Exped Synmat Hyperlite Review
Achieving a good night's sleep whether out for an overnight jaunt, a multi day journey or longer expedition is something that cannot be underestimated. Each scenario requires varying degrees of kit all centered around the framework of type of journey, weather, weight and so on. I’ve certainly found sleep deprivation, for whatever reason, can turn an experience in the wild into a tired, aching adventure requiring a morning dash to dip in the nearest mountain stream. Ultimately what you’re sleeping in and what you’re sleeping on plays a crucial role in making this experience as comfortable as possible.
Over the past two years I’ve used a well-known inflatable mattress brand in Tibet, Nepal and Greenland purely based on it’s reputation and build quality alone. Where this mat faired well it lacked and underperformed in certain areas, so it was with interest and excitement that I recently had the opportunity to test and review Exped’s Synmat Hyperlite in some of Britain’s varied terrain over multiple weekends.
Weighing in under a pound (one of the lightest on the market) and compacting down to the size of a 1litre water bottle The Synmat’s light, 20 Denier fabric ensured a light packing weight was at the forefront of various excellent design features.
I continually slept well on the mat, which totaled 7 cm in height when inflated. One of my test locations was atop a flat compact mountain ledge, with minor rock and grass protrusions. I managed to inflate the mat to its full capacity with 13 full breathes but this method isn’t recommended. This process adds moisture to the core and even with synthetic insulation can affect the warmth. With the ingenious addition of the Exped “schnozzle pump bag” (picture below) the whole mat inflated in two and a half bags in quarter of the time. The inflation sack attaches via the male/female valve and uses air trapped within the bag to be pushed into the mattress chambers.
The Hyperlite two-way valve is the one of the best I’ve encountered and so well designed it ensures maximum input and zero leakage throughout the entirety of its use. The Microfiber insulation is equally distributed throughout the huge air chambers making sure there is zero compromise to heat exchange and loss if the primary surface is cold. Being nearly 6ft in height and broad shouldered I opted for the Long Wide (LW) mat variation. Its tapered “mummy” shape works slightly to the mats detriment if cleverly designed to save weight. My regular sleeping position changes found this was still a narrow option and often one side of my body slipped from the mat – This is an important detail to consider if you are above average height.
As a whole this mat is superior in its class and now a staple 3-season addition to my kit list. Retailing at £115, its indulgent, comfy and the valve pump bag configuration is a superb handy addition for speedy inflation. In addition it has a repair kit and 2 year warranty that adds as a nice bonus to an already solid all round product.
I can honestly say; I’ve been converted.
For further information and to purchase the Hyperlite please visit:
http://www.exped.com/international/en/product-category/mats/synmat-hyperlite-lw
UK Exped stockists can be found via the UK distributor here:
https://www.lyon.co.uk/outdoor/exped-stockists