Inside Look: Rab's NEW Range of Sleeping Mats

[@Arkadiuszowe]

I'm looking to buy new 3-seazon mats and narrowed down the choice to RAB Stratosphere 4 and Big Agnes Rapide SL, both in WideLong option. The use is mainly for bicykle touring, so the weight is a little lower priority compared to trekking. Does anyone know how do they compare? in terms of comfort, durability, overall quality to price ratio?

[@trekitt]

Rapide SL is lighter, a little warmer, packs smaller and is thicker when inflated, but consequently costs more. If you don't mind spending the extra then this would be ideal. Quality feels similar on both, although Big Agnes don't provide fabric deniers.

[@johnsonpt2]

Can the pump sack double up as a dry bag?

[@trekitt]

I'm actually not sure. It's quite a bit thinner than a regular drybag, so I probably wouldn't suggest it personally.

[@johnsonpt2]

@@trekitt cheers, looks like the exped pump sack so wasn’t sure

[@robertsandiford6223]

Does anyone know the pack size of the Exosphere large?

[@trekitt]

33cm x 18cm (13in x 7.1in)

[@gazza1858]

So basically it’s like the mountain equipment 3.8 Helium but 3 times the price but only 3.5 . What did Rab Carrington use in his expeditions globetrotting around the globe in the 70’s .

[@Globetrotter-1]

I think Rab slept on his sled dog. 😉

[@trekitt]

I think your maths might be slightly off Gazza, the Helium is £85 and the comparative Exosphere is £110. More, yes, but not quite three times 😉 the Exosphere is also lighter although a little colder, so just depends where your priorities lie.

[@davidcressey]

Way better than Exped for weight, but nowhere near as good as Thermorest at the moment - need to shed a significant amount of weight to justify a purchase

[@Globetrotter-1]

My Winter Exped downmat -32C LW is 9cm thick and weighs only 665g and the medium size weighs a poultry 475g. How light do you need to go, without compromising quality and robustness?

[@MattShafter]

No one will ever beat Thermarest in weight for warmth. Thermarest's pyramid baffling design is almost perfect for segregating warm air from cold air.

[@Globetrotter-1]

@@MattShafter Nothing, and I mean nothing can beat goose/duck down for warmth and ultra lightweight insulation. No manmade insulation can match it. Fact.

[@MattShafter]

@@Globetrotter-1 Uhhhhh a Thermarest Xtherm has an R Value of 7.3, weighs 440g, uses a 70 denier bottom, 30d top, and uses no goose/duck down. So while you're technically correct about goose down (ignoring flawed aerogel,) I think you're speaking about jackets. We're talking mattresses here.

[@Globetrotter-1]

@@MattShafter R values don't mean much in the real world. The Exped Winter ❄️ has the same 7+R-value and is 9cm thick and weighs 475gram. I've extensively tested it against the Thermorest during extreme winter conditions on varied terrains and altitudes...and there is no doubt whatsoever that the Exped downmat is not only comfier, but far warmer than the Thermorest.

[@Globetrotter-1]

Why would a goose/duck down-based company such as Rab, not fill any of their mat range with down? Very disappointed. It is obvious to me that Rab has essentially just placed their brand name on a Chinese brand that fills plastic mats with cheap recycled foam. I can't see any of these mats being suitable for winter ❄️ or extreme weather. I love my Rab jacket & sleeping bag...but will stick with Exped downmats.

[@Oddly1970]

Then don’t buy it half the stuff made from China or Taiwan

[@Globetrotter-1]

@@Oddly1970 Rab have had all their gear made in China for many years but still mainly fill the down into the clothing and sleeping bags back in UK. My disappointment is not that the mats are made in China, but that Rab is not using their down for insulation in at least some their new mat range.

[@bcamping1]

​@@Globetrotter-1 maybe Rab people have used downmats and didnt share your enthusiasm. Looks like they liked Exped comfort and used same baffle design.

[@Globetrotter-1]

@@bcamping1 No, it is all due to cost of production and profit margins.

[@wanderingsoul7935]

Hmmm I find Rab a bit overpriced and no better quality than other less expensive brands.

[@trekitt]

I would suggest that the price for these is fair given their warmth, pack size and weight. There won't be many other R5+ mats available that are similar in price, weight and pack size.

[@wanderingsoul7935]

@@trekitt my big Agnes one is really nice and it cost a lot less than a RAB one, I've used it a lot in sub zero conditions and I've never been cold as yet, -17 was the last time.