Sleeping mat

[The Gourmet Wanderer]

Thanks for the advice, it sounds good and will be useful. I have found no matter what the base is, it is good to have a fleece to lie on top of the base. A dog fleece for old and arthritic animals is good. The type you can buy off the roll. white nylon fleece with a blue backing that can be washed. It is a bit of gucci kit that helps you feel good at the end of a hard day.

 

[jay clock]

I had a lot of discomfort on my 50 yr old body with Thermarest and now have an Exped Downmat. Musings here http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1&page_id=104184&v=4B but in short it is EXCELLENT. For pillow I have a lightweight inflatable one from Decathlon wrapped in a fleece and maybe a couple of other items, then inside a hotel laundry bag (like a pillowcase but with a string)

 

[Aushiker]

Musings here http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1&page_id=104184&v=4B but in short it is EXCELLENT.

Getting off-topic but have you written up your experience with the PHD Minimus bag by any chance?

Thanks
Andrew

 

[jay clock]

I have not done much touring in the past coople of years but it was perfect for the Med. Maybe down to 5-8 degrees.

 

[psmiffy]

so what are the pros and cons of a "synmat" over a down filled one

 

[bikepacker]

Apart from the technical differences, as far as I can tell in normal usage there is no difference. Having had both I prefered the Synmat because it was a smaller pack size. The new ultralight version is even smaller and lighter.

 

[steveindenmark]

The Synmat 9 LW arrived today and it is going back and being replaced by the Synmat 7.

The Synmat 9 is quite a lot bigger than the 7 when it is rolled up. I was surprised at the difference.

The Synmat pillow pump also arrived and feels comfortable, packs small and blows the bed up quickly without putting moisture into it.

I like how the material of the bed and the pillow feels warm to the touch.

Steve