Exped FlexMat Foam Sleeping Pad Review

The Specs

The following information reflects the Exped FlexMat in a size medium. There is also a long/wide version available. If you would like to see specifics on the xs or long/wide version, you can find them here.

• Weight: 12.3 oz / 350 g
• Dimensions (in): 72 x 20.5 x 0.7
• Dimensions (cm): 183 x 52 x 2
• Packed Dimensions (in): 5 x 20.5 x 6
• Packed Dimensions (cm): 13 x 52 x 15
• Thickness: 0.7 in / 2 cm
• Materials: Closed-cell IXPE foam, DWR free
• Shape: Rectangular
• R-Value: 1.5
• Sizes: XS, M, LW
• Color: Green
• MSRP: $34.95

The Good

The Weight: The Exped FlexMat is arguably the lightest full-sized foam sleeping pad available. There are a couple of lighter options, like the Gossamer Gear Thinlite Foam Pad, but these are so thin (the Gossamer pad is just 0.125 in / 0.32 cm thick) that it could be argued they don’t belong in the same category of pads. A thinner pad also comes with a lower R-value, but if you’re using the FlexMat in three-season conditions (and avoiding snow), then it shouldn’t be an issue.

The Compactness: Along with being one of the lightest foam pads available, the Exped FlexMat is also one of the most compact full-sized foam pads available. It folds down to 5 x 20.5 x 6 in / 13 x 52 x 15 cm and can be easily strapped to the top, bottom, or side of a backpack. You wouldn’t want to put it inside your pack, but if you were using a frameless backpack and didn’t have a ton of gear, I suppose you could use it folded open, inside, against your back to provide structure and support to your backpack.

The Price: In addition to being one of the lightest and most compact, full-sized sleeping pads out there, the FlexMat is also one of the most affordable at just $35. There are a few other options in the sub-$40 range, but some foam sleeping pads cost upwards of $60 before tax – nearly twice as much at the FlexMat.

The Okay

The Comfort: One drawback of how thin (and therefore light) the Exped FlexMat you may find is the level of comfort provided by the mat. If you have a particularly rough surface you’re sleeping on, then you may want to spend some extra time clearing items from your campsite before laying down as you will feel what’s below you to an extent with this pad. Side sleepers, who generally have a harder time with foam mats, may find this pad to be too thin if they are sensitive sleepers.

The Durability: Like most foam pads, the Exped FlexMat will flatten with repeated use. It’s durable from a “this pad will not stop or be easily ripped” perspective (although it can rip – pay attention if it’s attached to the outside of your pack and you’re bushwhacking), but it’s not quite as durable from a “this pad is just 0.7 in / 2 cm thick” perspective. If you’re using this pad to protect or insulate an air pad on top of it, you should be checking to make sure nothing ends up poking up through the FlexMat after repeated use.

The Bad

The Size: This is not unique to the Exped FlexMat, but is a criticism of foam pads in general; the FlexMat is bulky – no way around it. Yes, it means you have an easily deployable mattress that won’t get a hole in it and become useless (like an air pad), but it also means you need to cope with a large piece of gear that will not fit inside of your backpack. It’s not the biggest inconvenience, but if fast and light is the name of the game (which it very well may be with a pad like this one), you may need to weigh the benefit of the bulk. You can always cut some sections off or get the XS version.

The R-Value: The Exped FlexMat is a three-season pad – even just a summer pad – with an R-value of 1.5. This, like the comfort issue noted above, is a result of the pad being as thin and lightweight as it is. Depending on where you’ll be using this pad, that R-value may be more than enough, but it’s something to consider when looking at the available options.

Who is it for?

Anyone is a candidate for the Exped FlexMat. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner backpacker who doesn’t want to spend a ton of money on an inflatable pad or an experienced backpacker who wants one of the lightest foam pads on offer. The limiting factors for who will get the most benefit from the FlexMat are the comfort and R-value. Back sleepers will likelier find this pad a better fit than side sleepers and you’re not going to want to use it in colder climates unless you’re using it to insulate an inflatable pad.

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