Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW & Synmat Hyperlite LW

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.

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. 

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. 

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.