Multimat was kind enough to provide our testers with their Adventure Mat recently, just in time for some summer camping. This 23 ounce pad is 72 inches long, and one inch thick when inflated. While it’s rated for temps from -4° to 122°F (-20° to 50°C), you’ll need to consider your sleeping bag choice as well as personal tolerance for heat and cold before using it towards either end of that temperature range.
The first night out with the Adventure Mat, our tester thought they might have gotten a defective one, as it lost some air. But after leaving it inflated for a week, then sending it on another outing, we’re convinced it was user-error. Yes, it happens. The mat will self-inflate a bit, and can be easily topped up by mouth to whatever firmness works best for you. But if the valve is not shut firmly, you’ll lose some air and lose some sleep. We’re just happy it was our mistake, and not a faulty product, because we found Adventure Mat to be a good value. It should be noted that our tester for the 2nd trip was used to lightweight pads, and the Adventure Mat met his needs very well. If you prefer more of an air mattress while camping (which Multimat offers too), this may not be for you. But if traveling light is important, you’ll want to give it a look.
Multimat lists the MSRP at $79, which puts it in line with similar products, and at a competitive weight. At that price, you get a mat made from 75D rip-stop, with orange on one side, and grey on the other, should you decide to go stealthy. It’s only an inch thick, but when combined with a sleeping bag, provides just the right amount of padding and insulation for the more adventurous camper looking to for a light sleeping pad. The TPU membrane helps keep the air where it belongs. As expected, a matching stuff sack is included (it packs down to about ten and a half inches by five inches), along with retaining bands, and even a patch kit, in the unlikely event you do manage to spring a leak. Multimat currently has a UK-specific website, but the Multimatusa.com will take you to their US distributor, where you can see all their current products.
– Brian