I thought it better to actually use this pad before reviewing it, plenty of things are comfy when tested on a carpeted bedroom floor. Here are my findings:
Inflation - I bought and wholeheartedly recommend the additional inflation drybag from Trekology. Using this it takes about three minutes to inflate the mat whilst inside the tent (my tent is big enough for me to do this in comfort, if your tent is a little more cramped it shouldn't take longer outside but you might not be as dry). The inflation bag is incredibly easy to use, stops condensation gunking up the mat's innards and clips nicely in to the one way inflation valve. I've found that when the bag pops off the valve then the mat is correctly inflated for my weight and preference.
Comfort - once inflated it has remained that way, without issue or exception. No waking up on the cold, hard ground for me. It doesn't bottom out whether I lie on my back or side (I've found lots of mats bottom out on my hips when lying on my side, not this one). It is genuinely comfortable too. Now, let's not get silly - we're not talking king-size waterbed levels of squish here, but I have certainly slept on less comfortable actual hotel beds. More important than how easy it is to fall asleep on this thing is how you wake up. I've had no aches or pains, no cold spots, no frozen shoulders from sleeping on it, I've woken up fresh and ready to sling it and everything else on my back for another day. That really is the gold standard for backpack camping.
Shape - hard to be scientific about it but I think the raised edges work. The material is a bit slippery but I haven't slid off the sides yet.
Size - I'm 6'3” and just shy of 17 stone, think second row forward and built to shift heavy objects, not exactly svelte but fit enough to yomp over mountains. I fit on this thing, top to toe, shoulder to shoulder, and without any of the bits in-between being on the floor. There are more than a few other mats that I wouldn't have bothered trying, at my size if it's only an inch and a half thickness of air before I get on then it stands no chance. This mat just works nicely.
Noise - it isn't crinkly when you're on it and it hasn't woken me up when I've moved on it. No, it isn't silent, is anything in your tent silent? If I stay completely still I swear I can hear the grass growing whilst I'm in mine, this mat doesn't spoil that or make any strange or annoying noises either.
Weight - it weighs what they claim. Wrapped up with the inflation bag it's a touch over 600g, frankly ridiculous for the price. Yes, there are lighter mats out there, but they cost a lot more and I'm not sure they'd be any more comfortable. I don't own a Thermarest so don't take that as gospel but I think this thing is an absolute sweet spot for price and comfort, bargain territory.
Pack size - packs down small, quickly and easily. The two stage valve makes deflating it a doddle. Much smaller than my previous self inflating sleeping pad, much lighter too.
R-Value - no idea. Does anyone really know? I know I haven't gotten cold on it yet, and that's the only real world test I use. I wouldn't recommend taking this out on a glacier but for my three season tent this feels like an entirely adequate three season mat.
Durability - I haven't killed it yet. As an entirely air filled pad any pinhole will do for it, so be careful what you track into your tent. It came with a patch kit, I've not needed it to say whether it works.
What I'd improve - it can be slippery. My tent has a sil-nylon floor, and my bag is the usual ripstop nylon fare. It's a bit easy to find yourself sliding down the mat in the night if your pitch isn't totally level. I camp where I like, but where I like usually involves gradients, finding a totally level pitch isn't realistic most of the time. The addition of some rubberised print on the top and bottom of the mat might add a few grammes but I think it would be worth it. I'm going to try some sections of non-slip drawer liner next time I go out, light and easily packed, hopefully can be used under or on top of the mat. Other than that teeny suggestion, can't fault the thing.
I strongly recommend this product.
