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A lightweight, compact foam mat that keeps things simple and reliable
Exped says:
The Flex 1.5 is an extremely light, robust, and versatile closed-cell foam mat for trekking, bikepacking, or camping. It is suitable as a stand-alone mat for 3-season use or as an additional layer of insulation and protection under an inflatable mat.
The R-value of 1.7 provides reliable basic insulation and at the same time protects against sharp surfaces. The foldable construction enables quick deployment. The high-quality, environmentally friendly IXPE foam is particularly durable, water-resistant and dimensionally stable.
Our Verdict
The Exped Flex 1.5R XS is a straightforward closed-cell foam mat designed for warm conditions, with a shorter length that keeps weight and bulk to a minimum. At 225g with an R-value of 1.7, it provides basic insulation, while the 1.6cm thickness keeps things simple but limits cushioning on harder surfaces. The reduced length makes it easy to position and works well as part of a minimalist setup.
The construction feels durable and holds its shape well. The main advantage of mats like this is their durability. They are effectively impossible to puncture, and even if they do get damaged, they still function as intended.
They are bulkier to transport than an inflatable or self-inflating mat, but the shorter format makes them easy to pack under a rucksack lid or stashed inside the pack. It works well on its own, but also makes sense as an added layer under an inflatable mat for extra protection and warmth.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Light, durable and versatile
- Minimalist or entry level sleeping mat
- Provides protection and added R-Value for inflatable mats
- High quality and more eco-friendly IXPE foam
Specifications
- Weight: 225g
- Width: 52 cm
- Length: 130 cm
- Thickness: 1.6 cm
- Packed size: 52 × 13 × 8 cm
- R-Value: 1.7
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.
Material & Construction
- Closed-cell foam, Oeko-Tex® 100 tested, DWR free
