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Several years ago I realized that between a Grand Canyon rafting trip and just one sea kayak trip I would be sleeping on the ground for at least 5 weeks that spring and summer - time for a new mattress! The deluxe thermarest was not cutting it anymore for my back. After much research and testing several options from friends, I settled on the Exped SynMat 7 with built in pump. Best decision ever!

I love how comfortably I sleep - just as well as at home. No need to have a smooth spot, as it evens out the lumps. The synthetic insulation is critical - much warmer than other air mats without insulation. Having used both the Exped 7 (72" x 20" x 2.8" deep) and the Exped 9 (77.5" x 26" x 3.5" deep) I recommend the Exped 7 - it is just as comfortable, and much quicker to pump up. Well worth the minute or two it takes to pump it up for a great sleep.

Four Grand Canyon trips and many sea kayak trips later, the mattress has held up great. Had to send it back once to get a leak repaired that I could not find, and they fixed it at no charge.