Exped FlexMat XS Sleeping Mat

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Simple, lightweight, comfortable – what’s not to like about the FlexMat? It is designed to work in extreme alpine conditions but is also a great ultralight options for all back country adventures so, if you’re after a short mat this could be the one for you.

Exped says

Light, durable and versatile closed-cell foam mat in a rapidly-deployable folding form. FlexMat can be used alone for alpinism and ultralight backpacking, or under an inflatable mat as puncture protection and added insulation.

Our Verdict

Exped’s FlexMat XS Sleeping Mat is designed for those who want a lightweight and foolproof sleeping mat. There are no worries about punctures or inflation with a closed cell foam mat. The low cost, simple design is a great option for rough camping spots. This short version is ideal for the weight conscious.

The mat offers a surprisingly good level of comfort for it’s thinness and with a dual layer construction. The bumped design keeps you off the ground and reduces potential discomfort from whatever you’ve pitched on. The versatility of a foam mat means that you can use it as a standalone mat when going lightweight or you can use it to protect an air mat or increase the insulation of your current mat. 

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Extremely light, durable and versatile
• Minimalist or entry-level sleeping mat
• Provides protection and added R-Value for inflatable mats
• High quality and more eco-friendly IXPE foam
• The olive-grey side of the FlexMat is perfect for ‘stealth’ applications
• Use the bright orange side of the FlexMat when high visibility is required

Specifications

• Weight: 202g (excludes storage bag)
• Dimensions: 130 x 52cm
• Thickness: 1.8cm
• Packed size: 13 x 52 x 11cm
• ASTM R-Value: 1.5
• Exped temp rating: 3°C

Materials

• Closed-cell IXPE foam, DWR free

ASTM R-Value:

From 2020, there is a new industry standard for measuring the R-value (level of insulation) of sleeping mats – ASTM F3340-18. This new standard is the sleeping mat equivalent to the EN rating for sleeping bags.

You can now directly compare the R-value of mats rated using the ASTM F3340-18 with confidence that is a fair and accurate comparison between mats. In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat.

In general terms, an R-value below 2.0 is for summer use, 2.0 to 4.0 is for cooler 3 season use and 4.0+ is for winter temperatures. This will be also be dependent on your sleeping bag, how cold you sleep etc. Please contact our customer service team if you need advice on choosing the right mat for your activity.

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Sleeping Mat
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Sleeping Mat
• About Exped
• R-Value Explained
• Exped Mat Summary