How to Deflate an Exped Self Inflating Mat

Check out the MegaMat Max 15 LXW Mat here:
www.snowys.com.au/megamat-max...
The Exped MegaMat 10 LXW Camp Mat here:
www.snowys.com.au/megamat-10-...
The DeepSleep 7.5 LXW Mat here:
www.snowys.com.au/deepsleep-m...
For those looking for the ultimate comfort when sleeping at the campsite, a self-inflating mat is a must, but they require some finessing to pack away. In this video, our gear expert Ben gives you all the inside knowledge on how to deflate the MegaMat, MegaMat Max and DeepSleep camping mats from Exped.
These three mats fit into the same category of self-inflating foam mats that are super comfortable and are designed for car-based camping and touring. The MegaMat Max 15 LXW the more luxurious model at 15cm, which is followed by the classic MegaMat 10 LXW at 10cm thick, with the DeepSleep 7.5 LXW bringing up the rear with fewer features and 7.5cm in thickness.
He begins with telling you the different process for double vs single mats, then undoes the valve, and starts squeezing most of the air out by folding it over several times.
Then Ben folds it in half and uses his weight to squeeze more air out, repeats the process, seals the valve, wraps around the strap around and puts it into the bag - so check it out above for all the details.
0:00 - Intro
1:26 - Valves
1:43 - Stuff sacks
2:48 - Deflating the double mat
3:46 - Folding & rolling
4:50 - Placing into the stuff sack
5:06 - Unrolling & rolling again

[@KaizenOz]

Deflated my double again on the weekend, was so quick and easy (4th time doing it), we just popped the deflate valve, stayed lying on it and then was able to start the folder over / thirds process pretty easily

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback, DieRunning1, I reckon Exped mats are the easiest to pack away. ~ Ben

[@TonnyDraconic]

Legend 🙌

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks, Tonny. ~ Ben

[@swaggingsisters]

Yep, fold in three gets majority of air out, unfold and then roll, using your knees like you do a swag, very easy.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yeah, don't expect to get it first time, a couple of rolls makes life easy. ~ Ben

[@secopaso2975]

Hi Ben, two questions I've got: Why doesn't Exped install 2 or 3 deflating valves in there inflating beds to allow speeding up the time consuming deflating proces? In the past I had bad experiences with inflating mats on seams coming loose and on foam decomposition over the years. Has the fabric quality on both increased nowaday? Can you tell us more on long life durability (> 5 years) of the various brands.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Hi Seco, I can't tell you why Exped don't install more deflating valves. However, as well as the one deflation valve, you can actually insert the included toggle into the inflation valve during deflation to speed up the process. The toggle is attached to the cap on the inflation valve. When is comes to the quality of fabrics and reliability of the joins, Exped lead the way. The only instance in which I have seen issues with an Exped mat is if there was a batch fault with the fabrics, which is covered under warranty, or if a mat has not been cared for, in particular kept dry and as clean as possible from dirt and body oils. As for lifespan, this depends on how much you use it. I have had an Exped may for almost 10 years, used 2-4 times a year on 1-2 week trips. If you use it weekly then you can expect a shorter life. If you care for your may, store it dry, and keep it clean, then you can expect to get more than your money's worth of use out of an Exped mat. ~ Ben

[@secopaso2975]

Thanks Ben for your quick and Expe(n)d(ed) answer ;-) Really very helpful, like your explaining youtube films. As an authority in the consumers outdoor you might pass worldwide customers feedback (on online media like this one) to the "matress industry" to improve their products even more, and to provide actual information on expected fabrics lifespan. Thanks again.

[@greasy_beefcake]

We just purchased a Duo and a LXW. The instructions say to store them unrolled and with both valves open. We dont have the space/they wont fit under out bed frames. Do you think its okay to store them rolled up with valves closed or could it somehow damage the foam? Not so concerned about inflation time post storage.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It won't damage the foam, especially if you use them semi-regularly. The foam develops a memory of being compressed which will extend the time it takes the foam to inflate. I'd recommend making sure you give the mats a few days inflated with the valves open after a trip to make sure all moisture escapes, then store them rolled as loosely as possible for the space you have with the valves still open. ~ Ben

[@michellebyrne9918]

Can you recomend an air bed please, I bought the mat...but feel its not comfortable enough

[@TasHikingAdventures]

nemo ultralite insulated mat...check my new video

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We've found the Coleman airbeds to be the best in performance, Michelle, but it is highly unlikely that you would find an airbed more comfortable than one of these mats. Campers who start out with an airbed usually end up upgrading to a self inflating mat like those in this video. Did you purchase an Exped mat? ~ Ben

[@michellebyrne9918]

@@SnowysOutdoors Hi Ben, thanks so much for your help...I am just in the process of trying to figure out and worried about paying such a high price...i want to feel comfortable and sleep...so im going to check out your video again...

[@swaggingsisters]

One of these on a stretcher is the bee's knees 👌

[@Victorias4mom]

The plastic valve piece inside fell out. It won't fit back in. Can you show how to pop it back in?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We don't have a video on this, but it should just press in. ~ Ben

[@bboynever23]

Where did you get that pump ?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It comes with some of the Exped mats or can be purchased separately - www.snowys.com.au/mini-pump. ~ Ben

[@oli77baba]

Can I use vacuum to deflate it?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We wouldn't recommend it - vaccume suction is alot higher than 12v pump with a defalte function. If there was any damage to the mattress bonding it wouldnt be covered under warranty. They're actually really easy to pack up without a mechanical deflation option ~ Lauren

[@karenedwards3721]

More deflate valve would be nice

[@SnowysOutdoors]

More valves means more potential locations for leaks though, Karen. ~ Ben

[@shekarviswanathan5809]

Is it possible to use a vacuum with some sort of attachment to deflate?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Possibly, Shekar, some air bed pumps have a deflate mode too, but there are no specific attachments available for this. ~ Ben

[@TasHikingAdventures]

ive gone from cheap yoga mats with foam square mats to dune 4wd self inflating mats now i have a adventure kings swag i got a free 70mm matress thats easy to roll up! but now i just got the nemo ultralite insulated mat man wtf is this shit benny lol.....i know for kids n familys lol great vid bro but not for me ...check my new vid out thanks love tassie

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Not for everyone, I agree. I'm a lightweight packer at heart, but with kids and more family camping I've had to let some of that go in favour of more comfort. I still look for the best balance of weight and packed size though, and these Exped mats offer a good night of sleep. Maybe a bit much for a solo adventurer, possibly like yourself, though. ~ Ben

[@TasHikingAdventures]

@@SnowysOutdoors nah mate im a family camper at heart with no kids-dune 4wd gazebo and big daddy deluxe kigs swag and walls up on gazebo and subaru with awning lol-ive just started getting into solo hiking as i said ive gone from cheap yoga mats to now the swag with the foam matress and sold my queen size dune 4wd self inflating-1-the top part is crunchy when you move like a bag of chips and 2- dont need extra weight in car now i got swag with matress but i did buy the nemo mat for hiking the other day and oh my gosh benny its amazing

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@TasHikingAdventures I've only had a little bit to do with the Nemo brand, enough to know that they make good gear though. Happy hiking! ~ Ben

[@leonardsaez]

speak to much. go to the point mate

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for the feedback. ~ Lauren