Yeah, you get a bit of RSI in the wrists pumping them up, but they do give you a very decent nights sleep on the road.

I think there are some quicker easier inflation solutions out there that I havent tried yet.

Deflation isn't an issue but Exped inflation systems are eccentric to say the least. My Down-Mat was the old type with the stuff sac inflator, it took a couple of minutes to blow up. My Syn-Mat has the new integral inflator and does take a while to inflate, it is a bit of a faff.

I'm far to impatient for all that. Thermarest XL it is :D

www.touringted.com

Bed
 

LOL You talkin about me Ted ????/

XL
 

Where is there a Thermarest XL ? I have looked and can't find any:( although they have a size chart that says they should but I can't see them !!!!
Ted ?????:helpsmilie:

They only do an XL in the comfort range of mats. You won't get one in a pro lite etc.

www.touringted.com

Standing up I pump it up with my bare foot. It doesn't take long.

I have used both Exped & Thermarests... here's my thoughts...

Exped - PROS : super comfy
CONS : time to inflate / eventually fail as all air beds do

Thermarest - PROS : Easy to inflate, unroll and leave to fill up
CONS : Not as comfy as an Exped

What makes exped so much more comfortable compares to the traditional thermarest is the thickness of it making you feel a bit like on a real mattress.

I use my exped mainly when i'm trailering the bike around on weekends because i find them way to bulky and rather heavy due to the insulation in them.

These guys below make mattresses with roughly the same dimensions but without the filling. That wont be great when its cold but you can inflate them with a few breaths. No mold and delaminating issues with these.

Sleeping Pads | Hyalite Equipment

The outer baffles on some are bigger so you don't roll off as quickly. I've got the peak elite which packs amazingly small. Bit smaller than a rain jacket.

10Omm deep self inflating mat
 

I bought one of these in UK Outwell elegance. Served me well until I gave it away in India to save weight and space. I was pretty happy with it as I have a dodgy back and in recent years painful hips too ... falling apart it seems.

I have another similar 100mmm thick self inflater in Australia which is 800mm wide and takes up too much space but is fairly comfortable.

Yes they are way too large but if you dont sleep whats the point?

I found a way to get more air out of them when packing, if you roll once, then open out, fold in half and roll again, you can get even smaller. Of course this all takes time and added to time for tent building put me off camping if I could get a cheap hotel.

Anyway, point I'm making, I liked the outwell one so much I want to get another. There are no agents for this in Australia so I'll get it next time Im nearer to home.

I'm also an Exped Synmat fan... best mattress I've ever slept on. My pillow doubles as a pump so inflation is about 2-3 minutes.

The latest thing on the market is Windcatcher with and inflation time of 10 SECONDS!!!
Seriously - watch the first video
Videos | Windcatcher

I think we have a winner. Great idea. Could be lighter and less bulky though.

This looks really good, I'm impressed with the innovation of some young guys and simple physics. Proof of the pudding and all that, how robust how cheap etc. They dont release until September but I will be keeping an eye on this. My wife will think I've really lost it if I buy another camping attachment :)

+1 on the Exped Synmat
No more pumping :smiliex: by hand (unless you really want to!)
I use my Cyclepump which I already have and a this wee gizmo

What exactly is the wee gizmo, Bertrand? I have the cycle pump and Exped Synmat but not sure if I have the gizmo in my bag of tricks.