Know How CAMPCRAFT | TECHNIQUE | EXPERT TIP | GEAR | FOOD
EXP E D [ IN THE PACK ] Sweet Dreams FOUR OF THE CUSHIEST SLEEPING PADS EVER
DownMat 7 Pump $149 US •
www.exped.com
Exped’s down fill makes their mats exceptionally warm, giving you the option to trade a bulkier, warmer sleeping bag for a lighter, more packable one. Humidity resistant materials ensure the down can do its job and it packs into a stuff sack that’s 9” x 6”. This year, the DownMat 7 has a redesigned integrated pump system that’s easier to use. This pad is well worth the investment—you can’t put a price on a great night’s sleep after a hard day on the water.
BIG AGNE S Diversion Insulated
Air Core Recycled $95 US •
www.bigagnes.com
If the footprint of urethanes, nylons and polys makes you cringe, Big Agnes has you covered. The Air Core is made using 100 percent recycled poly- ester, 100 percent recycled Climashield HL insula- tion and even a recycled aluminum inflation valve. In warmer climates where insulation isn’t as big an issue, an air core mattress offers a lighter weight, more affordable option that provides equal com- fort. The Diversion is thicker than other lightweight options for a plush sleep and it comes with a handy repair kit that stows in the pad’s stuff sack.
T HE R M-A-R E S T
NeoAir Trekker $120 US (Regular) •
www.thermarest.com
If lightweight is what you’re after, the NeoAir Trek- ker is the way to go. New for 2011, this mat is a more affordable version of Therm-a-Rest’s original NeoAir, an ultra-light, ultra-packable air mat. The internal matrix construction stops air from moving around inside the mat, keeping you off the ground and warm. It feels more stable than traditional tu- bular air mats, making it a more comfortable op- tion for minimalists. To top it off, the Trekker packs down to the size of a one-liter bottle and weighs just 20 ounces.
T HE R M-A-R E S T
Women’s Trial Pro $85 US •
www.thermarest.com
Redesigned for 2011, this is Therm-a-Rest’s warm- est, most comfortable self-inflating backpacking mattress. Made just for women, there is added in- sulation in the feet and the torso as well as sizing that Therma-a-Rest says is tailored to the female body. At two inches thick when inflated, it provides plenty of comfort and warmth in a tried and tested self-inflating, open-cell foam setup. Don’t worry guys, there’s also a regular model, giving you a manly option.
—Michael Mechan 24 SPRING 2011
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