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UOG TOP PICK - Exped FlexMat Plus LW Sleeping Mat - Possibly the best of the closed cell foam mats, seems to get the best R-Value and its oversized compared to others for no more weight.
Exped's FlexMat Plus Sleeping Mats are thicker than the standard FlexMats and this provides more comfort and more insulation, though it also increases the packed size which is the main disadvantage with closed cell foam mats, that and they can't compete with airbeds for comfort.
Exped says:
With a full 3.8 cm/1.5" of foam, FlexMat Plus is the thickest, most-comfortable closed-cell mat available. It is highly versatile for stand-alone use and will increase warmth and puncture protection for inflatable mats. The rapidly-deployed folding form makes setting up and striking camp a breeze.
Our Verdict
Exped's FlexMat Plus Sleeping Mats are thicker than the standard FlexMats and this provides more comfort and more insulation, though it also increases the packed size which is the main disadvantage with closed cell foam mats, that and they can't compete with airbeds for comfort.
The FlexMat and FlexMat Plus are designed for those who want a lightweight and foolproof sleeping mat. There are no worries about punctures or inflation with a closed cell foam mat. The low cost, simple design is a great option for rough camping spots.
The mat offers a surprisingly good level of comfort for it's thinness and with a dual layer construction. The bumped design keeps you off the ground and reduces potential discomfort from whatever you've pitched on. The versatility of a foam mat means that you can use it as a standalone mat when going lightweight or you can use it to protect an air mat or increase the insulation of your current mat.
You can also cut it to a specific size if you want to take the absolute minimum coverage you need, though it does come in three sizes.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Extra thick: 1.5 / 3.8 cm of foam for alpinism and extreme applications
- Highly versatile: for standalone use or puncture protection for inflatable mats
- Rapidly deployed folding form
- High quality and more eco-friendly IXPE foam
Specifications
- Weight: 617g
- Dimensions: 197 x 65cm
- Thickness: 3.8cm
- Packed size: 16 x 65 x 18cm
- ASTM R-Value: 2.2
- Exped temp rating: 0°C
Material & Construction
- Closed-cell foam, DWR-free
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.
