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A warm, spacious ultralight mat that prioritises comfort without giving up four-season performance
Exped says:
Minimal weight, compact pack size, and excellent thermal performance – the Ultra 6.5R is the perfect mat for backpacking, bikepacking, or alpine tours all year round. With an R-value of 6.5, it meets EXPED's minimum insulation recommendation for mats that can be used reliably in all four seasons. The mummy shape makes it even lighter and more compact to pack.
The innovative SYNMAT PLUS TECHNOLOGY™ combines recycled, synthetic microfibre filling with an additional layer of reflective foil. This maximises the thermal performance without increasing the weight or pack size - perfect for cold nights. All our backpacking mats feature Cradle Comfort™ for added comfort: the outer longitudinal air chambers are slightly raised for even better support on the mat.
The recycled, bluesign®-recognised ripstop polyester is ultra-light and three times stronger than conventional materials. Thanks to the two flat valves, the mat can be inflated effortlessly and deflated just as quickly - robust, reliable, and intuitive to use. The Schnozzel pump bag supplied ensures fast, moisture-free inflation.
Our Verdict
The Exped Ultra 6.5R LW Sleeping Mat delivers impressive warmth, with a 6.9 R-value that places it firmly in winter-capable territory. At 592g, it remains well-balanced for a full-length, wider mat, with the added weight justified by the increased length and overall sleeping space.
The vertical full-length baffles give it a stable feel on uneven ground and work particularly well for side sleepers. At 9cm thick, it provides consistent support, while the slightly raised outer baffles help keep you centred during the night.
The rectangular shape and extended length are the key differences here. At 197cm long and 65cm wide, it offers plenty of room to stretch out, making it a strong option for taller hikers or those who prefer more space in camp.
The Schnozzel pump sack is quick and efficient to use and weighs 54g, making it easy to justify carrying.
Overall, this is a well-balanced option for colder conditions, combining dependable warmth with increased comfort and space.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- COMFORT CRADLE™ EXPED’s exclusive Comfort Cradle™ side rails are larger than the central air chambers, keeping the sleeper centered on the mat.
- BAFFLE CONSTRUCTION Baffles are welded between top and bottom fabric giving the mat a 3 dimensional shape and adding stability. This construction creates extra space to fit insulation and avoids cold bridges.
- WELD-THRU CONSTRUCTION Top and bottom fabric are welded together directly. This construction allows the production of an affordable mat without compromising sleeping comfort.
- INFLATE | DEFLATE EXPED's Flat Valves allow the air to be inflated and deflated quickly and easily. Pioneered by EXPED. Industry-leading durability, reliability and intuitive performance.
- SYNMAT PLUS TECHNOLOGY™ utilises recycled synthetic microfiber filling for efficient insulation, combined with reflective layers, to maximize warmth while maintaining a lightweight and durable structure.
Specifications
- Weight excluding bag: 592g
- Width: 65 cm
- Length: 197 cm
- Thickness: 9 cm
- Packed: 27 x 12 cm
- R-Value: 6.9
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
- Material: Recycled 20 D ripstop polyester, TPU polyether film laminate, bluesign® approved fabric, DWR free
- Insulation: Recycled Texpedloft microfiber, bluesign® approved fabric, reflective foil
