Gear Review: Exped Synmat Lite 5 M
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: All over the place
Duration: Multiple weekend trips
Product Name: Synmat Lite 5 M
Product Brand: Exped
Best Use: Crashing on after exploring the outdoors
Sizes Available/ Specs: Size: 183 x 52x 5cm / 72 x 20.5 x2"
Weight 630g / 22.2oz
R-Value: 2.5
The Full Review
This mat comes in a super small packsack and is lightweight. It is a 3-season mat - super comfortable and warm but not winter recommended without another insulation mat or heavy duty sleeping bag. It's great for backpacking, car camping, even entertaining house guests. I've used it during spring and summer camping trips and felt like I was sleeping on my bed at home - so comfy! I bought the schnozzle pumpbag which makes inflating it happen in no time (only 2-3 compressions). The pumpbag snaps onto the mat's inflation valve effortlessly. The Synmat Lite 5 has a built-in valve stopper, which makes it easy to detach the pump and close the valve without losing air. I've spent a few nights sleeping on the pad without needing to add air. When I was ready to go, I shifted the stopper to release air and my mat was completely deflated and flat by the time I was finished packing up my sleeping bag. Any residual air vanished after I rolled it up. Another great thing about this mat is that it comes with a repair kit and a 5 year warranty!
The Good:
- Comfy and reliable
- Super lightweight and compact
- Well made and durable
- Great for both car camping and backpacking
- Piece of cake to inflate!
- Piece of pie to deflate!
The Bad:
- You have to purchase the Schnozzle pumpbag or another inflation device separately.
The Bottom Line:
Definitely taking this mat with wherever I go!
The Full Review
This mat comes in a super small packsack and is lightweight. It is a 3-season mat - super comfortable and warm but not winter recommended without another insulation mat or heavy duty sleeping bag. It's great for backpacking, car camping, even entertaining house guests. I've used it during spring and summer camping trips and felt like I was sleeping on my bed at home - so comfy! I bought the schnozzle pumpbag which makes inflating it happen in no time (only 2-3 compressions). The pumpbag snaps onto the mat's inflation valve effortlessly. The Synmat Lite 5 has a built-in valve stopper, which makes it easy to detach the pump and close the valve without losing air. I've spent a few nights sleeping on the pad without needing to add air. When I was ready to go, I shifted the stopper to release air and my mat was completely deflated and flat by the time I was finished packing up my sleeping bag. Any residual air vanished after I rolled it up. Another great thing about this mat is that it comes with a repair kit and a 5 year warranty!
The Good:
- Comfy and reliable
- Super lightweight and compact
- Well made and durable
- Great for both car camping and backpacking
- Piece of cake to inflate!
- Piece of pie to deflate!
The Bad:
- You have to purchase the Schnozzle pumpbag or another inflation device separately.
The Bottom Line:
Definitely taking this mat with wherever I go!