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Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW & Synmat Hyperlite LW
Exped’s Hyperlight camping mats are supportive, comfortable, and amazingly light and compact. Both mats have shaved about ¾ of a pound off of Exped’s traditionally shaped mats, such as the Exped Synmat UL 9, the Exped Downmat Light 5 and the Exped Downmat UL 7 LW. If you’re looking for a heftier, comfier mat for casual camping, then you might consider the Ultra-light models over the Hyperlights. They are a little more on the pricey and bulky side, but you get more leg room and a really comfortable night’s sleep. The Exped Downmat UL 7 LW and the Exped Synmat UL 9 also boast significantly higher R-Values (better insulation) than the Hyperlight’s; with the Exped Synmat UL 9 almost doubling that of the Synmat. But if space and weight are a high priority, then you should definitely consider a Hyperlight mat!
Exped recommends using their SCHNOZZEL PUMPBAG UL M to inflate the mats to prevent moisture accumulating on the inside from your breath, causing deterioration over time. It’s a great tool that makes inflation easy and efficient, while also doubling as a waterproof stuff sack. It works sort of like a bellows: you loft the sack full of air, fold the top over to create a seal, and as you roll the bag it pushes air into your mat. It only takes about four sacks of air to completely fill the mat (less once you get good at it).
Each mat comes with a repair kit that includes: Exped textile glue, fabric patches, and a repair manual, as well as care/use instructions. The kit is neatly stowed in a small pouch inside the drawstring packsack. Exped offers a 2-year warranty on the Airmat and a 5-year warranty on the Synmat Hyperlight.
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Construction:
Both mats are constructed with a tapered design to cut down on size. The sides of the mats are slightly raised to keep you in the centre of your mat while sleeping. The taper design also helps save space when using two mats in a tent if you position them head to toe.
I found the mat felt very supportive while lying on my back or my side. My partner tested the Synmat: he’s about the same height as me, but he’s a lot wider and heavier on the top. He reported that the mat was great if he was sleeping on his back, but not as comfortable lying on his side. This made me question how suitable these mats would be for heavier, taller folks. The Synmat is definitely firmer, and keeps its shape better for a heavier person (due to its additional insulation). To be really comfortable, I would recommend buying a proper camping pillow.The included repair kit fits in it's own inner pouch.
The flat valve design is durable and simple. It has a one-way flap that is easily dislodged for fast deflation. There is also an attached pin that can be wedged into the valve flap to allow air to escape (instead of using your finger). I tried blowing up the Airmat with the Pumpbag, and again using my breath: the Pumpbag is definitely faster and easier, but the mat is still pretty easily blown up using the air in your lungs. It’s best to keep the valve closed and let each breath break the seal; that way you don’t end up doing twice the work and getting lightheaded. The flat design protects it from damage, unlike traditional valves that stick out.
The valve system is actually somewhat rudimentary when compared to valves used in more modestly priced mats like the Sea To Summit Ultralight Mat, which utilizes a double valve tab combination; one for inflating and one for deflating. The Exped Downmat UL 7 LW and the Big Agnes Aircore Ultra Insulated mats also feature two separate one-way valves. Some would argue the separate valve system is superior to the single two-way valve used in the Airmat and Synmat.Light yet surprisingly durable outer fabric.
A simple single valve for inflation and deflation.
Exped Synmat Hyperlite LW
Materials
Top of mat: 20 D Polyester, TPU Polyether Film Laminate, Hydrolysis resistant, Honeycomb embossed
Bottom of mat: 20 D Polyester, TPU Polyether Film Laminate, Hydrolysis resistant
Insulation: 60 g/m² Texpedloft Microfibre
Features:
- Wide at shoulders and tapered at bottom for space and weight savings.
- Slightly raised sides to prevent shifting during sleep.
- Durable, effective valve system.
Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW
Materials
Top of mat: 20 D Polyester, TPU Polyether Film Laminate, Hydrolysis resistant, Honeycomb embossed
Bottom of mat: 20 D Polyester, TPU Polyether Film Laminate, Hydrolysis resistant
Insulation: none
Features:
- Wide at shoulders and tapered at bottom for space and weight savings.
- Slightly raised sides to prevent shifting during sleep.
- Durable, effective valve system.
Verdict:
The best value is definitely found in the Synmat. If you’re paying $170.00 for a camping mat, you can probably afford to pay an extra $30.00 for an extra 3 years’ warranty, plus extra insulation and rigidity. That being said, the Airmat is more then good enough for summer camping in low altitudes, and maybe even preferable on a really warm night. Both offer incredible comfort for their light-weight and size.
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PROS:Exped Synmat Hyperlite LW
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CONS:Exped Synmat Hyperlite LW
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SPECS:
Exped Synmat Hyperlite LW
Price: $200 CAN
Temperature rating: -6°C
R-Value: 3.30
Weight: 445 grams
Width: 65cm (Shoulder), 40cm (foot)
Thickness: 7cm
Length: 197cm
Packed size: 20 x 10cm
Colour: Tiger Orange
Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW
Price: $170 CAN
Temperature rating: 4°C
R-Value: 1.90
Weight: 410 grams
Width: 65cm (shoulder), 40cm (feet)
Thickness: 7cm
Length: 197cm
Packed size: 19 x 8cm
Colour: Cobalt Blue
RATING:
Exped Synmat Hyperlite LW 9/10
Warmth: 2/2
Packed Size: 1/2
Ease of use: 2/2
Weight: 2/2
Quality/Price: 2/2
Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW 8/10
Warmth: 1/2
Packed Size: 2/2
Ease of use: 2/2
Weight: 2/2
Quality/Price: 1/2
Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.
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