Exped Camping Sleeping Pad - SynMat Duo HL Long Term Review!!

Long term review of Exped Synmat Duo HL M, an ultralight sleeping mat for two people. SYNMAT Duo HL at Moosejaw: bit.ly/3f2KUYb Amazon: amzn.to/3f4Uxpp
At MEC: bit.ly/3bzA9L1 Enlightened Equipment Quilts: bit.ly/3v6x110
Note! I realized REI is only has the regular Synmat Duo NOT the ultralight version in stock.
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[@Ross.Bagatski]

Wait until you hear the noise produced by Thermarest. Out of 3 top manufacturers of air mattresses (Thermarest, Sea to Summit, Exped), Exped is the quietest. You may hear Exped within your tent but you will hear Thermarest across the field of the campsite. I prefer UL series rather than HL. Rectangular shape gives more freedom of movement and it better covers the rectangular-shaped floor of my tent. I've been using standard Synmat 7 for 12 years. No problemos, at all. Switched to UL to reduce weight and space. When I was choosing between Exped UL and Sea to Summit EtherlightXT, I almost selected the latter one, it's 1 inch thicker (better for side sleeping) and air baffles are better but it's a bit noisier, the fabric is less pleasant to touch and it's a bit more expensive. Happy with my choise of Exped again.

[@radbikeadventure]

Thank you so much for sharing this Ross! We are still pretty smitten with our mat as well

[@Gerdien2000]

Exped says it's the combination of the tent floor and the mat that makes the noise. A thin cloth between them would solve it. I heard many confirm that this is true.

[@Ross.Bagatski]

@@Gerdien2000 In some shops, there are inflated mattresses standing vertically. I tried squeezing them in such position. Exped seems more quiet.

[@letthesmokerise3489]

Looking at upgrading two single exped pads to a double, thanks for the review!

[@radbikeadventure]

You're welcome! Let us know how it goes

[@kyleyouden9388]

Perfect timing, I was in the market for a new mat for my trip down the California coast in 2023. I'm going to get the winter one as I artic camp here in Canada. PS: I was worried about you guys, you didn't post a video on Saturday and I thought your E bike ran out of juice in the desert

[@radbikeadventure]

🤪 We're still heeeeere! Yea definitely go for the winter one. I put the MEC link in the description if you want to support the channel and buy thru our link : )

[@radbikeadventure]

Rad Fam! Video Update! REI is NOT selling the SynMat duo HL currently. You can find it at Moosejaw: bit.ly/3f2KUYb or Amazon!: amzn.to/3f4Uxpp

[@Masha._allah_.z]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mavSq4xpa5t-bpo

[@dietrichnp.]

Moosejaw is not selling to Europe. Use Bergzeit.de instead.

[@dfglandon]

Right now my sleep accommodations is a travel trailer. What we used to sleep on was a blow up mattress. We got old and bought an Jayco Travel Trailer. But I am thinking about a single tent, mattress and bag or something to solo camp while creating images of the Iowa Landscape

[@queercyclist]

Great review!! I looked into an Exped mat for myself after reading lots of good reviews. I used to sleep on a Sea to Summit ultralight pad and the noise was a total dealbreaker! I ultimately decided to go with a Therm-a-rest prolite self-inflating pad because, even though it's bulkier and heavier, I just sleep better on a self-inflated pad. I'm so glad this one worked out for you guys-and that 5 year warranty is amazing 🙌

[@radbikeadventure]

Yes what is most comfortable for YOU is key! Getting a good night sleep after a long day is really dang important 💤 . Thanks for sharing I’ll check out that mat too !

[@frannyl3]

Great video! We bought the Exped winter version after seeing your previous video. The old self inflating mats were like sleeping on cardboard and were the only deterrent against doing some micro adventures. We have had a chance to do some camping with day rides and the mat is HEAVEN. So thanks for the heads up. I will take on board the over inflating issue. Keep on rolling.

[@radbikeadventure]

Awesome to hear that Fran! We just got back from our weekend away and once again, both so happy with how comfortable we are sleeping at night.

[@utopiaisover]

the review i was looking for. thank you both (and the dogs :))

[@Globetrotter-1]

They've just brought out the extra durable Dura versions (dark Cyprus green colour and thicker materials) with higher R-value for expeditions use.

[@810marcel]

Great video!! I’m one of those who runs around with those pump. Glad to know a more reasonable way to catch the air. ❤️❤️

[@JEFFREYSOLORIO]

This is pretty amazing for the weight to size ratio.

[@radbikeadventure]

Agreed!

[@s.richards6552]

I don't have a partner but have used a solo women's Thermarest Prolite until now. I hate the narrow mummy shape, and although it is a warm mat, I have recently bought an uninsulated KLymit Static V as I mainly camp in warmer weather. I can always add a foam mat or reflective windscreen cover in colder conditions. Trying to minimize the bulk and weight for most trips while getting a good night's sleep without constantly rolling off the too narrow Thermarest or waking up with shoulder pain from overhanging the edges. Have not yet had a chance to test the new mat on a trip. It seems very comfortable lying on my living room floor. If it is as good as the reviews seem to indicate, I may eventually ditch the Thermarest completely and add an insulated Static V to my inventory. I researched the Exped mats and decided the wider versions were too heavy with extra added Iength I don't need for my 5ft 3inches. Think I need a square mat! Although the five year guarantee is a huge bonus, reliability of those baffles seems to be an issue I would rather not have to deal with on a trip. We all pays our money and makes our choice. Glad you have found a comfortable mat that suits you.

[@Ross.Bagatski]

A couple of tips: the glue in the repair kit is almost the same as Gear Aid's. So you can use it not only to repair rips on mattress but to repair rain jackets and tents or even seal seams to make them waterproof (locally due to small volume of the tube). You can buy a hose, attach it to the shnozzel bag and use it as a pocket shower. But I don't recommend doing it. I killed one standard bag this way. It's fabric is too thin for that. You can buy optional schnozzel bag made of durable fabric, which would do the trick.

[@radbikeadventure]

Cool thanks for sharing! That's why we only use it for a pump bag as worried we might damage is as it's pretty dang ultralight and thin.

[@OlofLaurin]

I'm using a SynMat 9. But I've used it a lot more indoors while travelling than outdoors, it is much more comfortable than a worn out bed.

[@Masha._allah_.z]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mavSq4xpa5t-bpo

[@radbikeadventure]

Nice!

[@onemanmayhem]

I'm for the cheap ones... Just bought my most expensive foam mat for 55e from Savotta, 2cm thick, packs 50cm/20cm roll. I hate if I'm slipping off from mat... those cheapo air mats which I have are also about 2cm thick and quite slippery. But they are less noisier than yours! Nice video, love those doggos!

[@radbikeadventure]

For warm weather that will definitely get the job done! We really like the Z Lite Sol from thermarest too

[@mattdobbs-dr2rt]

Thanks bro, good tips

[@radbikeadventure]

Affirming thanks!

[@sheilastallard]

Amazing how products have advanced over the years, try some items from say the 50/60's and let us know how you get on. Keep Safe!! xx

[@radbikeadventure]

The ol' foam pad will still get the job done!

[@giellekefietst3999]

I use the one-person Exped SynMat and really like it. Like you said absolutely warm on cold nights but a little noisy maybe. Had a bit more struggle with the pump-bag then you Ryan :-) haha. Just have to train a bit more I guess!

[@radbikeadventure]

Nice! It does take some practice but honestly that was one of the best pumps I’ve done! Lights camera! Schnozzle pump! 😂

[@its.alealejandro]

Hello! i am thinking of getting this one with my partner. What liner did you use with it? Also on your backpacking trip you went with the big agnes UV 3 right? not with this one. Your videos are great! Keep up the great work

[@davidalderson7761]

I do use my mouth to inflate BUT the problem is your have damp air in your lungs and you likely to have a bug or a million too and on the inside it encourages growth of spores that then damage inside the mat.

[@radbikeadventure]

Yea, that's why we use the pump bag. It's pretty dry here so using breathe might be ok, i'm not sure how much dampness sticks around. But if i was camping where it was cold...definitely use the pump

[@Bikepacking]

The baffles popping on exped mats is very common shame as there winterlite model look amazing I really wanted to get it but baffles is a problem .. did all your solar panels arrive yet

[@radbikeadventure]

Yea sounds like they need to figure out that problem. But we still got a ton of use before that happened. Will be curious to see w this one how it goes. Yes I believe so! Going to use one on our trip this weekend! Thank you again

[@kevindeaton5235]

What advice can you give someone to sleep outside in 88 degrees weather here in south Tampa, Florida?Any tips?

[@radbikeadventure]

I would probably just use a foam mat or a thin air mattress. Thermarest zlite sol has always worked really well for me! But as you can see from the comments, sleeping mats are a major personal preference. I would advise going to a local outdoors store and trying some out. REI is great for trying things out. We did!

[@letthesmokerise3489]

When I'm solo camping in warm weather I hammock. Much cooler in hot temps than ground sleeping. There are a few decent double hammocks out there, but when out there with partner or family, tents can be simpler/quicker to setup. There are some 'lightweight' cots on the market that would allow for a bit more airflow while ground sleeping. Helinox and ALPS brands offer some (one person) lightweight cots.

[@madiantin]

30 seconds in and I haven't heard a word you've said. All I can see is your shirt. My brain is going, "Where have I seen that? Where have I seen that? I know that. What is that?" LOTR? Or is it the Hobbit? There and back again? I'll keep watching and hopefully figure it out.

[@radbikeadventure]

It's definitely a play on the Joy Division cover but maybe there is a Hobbit connection : )

[@madiantin]

@@radbikeadventure Oh my gosh! Joy Division! Of COURSE! smh! =D

[@paulkettlewell2078]

I'd be worried of bursting the yellow bag when squeezing the air out of it.

[@radbikeadventure]

nahh it's very strong

[@liambarker6953]

What tent is that?

[@radbikeadventure]

Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 person bikepacking tent. Here's a video we made about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKrHZnqGds13lZY

[@graceiswayneat]

I managed to snag one of these from rei earlier this month - and made the choice in no small part from y'all's sleep system video. But, okay, question - those little elastic tags on the inflate valves - what do y'all think those are for? Thanks as always 🌼

[@radbikeadventure]

I've wondered that myself! I'll send them a message to find out and report back. Hope you're enjoying the mat!

[@graceiswayneat]

@@radbikeadventure woo thank you!! We haven't taken the mat anywhere yet but set it up to try it out and conked out for an hour haha 😅 super comfy

[@Ross.Bagatski]

You insert it into the valve for controlled deflation if you feel the mat is too hard.

[@Ross.Bagatski]

@@radbikeadventure You insert it into the valve for controlled deflation if you feel the mat is too hard.

[@radbikeadventure]

What kind of sleeping mat, pad etc. do y'all sleep on when camping??

[@greggr1591]

An R-2.6 closed-cell foam mat; not super compact but definitely rugged ... Oops, I mean: It's Robust! "🛎" #RingTheBell

[@radbikeadventure]

It better be robust. Otherwise I will hear nothing of it! 😆

[@grobbosixtyone]

I've been using the SynMat HL Winter M for two years. It is the most comfortable sleeping mat I've ever used and good sleep was guaranteed each night on my multi-day bike ride

[@thehairs1970]

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated. My wife and I love them. Pack up really small and sooo comfy. My wife says it’s comfier than our bed and she has dodgy hips - well one now. She’s had a new one . A lifetime guarantee too.

[@Ross.Bagatski]

Exped UL medium wide.

[@the_Dogpacker]

Do you think it could handle a70 pound dog walking over it? I'm not too sure if I should get an inflatable sleeping pad because i'll have my dog in the tent with me.

[@the_Dogpacker]

Nvm should have watched til the end first 😂

[@radbikeadventure]

I think it can handle the weight no problem and we did have them in there with us and nothing ripped but still, not sure I'd risk it with the sharp nails. I have heard of ppl putting booties on their dogs when inside the tent so I guess there's that option?? Also probably depends if your dog has sharp/protruding claws. But it can definitely support the weight!

[@the_Dogpacker]

@@radbikeadventure cool, thanks 😊

[@TheCyclingArtist]

FOr me the noise will not bother anyone, they will never hear it over my snoring lol.

[@radbikeadventure]

Bahahaha. I have a family member who can relate. Ahem...Dad... 😂 I will say tho: make sure you get checked for sleep apnea. It was a life changer for him!

[@TheCyclingArtist]

@@radbikeadventure I have a CPAP machine but hard to take on tour lol.

[@pgreenx]

Are you sure its R2.9? Thats basically No insulation and would never keep you warm on a cool night. A typically three season pad like Thermarest NeoAir xlite is R5.4 for the same weight. Cold weather pads are typically R7 By the way; that pad stinks at 3+lbs. you can buy two women's Xlites (R5.4) for a combined weight of 24 ounces (save half a pound and gain the flexibility of sleeping apart)

[@radbikeadventure]

Hey! I checked and you’re right the R value IS higher. It’s 4.8R and I know that with a fully frost covered ground and -5C in NZ we were not cold from the bottom so it’s accurate. ALSO, REI has the weight listed incorrectly (I’ve since reached out for them to correct it). The mat (per Exped and weighing it at home) is 1.8 lb (29.3oz w pump bag, repair kit and stuff sack)

[@radbikeadventure]

We also prefer to sleep together (so nice to get cozy on the double mat!) so this is solely for traveling together. We don’t often do trips solo and have some other thermarest pads for those occasions 😃

[@pgreenx]

@@radbikeadventure then I take back what I said. It seems like a good pad. I still like the flexibility of two pads though.