Trail Gear Guide 2022

SLEEPING MATS
ROBENS TRAILGUARD 50 £85
One of the most comfortable self-inflating
sleeping mats we’ve tested, the hybrid design
of the TrailGuard combines a foam core
with inflatable edge tubes. With 5cm of
insulated cushioning and an insulation
R-value of 5.3 it provides enough
warmth for winter use too, yet
thanks to the lightweight but
durable fabrics used it weighs
just 925g.
VERDICT The unique
combination of foam and
air mat construction
provides an impressive
insulation at
a relatively low
weight.
THERM-A-REST
NEOAIR UBERLITE
£190
Weighing a featherlight
250g, this is one of the
lightest insulated air mats
on the market. It also
packs down to just 15x9cm,
meaning it occupies minimal
space in your pack. Pair it
with an ultralight down
bag/quilt and you’ll have an
efficient sleep system for long
distance hikes or minimalist
mountain missions.
VERDICT With its light weight
and small pack size this is the
ideal mat for fast and light
adventures.
EXPED ULTRA 3R £150-165
Exped’s new lightweight, compact sleeping
mat range gives you three choices of insulation:
air, synthetic or down depending on the ‘R’ rating,
from R1 (10˚C min) to R8 (-40˚C min). All come in
mummy or rectangle shapes and 1-4 also have a double
option. That’s a lot of choices but we reckon the -5˚C rated
3R is best for hillwalking.
VERDICT With so many options it’s practically customisable, this
light, compact sleeping mat also utilises the Schnozzel Pumpbag so
you don’t need to blow it up.
NEW
FOR
2022
NEW
FOR
2022
ROBENS POLARSHIELD 80 £177
More mattress than mat, the Polarshield
is 200cm (6ft 6in) long and puffs up to a
chunky 8cm thick. Weighing 1.6kg it’s not
the lightest but this is still a self-inflating
backpacking mat, not a car camper,
and it packs down to a very reasonable
34x20cm. A good night’s sleep may be
worth those extra grams.
VERDICT Thick, long and temperature
rated to -12°C, this is a sleeping mat
for people who like their comfort.
GEAR GUIDE 2022 TRAIL
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