Mattresses, prices in the stratosphere!

[Litehiker]

Anybody wanting both a light mattress and one that is relatively warm (R value of 3 or more) will pay through the teeth for good quality in this category.

Both the Big Agnes AXL insulted and the Thermarest Neo Air XTherm are $180. and $200. respectively. Even REI's Flash insulated mattress is $119.
YIKES!

I really lust after the Big Agnes AXL insulated at 10.5 oz. for a regular in mummy shape but my lust is dampened by the $180. price. And I detest the crinkly noise of the Neo-Air. Had one and took it back to REI.

I had the "privilege" of orally inflating my Neo-Air at 9,500 ft. and getting light headed in the process.
Thankfully some air mattress companies make stuff sacks that double as bag inflators.

So I may have to lug my 1 3/4 lb. Thermarest Trail Pro self inflating mattress next hunting season or give in and get the BA AXL on an REI 20% off sale.

Eric B.

 

[ssssnake529]

Klymit makes a reasonably priced insulated mattress. No idea if they are good quality or not, but many folks on Rokslide swear by them. (as opposed to swearing at them.)

 

[midnightmalloy]

Expend makes a UL 7 Downmat that is pretty light and you can get their shnozzle bag that lets you inflate it without blowing into it.

 

[Litehiker]

Thanks guys. The insulated lightweight air mattress market seems to be changing monthly with new and better offerings. I'll wait until around August and see what's new and (maybe) better.

Eric B.

 

[midnightmalloy]

Thanks guys. The insulated lightweight air mattress market seems to be changing monthly with new and better offerings. I'll wait until around August and see what's new and (maybe) better.

Eric B.

Hey look at used gear also on the backpacking forums, eBay and Craigslist. You can find some awesome deals.

 

[Litehiker]

Believe me, as a confirmed gearaholic I do haunt these sites. I need a 12 step program. My garage has 200 lbs. of lightweight gear!

Eric B.

 

[geargrinder]

I got my NeoAir Xlite on Massdrop for $90.

R=3.2

It's supposedly made of a softer/quieter material than the Xtherm.

They also sell a pumpsack that doubles as a pack liner.

 

[Litehiker]

With some research I find the BA "insulated" air mattresses have never lived up to their advertised temperature ratings - by a long shot. Lots of disappointed BA owners posting on REI reviews and backpacking sites. So BA is out for me.

However REI's insulated FLASH air mattresses are giving accurate real world warmth BUT... they do tend to spring leaks more than other insulated air mattresses, mainly along the "welds" where the top and bottom skins are mated.

REI, being a good company and member owned, is supposedly addressing this problem.
We'll see.

Eric B.
UPDATE: I talked to an REI rep and he said that if my FLASH mattress sprung a leak at the welds REI would always guarantee it B/C they see that as a "manufacturing defect". Other pinholes however are my problems. Sounds good enough for me. That Insulated FLASH regular length mummy shaped mat is only 15 oz., not bad for an insulated mattress with an R 3.7 rating. That's usually good to 10 F.