exped flexmat vs thermarest z lite

All trademarks property of their respective owners Ol' Reliable is made to get a job done consistently and every time. GearLab is reader-supported. ;72 x 20.5 x 1.5 inches. Read more Then you'll love our biweekly newsletter. We enjoy the Z Lite for how affordable and lightweight it is and have used one for many years. The nodes on the switchback (left) are taller, adding more comfort. This was one of my favorite shots from the hike. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Our testers attempted to side sleep in the name of thorough testing, but minimal sleep was received, even on some pretty soft duff. ): 20 x 5.5 x 5 in. 2022 Man Makes Fire by Wicked Cool Words LLC. Black Lives Matter This helps to pay the bills and keep the site up and running. UPDATED: Two New BearVault Bear Canisters. These are cookies that collect information about the advertisements shown to users of the website. Dimensions (L x W x H, reg. Women need higher R-values pads because they have lower body mass than men. Having the reflective material pointed towards our body was critical for getting the most warmth from this pad. We tested the Z Lite SOL with the reflective side up and down and noticed a significant difference. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Wind river part three. CleverHiker.com 2022 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. ): 20 x 5.5 x 5 in. The Exped FlexMat Plus is a folding accordion-style closed-cell foam sleeping pad with an R-Value of 2.2 (using the new sleeping pad R-value standard). As the Z Lite SOL was the only closed-cell foam pad we tested, there isn't much to compare to its ease of use. Very highly recommended. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, An effective pad that offers decent three season warmth in a very lightweight package. Having such a high R-Value of warmth at your fingertips is a powerful thing. Im a side sleeper, and on most foam pads I wake up every half-hour with sore hips, our tester said after sleeping on the FlexMat Plus for five nights during our Editors Choice trip to Bears Ears. If you dont mind sleeping on firm surfaces, however, a foam pad may be all you need. No matter what your budget or backpacking style is, we can We help you find the perfect pad for your next backcountry the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, warm for the weight, packs small, comfortable, versatile, Inexpensive, lightweight, great insulation adjunct, Lightweight, extremely affordable, small packed size, Expensive, edges not as stable as other pad designs, This model boasts a big weight savings, is comfortable, and provides great all around performance, This pad boasts an excellent value in a light and compact package, If sleeping on ultra-firm surfaces doesn't keep you up at night this is a solid option that won't pop, An ultra light and ultra cheap option for your next backpacking trip. This is one reason we recommend this pad so heavily for individuals undertaking extremely long treks or adventures where durability is critical. Social media is great, but our bi-weekly newsletter is a much better way to stay in the know. It's not the biggest inconvenience, but if fast and light is the name of the game (which it very well may be with a pad like this one), you may need to weigh the benefit of the bulk. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. The R-Value: The Exped FlexMat is a three-season pad even just a summer pad with an R-value of 1.5. All rights reserved. The Compactness: Along with being one of the lightest foam pads available, the Exped FlexMat is also one of the most compact full-sized foam pads available. This also means you can lie down on the Z Lite SOL on wet grass, rocks, or dirt and take a break or eat a meal. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. With the FlexMat Plus, Exped has created a comfier, warmer foam mat without compromising the durability and price point that make them a favorite of budget-conscious hikers. The 3/4-inch foam pad is insufficient to absorb most ground debris and demands that you spend time searching for a suitable campsite. 75 Best Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics The NEMO Switchback is new for 2019 (see our full review here) and has brought some long overdue updates to the closed-cell foam pad market with its superior comfort and packability. Thank you for your support! High quality merino wool garments. . While it might not be the ultimate pad for comfort, the versatility and ability to stack with other sleeping pads for added winter comfort make this pad a great value. The Z Lite SOL is ill-equipped to protect your hips and other pressure points from such hard surfaces and performs exponentially better on sandy or pine bough covered ground. But as someone who loved the Nemo Switchback but wanted to try the extra thickness for side sleeping, I was pleasantly surprised to find it weighed almost the same. Your email address will not be published. 10 Best Fly Fishing Waders for the Money 2022 The secret is in its texture: The accordion-fold pads egg-crate-like dimples are each about an inch wide, twice as big as its competitors; when folded up, they nestle inside each other like stacked cups. If youre a side sleeper, your hip will likely get tired during the night. You dont have to worry about it getting wet and you dont have to worry about it popping due to some unnoticed bramble or pine cone. No matter the size or style, the Z Lite SOL is affordable. Functional cookies are strictly necessary to provide the services of the shop, as well as for its proper functioning, so it is not possible to refuse their use. Anyone is a candidate for the Exped FlexMat. 10 Best Sleeping Pads First off, if you're looking for extreme comfort from a sleeping pad, the Z Lite SOL shouldn't be on your list of potential candidates. Id still recommend using a pillow or a stuff sack filled with clothes to raise your head if you use one at home because youll sleep more comfortably. Required fields are marked *. Despite it being thin and its R-value being on the lower side, this also means you get a lighter and slightly more compact full-sized sleeping pad. The Z Lites MSRP is $5 less than the Switchback, so it takes the cost category, but both pads are priced similarly. Another weight-saving trick is to utilize the Z Lite SOL as the back panel structure in frameless ultralight backpacks, such as the offerings from Hyperlight gear. The Best Car Camping Bags and Pads of 2022. But one thing theyre usually not: luxe. The following information reflects the Exped FlexMat in a size medium. Shop Cabela's and get free 2-day shipping on most orders over $50! These are used to improve the browsing experience and optimise the operation of the shop. A thinner pad also comes with a lower R-value, but if you're using the FlexMat in three-season conditions (and avoiding snow), then it shouldn't be an issue. It is better than nothing . Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. Compared to the inflatable sleeping pads of today, it's much larger than even the burliest sleeping pads. The thin foam demands the user sleep either on their front or back. Orders placed after 3 p.m. on Friday August 5th will be shipped from Monday August 29th. Whether the Exped FlexMat is for you depends on where your priorities lie. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". The superior pad in this category is the Switchback. (Therm-a-Rest lists the same packed dimensions even though the Switchback packs down about an inch smaller, see pics below). The PHPSESSID cookie is native to PHP and allows websites to store serialised status data. Theres a lot to be said for using an indestructible foam sleeping pad if you have had problems with noisy or leaking air mattresses. While they are bulky, its pretty easy to carry one strapped to the outside of a backpack, either on top or behind using webbing straps or elastics cords. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? It doesn't matter if you're a beginner backpacker who doesn't want to spend a ton of money on an inflatable pad or an experienced backpacker who wants one of the lightest foam pads on offer. . Disclosure: Exped provided the author with a pad for this review. The Weight: The Exped FlexMat is arguably the lightest full-sized foam sleeping pad available. It does, however, cost a bit less. While we occasionally sleep on it or use it as an extra layer of insulation for cold-weather backpacking and off-road camping, our favorite use is as a waterproof, ultra-versatile lightweight backcountry seat cushion. We trust it. Or cut just a couple of panels off to create smaller seat options that are still great for hiking and backpacking but take up less space. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Leave a comment below or get in touch! Often the SAR members would take a half Z Lite SOL, which would only weigh five or six ounces but provide a critical buffer between them and the rocks. Looking closely at both mats I think the Nemo Switchback is simply better made, the dimples have been thought out better, duel density foam and a reflective layer. Either way, we didnt notice any difference in warmth while testing both the pads, but we will give the warmth win to the Z Lite for listing an R-value. Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. Hard surfaces like rock or concrete can be unbearable on the Z Lite SOL. How can we improve GearLab? We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Compared to other foam sleeping pads, the Z Lite SOL does pack down reasonably small. Is the weight listed in the review from weighing the mat yourself, or the boxs claimed weight? One of our favorite uses of the Z Lite SOL is as an R-value supplement to other, more comfortable sleeping pads for winter camping. Both the Switchback and the Z Lite are great options for thru-hikers, backpackers on a budget, and people who like sleeping on firm surfaces. We're Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. If youd given up on closed-cell foam sleeping pads because theyre too thin and uncomfortable, you might want to try out the 1.5 thick FlexMat Plus a try. If you like the idea of the lightweight chair pad, you can reduce the size by choosing the Small version, which is 20 x 51 long. One of the biggest drawbacks to any closed-cell foam pad is that they are bulky and hard to pack. Learn more. Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. There are a couple of lighter options, like the Gossamer Gear Thinlite Foam Pad, but these are so thin (the Gossamer pad is just 0.125 in / 0.32 cm thick) that it could be argued they don't belong in the same category of pads. 25 Best Gifts for Bowhunters This could make a difference over time as the nodes start to lose their ability to rebound after repeated compression. This table is based on Expeds recommendations in Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees. You can always cut some sections off or get the XS version. The extra thickness only results a half-ounce gain of weight over the Z Lite SOL, so thats good, but the R-Value of 2.0 remains the same as the Z Lite SOL. This page contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I may receive small commissions for purchases made via these links. This observation is of limited value, I know, because 95% of the time nobody is going to carry two pads, but the next time Im sleeping on the snow and carrying two pads, Im going to make sure they are of mismatched dimple pattern. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Comfort: One drawback of how thin (and therefore light) the Exped FlexMat you may find is the level of comfort provided by the mat. The beauty of the Z Lite SOL was that it offered insulation and relative comfort in almost any situation. There is no worrying about popping it and spending the night flat on the ground; with the Z Lite SOL, you know exactly how uncomfortable you will be each night no matter what. You can see the foam cells break down eventually losing a significant amount of padding over time. Is it comfortable? It has the same 2.0 R-Value and the same 14 oz weight. Best First-Aid Kits for Camping Set up is a breeze, when using the pad by itself, underneath a second pad for added insulation, or as added puncture protection for an air mattress. . You can really feel the difference in comfort that a thicker sleeping pad makes, particularly since your hips and shoulders dont bottom out when you roll onto your side to sleep. Packed size (L x W x H, reg. It's a no-frills, lightweight, easy to deploy sleeping pad that can be used alone in warmer climates or in conjunction with an inflatable pad as a four-season solution. With an R-value of 1.5, it's a three-season sleeping pad, but can be used in conjunction with an air mattress as part of a four-season setup. It's no surprise why so many thru-hikers turn to the Z Lite SOL year after year. REI: Check out all the new cool deals in the REI Outlet! Need your Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face gear fast? NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad The NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad is slightly thicker than the Z Lite SOL. Free Shipping and Returns. I caught this fellow hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a great prop! Yes, it means you have an easily deployable mattress that won't get a hole in it and become useless (like an air pad), but it also means you need to cope with a large piece of gear that will not fit inside of your backpack. This, like the comfort issue noted above, is a result of the pad being as thin and lightweight as it is. This makes it much more comfortable to sleep on, perhaps enough that you'll want to switch back to using a foam pad instead of an air mattress. If you would like to see specifics on the xs or long/wide version, you can find them here. On the package it was marked 500g/17.6oz, but on my weight it was 418g. Many people wont find closed-cell foam pads comfy enough on their own - we certainly prefer air pads. Depending on where you'll be using this pad, that R-value may be more than enough, but it's something to consider when looking at the available options. Everything around the cave from BBQ, hunting, fishing and organizing so you can watch less and do more. (Incidentally, we prefer the foldable design of the Z Lite because its easier to deploy as a multi-functional cushion.). To reach him, take a "firstnamelastname" guess at. And this rugged durability leads us to why I take the Z Lite backpacking and camping so often: I dont have to worry about it at all. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad is an outstanding lightweight closed-cell foam sleeping pad. The ZLite placed on top of the FlexMat is unbelievably cushy! The reflective Z Lite SOL does offer a significant amount of heat retention, especially considering the extremely thin and lightweight design. Other Man Makes Fire gear testers sometimes haul the extra weight of the Z Lite SOL for the same purpose. With this one, I barely stirred. Thanks to the extra height, the pad is warm, too: It has an R-value of 2.2, and kept us cozy on 25F nights in conjunction with a 20F bag. I was thinking that youd need significantly more material to make it that much more comfortable, but I did the math and it is 26% heavier than the Zlite. We love backpacking, international travel, useful gear, and all things nature. Of course you do. We awarded the Z Lite SOL with the Best Buy Award for closed-cell foam pads once again because it still holds up as the most packable and functional pad at a reasonable price. The ingeniously interlocking bumps and recesses create a fairly comfortable mattress that softens the feeling of hard ground. The past claimed 2.6 R-value has been adjusted to 2.0 with the advent of standardized insulation testing but is enough to keep you toasty through three seasons. The foam mattress is light and foldable. R-values are additive, so you can combine two pads to increase your warmth level. But I weighed mine out of curiosity, and it came in at 420g/14.8oz. Getting outside changes how you see the world, changes how you appreciate pretty much everything.. NEMO doesnt list R-values - they give an estimated temperature range instead. These Cookies will only remain on your computer until you close your browser. That is significant but could be well worth it. The Price: In addition to being one of the lightest and most compact, full-sized sleeping pads out there, the FlexMat is also one of the most affordable at just $35. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. The tops of the FlexMats dimples flatten out when you lie on the pad, which is much softer and more comfortable than the Switchback and Zlite Sol. Backcountry.com | Moosejaw | REI | Therm-a-Rest, Best Camping Tents They can be anonymous, if they only collect information about the advertising spaces shown without identifying the user, or personalised, if they collect personal information about the user of the shop by a third party, for the personalisation of these advertising spaces. 35 Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers First, lets talk about sleeping on it. Her favorite things include the crinkle of a new Dyneema tent, the smell of Doug fir trees, and shaving an ounce off her pack weight. "Nothing but the best between you and the elements". When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Lightweight, affordable, great warmth adding supplement, Breaks down over time, dimples gather dirt and moisture. Its long enough for two people to sit on it side-by-side and its long enough to let one person lounge on it as well. Theyre usually strapped in under the top lid or in the side/bottom compression straps, which means they have to be moved every time you want to access your main compartment or they are blocking access to side pockets. Also with regards to using 2 mats together, using one of the 3mm thick mats on top of the Nemo adds a huge amount of comfort and warmth, far more than you would think and well worth the 70g carry. The Exped FlexMat Plus is a 1.5" thick closed-cell foam sleeping pad for backpacking and camping that's substantially thicker than the NEMO Switchback and the Therm-a-Rest ZLite foam sleeping pads. We've started to refer to the Z Lite SOL as Ol' Reliable. All Rights Reserved. Is the extra .15 thickness meaningful? Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. It's a foam pad segmented into one ounce rectangles and metalized for heat reflection. Foam pads are a great option for backpackers on a budget, as they generally cost no more than $50. We use, test, and review gear including the best camping tents, best fly rod and reel combos, best fishing waders, best soft coolers, best camping stoves,SUPs, bikes, ski and snowboarding gear, and much much more. Because the full-size 20 x 72 Z Lite SOL weighs less than a pound (14 oz), the weight penalty for backpacking is minor. Because you cant compress the air out it, it takes up space. This makes it much more comfortable to sleep on, perhaps enough that youll want to switch back to using a foam pad instead of an air mattress because theyre virtually indestructible and far less expensive. Late to this conversation I know but touched on something Ive found. Exped FlexMat Plus Foam Sleeping Pad Review. The tops of the FlexMat Plus dimples compress flat when you lie on top of them, but warm air heated by your body heat, can still circulate in the air channels around their base. Many backpackers like using closed-cell foam pads as sleeping pads or sit pads because theyre waterproof and cant be punctured like an air mattress. The only situation where the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL excels as a backpacking sleeping pad is when you must sleep in thorny or sharp-rock conditions. These are cookies without a clear purpose or those that we are still in the process of classifying. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad is a compact, ultralight closed-cell foam pad. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. Theres no getting around it. For instance, the FlexMat Plus is 66% thicker than NEMO Switchback and twice as thick (100% thicker) than a Therm-a-rest Zlite Sol. Ignore what I said about purchasing the Flexmat, read multiple comments on several websites of the mat dimples flattening after a short amount of uses. In fact, I sometimes bring the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad when I go backpacking . No sponsored content. The Z Lite weighs .5 ounces less than the Switchback, but we think carrying that half ounce extra is worth it considering the Switchback packs down smaller and is more comfortable. Collect information about the user's browsing experience in the shop, usually anonymously, although sometimes they also allow the user to be uniquely and unequivocally identified in order to obtain reports on the user's interests in the products or services offered by the shop. You wouldn't want to put it inside your pack, but if you were using a frameless backpack and didn't have a ton of gear, I suppose you could use it folded open, inside, against your back to provide structure and support to your backpack. We have even seen a Z Lite SOL used as a splint for first aid applications in the backcountry. Free Shipping and Returns. Our store will be closed for our holidays from Friday 08/05/2022 to Sunday 08/28/2022. Patagonia: FREE Shipping at Patagonia.com on all orders of $75 or more! Oddly, both pads list the exact same packed dimensions on the manufacturer websites. It gets worse, though. The Switchbacks nodes are taller and wider and have more room to compress. Here are some popular resources to check out: Best Stoves, Food, Water Filters, Jackets & More: CleverHiker Gear Guide. Get L.L.Bean's legendary customer guarantee and free shipping on $50+ orders! CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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