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- UltraMat-M and AmberMat - Lightweight Inflatable Backpacking Mattresses
UltraMat-M and AmberMat - Lightweight Inflatable Backpacking Mattresses
SKU:
£7.95
7.95
32.95
£7.95 - £32.95
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- Made from 40D TPU-Coated Ripstop Nylon
- Size: UltraMat-M: 184cm x 56cm x 5cm
- Size: AmberMat: 190cm x 59cm x 6.5cm
- Colour: Blue/Amber
- Weight: UltraMat-M 460g/AmberMat 500g
- Pack Size: 26cm x 7cm/8cm
- Includes: Drawstring Bag & Puncture Repair Patches
- Lightweight Pillow and Inflation Air Bag also available
- STATION13 Z-Pad - Lightweight Folding Sleeping Pad
IN STOCK - FAST AND FREE UK DELIVERY
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STATION13 Lightweight Inflatable Backpacking Mattresses
& Lightweight XPE Closed-Cell Foam Folding Z-Pad
Backpackers do have a few options when it comes to what they sleep on when out in the field. The traditional roll-up closed-cell foam pads, provide quite good insulation from the cold ground and are very lightweight, but at between only 0.6 cm and 1 cm thick, they do not offer much in the way of comfort... and they are extremely bulky. You will find more modern folding closed-cell foam pads (often termed as Z-Pads due to the way the fold up) have corrugations which add depth and so do provide a little more comfort and are still very light weight, but the great bulk remains. See our 350g STATION13 Z-Pad at the bottom of this page.
Self-inflating mattresses are much better in terms of comfort as they usually range from between 2.5cm to 5cm and have internal memory foam that springs back when you open the valve, pulling air in and hence self-inflates (to a certain degree at least). But some of these self-inflating mattresses can be as bulky as the traditional closed-cell foam pads, and can be considerably heavier.
So another option is the modern inflatable mattresses, traditionally known simply as airbeds, but nowadays made from far superior materials. The new inflatable mattresses are as lightweight (if not lighter) than the traditional closed-cell foam pads, are usually at least 5cm deep, so offer much more in terms of comfort than either foam pads or most self-inflating mattresses, and pack down extremely small.
In terms of durability, the award has to go to the closed-cell foam pads as there is not too much that can go wrong with them, but this durability comes at the cost of them providing very little in terms of comfort.
Both self-inflating mattresses and inflatable mattresses can suffer punctures and air leaks over time. A deflated self-inflating mattress will still afford you some comfort due to the internal memory foam, but a deflated inflatable mattress will not provide you with anything but the comfort of the underlying hard ground.
In essence then, this is something you have to weigh up yourself and decide where your priorities lie. If the great bulk of closed-cell mattresses and self-inflating mattresses is simply a non-starter, then the only option is the inflatable mattress.
In the past we have used all kinds of sleeping pads and mattresses, and while we started out on traditional closed-cell foam pads, our older bones won't even consider them anymore. Too be honest, we now only ever backpack with inflatable mattresses because the comfort, weight-saving and small pack size tend to outweigh the risk of a puncture or other air leak - put simply the 'pros' far outweigh the 'cons'.
When we camp we are very careful where we pitch, we always check the ground for any potentially sharp items, and we are yet to have an inflatable mattress fail on us. Modern inflatable mattresses are made with good quality materials and are relatively durable so, as with many folks, it is a risk that we are more than happy to take.
I should emphasise that inflatable mattresses offer the least insulation from cold ground, so if ever we camped in cold, winter conditions we still used these inflatable mattresses, but on these occasions we also carried with us a closed-cell foam pad. We use the closed-cell foam pad underneath our inflatable mattresses, so we had the insulation properties of the foam pad along with the comfort of the inflatable mattress... plus the closed-cell foam pad offered additional puncture protection to our inflatable mattresses.*
* We now actually always combine the two when camping at any time of the year. The additional insulation from cold ground and puncture protection afforded by the closed-cell foam pad far outweigh the additional 350-400 grams weight penalty. And in most cases this combination is still lighter than an equally comfortable, thicker self-inflating mattress.
Self-inflating mattresses are much better in terms of comfort as they usually range from between 2.5cm to 5cm and have internal memory foam that springs back when you open the valve, pulling air in and hence self-inflates (to a certain degree at least). But some of these self-inflating mattresses can be as bulky as the traditional closed-cell foam pads, and can be considerably heavier.
So another option is the modern inflatable mattresses, traditionally known simply as airbeds, but nowadays made from far superior materials. The new inflatable mattresses are as lightweight (if not lighter) than the traditional closed-cell foam pads, are usually at least 5cm deep, so offer much more in terms of comfort than either foam pads or most self-inflating mattresses, and pack down extremely small.
In terms of durability, the award has to go to the closed-cell foam pads as there is not too much that can go wrong with them, but this durability comes at the cost of them providing very little in terms of comfort.
Both self-inflating mattresses and inflatable mattresses can suffer punctures and air leaks over time. A deflated self-inflating mattress will still afford you some comfort due to the internal memory foam, but a deflated inflatable mattress will not provide you with anything but the comfort of the underlying hard ground.
In essence then, this is something you have to weigh up yourself and decide where your priorities lie. If the great bulk of closed-cell mattresses and self-inflating mattresses is simply a non-starter, then the only option is the inflatable mattress.
In the past we have used all kinds of sleeping pads and mattresses, and while we started out on traditional closed-cell foam pads, our older bones won't even consider them anymore. Too be honest, we now only ever backpack with inflatable mattresses because the comfort, weight-saving and small pack size tend to outweigh the risk of a puncture or other air leak - put simply the 'pros' far outweigh the 'cons'.
When we camp we are very careful where we pitch, we always check the ground for any potentially sharp items, and we are yet to have an inflatable mattress fail on us. Modern inflatable mattresses are made with good quality materials and are relatively durable so, as with many folks, it is a risk that we are more than happy to take.
I should emphasise that inflatable mattresses offer the least insulation from cold ground, so if ever we camped in cold, winter conditions we still used these inflatable mattresses, but on these occasions we also carried with us a closed-cell foam pad. We use the closed-cell foam pad underneath our inflatable mattresses, so we had the insulation properties of the foam pad along with the comfort of the inflatable mattress... plus the closed-cell foam pad offered additional puncture protection to our inflatable mattresses.*
* We now actually always combine the two when camping at any time of the year. The additional insulation from cold ground and puncture protection afforded by the closed-cell foam pad far outweigh the additional 350-400 grams weight penalty. And in most cases this combination is still lighter than an equally comfortable, thicker self-inflating mattress.
AmberMat - Lightweight Inflatable Backpacking/Camping Mattress
Details:
Made from 40D TPU-coated Ripstop Nylon
Size: 190cm x 59cm x 6.5cm (approx. 75" x 23" x 2.5")
Weight: 500 grams (including drawstring bag)
R-value 1.3
Pack Size: 26cm x 8cm
Includes: Drawstring Bag & Puncture Repair Patches
At 190cm x 59cm, our AmberMat is slightly larger than most other inflatable mattresses on the market, so is more suitable for slightly taller people, but still comes in at only 500g. This inflatable mattress is ideal for backpackers and lightweight camping. No pump is required to inflate this mattress, just around 15 good breaths will do the job.
Please note that this is not a self-inflating mattress, it is more along the lines of a traditional airbed, but employing more advanced materials. This means that unlike self-inflating mattresses or the the massive bulk of a traditional foam sleeping pad, this inflatable mattress will roll down to just 26cm x 8cm.
The cleverly designed air pockets of our AmberMat provide comfortable depth of 6.5cm, so not only are you better protected from the cold ground underneath, but you are also provided with much greater comfort than a traditional foam sleeping pad or a standard 2.5cm self-inflating mattress.
With an insulation R-value of 1.3, this lightweight camping mattress is primarily suited to 2/3 season UK camping. Winter camping would likely require a camping mattress with a higher insulation value in order to stave off the cold from freezing ground, or the addition of a foam sleeping pad, but as a standalone 2/3 season inflatable mattress, the AmberMat provides exceptional comfort at great value for money.
While some care needs to be taken with any inflatable mattress, our AmberMat (and UltraMat-M) are made from abrasion resistant 40D ripstop nylon with a high quality TPU waterproof coating. The 40D ripstop nylon employed by our inflatable mattresses is more durable than the 20D nylon used by many inflatable mattresses, but this does come at a slight cost in weight. However the weight increase is marginal and justifiably offset by the extra durability the 40D nylon affords.
The AmberMat comes complete with its own drawstring bag and puncture repair patches.
We would suggest that you experiment a little to find the inflation setting that suits yourself. The thing is, if you sit on the mattress you are likely to sink through to the floor as your weight is all in one area, but when lying down with your weight more evenly distributed these mattresses perform very nicely. More air will obviously result in a firmer support, but maybe at the expense of comfort.
This is a full size mattress measuring 190cm x 59cm (approx. 75" x 23").
Made from 40D TPU-coated Ripstop Nylon
Size: 190cm x 59cm x 6.5cm (approx. 75" x 23" x 2.5")
Weight: 500 grams (including drawstring bag)
R-value 1.3
Pack Size: 26cm x 8cm
Includes: Drawstring Bag & Puncture Repair Patches
At 190cm x 59cm, our AmberMat is slightly larger than most other inflatable mattresses on the market, so is more suitable for slightly taller people, but still comes in at only 500g. This inflatable mattress is ideal for backpackers and lightweight camping. No pump is required to inflate this mattress, just around 15 good breaths will do the job.
Please note that this is not a self-inflating mattress, it is more along the lines of a traditional airbed, but employing more advanced materials. This means that unlike self-inflating mattresses or the the massive bulk of a traditional foam sleeping pad, this inflatable mattress will roll down to just 26cm x 8cm.
The cleverly designed air pockets of our AmberMat provide comfortable depth of 6.5cm, so not only are you better protected from the cold ground underneath, but you are also provided with much greater comfort than a traditional foam sleeping pad or a standard 2.5cm self-inflating mattress.
With an insulation R-value of 1.3, this lightweight camping mattress is primarily suited to 2/3 season UK camping. Winter camping would likely require a camping mattress with a higher insulation value in order to stave off the cold from freezing ground, or the addition of a foam sleeping pad, but as a standalone 2/3 season inflatable mattress, the AmberMat provides exceptional comfort at great value for money.
While some care needs to be taken with any inflatable mattress, our AmberMat (and UltraMat-M) are made from abrasion resistant 40D ripstop nylon with a high quality TPU waterproof coating. The 40D ripstop nylon employed by our inflatable mattresses is more durable than the 20D nylon used by many inflatable mattresses, but this does come at a slight cost in weight. However the weight increase is marginal and justifiably offset by the extra durability the 40D nylon affords.
The AmberMat comes complete with its own drawstring bag and puncture repair patches.
We would suggest that you experiment a little to find the inflation setting that suits yourself. The thing is, if you sit on the mattress you are likely to sink through to the floor as your weight is all in one area, but when lying down with your weight more evenly distributed these mattresses perform very nicely. More air will obviously result in a firmer support, but maybe at the expense of comfort.
This is a full size mattress measuring 190cm x 59cm (approx. 75" x 23").
UltraMat-M - Ultralight Inflatable Backpacking Camping Mattress
Details:
Made from 40D TPU-coated Ripstop Nylon (Blue)
Size: 184cm x 56cm x 5cm (approx. 72.5" x 22" x 2")
Weight: 460 grams (including drawstring bag)
R-value 1.2
Pack Size: 26cm x 7cm
Includes: Drawstring Bag & Puncture Repair Patches
At a mere 460 grams, this mattress is ideal for backpackers and lightweight camping. No pump is required to inflate this mattress, just around 15 good breaths will do the job.
Please note that this is not a self-inflating mattress, it is more along the lines of a traditional airbed, but employing more advanced materials. This means that unlike self-inflating mattresses or the the massive bulk of a traditional foam sleeping pad, this inflatable mattress will roll down to just 26cm x 7cm.
The cleverly designed air pockets provide just over 5cm of depth, so not only are you better protected from the cold ground underneath, but you are also provided with much greater comfort than a traditional foam sleeping pad or a standard 2.5cm self-inflating mattress.
Made from 40D TPU-coated Ripstop Nylon (Blue)
Size: 184cm x 56cm x 5cm (approx. 72.5" x 22" x 2")
Weight: 460 grams (including drawstring bag)
R-value 1.2
Pack Size: 26cm x 7cm
Includes: Drawstring Bag & Puncture Repair Patches
At a mere 460 grams, this mattress is ideal for backpackers and lightweight camping. No pump is required to inflate this mattress, just around 15 good breaths will do the job.
Please note that this is not a self-inflating mattress, it is more along the lines of a traditional airbed, but employing more advanced materials. This means that unlike self-inflating mattresses or the the massive bulk of a traditional foam sleeping pad, this inflatable mattress will roll down to just 26cm x 7cm.
The cleverly designed air pockets provide just over 5cm of depth, so not only are you better protected from the cold ground underneath, but you are also provided with much greater comfort than a traditional foam sleeping pad or a standard 2.5cm self-inflating mattress.
With an insulation R-value of 1.2, this lightweight camping mattress is primarily suited to 2/3 season UK camping. Winter camping would likely require a camping mattress with a higher insulation value in order to stave off the cold from freezing ground, or the addition of a foam sleeping pad, but as a standalone 2/3 season inflatable mattress, the UltraMat-M provides comfort at great value for money.
It comes complete with its own drawstring bag and puncture repair patches.
We would suggest that you experiment a little to find the inflation setting that suits yourself. The thing is, if you sit on the mattress you are likely to sink through to the floor as your weight is all in one area, but when lying down with your weight more evenly distributed the mattress performs very nicely. More air will obviously result in a firmer support, but maybe at the expense of comfort
This is a full size mattress measuring 184cm x 56cm (72.5" x 22"), and is suitable for anyone up to around 6 foot tall.
It comes complete with its own drawstring bag and puncture repair patches.
We would suggest that you experiment a little to find the inflation setting that suits yourself. The thing is, if you sit on the mattress you are likely to sink through to the floor as your weight is all in one area, but when lying down with your weight more evenly distributed the mattress performs very nicely. More air will obviously result in a firmer support, but maybe at the expense of comfort
This is a full size mattress measuring 184cm x 56cm (72.5" x 22"), and is suitable for anyone up to around 6 foot tall.
Note: The valve assembly on our inflatable mattresses (and pillow) is dual function. Opening just the top cap reveals the one-way valve for inflating; to deflate and pack away, you carefully prise open both the top cap and the valve below. When deflating we find it easier to initially roll the full width of the inflatable mattress from bottom to top (towards the valve end) in order to expel the air, and then unroll and neatly fold into thirds length-wise, before finally rolling up from the bottom once again for packing away.
We are aware that inflatable sleeping pads are more prone to issues (mainly air leaks/punctures) than solid foam sleeping pads, but if a little care is taken when using and handling, then these potential mishaps can be minimised. However, we would strongly suggest that you fully test the inflatable mattress for air tightness in your home, and over a few continuous days before taking it out in the field. Needless to say, for your peace of mind, if there are any issues at all, we will replace the inflatable mattress immediately or fully refund you.
OPTIONS
Inflation Air Bag
To be honest we thought long and hard about whether or not to have these inflation air bags produced, thinking that they might prove to be a useless, and so pointless novelty. However, on using one we soon discovered that they are actually incredibly good at what they do. It only took us 5 bags of air to blow up our AmberMat, so ultimately they exceeded our expectations and certainly have their place. We actually blew an AmberMat up faster with one of our inflation air bags than someone using an electric pump plugged into their car 12v supply.
The inflation air bag can also serve more than one purpose. Firstly you can inflate the inflatable mattress with the air bag to save your lungs. Simply connect the valve of the air bag to the mattress valve, open up the air bag to allow air in, and then roll down the top, steadily forcing air into the mattress. The air bag also avoids moisture* from your breath building up inside the mattress, so an air bag can really make sense. Secondly, the air bag, being air tight and hence water tight, can also double as a dry bag for vulnerable items like mobile phones and cameras in very wet, poor weather conditions.
*There is evidence that moisture inside inflatable mattresses from your breath can in the long term build up and be detrimental to the longevity of the mattress due to it creating a suitable environment for mould to thrive, which in due course attacks and so degrades the PU lining material. Condensation from your breath inside the mattress also acts as a coolant so reduces the mattress's efficiency in terms of insulation, hence lowering its R-rating.
Of course, no self-respecting ultralight backpacker would ever consider carrying the extra weight of an air bag, but for the rest of us it may be a worthwhile consideration. The air bag rolls down very small when not required, and weighs in at 92g. Made from the same material and colour as the AmberMat.
The inflation air bag can also be used with our UltraMat-M, and in fact any other inflatable mattress that features the same dual function valve.
Lightweight Inflatable Pillow
The lightweight Inflatable Pillow can make sleeping a little more comfortable. Ergonomically shaped to cradle your head, this inflatable pillow is 48cm x 30cm, with a depth of around 10cm. It packs down into a tiny pouch just 10cm x 6cm and weighs just 86g. If a pillow makes all the difference to a good night's sleep, then it's well worth considering.
Please note the pillow is currently available in turquoise only - as shown in the photos, but this may change without notice depending on stock.
To be honest we thought long and hard about whether or not to have these inflation air bags produced, thinking that they might prove to be a useless, and so pointless novelty. However, on using one we soon discovered that they are actually incredibly good at what they do. It only took us 5 bags of air to blow up our AmberMat, so ultimately they exceeded our expectations and certainly have their place. We actually blew an AmberMat up faster with one of our inflation air bags than someone using an electric pump plugged into their car 12v supply.
The inflation air bag can also serve more than one purpose. Firstly you can inflate the inflatable mattress with the air bag to save your lungs. Simply connect the valve of the air bag to the mattress valve, open up the air bag to allow air in, and then roll down the top, steadily forcing air into the mattress. The air bag also avoids moisture* from your breath building up inside the mattress, so an air bag can really make sense. Secondly, the air bag, being air tight and hence water tight, can also double as a dry bag for vulnerable items like mobile phones and cameras in very wet, poor weather conditions.
*There is evidence that moisture inside inflatable mattresses from your breath can in the long term build up and be detrimental to the longevity of the mattress due to it creating a suitable environment for mould to thrive, which in due course attacks and so degrades the PU lining material. Condensation from your breath inside the mattress also acts as a coolant so reduces the mattress's efficiency in terms of insulation, hence lowering its R-rating.
Of course, no self-respecting ultralight backpacker would ever consider carrying the extra weight of an air bag, but for the rest of us it may be a worthwhile consideration. The air bag rolls down very small when not required, and weighs in at 92g. Made from the same material and colour as the AmberMat.
The inflation air bag can also be used with our UltraMat-M, and in fact any other inflatable mattress that features the same dual function valve.
Lightweight Inflatable Pillow
The lightweight Inflatable Pillow can make sleeping a little more comfortable. Ergonomically shaped to cradle your head, this inflatable pillow is 48cm x 30cm, with a depth of around 10cm. It packs down into a tiny pouch just 10cm x 6cm and weighs just 86g. If a pillow makes all the difference to a good night's sleep, then it's well worth considering.
Please note the pillow is currently available in turquoise only - as shown in the photos, but this may change without notice depending on stock.
STATION13 Z-Pad - Lightweight Folding Sleeping Pad
For full details and more information on our lightweight Z-Pad, go to our dedicated web page. Click 'HERE'.
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