Grassroots Rating: 5 rocks (1 to 5 rocks possible)

Test Dates: May-July 2008
Test Location: Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Conditions: Summer, (Low 50 High 80’s)

Pre Trip: I have been borrowing the Outdoor Research-Exped DownMat from the Grassroots gear closet since December 2007.  After months of not bringing it back, in May I got my own DownMat and have been utilizing it on camping trips ever since.  On my first trip to the Smoky Mountains in December, I used a DownMat 7 (1.74 lbs), and thought it was the best sleeping mat I have used, period.  It is down insulated and packs very compactly in comparison to a Therma-a-rest or other mats I have used.  In the winter, the added bonus of the down fill was welcome warmth while sleeping and it was the envy of everyone on those trips.

Trip Report: Since May I have been using my new DownMat 7DLX (2.58 lbs) on local camping trips.  This is a little bulkier than the other mat, but the added comfort is great. At first I was weary that the down fill would be too hot in the summertime, but I have not noticed a huge difference as of yet. I have used the mat on a number of occasions in Nantahala Gorge, near the Appalachian Trail.  At night it still gets chilly, and the mat keeps me from getting chilled overnight. I am able to sleep with less cover and still not be too hot in the morning.

Most recently, I took the mat with me on a kayaking trip to the Nantahala River. I was coaxed into a boat and spent the day plummeting down the whitewater, getting a little bruised along the way. Altogether it was a good introduction to the sport.  Luckily for me, the DownMat DLX is nothing short of amazing to sleep on after a day in 50 degree water and maybe a swim or two in the rapids. The DownMat proved to give me a comfortable and warm sleep through the night.

Conclusions/Recommendations:  On trips where my expecting wife has joined me, she has slept as comfortable as she does at home on this mat.  For outstanding comfort and a good night sleep, I highly recommend you going to one of our member stores to test this mat in person.  The down gives you compressibility and loft that you do not get with other mats, and you can find a weight that fits your packing needs.

Test Specs: DownMat 7DLX- 41.3 oz, 76×26 in
Where to Buy: Grassroots Retail Members
Reviewer: Tyler Donaldson
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator, Grassroots Outdoors Alliance
Age: 31 Height: 6’
Similar Products Used: RidgeRest Pad, Therm-a-Rest Basecamp

Tags: Grassroots Gear Review

Trackback URI | Comments RSS