The Exped Down Mat Lite 5 sleeping mat promises four-season comfort, and this review delves into whether it lives up to the hype. Initial impressions reveal a surprisingly bulky package for a mat aiming for lightweight backpacking, raising questions about its stated warmth rating. Despite this, the mat boasts impressive specifications, including a 700 fill power down insulation, a built-in pump sack for quick inflation, and a thoughtfully designed construction incorporating a foam layer for condensation protection. A key focus of this review will be evaluating the mat’s actual performance in cold conditions, comparing it to other inflatable mats, and assessing its overall comfort and practicality for various outdoor adventures.This detailed review will analyze the Exped Down Mat Lite 5’s performance across several key areas, including its warmth, comfort, ease of inflation and deflation, packability, and durability. We'll explore whether the claimed -12°C comfort rating holds true in real-world conditions, and discuss the potential trade-offs between weight, pack size, and insulation effectiveness. Ultimately, we aim to determine if the Exped Down Mat Lite 5 is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a cozy and relatively lightweight sleeping solution for winter camping.
Pros And Cons
- Light
- Warm (for winter)
- Great price
- Includes pump and repair kit
- Anti-slip fabric
- Soft to the skin
- 700 fill power down
- Moisture repellent
- Tested to IDFB standards and certificated by RDS
- Keeps user warm
- Bulky pack size
- Not a great deal of down feathers visible
- Comfort rating of -12°C might be optimistic
- Pump is awkward to use
- Can be slippery despite anti-slip fabric
- User woke up a few times during the night (though this could be unrelated to the mat)
Read more: Thermarest vs Sea to Summit Winter Sleeping Pads: A Detailed Comparison
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Exped Down Mat Lite 5 arrived, a medium-sized sleeping mat promising four-season comfort. The packaging highlighted its construction: a black, durable material filled with duck down, specifically in the middle chambers. Initial inspection revealed a surprisingly bulky package, but that's understandable given the focus on warmth.
A closer look showed horizontal tubing, reinforcing the mat's structure. However, upon holding it up to sunlight, the down fill seemed less substantial than expected, raising a minor concern about its stated warmth rating. The mat's weight, at 620 grams (21.9 ounces), felt manageable, though it certainly isn't ultralight.
Features and Specifications
The mat boasts a comfort rating down to -12°C (10.4°F), although that felt optimistic. It features a built-in pump-sack design, a safety valve preventing air leakage, and a foam layer at both ends to protect from condensation. An anti-slip fabric is included on the top but might still be slightly slippery.
The mat itself is 183cm (72 inches) long and 52cm (20.5 inches) wide, and packs down to 26cm x 13cm (10.2 inches x 5.1 inches). Filling the mat with air was surprisingly quick thanks to the included pump-sack. Its quality down insulation (75 grams, 2.6 ounces) offers a 700 fill power, and it’s treated for moisture repellency.
Field Test and Performance
Despite initial concerns, the Exped Down Mat Lite 5 delivered surprising warmth during a night with temperatures close to 0°C (32°F) and a chilly wind. Though I did wake up a few times, the comfort level was significantly better than a previously used, firmer inflatable mat.
The mat's honeycomb-style construction might contribute to its softness and added durability. The back especially felt warmer than expected, suggesting effective heat retention. The mat did lose some air overnight, as many air mattresses do; this is not an issue specific to this mat.
Final Verdict
The Exped Down Mat Lite 5 exceeded expectations, providing unexpected warmth and comfort, especially considering the relatively lightweight and compact design. While the initial visual inspection of the down fill was less than impressive, the performance in cold conditions proves its effectiveness.
The included pump-sack is a big plus, speeding up inflation significantly, and the anti-slip top layer, though not perfect, is a nice addition. The mat's bulkiness might be a drawback for ultralight backpackers but this trade off for comfort and warmth is certainly worthwhile.
