World’s ‘Lightest’ Self Inflating Mats? Come on
By Rocky Thompson on May 2nd, 2008
Has British technology eclipsed American technology? Not unless you think carbon fiber cricket bats are all the rage. This new self inflating mat from MultiMat claims 4-season use in 530g for a full-length and 390g for the ¾. Compare that to the Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3, which weighs 370g for the ¾. Most mathematicians agree that 370g weighs less on earth than 390g, but the Prolite 3 from Therm-a-Rest is only a 3-season mat. Unfortunately for backpackers, no real benchmark has been determined for 3- vs 4-season mats, so it’s a buyer beware situation. Either way, the MulitMat sells for about $80 (not including shipping from the UK) and the Prolite 3 is about $75 (free shipping and no taxes).
via Outdoors Magic
In terms of cost, the MultiMat comes with a stuff-sack and a repair kit which you have to buy separately for the Therm-a-Rest.
Yeah, what you said! Plus, they drive on the wrong side over there, too.
As you say, you are just comparing the 3/4 sized mats but the full sized Multimat Superlite 25, at 530g, is lighter than the Prolite 3 regular mat by 40g.
To some that difference means a lot while I guess others couldn’t tell the difference. But Multimat is the clear winner if you compare the quality - they just seem to self-inflate better than the Thermarest and you only have to handle them to see they are better built.
So has British technology eclipsed American? Probably - but do we really care in this glabal marketpace? Anyway, Multimats are available from Multimatusa now - so no shipping costs.
PS As you may have guessed, I drive on the left, which is right if you know what I mean.