This inflatable WINTER sleeping pad is a genuine GAME CHANGER!

[@IzettaHudgins]

I can strongly recommend to combine it with the Mountainspring Y199 Foam Sleeping Pad in the winter. Nice video as always.

[@adventuredogsofderbyshire1550]

Hi Andy, thanks for another great video. I am currently hiking in the Lake District with my 2 Collies and I bought this exact pad a few weeks ago. You are 100% right its an absolute gamechanger; this is the 3rd time I've used it and the temperature in Penrith, (Kirkstone Pass), earlier this week dropped down to -1°, and It is so warm and comfy it's unbelievable. I'm very pleased as I was a little sceptical because of the price but winner 🎉

[@furiousdoe7779]

Thanks for backing him up… because i did get a link from Chinese producer and thought it was a fake. So lets hope …because i am planning to go to Ladakh inWintertime.

[@truepaulesko]

In all honesty. I've had a thermarest neo air xtherm since 2016 for few hundreds of nights that I've used it, I have punctured it only two times and both of them because I pack it on my bike several times and it was rubbing against the handlebar. I was able to fix it on the go and no problem. I would buy it again

[@_Mountain_Dave]

100% i've used xthems them from arctic circle to altitude, never had a fail that was due to mat defect. ALso never seen climbing/expedition partners fail either. It's though to take seriously a winter mat that is 20D base fabric, or any for that matter. When it come's to mat's, yes the thermorest are expensive but they are reliable, and i have used just about every brand over the years, nothing comes close (i wish they would as would help drive competition and price points) but as much as i would love this product shown to be great, i have serious concerns for longevity and its ability to sustain ground punctures.

[@Life-Outdoors-UK]

It certainly looks good value, especially if you are an occasional camper. I'm currently on my third (2nd replacement pad) os the Big Agnes Rapide SL. They have developed a pinprick hole at the baffling on the top after 6 months camping around 35 nights. Big Agnes replaced free, no problem. It will be interesting how well this lasts and what the customer service is like. If it only lasted 6 months and they wouldn't replace, it starts being an expensive pad very quickly.

[@johnpeterson3386]

Agree, the Thermarest is FAR more durable than this pad which has a very thin bottom AND top. This video is simply offering terrible advice on the durability question. There are a few reasons to dislike the Thermarest, but durability is simply not one of them.

[@_Mountain_Dave]

Andy its worth highlighting that this material is 3 1/2 times thinner that a winter pad from Thermorest on the base material, and 50% thinner on the top side. Materials matter for longevity particular on expedition use. I cannot see this in anyway being a threat to thermorest and in terms of difficulties ive used them all over the world in the harshest conditions, not had/seen one fail re xtherms. The only issues i'm aware of as a brand or product i would avoid is the uberlight as they were failing, or rather far more susceptible from ground punctures (thinner material)! But its like i always say to skimp for a few grams for your sleep system is the worst decision possible, sleep is vital for health, performance and also in the short term critical for keeping safe and not being tired. One thing i think is worth highlighting and really would be useful on your videos that are covering winter camping is always carry a closed cell mat also encase the airbed fails and the conditions are such that you cannot move, and of course carry a realiable Bivy. They are also very useful if solo, and take a bad fall and smashed up, you might not be able to inflate an airbed, but you may just be able to roll onto the matt, and get the bivy over (aka buying time until rescue not dying from hyperthermia)

[@BackpackingUK]

My mate had a Sea to Summit Extreme mat that failed. He spend 5 nights frozen! For longer trips, a non-inflatable back up is a great idea 👍

[@johnpeterson3386]

@@BackpackingUK And this pad is a close emulation of the very Sea to Summit pad. I've had several seam failures on the StS pads, which is pretty bad because they can't be field repaired. They are VERY comfortable, but prone to failure, and I'd assume this cheaper knock-off is likely MORE prone to failure. And yet you're somehow implying it has better durability than the Thermarest. More comfortable? Sure. Less Noisy? Absolutely. More durable? That's frankly absurd.

[@_Mountain_Dave]

@BackpackingUK yea Andy he's not the only had both them and Expeds fail, the latter with a shocking customer service. I should have added also re uberlight I referenced I think thermorest has withdrawn them anyway, making the decision using thinner materials isnt worth the brand damage I guess. As sad as it is re wallet, I've yet to find a competitor to the Xtherm as yet. Tried, heavily tested and wouldn't hesitate to get another, one last point, whilst most of the stuff is made in China these days, thermorest xtherms are built in Ireland, I'm more inclined to trust ratings and safety if you get what I mean. But yea closed cell matt essential in winter, insanity to leave without one.

[@paulchec3243]

My Xtherm came with a hole from the factory! I never found the baffles very comfortable no matter what pressure I tried. It's not for everyone.

[@wishdarkstalkaz4050]

I personally use an Exped Downmat UL Winter for the last 4 years & its never let me down at all with insulation or quality. I definitely agree with Mountain_Dave...sleep system is one place you don’t save grams for potential failure when the mercury plummets. You’re just asking for trouble.

[@JenneferFurrer]

A sleeping pad like this uses two methods of insulation. Reflective layers that reflect radiated heat, and separated small air pockets to decrease convective heat loss. If you are bottoming out, the the air chambers aren't acting as convective insulation, and even worse, direct contact with the ground means conductive heat loss. So they wisely upgraded the thickness to 10cm, which will achieve the desired effect. Most brands currently only have a thickness of 7cm.

[@TakahiroCavelier]

I camp very often and in all weathers but don’t hike, so weight and pack size isn’t that important. I use the Thermarest Trail Pro and have the size L. But I will admit that this is definitely a good choice for people who like to hike and hate noise. It’s a brilliant pad for those that don’t hike to a camp spot. Thanks as ever Andy.

[@WafaaCho]

I've been roaming around a buying decision on a new pad. This excellent review and the journey and analysis towards this R7.5, sold me. Search over. I shall be buying this sleeping mat. Thanks Andy..

[@trooperwolfie]

That definitely looks great value for money Andy 👍🏻 i just use my big agness rapide with a foam mat under it which keeps me toasty in icy conditions, but ill definitely consider this if i need to replace a pad. An interesting note on thermarests....when i worked in the outdoor retail industry, we worked out that the vast majority of faulty returns were on "made in USA" ones, the "made in Ireland" ones are much more reliable, my old mk.1 neoair x lite is made in Ireland and is still going strong after over a decade of heavy use, no punctures, leaky valves...nothing, its been bomber.....but so it should be for the price, luckily i got a great staff discount at the time.

[@WalkingDevon]

I got the Light Tour 5.8 because you recommended it in a previous video, I couldn't be happier with. It's a great pad and I bet this one is too. I found it really comfy and warm but most importantly affordable.

[@AnaCanabal]

Thanks for reviewing these pad! I had no idea they were rated that high in terms of warmth. One thing that would be good to know from a visual review standpoint is what the pads look like deflated and rolled/folded up so we could get an idea how these pads would need to be packed.

[@richardbrend7512]

I purchased this a month ago and I'm very impressed, warm comfortable and quite.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@MarkHunter-dh2un]

I just ordered the 200cm for a camping trip I have planned in a week! Perfect timing!

[@AbdulKiyohara]

I have this pad and I think it's fine. I car camp sometimes and use a Zenbivy bed with this mattress and have no issues, but I'm also not going out in the winter.The thickness is quite good, and your butt won't touch the ground when you turn sideways.

[@aileencotswoldtrekker6876]

Thanks Andy for the recommendation. I am in the market for a new pad and after about 8 years my Thermarest Neo Lite is starting to fail. This is certainly a pad high on my list. Love your videos.

[@kpj5]

8 years!!! 😂

[@christophewaeles3767]

I always trust your reviews. Of course, a feature that's important to you might not be as important to me, but that's just personal preference and choice. I believe you give it your best effort to genuinely and fairly test the product at hand and you did that in this case. Thank you.

[@ApoloniaRotty]

Thank you for your honest reviews of so many products.

[@zombyoli3681]

I bought the nature hike version and the R value is definitely inflated. Still great value and pack size/weight. Just don’t believe the R value. I would also get the largest size available for comfort. Definitely worth the money overall

[@BorderRambler]

I’ve been using mine for a good few months now , it’s a really comfy mat compared to my thermarest but I haven’t used it in extreme cold yet ! However with a cold snap happening up my this week it might get a test 🥶👍

[@grahamjones2454]

I’ve had my thermorest Xtherm for 4 years now, it’s had a good hammering all over the uk, four seasons and it’s still as good as newish !!! But the price is interesting🤔but will it last??? I’ll wait! X

[@camperlists7090]

It is difficult to inflate the air pump to 100%. I used FLEXTAIL and it was at most 97%. Andy in the video also could not reach 100% because this small air pump is not powerful enough. So I suggest that if you are very concerned about the size, for example, if you are 185cm+ tall, please choose 200cm, because you also need to consider the size of the pillow, which will occupy some size. However, after you use the air bag several times and operate it skillfully, you can reach the advertised size 100%. A reminder: use the air bag and don't worry about inflating this sleeping pad. I read other reviews. Neither tar nor sts can guarantee that every sleeping pad sold will not have quality problems. The important thing is that we provide a complete after-sales policy.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for the info 👍

[@bikepackinguk]

Does the pad have a user weight limit?

[@TedsonJones]

I got the rectangular reg wide from AliExpress (same pad, with the Naturehike branding) for about £70 after tax. Only used once, so can't asses its longevity, but very warm and comfy. Marginally smaller and heavier than listed, but excellent value for money. The pump sack is heavy, so I'd ditch that.

[@BadgerBotherer1]

I bought the Naturehike version of this pad, and it deflated after a couple of uses. A total waste of money, I'm afraid.

[@GuyCohen-tg7pz]

I hate my thermarest xtherm NXT from a comfort perspective. Maybe in an outdoor environment, the noise is negligible. However, I still praise the brand that takes the noise into consideration.

[@SumonMurakami]

Another good video Andy. I could never get on with my Thermarest,always found it uncomfortable.Bought a Exped down mat,which is fantastic.Will have a look at this mats for next month, cheers

[@KenyattaBrodnex]

Just in time! I’m looking to replace mine old one. They upgraded the airbags and the new one has a long nose. It will be much more convenient.

[@raytaylor4199]

The 2 that I’ve kept after testing and using loads of them is the Big Agnes Rapide SL for summer and the Thermarest NeoAir XTherm NXT MAX for colder situations, so far they’ve performed really well, took me ages to narrow it down to those 2, don’t want to go through that ordeal ever again! 😅

[@markbailey15]

I have 3 of these type pads in different shapes and sizes. Very comfortable, warm with little noise and no issues

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301]

Love mine super warm compact and 650g what’s not to like , available in uk 👍

[@dave4511]

Can I ask where you sourced yours from. I've only been able to find them from China (including the link above)

[@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301]

@ from me at Outdoor Gear Essentials 👌

[@FerminaDowhower]

One year ago, the R5.8 was still warm, and I suggested that the official upgrade to 10cm. It was obvious that they listened.

[@cuprajake1]

i picked up a new thermarest nxt reg wide for £170 when on sale, so for the difference in cost, lifetime warranty and better materials it was a no brainer

[@SuperPadderz]

I’ve been on the fence about buying this for a while, watched your previous videos a few times… and now you’ve put another review out on it! Now I’m sold! How long is the delivery time?

[@BackpackingUK]

Delivery time is approx 10-14 days I think.

[@The-Highlands]

Great review. But you didn’t mention which country it is made? ❤

[@AnniKurka]

Great Vid as always, thanks for the info. It would be nice knowing which winter-pad is the most comfortable! I have my Xtherm but it isn't that comfortable..I would like to try this one.

[@BackpackingUK]

The Flextail R5 is really comfortable for winter camping but the pack size is huge for backpacking.

[@scotbotvideos]

Interesting thing you say about the reliability of XTherm when Lone Wolf Luke, who is nominally pretty reliable, says he's never had an issue. Whereas Andrew Park has recently reported trouble with his Lighttour pad. Ye camping Gods giveth and ye camping Gods taketh away. Meaning it's somewhat a game of chance.

[@BackpackingUK]

I can only go on from what I’ve read (on Thermarest’s own website) and comments on my socials. Sleeping pad fails can ruin trips, all Brands must improve to ensure they’re as close to 100% fail-safe as possible.

[@johnpeterson3386]

The more you research and read, the more you'll hear "the Thermarest is one of the most durable and reliable pads on the market." It's also not very comfortable, and still a bit noisy.

[@xxgg]

Regardless of the price... so this thing actually does perform as good as Xtherm?

[@stephenwilliams1824]

Lab testing is one thing. Using a pad on the road, day in, day out will give it credibility. I have the Naturehike R8.8 whose value I take with a pinch of salt. As you say, the material is super thin. Longterm use may be its weak link. So far used only two nights. When I blew it up too much and lying on it, the exhaust plug popped out.

[@Phil.Oakley]

I just bought the large one yesterday from camperlists. very keen to give it a go and see how it performs. it'll be my first pad with the bobbly design as i usually get the lengthways tubed style so hoping this helps me get a good kip

[@garyh3228]

Dimples are much better than the tubes one

[@gazza1858]

How’s Human league doing pal ?

[@kevincorby435]

Using the subtitles, you introduced yourself as Mandy!!😂

[@BackpackingUK]

😂😂😂

[@olivern4784]

How does the comfort compare to the Exped 5R? I am doing some winter camping. I am considering returning the Exped and getting this. If I keep the Exped, I will probably add a CCF pad to increase the R value. Did the old lightour version match the claimed R value?

[@BackpackingUK]

I think this is comfier than the R5.8 I previously had. I’ve owned a Mountain Equipment pad (they are the same as Exped) and I’d say the comfort is similar.

[@NoBollocks]

Got exactly same pad and kuiu mountain star 2 tent. Did u tried both in the winter yet? I'm camping in couple of weeks in Highlands to test it. Greetings from Scotland

[@pancrack]

Great stuff. Though I wonder how it is in terms of durability/longevity?

[@BackpackingUK]

Personally, I haven’t heard of any issues.

[@johnpeterson3386]

Not great. It can develop seam failures much like the Sea to Summit pads it is emulating. Also very thin materials prone to punctures and rips. The Thermarest is MUCH more durable, though for me at least, it's also less comfortable.

[@JueJamie]

Hey Andy, FYI on aliexpress it's currently £79 for the largest version of the mat

[@BackpackingUK]

Does that include postage and taxes?

[@JueJamie]

@BackpackingUK Yeah mate, I just bought 2 of them for £156 total.

[@camperlists7090]

The Lighttour official website has been promoting that the sellers on aliexpress are fake.

[@JueJamie]

@@camperlists7090 I guess I'll find out when it arrives 🤨

[@DJVOutdoors]

Thank you sir for this great review of the pad

[@AndrewHirano]

I bought it 1 month ago. If you use an air pump and don't want to use an air bag, please choose a larger version. The larger the size, the more difficult it is to inflate. It requires more power, but many air pumps can't fill it 100%. This is not a mistake in the size of this sleeping pad. When I used the air bag several times, I was able to reach 100% size. Please use more strength. Finally, it's very warm.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@timwright5466]

I just use a reflective membrane and ontop a cheap £6 lilo ..not for backpacking but fine the motorcycle trips

[@BackpackingUK]

That’s a great idea. I’ve got a foil mat that cost £12 that is good too.

[@Rick-gb5jj]

Great timing... Been thinking about buying this, and then your vid pops up

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s genuinely well worth buying if you’re a cold sleeper or if you like proper winter camping.

[@Rick-gb5jj]

@@BackpackingUK we camp all year round in the snowdonia park... Usually with two sleeping bags each... In our Mongar 2s. Does get but nippy at times, but it's so peaceful. Hardly any tourists! Cheers

[@AndyWardle]

It’s a skill getting it back into the bag. But I’ve cracked it 😂😂😂

[@Rick-gb5jj]

I've the flextail air mattress, and I can't get it back in it's original bag. 😮

[@AndyWardle]

@@Rick-gb5jj I can. You have to roll it tight. Kneel on it as you roll. Cmon. You’ve got this 💪

[@Rick-gb5jj]

@@AndyWardle not that easy in the morning when hungover ...

[@AndyWardle]

@ it is 😂 trust me

[@M4rkieM4rk]

@@Rick-gb5jj Me too, I ripped my bag when doing the cumbria way xD

[@matthewclarke1812]

For a more critical review, see The Hard Up Hiker's video, 'Test Camp 1: Battle of the Camping Mats: Light Tour vs XTherm'. He notes that the Light Tour deflated overnight, which is not what you want when it's cold.

[@BackpackingUK]

Mine certainly didn’t and my old one didn’t either. Maybe he didn’t plug it properly?

[@markj1679]

Interesting 🤨 I’m looking for an ultralight mat and also a quilt have you tried the ice flame quilts ? Thanks

[@BackpackingUK]

No, but I know people who rate them.

[@grahamcockerill3203]

Found one thats better i think Andy for you to check out.Argos bestway alpinelite 70d ripstop R 7.3 and £55 regular and £60 wide .approx 670g for regular and 764 wide😊

[@IvanDP1967]

@grahamcockerill3203 I have one of those pads, and while the R value may be a little optimistic, I can confirm that is definitely very warm and very comfortable. And they're available on Amazon for £39.99 😁

[@littlebootsbigadventures]

£39 on amazon at the moment. £35 each for 2 on ebay from the same seller 👍

[@dave4511]

Thanks for the heads up up but upon investigation the wide mat is actually 1.04kg on the manufacturer's website. Decent price though 👍

[@littlebootsbigadventures]

@@dave4511 it's 764g their website has some misprints, but a lot of bestway stuff does. The standard width is 657g.

[@grahamcockerill3203]

@ Thanks Ivan ive ordered one off your recommendation ,using an alpkit airo 120 at the moment but need something more comfortable . Very affordable too ,decathlon have them on offer I purchased the wide for £39👍😀

[@jorgeivanezmari1524]

Hi Andy. Great video, but would you be so kind to make a review of the tent behind you? And by the way, how have you managed to have it in Europe? Regards!

[@BackpackingUK]

I haven't used the Kuiu Mountain Star yet, but I can't wait to get out in it. I was lucky, I purchased one of the last 40%-off ones.

[@jorgeivanezmari1524]

@@BackpackingUKI was too late 😢

[@kaynrog5220]

Could you please tell me how best to store the same pad at home? unrolled? can I hang it on a hanger and store it in a cupboard? will such storage not damage the material?

[@BackpackingUK]

Foil mats can stay rolled. What’s important is to remove all the air (which may contain moisture that could cause mould).

[@ChristyPesek]

The maximum width is 64cm. This is good news for strong men. I really don't understand why STS and TAR are so narrow. They increase the price too much after increasing the width.

[@Campingkayakride]

Yes great value. I have a thermarest and the flextail R5 zero mattress. I prefer the latter it’s so good. Same sort of price as this one. 0:10 But it don’t pack down and weigh as light as this I don’t think. I think if I put this 0:10 in my Bivi I wouldn’t be able to get in.😂 great video thanks for the info. 👍

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ve got the R5 too, it’s soooo comfy!

[@Dr.D00p]

Thermarest build quality is very suspect for the price, IMO. I've had three different pads from them. Two delaminated, and one has a very slow leak, which, for the life of me, i can't find out where it is, even submerged in the bathtub. Tried a new valve as well, but no joy. I inflate to full, and by morning, it's lost about a third of the air in it, and im only just avoid touching the ground. I won't be buying anymore

[@AndyWardle]

Send it to cascade designs. (Google). They’ll replace it free

[@tokenminds]

I've had about six or seven Exped mats over the years, currently four of varying sizes in the garage, and have never had cause to complain. Not the lightest but very comfortable and warm.

[@IrelandOutdoors]

Send your thermarest back, they will give you a new one most likely.

[@Dr.D00p]

​@IrelandOutdoors Good customer service is no use at 3 in the morning in the middle of nowhere, with a failed sleeping pad.

[@ianwilde1800]

hi andy thank you for the vid iv been looking for new winter pad 👌👌

[@BackpackingUK]

For the money, I don’t think you’ll find better (pack size, weight, warmth, comfort, costs, etc)

[@ChrisWally]

Apologies if this is a stupid question, I'm very new to this and looking to get my first sleeping mat. Would this mat be good for summer or would it be too warm?

[@MINKIN2]

It would still be fine for summer, you would just need to use a lighter / summer sleeping bag.

[@lakedistrict9450]

Insulated mats don’t generate heat, just reflect your body warmth back. If you get hot in summer, a quilt is great. I love the Zenbivy system….lots of stay cool options.

[@ChrisWally]

@@lakedistrict9450 I saw the Zenbivy system and it looks good but a bit expensive for me at the moment. Do you know of any cheaper alternatives?

[@adventuredogsofderbyshire1550]

I think it will be too warm personally. We are I the Lake District at the minute and the temperature has been down to -1° but I was still unzipping my sleeping bag because I was too warm.

[@andrewlawrence4395]

I can't find one for under £138 where did you buy your one. Cheers.

[@BackpackingUK]

Links are in the description 👍

[@andrewmacaulay1585]

What’s this have to do with thermarest? One pad has a proven reputation and fixing issues and developing a better product in return , noise etc. Then you go on to say this no name product is noisy too🤷‍♂️…unlike the UK.. you don’t see -30 across the water like we do in Canada. Once again..click bait

[@ArnoldShakes-hw6nw]

Hei, Andy Another great video 🙌🏾 What is the name of the tent behind you ?

[@BackpackingUK]

Kuiu Mountain Star 👍

[@nathanielrose30]

Is this not the same mat as the naturehike from AliExpress

[@BadgerBotherer1]

All reports say it is. My Naturehike deflated after a couple of uses. Very disappointed.

[@johnpeterson3386]

To imply this pad is somehow more durable than the Thermarest is embarrassingly bad information, and you should at the very least edit the intro of this video. Terrible information."Thermarest is uncomfortable at times, and a little noisy, but it's FAR more durable (and also MUCH warmer in actual conditions, the R values can be misleading).

[@BackpackingUK]

Based on what? Thermarest pads are well known for failing. Lighttour are not. If you don’t believe me look on their own website. They even pulled the Uberlite this year, it’s a joke!

[@tecmissle9256]

Thanks bud !

[@Pep_82]

Hi Andy can you please look in to a product for me it's an inflatable sleeping mat with an r rating of 7.3. I won't post the link this time but I've seen 2 other youtube channels with it. I trust your reviews and would like your opinion. If you are interested I will send you the link. Many thanks

[@HardyBunster]

I have a thermorest which is 20 years old. 🤷‍♂️

[@CaylaGreenlee]

Creative products.

[@garyh3228]

The size is right uninflated

[@ForTheTeoma]

Pricing based on immutable characteristics...

[@jimbothescot4282]

RIP quality with a lifetime guarantee? Holy click bait title (again)

[@johnnomcjohnno1957]

Seriously? Did you read the lab report on the website? The R value is 1.3! Yes, 1.3! The 7.5 value they quote is in the old imperial measurements NOT in SI units. Don't be fooled, this is NOT a winter pad.

[@dave4511]

You have to multiply by 5.68 to get the current R standard

[@austieoutdoors9763]

not bad my mate but i can do one better than that and cheaper bestway alpinelite insulated sleeping pads which has been tested by a few well known youtubers grizly gaz for one 7.3 r value £35 regular and £39 wide which i have and i have allso tested it and the heat from it when you sit on it give it alook mate e,bay

[@ruperttristanblythe7512]

£106 for a blow up plastic bag?

[@garyh3228]

@@ruperttristanblythe7512 you pay a £1000 if it was doll shape 🧍🏼‍♀️

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s not though is it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BeliaEwton]

Tents are just pieces of plastic, why do they cost hundreds of pounds?

[@SteveSingerFowkes]

You try getting a decent blow up doll for £106😂😂

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

Is this a chinese nock off ?

[@scotbotvideos]

Given that NatureHike have an exact same mat, I'd say the factory making them is knocking them off under different brand names.

[@camperlists7090]

Many European and American brands and NH products are manufactured by Lighttour. It's just not well known.