MT,

Sorry for holding out on my UL7 mattress.  I have owned a Thermarest since 1979 and thought it was about time I upgrade. I followed Bill Conners recommendation and got a UL7 and Scnozzel. I used both on my solo to Gons this summer and couldn't be happier. I wanted lightweight and comfort and the UL7 delivers both. I like the vertical baffels as they seem to be more comfortable than horizontal ridges to sleep on.

I must say that I am still a bit worried about its durability as it is quite "thin". Inflating it was quick and easy with a Schnozzel. Another fellow paddler said that Exped prefers that you not blow moisture into the mattress. Hence the Schnozzel for inflation. The Schnozzel weighs next to nothing and only takes about 3 full inflations to fill the mattress. I found the mattress to be most comfortable when it was about 2/3 full. I am a side sleeper.

I am a summer camper and sleep hot so I picked the UL7... It doesn't have much R value. If you are a spring or fall paddler I would go with one of the Exped mattresses that has more insulation value.