Exped Downmat

[rbarta]

Has anyone used one of the Exped Downmat?  Please let me know your thoughts.

I ordered a Exped Downmat 7 and when it comes in I will compare it to the Therm-a-Rest Prolite 4 before making a decision.  But I'd like to get some climber opinions if possible.

The Exped won the 2002-2003 European Outdoor award for best product.  It comes in at the same weight as the Prolite, same packing cu in, but an R value of 4.9 instead of 3.2.  They also make a 9 (R-value 8 ) and 9 deluxe which I think would be a great base camp pad.

The Exped Downmat is filled with 700 fill goose down with a moisture resistant coating.  It must be filled using the stuff sack as a pump (drawback over the Prolite which will inflate most of the way on its own) But it should deflate/pack up easier because you could just open the seals and lay on it for a few seconds...it will not reinflate itself.

So if anyone has any first hand experience please let me know.  I am making my decision around 8/27.  If I choose the Downmat I will do a review after I use it on Mt Rainier 9/12.

Thanks