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If you are looking for durability over weight, Down insulation over Synthetic, and a 4 Season mat in a 'longer & wider' rectangular format then you are looking for this mat!
Exped says:
The Exped Dura 6R LW is a durable, extra-warm mats for demanding adventures, including extended outings in alpine and polar regions, rugged paddling trips and overlanding.
DOWNMAT TECHNOLOGY™: 700 cu in RDS down insulation for use in all seasons, or simply to keep cold-sleepers warm in any weather. 7 cm thick air cushion with Exped cradle comfort design: air chambers run head to toe, fully supporting the body for an unrivalled night's sleep and giving maximum durability.
Schnozzel Pumpbag included: rapid, moisture-free mat inflation: lung power not required!
Exped's Dura 6R Sleeping Mats are 4 Season mats constructed using considerably more durable face. The top surface is 75denier and the underside is a whopping 170denier, making these mats extremely resistant to puncture and general abrasion, contrast the fabrics with the 20denier top and bottom of the Exped Ultra range.
Comparing the Dura 6R LW with the Ultra 5R LW, all the specs are the same except for the fabric weight, the Ultra 5R LW weighs 700grams and the Dura 5R LW weighs 1079grams - it's 50% heavier.
The Dura 6R LW has all the same specs as the Dura 5R LW except it is filled with 700 Fill Power down to provide the insulation compared with synthetic insulation in the Dura 5R LW mat. The warmth rating is the same for both mats so its a subjective choice about wether you want down in your mat or synthetics.
What we really like about Exped mats are the easy to use non return valves and the superb Schnozzel Pumpsack which makes inflation of the mat simple - its the best inflation sack we've used by far and its big enough to act as a rucksack liner or a drybag. In the case of a down filled mat it is essential to use an inflation device as using your mouth forces moisture into the mat which will eventually compromise the down.
The Dura 6R mats are 7cm thick, which is the standard and delivers a great level of comfort. Unlike the Ultra mats the Duras don't have the oversized side rails to help you stay on board.
We also need to commend Exped for their environmental approach to the new range - Production is Carbon Neutral (by offsetting), the Face Fabrics are recycled and their factories are Bluesign approved. There is very little packaging and what there is is simply constructed from recycled card.
If you are looking for durability over weight, Down insulation over Synthetic, and a 4 Season mat in a 'longer & wider' rectangular format then you are looking for this mat!
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- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
ASTM R-Value:
From 2020, there is a new industry standard for measuring the R-value (level of insulation) of sleeping mats – ASTM F3340-18. This new standard is the sleeping mat equivalent to the EN rating for sleeping bags.
You can now directly compare the R-value of mats rated using the ASTM F3340-18 with confidence that is a fair and accurate comparison between mats. In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat.
In general terms, an R-value below 2.0 is for summer use, 2.0 to 4.0 is for cooler 3 season use and 4.0+ is for winter temperatures. This will be also be dependent on your sleeping bag, how cold you sleep etc. Please contact our customer service team if you need advice on choosing the right mat for your activity.
The R-Value of a sleeping pad measures its thermal resistance, or its ability to insulate. Simply put, the R-Value represents the warmth of the sleeping pad. A higher R-Value means the sleeping pad does a better job of preventing heat from transferring between the person’s body and the ground below, meaning better insulation and warmth.
For camping and hiking, the R-Value is arguably the most important specification to consider. In colder conditions, a higher R-Value sleeping pad will be necessary to prevent heat loss and to provide a more comfortable sleep throughout the night. As a rule of thumb:
R-Value 1 to 3 = Summer sleeping pads. These pads have minimal insulation and are only appropriate for warm-weather conditions or indoor use.
R-Value 3 to 5 = 3-season sleeping pads. These are the best all-around sleeping pads that are appropriate for hiking and backpacking in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Most sleeping pads in this category will have the term “insulated” in their name.
R-Value 5+ = Winter sleeping pads. A high R-Value rating is necessary for the winter season when extreme cold conditions can be life-threatening if you don’t pack the appropriate gear.
It’s worth mentioning that R-Values stack. For example, you can use a closed cell foam (CCF) sleeping pad with an R-Value of 1.5 along with an air-inflating sleeping pad with an R-Value of 3, for a total R-Value of 4.5.
It’s also important to mention that you won’t become overheated if you use a high R-Value sleeping pad in warmer conditions. However, the high R-Value air-inflating sleeping pads are very expensive, so it’s recommended to buy a sleeping pad with an R-Value appropriate for the pads intended use. Personally, I don’t do any winter camping, and my Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated, with an R-Value of 3.5, provides enough warmth (when paired with my sleeping bag) even in below-freezing temperatures.
Want more information on Dura Mats? Feel free to contact us.