The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Sleeping Mat
Sep 02, 2025
The key factors to take into consideration when choosing a sleeping mat are the pack size, weight, your budget and most importantly what time of year you will be using it which, determines the level of insulation you need. Comfort in an outdoor sense is partly dictated by being able to iron out the lumps and bumps in the ground with the mat, but insulation is king and if you’re cold you won&
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Thermarest NeoLoft Sleeping Mat: Built for Backpacking
Sep 01, 2025
Welcome to the comfort revolution and get ready for the most comfortable nights you’ve ever experienced backpacking. If an XLite NXT and a MondoKing had a baby, it would be the NeoLoft. With a lightweight and warmth-efficient internal structure, a luxurious comfort-driven 3D profile, and a silkysoft stretch knit surface, the NeoLoft is designed to cushion, cradle and contour all night long.
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The Ultimate Ultralight Bikepacking Advice Page
Posted by Chris Futers, Lois Fife and Rob Farquhar on Jul 16, 2025
Bikepacking
Travelling on two feet can require little more than a rucksack to carry your belongings and enable you to travel far. An ultralight journey on two wheels can require a bit more thought. Some of the main factors being the terrain and the duration of the ride. Gruelling miles off road can feel very different to those on the road, and take a lot longer, but the rewards when both road ri
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Sea to Summit Etherlite XR and XR Pro Explained
Apr 01, 2025
Ether Light XR is the thickest and warmest sleeping mat in our Ultra Light range, due to using new insulation, Thermal Core®. The Air Sprung Cells still provide four inches of stability and comfort, while Thermal Core® insulation prevents convective heat loss and internal air movement. This results in true four-season performance perfect for backpacking, light weight camping, bikepacking a
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Wild Camping for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide for the UK
Posted by Andy Neil on Sep 05, 2024
Wild camping is more than just a
hobby; it’s an enriching and deeply rewarding experience that allows you to
reconnect with nature in its most unfiltered form. Whether waking up to a breathtaking
mountain sunrise, listening to the soothing sounds of a forest at night, or
simply enjoying the solitude that only the wilderness can offer wild camping
provides a unique escape from the everyday hus
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About Thermarest
Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 03, 2024
Thermarest can rightly claim that they started a minor revolution in backpacking comfort, before 1972 there was the 'closed cell foam mat' to sleep on that provided insulation but little comfort. Since 1972 we've had self-inflating mats and then ultralight airbeds from Thermarest and other companies that have transformed the quality of sleeping outdoors. Since moving into sleeping bags in 1997 The
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Thermarest NXT Sleeping Mats Explained
Aug 23, 2024
With improved warmth and comfort, the NeoAir XLite NXT solidifies the legacy of its predecessor as the finest ultralight air sleeping pad for year-round backcountry adventures. By refining the way our cutting-edge construction technique, the Triangular Core MatrixTM, integrates with the warmth radiating ThermaCaptureTM technology. The XLite NXT delivers maximum comfort and support at a minimal wei
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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Sleeping Mat
Posted by Andy Neil on Jul 17, 2024
When preparing for a hiking or
backpacking trip, selecting the right sleeping mat is crucial for ensuring
comfort and warmth during the night. We’ll delve into the different types of
sleeping mats available and the importance of R-value. Our aim is to equip you
with the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision when choosing the
right sleeping pad for your next adventure. leeping
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NEMO Equipment Founder & CEO Cam Brensinger Interview
Posted by Andy Neil on Jul 08, 2024
Last month, we had the privilege of hosting Cam Brensinger, the founder and CEO of Nemo. Cam, who established Nemo in 2002, was kind enough to sit down with us and answer a few questions on the company's origins, the process of bringing ideas to market, and the vital role of brands in championing sustainable design. 1. What inspired your decision to start NEMO? How did your upbringing influen
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TGO Kit List Highlights 2024
Posted by Andy Neil, Danny Pearson and Lois Fife on May 02, 2024
May means one thing in the Ultralight office: The Great Outdoors Challenge, or the TGO, for short. We are incredibly proud to sponsor this communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. This year, Lois, Danny, and I are taking part in this years crossing. Lois is embarking on her first, and Danny and I are attempting our third TGO challenge.The TGO Challenge is a unique coast-to-coast trek across S
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Exped's Lightest Ever Kit List
Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 30, 2024
Exped has been crafting cutting-edge camping and backpacking gear in the great Swiss outdoors since 1983. Two students passionate about adventure founded the company, and sustainability remains a central focus. Exped has become renowned for its ultra-lightweight and compact designs, delivering exceptional performance without compromise. Summer is the perfect time to escape into nature on a mu
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Nemo Tensor Extreme Review - “With an R rating of 8.5, the Tensor Extreme is about as good as it gets currently.”
Posted by Trek Scotland on Apr 25, 2024
Extra consideration is often required when
choosing a winter kit. Especially kit you wish to spend a night in below zero
conditions with potentially a long walk away from the nearest road. How much each
piece of gear weighs will be a factor, but more importantly, it needs to be up
to the job. A sleep mat is a key item as it is the main barrier against the frozen
ground, to help provide a w
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