This review delves into the Decathlon 4 Season Sleeping Pad (MT900), assessing its suitability for winter camping. We examine its packability, weight, and claimed R-value of 5.4, crucial factors for anyone venturing into colder climates. Field testing on the challenging West Highland Way, with temperatures plunging to -3°C, provided a real-world assessment of its performance and durability. The review covers aspects like inflation speed, comfort levels, and noise, offering a comprehensive overview for potential buyers considering this budget-friendly option.This detailed evaluation explores the pad's dimensions and actual weight against manufacturer claims. We also compare the available sizes (regular and XL), discussing the implications for different body types and sleeping styles. Ultimately, this review aims to determine if the Decathlon MT900 truly lives up to its "four-season" designation and whether it represents a worthwhile investment for serious winter campers seeking a balance of warmth, comfort, and packability.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight
- Compact (20cm x 11cm packed size)
- High R-value - suitable for winter use
- Thick (9cm)
- Separate in and out valves with non-return valve
- Good size (large: 183cm x 64cm; XL: 195cm x 64cm)
- Durable materials
- Quiet
- Good value for the price (£130)
- Difficult to repack into its sack
- May require a higher R-value for temperatures below -5°C
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Decathlon 4 Season inflatable trekking mattress, model MT900, arrived compact and surprisingly lightweight. Its advertised dimensions are 28cm x 11cm, though I found it slightly smaller, fitting easily into my Flex Tail gear pump sack. This is a significant advantage, minimizing pack space on backpacking trips.
The claimed weight is 615g, but excluding the pump sack, the actual weight drops to a remarkable 560g. Considering its robust build and impressive R-value of 5.4, this is exceptional for a winter sleeping pad.
I chose the large size (183cm x 64cm), which Decathlon refers to as a regular size in other product lines; note that an XL (195cm x 64cm) is also available.
Features and Design
The pad's 9cm thickness provides excellent insulation from cold ground. This is crucial for winter camping, offering a comfortable and warm sleep.
It features separate in and out valves; the in-valve is a non-return valve, preventing air loss. Inflation was quick and easy with my Flex Tail pump, with no noticeable air leakage.
The design is a blend of mummy and rectangular styles, offering the advantages of both shapes - excellent snugness without constricting movement.
Real-World Performance
I used this pad on the West Highland Way, where temperatures dropped to -3°C. It performed exceptionally well, keeping me warm and comfortable throughout the night.
The materials are durable and robust, showing no signs of wear or tear even after extensive use. The pad wasn't excessively noisy, unlike some other winter pads I've tested.
While the large size was suitable, I wish I had opted for the XL for extra room to move around during sleep.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Decathlon 4 Season sleeping pad (MT900) is an excellent value-for-money option for winter camping. Its high R-value (5.4), lightweight design, and compact pack size make it ideal for backpacking trips.
It's genuinely a four-season pad, although for temperatures significantly below -5°C, a higher R-value might be preferable. The construction quality is superb; the materials are tough, and there's no noticeable air leakage.
Overall, it's a fantastic sleeping pad with a great blend of comfort, warmth, and packability. I highly recommend it, especially for those who prefer a balance between mummy and rectangular designs. Consider the XL if you're a larger person or a restless sleeper.