Exped UL 7 Downmat vs Winterlite downmat

[goathunter]

Between the Exped UL 7 Downmat vs Winterlite downmat which would u pick? I switched to a quilt last year so I want high R Value but my main goal is a smaller packed size mat in my pack compared to my current pad which is a thermarest pro lite plus.

 

[Dinger]

I can't comment on the Winterlite, but I rate my Exped UL 7 Downmat highly.

 

[MTtrout]

I just got the winterlite lw for Xmas and only have two nights on it. It got down to 0 degrees one night and I was plenty warm but it was paired with a thermarest foam pad, which I would recommend at those temps anyways. I can say that the wide is the way to go. I have been using the BA regular ul qcore for over 3 years and the extra elbow room was very welcoming. Hope that helps in your decision.

 

[chasewild]

I can't speak for the winterlite, but I've loved my exped downmat for the past ....13 years! Ya, I had the original, and I was using it without any ground mat and I popped it on the third season. They sent me a brand new one. I used that one harshly without a groundmat for another two, popped it and they sent me a new one. Third time around, I was more careful and it lasted me 5 years...and then they sent me a new one. Two take-a-ways...don't cowboy camp and expect any pad to last and Exped's customer service is outstanding.

I used an ultrilight MH Phantom 32 bag and with this bag, I could drop to the high twenties (in a tent) without much worry. I'd highly recommend.

 

[gobbler1662]

I have the winterlite and love it. My only complaint is the outside rails have no insulation. As narrow as the pad is it seems I am alway touching those outside rails when turning. With the winterlite to save weight they only put insulation in the bottom part and not the side rails. If I had it to do over again I think I'd get the wide version. But the matt is very warm I had mine down to 17 degrees last year and was very warm

 

[goathunter]

I have the winterlite and love it. My only complaint is the outside rails have no insulation. As narrow as the pad is it seems I am alway touching those outside rails when turning. With the winterlite to save weight they only put insulation in the bottom part and not the side rails. If I had it to do over again I think I'd get the wide version. But the matt is very warm I had mine down to 17 degrees last year and was very warm

I wonder if the UL7 doesn't have insulation on the outside rails too

 

[moxford]

I don't have the UL but the full DownMat 9 LW. It's a heavy, heavy, warm, comfortable thing of beauty.

Did I mention that it's heavy?

If the UL is anything like it, it would be amazing. Regular DownMat is cush.

That said, you might consider stacking mats. Last snow-camping trip I ran a ThermaRest on top of a Z-lite pad. R-Value stacks up directly, and having a foam-mat is a big win in the back-country. Lunchtime, sitting around the fire, kneeing on the ground, protecting the inflatable, etc.

Something to consider, though I know you didn't ask about it. =)

-mox

 

[JustDSM]

I can't comment on the Winterlite, but I rate my Exped UL 7 Downmat highly.

I can 2nd Dinger on this one. My Exped UL 7 Downmat packs small and keeps my warm and comfortable when it's cold. Surprisingly the face fabric is much more comfortable than pads like the NeoAir or similar.