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  1. #1
    Registered User Elaikases's Avatar
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    Default down filled air mattresses -- why not more popular?

    Realized that Stephenson's Warmlite is still in business, and now selling their air mattress separately.

    http://warmlite.com/down-air-mattress-alone/ and https://backpackinglight.com/stephen..._down_air_mat/

    The saw that there were 7 cm and 9 cm down filled air mattresses. https://smile.amazon.com/Exped-DownM...nCrt=my-impact

    Though exped is no longer sold by REI.

    http://www.summitpost.org/outdoor-ge...r-mattress/548

    I was wondering why they aren't more popular.

  2. #2
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    There has to be a fill, or bubbles, or baffles. To act as an insulator, air can't be allowed to circulate. Thermarest uses a spongy material as fill. I imagine down could fill the same purpose and be even lighter as a fill material.

  3. #3
    Registered User Elaikases's Avatar
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    https://smile.amazon.com/Exped-DownM...-Sleeping-Pad/

    Wonder how heavy it is (shipping weight 1 lb?). I'll do another search on Whiteblaze. All I've found so far are the synpads and not the down filled ones.

  4. #4
    Registered User Elaikases's Avatar
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    Ok. Some are still for sale. https://www.rei.com/product/881904/e...xp-9-with-pump But around three pounds. Too heavy for most non-winter use. I should have done more research.

  5. #5
    Registered User Elaikases's Avatar
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  6. #6
    Registered User Elaikases's Avatar
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    And a synthetic lightweight for couples. https://www.rei.com/product/896427/e...o-sleeping-pad

  7. #7
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    Neither especially light or cheap.
    "It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how." ---Dr. Seuss

  8. #8

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    I picked up an Exped Downmat on sale at my local sporting goods store when I developed a slow leak in my regular air pad. It is definitely warm and weighs 23oz, but I prefer my Klymit insulated pad...it just fits me better.

  9. #9
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    I'd guess $$$ is main reason but also compressed down doesn't insulate well....xtherm works for me...


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  10. #10
    PCT, Sheltowee, Pinhoti, LT , BMT, AT, SHT, CDT, TRT 10-K's Avatar
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    Expensive and heavy. I'll bet you a bag of roasted peanuts Tipi Walter uses one...

    (I mean that in a kind, humorous way that you'd speak to someone you've known online for years)

  11. #11

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    Just as an FYI for the naysayers, a downmat uses down in the same manner as a sleeping bag or quilt. It is oly compressed while packed and then provides great insulation when inflated.

  12. #12
    PCT, Sheltowee, Pinhoti, LT , BMT, AT, SHT, CDT, TRT 10-K's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DuneElliot View Post
    Just as an FYI for the naysayers, a downmat uses down in the same manner as a sleeping bag or quilt. It is oly compressed while packed and then provides great insulation when inflated.
    Does the down ever get wet from moisture from your lungs over time?

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by DuneElliot View Post
    Just as an FYI for the naysayers, a downmat uses down in the same manner as a sleeping bag or quilt. It is oly compressed while packed and then provides great insulation when inflated.
    I've never looked at one or used...I was just guessing..but assumed same reason a quilt makes sense as down under your body gets compressed therefore provides lil insulation value...


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  14. #14
    Registered User kayak karl's Avatar
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    most of the naysayers say.....heavy and expensive. ??
    I'm so confused, I'm not sure if I lost my horse or found a rope.

  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by 10-K View Post
    Does the down ever get wet from moisture from your lungs over time?
    Mine came with a very lightweight hand pump, so no. I think it weighed 1oz

    Quote Originally Posted by saltysack View Post
    I've never looked at one or used...I was just guessing..but assumed same reason a quilt makes sense as down under your body gets compressed therefore provides lil insulation value...
    Not at all, it is within the air chambers that are blown up by air.

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by kayak karl View Post
    most of the naysayers say.....heavy and expensive. ??
    Slightly heavier, but depending on the model not that expensive

  17. #17
    Wanna-be hiker trash
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    I think the short answer to why they're not more popular is not enough people do the type of deep winter camping that calls for serious R value pads and those that do probably have their own system dialed in. Personally I would have considered one if I didn't already have a setup that works for me.
    Colorless green ideas sleep furiously.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by DuneElliot View Post
    Mine came with a very lightweight hand pump, so no. I think it weighed 1oz



    Not at all, it is within the air chambers that are blown up by air.
    Aaaah I get it...interesting but I've already got over $300 in air mattress think I'm good....just need to find a damn pillow that I like!


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  19. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by Elaikases View Post
    I was wondering why they aren't more popular.
    I am also guessing they trap moisture in one's breath, not to mention become moldy.
    [I]ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: ... Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit....[/I]. Numbers 35

    [url]www.MeetUp.com/NashvilleBackpacker[/url]

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  20. #20

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rain Man View Post
    I am also guessing they trap moisture in one's breath, not to mention become moldy.
    As mentioned above, they come with light-weight handpumps. You are not supposed to use your mouth to blow them up.

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