I've used this pad for 5 years now and it has made the camping experience much more enjoyable so I thought I'd add my review of the EXPED sleeping pad.

I use a Downmat 7 deluxe and have never slept so good in my life. I sleep practically as good on the pad as I do my own bed and much more comfortably than I do in most hotels or if I visit others.
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Positives: Insulation R-Value 5.9
              Comfort 2.8 inches thick
              Width 25 iches wide--no arms hanging off.
           

Negative More bulky than a thermarest or BA pad.
             More expensive
             You have to inflate them yourself and you can't blow into them becuase water form your breath ruins the r-factor/insulation. I have  a pump that seconds as a pillow the newer ones have a built in pump.

With the extra insulation and warmth the pad provides I can use a 30 degree down bag anytime I am up in the BWCAW except if I was going to winter camp--most of the time I could use a 40-50 degree bag and be fine. It is a little bulkier than other brands but if you factor in the size, width, thickness of the EXPED pads, they actually weigh far less and are less bulky than other pads with similar stats.

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It has been very durable pad and they have a rock solid warranty as well.

Try one out sometime if you are looking for a new pad. For how many nights I have spent sleeping on the ground the expense has been worth it.

T


               

I've seen the new pump in action.  Very sweet.  Very simple.  Easier than the bellows action of the 1st generation.  I believe BigAgnes will be adopting this as well?  I've been told that MEC will be providing a knock-off of the BA model next year.

What I'm unsure of is if you can revert to the bellows/blow method if/when the pump fails.  If not, then that would be a problem for me.  Gear fails, all gear fails eventually.  For something like this, a back-up is key.  I'd rather blow moisture into a down pad than effectively have no pad at all.

pine_knot wrote on Sep 17^th, 2010 at 6:53pm:

Which is less than a minute if you're using CPR compressions technique. 

I understand that doing this to the BeeGees tune "Stayin' Alive" helps keep the proper beat.  Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" will also help, but is discouraged for actual emergency CPR.