and packed size, there's still nothing that can match them. I like to sleep warm, but I don't like to dedicate one single bag just for the sleeping mat. NeoAirs are exceptional, when packed are the size of a 1lt bottle, and when inflated you can sleep on frozen ground.
That is enough for me, I'm sold to them.
No idea why people say they are "noisy". Aside from the fact that birds and animals outside the tend are all but quiet, perhaps is me being so tired after a day cycling, that some noise from the fabric doesn't bother me at all. Some people say that they sound like a pack of crisps, in all honestly I'd say this is overstated

[Tangled Metal]

We've got Exped synmat ultralite and rate them. They pack to the size of a half litre thermos flask and 400g or so. Comes with a repair kit in a little pocket sewn to the opening of the stuff sack. Only.cost a little over £70.

[JackRabbitSlims]

Yes, since last posting I have got myself the Neo Air X-Lite - very happy with it too

[Aushiker]

On the subject of Klymit sleeping mats Massdrop currently have a drop about to start on a custom Klymit mat made for them, the Klymit Static V Ultra Light. No mention of pricing as yet.

[Gattonero]

Doesn't display, gues you have to log in?
Still, I wonder how does it compare to the NeoAir as far as insualtion properties

[Aushiker]

Doesn't display, gues you have to log in?
Still, I wonder how does it compare to the NeoAir as far as insualtion properties

Sorry seems you do have to sign up ... hadn't realised that. You can find a "review" of it at http://ultralightinsights.blogspot.com/ ... tic-v.html Apparently the pricing is in the vicinity of US$50

[MrsHJ]

Thanks for the reply Pete.

Thermarest seems to get the nod on here ahead of Exped and the others.....is that a fair comment?

I use the NeoAir Xlite and I rate it some of the best money I've ever spent.

For the weight and packed size, there's still nothing that can match them. I like to sleep warm, but I don't like to dedicate one single bag just for the sleeping mat. NeoAirs are exceptional, when packed are the size of a 1lt bottle, and when inflated you can sleep on frozen ground.
That is enough for me, I'm sold to them.
No idea why people say they are "noisy". Aside from the fact that birds and animals outside the tend are all but quiet, perhaps is me being so tired after a day cycling, that some noise from the fabric doesn't bother me at all. Some people say that they sound like a pack of crisps, in all honestly I'd say this is overstated

Plus 1- I do think it's a tad noisy but I don't care, the most comfortable sleeping camping I've ever had.

[Gattonero]

Doesn't display, gues you have to log in?
Still, I wonder how does it compare to the NeoAir as far as insualtion properties

Sorry seems you do have to sign up ... hadn't realised that. You can find a "review" of it at http://ultralightinsights.blogspot.com/ ... tic-v.html Apparently the pricing is in the vicinity of US$50

Just saw the specs.
Not even half as warm as the NeoAir, R-Value of 1.3 vs 3.2 of the latter. Not good in this country, IMO.
I've realized that a good, warm sleeping pad means you can carry a much lighter sleeping bag (or quilt, as I do) and save a massive amount of space and weight.

[TimeTraveller]

I use Klymit mat... great mat and super comfey.
I very cold weather (read snow) I use a space blanket underneath.