Over the years I have kept upgrading. Thin closed cell, self inflating and now the Exped Downmat 9 LW. My first Exped had a bag to use as a bellows for inflating the bag. That pad started expelling down during deflation. It was three years old but I was sent the new Exped Downmat 9 LW with its internal pump. About 70 pushes on the pump and it is at my preferred stiffness.

I was led to the Exped by a tripping partner when he told me, "I did not roll over all night." I knew that was a huge statement when it came to sleeping on the ground. I found his endorsement to be truthful. The pad is more of a bed than just padding. It is quiet and there is no sliding around on it. For personal comfort I do cover it with a small cotton sheet. With use at my cabin and canoe trips I sleep on this pad about 100 nights a year and am fully satisfied.