Looking to get a comfier mat and noticed that exped do a downmat 7 and a synmat 7.

Downmat (down filling) is about £15 dearer, warmer and a tiny bit lighter.

Not seen any reviews of the synmat (synthetic filling).

 A couple of questions. First, are the downmats robust over the long term ? Does the down reloft OK and is it easy to keep it dry in practice ? Secondly, has anyone actually got the synmat or compared it to the downmat.

And of course, if anyone has seen either below £75 that would be handy too !!

Thanks,

 d

I have the Pacific Outdoors Thermo mat, which is filled with Primaloft. Packs up quite small. About the volume of a one litre bottle. Part of what I like about it is that the Primaloft if moisture-insensitive. Blowing it up by mouth and introducing water vapour is not a problem.

It's a comfortable mat, though I think I would have preferred a rectangle to the mummy-shaped one I have.

I got mine from Sierra Trading in the States. About £30 all in.

Doesn't everyone use Thermarest?

Nooooooo !!

 Don't tell me that - I just got a downmat for £75 from wiggle (actually £79 but I had a £5 voucher) and I was really pleased.

 What Blacks was it ? My local one certainly didn't have anything that sophisticated.

 I'm off on Friday and somehow my comfortable sleep just won't be as enjoyable !

Still, fwiw, the downmat seems a really well built piece of kit. What is grasping at straws I guess...