At this time, the final Field Reports are in from three evaluators/reviewers of ‘Backpack Gear Test’ who used their Exped Down Airmats through at least one real condition test. Although the process of review is ongoing, the Field Reports offer some substantive comments for readers, potential consumers and other users. To a point, the following response is offered for additional consideration.

While it is difficult to respond to each item from the testers, I believe there are three (3) common themes:

Comfort, warmth, and especially, performance;
Inflation difficulties; and,
Integration with other [types of sleep] systems and conditions.

Comfort, Warmth, Performance

Like its industry colleagues and competitors, Exped has worked to develop, and improve upon, that which is now considered to be the mainstay of every backpacker: a self-inflating sleeping pad. At the same time, most (all?) users and insiders will concede that as insulation value and comfort increase, so do bulk and weight. Over the years, we have all tried to improve upon the specs of basic foam pads and S-I mats but have ultimately hit the proverbial brick wall that foam is heavy and bulky.

The issue of ‘bulk’ necessarily means different things to different people, and we will not begin to assert that there is one perfect product for all users.

Still, without abandoning efforts to improve upon S-I mats, Exped took a major step forward when it developed and introduced its original Down Air Mattress in 2002. The notion of a “step forward” is offered because for the most part, few had strayed from trying to improve upon S-I mats and seemingly lacked a dramatic alternative.

By contrast, Exped went to great efforts to promote the insulated, down-filled air mattress even while conventional wisdom normally emphasized the poor insulating value of basic air mats.

And so, this provides the setting for Exped’s Down Airmat in 5-cent terms. It was introduced as an overall package to be the warmest, lightest weight, most comfortable and most compact sleeping pad.

So, did the mats perform as claimed on matters of Comfort, Warmth Packability and low Weight? From the testers’ reviews, and in language that everyone can understand, it is clear that the Exped Down Airmat did perform, and it did so extremely well on these criteria!

Inflation Difficulties

We freely acknowledge that some effort is required to use the Down Airmat as it pertains to the inflation process. While the effort, or difficulty, to inflate the Down Airmat varies by user, manual inflation with the included Pump-Packsack is a requirement. An air mattress must be inflated, and this product requires use of its bellows-type pump to prevent the excess humidity in the breath from reaching the goose-down in the mat. So far, we have not found a suitable alternative.

At the same time, and without wishing to appear arrogant, we must retreat to a few facts:

An improvement in one area usually means a compromise in another. Specifically, some form of inflation is needed but the reward is that of INCREASED warmth/cushioning with DECREASED weight/bulk;
At no time was it stated that the Down Airmat was a replacement to an S-I mat. Instead, it was offered as an alternative for those who desired, or demanded, greater warmth/comfort with less weight/bulk, ESPECIALLY FOR VERY COLD CONDITIONS;
To clarify, the Down Airmat was never intended to be the mat of choice for all people in all conditions. A foam pad or an S-I mat offer great levels of cushioning, comfort, and warmth to weight under many conditions. And to this amazing group of sleeping pads, Exped continues to improve upon its own collection of S-I mats; and,
Finally, Exped has developed an alternative mat for the person whose primary requirements include inflation ease and comfort (cushion) over that of warmth for use in extreme cold weather: the new Chip Foam S-I mat (arriving Spring 2004). Briefly, we integrated the lightweight cushion of the original Down Airmat with insulating foam. The new mat offers equivalent cushioning as the Down Airmat, but it is not so lightweight, compact or warm. However, at about 3 pounds the new C-F mat is very backpack-able, is self-inflating, does not depend upon lamination of fabric to foam, and is about 1/3 cheaper than the Down Airmat.

And perhaps best of all, the foam used in the C-F mat is actually the by-product from another Exped mat. In short, the foam is saved from being added to the trash heap.

Integration with other systems

The testers mentioned that they would have liked to see easier use with hammocks, other sleep systems, other shapes and so forth. While the requests are valid, a product response simply comes down to matters of consumer demand. In fact, the production process of the Down Airmat is quite complex; it is not a matter of simply cutting fabric, sewing it together and filling it with goose-down.

Inflation issues/requests aside, for the most part shape and size of the Down Airmat are limited only by level of consumer demand.

While other shapes are not specifically planned, Spring 2004 will bring two (2) new sizes of the Down Airmat: a slightly thinner version (2.75”, compared to the original 3.5”) of the original 72” x 20” size; and, a shorter 48” length.

Although the new sizes are primarily intended to reduce weight and bulk for less severe conditions, the new sizes may also offer better performance when used with other sleep systems.

In summing up, I have attempted to respond to the basic issues raised by the reviewers. At the same time, the Down Airmat was introduced to address specific users’ issues and external conditions. On those matters, everyone appears to agree the Down Airmat absolutely performs extremely well. The inflation issue is not likely to disappear soon, and we will be the first to offer the Down Airmat is not a “perfect” thing. We continue to pursue improvements, and in the meantime, continue to develop other innovative products throughout our lines.

Of that, you can be certain!

Thanks,
Exped LLC (USA)

Comments by Carl Brody, Exped LLC following submission of Initial Reports in the Down Air Mattress/Down Air Mattress DLX Test.

November 24, 2003

Re. David Anderson's comments:

1. Packed size of the mat: with, and without, the pumpsack - in fact, we do refer to the size of the mat without the pumpsack. While the pumpsack is a necessary part of the product, it is not required for storage inside a pack. The fabric is correctly identified as very strong, 75 denier, textured polyester, which is fine for stuffing inside the pack. The pumpsack can then be used to hold other gear as if a storage bag, or it can simply be stuffed anyplace it will fit. Finally, the foam could technically be removed, thereby reducing the bulk and the weight. However, its primary purpose is to enable the pumpsack to rebound more easily after each pump cycle.

2. Comfort versus how many times to inflate - whenever we discuss operation and use with a prospective customer, we always tell people to fill it completely the first time. We advise them it will likely be too hard, but this creates a benchmark. If they lay on the mat with their head at the valve end, they can open one valve slightly to let some air escape until they find a comfort zone. Experimentation, as Mr. Anderson suggested, is the best way find what is best for each user.

3. Foam at the ends of the mat - also has the added benefit of enabling the mat to partially fill without the pumpsack. When getting into camp, the mat should be unrolled and both valves should be opened. Within about 30 minutes, the foam will have caused the mat to partially inflate. The pump procedure can now be reduced appropriately.

Re Jim Hatch's review/comments:

1. Instructions - The basic hang tags were created at the home office, which do not entirely satisfy me. Therefore, I created the separate page which was noted to be inside the sealed envelope. The envelope was not sealed to conceal anything or to suggest that it was full of discardable promo material. In fact, this presentation is identical to every mat shipped from my facility. The envelop contains a catalog, an invoice and the instruction sheet. I fully recognize that the Down Mat is a bit different in its application from what most of us know as the norm - a self inflating mat. The supplemental instruction sheet was created to be straightforward, simple and easy to read. But unlike many generic manuals that accompany a variety of products, this sheet is meant to be used.

The comment is not offered as a criticism, rather it points out to me the need for some basic stamps: Instructions Enclosed - Do Not Discard. This sheet goes into every mat shipped from Exped and it is shipped at least 1:1 for every mat shipped to a dealer. Still, there are always opportunities for improvement at our end.

2. The trampoline test - Exped does not really market its products to anyone "below" a young adult. Admittedly, I cannot state to what level the welds and product have been exposed under the stress situation of intentional bouncing and jumping. A product used with the individual at rest may perform differently than if that same individual jumped onto it, thereby creating an unusual stress.
Exped takes pride in trying not to overbuild a product, which at least adds cost and/or weight. We expect the product not to be used beyond the activity for which it was intended.

Again, not a criticism, rather just an explanation of expected use.

Finally, we do not even propose this test out of a liability fear. If someone were to inflate the mat fully, jump on it and then fall (and I've seen this happen with a different product), we could be held responsible. How likely? Probably not very, but we will not risk it.

Manufacturer Comment

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