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A compact, dependable foam mat that offers simple comfort and reliable insulation
Exped says:
The Flex 3R is the thickest closed-cell foam mat on the market, designed for extreme conditions, cold nights and demanding tours. With its 3.1 cm thick foam construction, it is suitable as a stand-alone mat or as an additional layer of insulation and protection under an inflatable mat.
The R-value of 2.8 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 3R XS takes the same thick-foam design and trims it down to a shorter, more packable format. At 297g with an R-value of 2.8, it provides solid three-season insulation while remaining simple and dependable. The 3.1cm foam helps take the edge off uneven ground, offering a more forgiving feel than thinner foam mats, while still retaining the firm support expected from closed-cell construction.
The IXPE 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 inflatable or self-inflating mats, but their shorter length makes them easier to position under a rucksack lid or stash inside the pack. It also works well as an added layer under an inflatable mat for extra protection and warmth.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- 3.1 cm insulation and protection for inflatable mats
- High-quality IXPE foam
- Foldable construction
Specifications
- Weight: 297g
- Width: 52 cm
- Length: 123 cm
- Thickness: 3.1 cm
- Packed size: 52 x 15 x 14 cm
- R-Value: 2.8
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
