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    • Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW and Synmat Hyperlite LW

    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 Airmat Hyperlite LW and Synmat Hyperlite LW

    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. 

    Exped Airmat Hyperlite and Synmat Hyperlite
    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

    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.

    Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW

    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.

    Exped Synmat Hyperlite LW

    A simple single valve for inflation and deflation.

    Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW and Synmat Hyperlite LW

    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

    Exped Synmat Hyperlite

    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 Synmat Hyperlite LW

    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 

    Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW

    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

    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. 

    PROS:

    Exped Synmat Hyperlite LW

    • Warmer for winter and alpine camping 
    • Higher R-Value
    • Keeps its shape better than the Airmat due to insulation material


    Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW

    • Easy to pack and very lightweight​​

    CONS:

    Exped Synmat Hyperlite LW

    • Somewhat difficult to get into the stuff sack. 


    Exped Airmat Hyperlite LW

    • Only good for summer and mild shoulder season camping (4°C).
    • Low R-Value
    • Doesn’t keep its shape as well as the Synmat.

    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

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