Exped FlexMat Plus Review - Ultralight Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pad for Wild Camping
If you've been looking for a lightweight and reliable sleeping pad for Wild Camping and Backpacking, the Exped FlexMat Plus is a piece of gear that deserves a permanent place in your set-up. In this review we are looking at the pro's and con's, comparing the Exped Flexmat Plus to other closed cell foam sleeping pads and explaining why sometimes simplicity is best when your out in the wilderness.
All the Key Specs of the Exped FlexMat Plus
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Type: Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pad
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R-Value: 2.2 (good for 3 season use in the UK)
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Weight: 480-550g (depending on the size used)
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Thickness: 3.8cm (as good as it gets when it comes to foam mats)
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Packed Size: Approx. 52 x 13 x 15cm
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Durability: Bombproof
My Experience Using the Exped FlexMat Plus
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I've used the FlexMat Plus on Wild Camps from Dartmoor all the way up to Assynt in the far north of Scotland. Unlike an inflatable, I've never really worried about where I'm putting it down, it wont puncture, no waking up in the night to top the air up, and as far as closed cell foam pads go its about as cushioned as you can get.
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Comfort: The 38mm thickness makes it noticeably more cushioned than any other foam sleeping mat I've tried out, its definitely not as luxury as a really thick inflatable but compared to a Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol or a Ridgerest, the extra thickness is definitely noticable.
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Warmth: With an R-Value of 2.2 its top of its class as far as closed cell foam sleeping pads go, good for spring summer and autumn on its own, and makes for an integral part of your winter sleep system when paired with a good inflatable sleeping mat.
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Practicality: Unfold it and lie down, need we say anymore?
Pro's and Con's of the Exped FlexMat Plus
Pro's
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Virtually indestructible (no chance of a puncture here)
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Hassle-free setup
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Thickest foam mat we know of
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Adaptability - use under an inflatable on really cold nights on rough ground
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When folded up makes a nice seat on top of a rock on the trail
Con's
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Quite bulky when strapped to the outside of a pack
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Doesn't compare comfort wise to a good inflatble
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Low R-Value limits it to 3 Season use on its own
The Exped FlexMat Plus Compared to Other Sleeping Pads
Whats the warmest closed cell foam sleeping pad? Whats the thickest closed cell foam sleeping pad? The answer to both these questions is the Exped FlexMat Plus. It beats all the others in its class for warmth and thickness. When we compare it to inflatables it cant compete on warmth or thickness, but for reliability when its needed most it wins hands down. The flexibility of having this mat and an inflatable in your kit will let you have a worry free sleep and take anything the outdoors has to throw at you.
Who will get the most out of the FlexMat Plus?
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Backpackers and Wild Campers who want a tough no nonsense sleeping pad
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Thru-hikers prioritising reliability and adaptability over comfort
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Minimalists who prefer simplicity
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Campers on a budget - alot more affordable than high-end inflatables
FAQ - Exped FlexMat Plus
Is the Exped FlexMat Plus warm enough for winter?
Depends on how cold you sleep, I've got friends who might say yes, when i was starting out I done a few winter camps on a cheap inflatable with a lower R-Value than this mat. Taking all this in mind for most campers its best to err on the side of caution and use it as a 3 season pad or as part of a winter layering system under an inflatable.
Is the Exped FlexMat Plus better than the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol?
In terms of thickness, comfort and warmth the FlexMat beats the Z Lite Sol in all compartments.
Can the Exped FlexMat Plus be used for Ultralight Backpacking?
Absolutely, at 480-550g it is heavier than alot of inflatables but its unbeatable for reliability and flexibility. Theres no point shaving a couple of hundred grams if your inflatable fails half way through a multi day hike. Also Ultralight backpackers love multi use items, the FlexMat plus doubles as sleeping mat and chair.
Does the FlexMat Plus absorb water?
No, the closed cell foam construction means it wont soak up water. If it gets wet just shake it off or wipe it down with a microfibre towel.
Is the Exped FlexMat Plus eco-friendly?
Foam pads will always last longer than inflatables, while not "eco certified" the longevity of the mat means less waste and more sustainability long-term.
Final Verdict
The Exped FlexMat Plus is top of its class in closed cell foam sleeping mats for Wild Camping or Backpacking. If you value reliability, quick setup and bombproof durability then this is the pad for you.