The Exped AirMat HL Ultralight Sleeping Pad is a game-changer for summer backpacking enthusiasts seeking lightweight comfort without sacrificing quality. This comprehensive review dives into the pad's performance, highlighting its impressive packability, efficient inflation system, and surprisingly comfortable sleeping surface. From its compact stuff sack containing the pad, mini-pump, and repair kit, to its innovative valve system and soft-to-the-touch material, every detail is examined. We'll explore the pros and cons, weighing the benefits of its ultralight design against limitations like its R-value suitability for warmer temperatures.This in-depth analysis will cover the AirMat HL's ease of inflation (both with the included pump and alternative options), its mummy-style design optimized for comfort and weight reduction, and its overall performance in the field. Discover if this sleeping pad's lightweight construction and superior comfort make it the ideal companion for your next warm-weather backpacking adventure, or if its limitations might necessitate exploring other options for colder climates. We’ll provide a balanced assessment, helping you determine if the Exped AirMat HL is the right choice for your needs.
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Exped AirMat HL arrives in a compact, blue stuff sack, significantly smaller than expected for a sleeping pad. This immediately hints at its ultralight nature. Inside, you'll find the pad itself, a mini pump, and a handy repair kit – a thoughtful inclusion for on-the-trail fixes. The small size of the stuff sack and the included accessories emphasize the packability of this pad.
The mini pump is a welcome addition, as it’s a far more efficient way to inflate the pad than blowing it up manually. This saves breath and time, especially after a long day of hiking. The repair kit also adds a layer of peace of mind, as it gives the ability to handle potential punctures while backpacking.
Inflation and Deflation
The Exped AirMat HL boasts a user-friendly valve system. A green stopper valve prevents air from escaping while attaching or detaching the pump. Inflation with the included mini pump is straightforward; simply connect the pump and block the small hole on top. The foam-filled pad provides a springy feel.
I personally prefer using a larger pump, such as the Schnozzle, due to its speed and efficiency. It also doubles as a waterproof dry bag for a quilt, which optimizes weight carrying. Both methods are easy; however, the Schnozzle is considerably faster.
Pad Features and Specifications
The AirMat HL is a mummy-style pad, wider at the shoulders and tapering to the feet, for a balance of comfort and weight reduction. The pad itself weighs 10.9 ounces, the stuff sack 0.4 ounces, and the mini pump 1.6 ounces. The total pack weight is impressively light.
The pad’s surface features a “next-to-skin comfort” material, which feels softer and grips the skin better than typical nylon. It’s 72 inches long, 2.8 inches thick (great for side sleepers), and has a mummy shape with a 28.5-inch shoulder width and 13.8-inch foot width. It has an R-value of 1.9, suitable for temperatures down to 39°F but not recommended for much lower temperatures.
Likes and Dislikes
The primary advantages are its ultralight weight, efficient valve system, comfortable surface material, quiet operation, reasonable price, and substantial thickness for comfort. The low weight and compact pack size are excellent for backpacking trips.
Minor drawbacks include the valve system’s less-than-ideal manual inflation and the low R-value, limiting its use to warmer temperatures. While these are not major issues, they are worth considering if you need a pad for colder conditions. The pump solves most of the inflation concerns, however.
Conclusion
The Exped AirMat HL is a superb ultralight sleeping pad, perfect for summer backpacking. Its lightweight design, efficient inflation, comfortable surface, quiet performance, and reasonable price make it a strong contender in its category. The included pump and repair kit add significant value.
While the R-value is low and manual inflation less convenient, these drawbacks are overshadowed by the pad’s numerous advantages. If you prioritize lightweight comfort for warmer weather adventures, the Exped AirMat HL is a highly recommended option. Consider a higher R-value pad for cooler conditions.