Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Mat 4 Season Insulated

Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Mat R Value 4.8 for 4 Season Expedition Camping

The Exped Ultra 5R sleeping mat provides R Value 4.8 insulation for 4 season expedition use. This inflatable mat weighs 575g in Medium size (183x52x7cm) or 795g in Long Wide size (197x65x7cm), rated to minus 20C with SYNMAT TECHNOLOGY insulation. Suitable for winter mountaineering, long-distance hiking, bikepacking, and Alpine expeditions worldwide.

Exped Ultra 5R R Value 4.8 Explained for 4 Season Expedition Use

R Value measures thermal resistance between your body and the ground. Higher R Values provide more insulation from cold ground temperatures. The R Value 4.8 rating on this mat classifies it as a 4 season mat suitable for year-round use including winter conditions.

R Value Comparison for Sleeping Mats

• R Value 1 to 2 - Summer camping only, temperatures above 10C
• R Value 2 to 3 - 3 season use, spring through autumn, temperatures down to 0C
• R Value 3 to 4 - Extended 3-season, early winter use, temperatures down to minus 5C
• R Value 4 to 5 - 4 season use, winter camping, temperatures down to minus 15C
• R Value 5 plus - Extreme cold, winter mountaineering, temperatures below minus 15C

The Ultra 5R with R Value 4.8 sits in the 4 season category, rated to minus 20C. This rating makes it suitable for Scottish winter camping, Alpine mountaineering, high altitude expeditions, and cold weather bikepacking where ground temperatures drop well below freezing.

Exped Ultra 5R SYNMAT TECHNOLOGY Insulation Construction

The SYNMAT TECHNOLOGY uses 160g per square meter Texpedloft microfiber insulation welded to the top and bottom of the air chambers. This construction prevents the insulation from shifting or bunching, which causes cold spots in mats where insulation can move freely inside the air chambers.

The welded construction maintains consistent R Value 4.8 performance across the entire mat surface from head to toe. The insulation stays in place over the mat's lifetime, preventing the gradual loss of warmth that occurs in mats where insulation compresses unevenly or migrates away from pressure points.

Exped Ultra 5R Lightweight Construction 575g Medium 795g Long Wide

The Medium size weighs 575g and measures 183x52x7cm inflated, packing to 31x13cm. The Long Wide size weighs 795g and measures 197x65x7cm inflated, packing to 34x15cm. These specifications make the mat suitable for expeditions where pack weight and volume directly affect performance.

The recycled 20 denier ripstop polyester face fabric balances low weight against puncture resistance. The ripstop construction prevents small punctures from tearing further, important for remote expeditions where mat failure creates serious problems. The 7cm thickness provides cushioning on rough ground while maintaining low pack volume.

Exped Ultra 5R Head to Toe Air Chamber Design

The air chambers run head to toe rather than across the width of the mat. This construction fully supports your body along its length, distributing pressure evenly rather than creating pressure points at the edges of horizontal baffles. The design allows you to sleep on your side, back, or front without feeling the ground beneath pressure points.

The head-to-toe chamber design also increases durability. The continuous chambers distribute stress across the mat structure rather than concentrating it at baffle connection points, reducing the risk of baffle failure that can occur in mats with multiple separate air cells.

Exped Ultra 5R Recycled Materials Carbon Neutral Certified

The mat uses recycled 20-denier ripstop polyester certified to Oeko-Tex 100 standard, confirming the fabric contains no harmful substances. The Texpedloft microfiber insulation carries bluesign certification, meeting environmental and safety standards in manufacturing. Exped certifies the mat as carbon neutral through myclimate, offsetting production emissions.

Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Mat Available Sizes: Medium and Long Wide

Medium Size Specifications

• R Value - 4.8
• Temperature Rating - Minus 20C
• Inflated Dimensions - 183x52x7cm
• Packed Size - 31x13cm
• Weight - 575g
• Materials - Recycled 20D ripstop polyester, Oeko-Tex 100 certified
• Insulation - 160g per square metre Texpedloft microfiber, bluesign certified

Long Wide Size Specifications

• R Value - 4.8
• Temperature Rating - Minus 20C
• Inflated Dimensions - 197x65x7cm
• Packed Size - 34x15cm
• Weight - 795g
• Materials - Recycled 20D ripstop polyester, Oeko-Tex 100 certified
• Insulation - 160g per square metre Texpedloft microfiber, bluesign certified

Exped Ultra 5R Size Selection Medium or Long Wide

Choose Medium if you are under 183cm tall and the 52cm width provides enough room for your sleeping position. The Medium size suits most users who sleep on their back or side without moving significantly during the night.

Choose Long Wide if you are over 183cm tall, move around during sleep, or prefer more space. The 65cm width gives room to shift position during the night without rolling off the mat edge. Side sleepers who move their arms during sleep often prefer the extra width the Long Wide provides.

Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Mat for Expedition Camping Worldwide

This mat suits expedition users who need R Value 4.8 insulation in a lightweight package. The specifications make it suitable for winter mountaineering, long-distance hiking where you carry equipment for multiple days, bikepacking where weight affects cycling performance, and Alpine expeditions where temperatures drop below freezing at altitude.

The mat handles Scottish winter camping through to worldwide expedition use. The minus 20C temperature rating covers most expedition conditions when paired with an appropriate sleeping bag rated for the temperatures you expect. The R Value 4.8 insulation provides the ground insulation component while your sleeping bag provides air temperature insulation.

Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Mat Complementary Equipment for Expeditions

Pair this mat with a 4 season sleeping bag rated for the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. The mat provides R Value 4.8 ground insulation, but you need a sleeping bag to insulate your body from air temperature. An ultralight camping pillow improves sleep quality on multi-day expeditions where rest matters for performance and safety.

For tent camping in Alpine and mountain conditions, use a groundsheet to protect the 20 denier face fabric from punctures and extend mat life. Consider additional sleeping bag insulation for extreme cold where you need maximum warmth from your sleep system.

What Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Mat Does Best

The Ultra 5R excels at providing R Value 4.8 insulation in a lightweight package suitable for human-powered expeditions. The 575g weight in Medium size makes it practical for long-distance hiking and bikepacking where every gram affects performance. The SYNMAT TECHNOLOGY maintains consistent insulation across the mat surface over its lifetime. The head-to-toe air chamber design provides comfort on rough ground while increasing durability compared to horizontal baffle construction.

Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Mat Limitations to Consider

The 20 denier face fabric requires care to avoid punctures from sharp rocks, thorns, or rough ground. Clear your sleeping area and use a groundsheet to protect the mat. The mat requires inflation by mouth or pump, which takes time and effort compared to self-inflating mats. The Medium size 52cm width may feel restrictive for people who move around during sleep or prefer more space. The price reflects advanced insulation technology and lightweight materials, making this a significant investment compared to basic camping mats.

How to Care for Exped Ultra 5R Insulated Sleeping Mat

Clear your sleeping area of sharp objects before laying out the mat. Use a groundsheet to protect the underside from punctures and abrasion. Inflate the mat fully before use to ensure the insulation works properly and the air chambers provide full support.

After use, deflate the mat completely and roll it loosely for storage. Store the mat unrolled or loosely rolled in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing the mat compressed in its stuff sack for extended periods, as this can damage the insulation and reduce effectiveness over time. Clean the mat with mild soap and water when needed, allowing it to dry completely before storing.

Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Mat Advice from Wylies Outdoor World Fife Scotland

Wylies Outdoor World's owner Drew can help with questions about specifications, sizing, and delivery. Questions about R Value ratings, pack weight for specific expeditions, or which size suits your height and sleeping style? Contact us for advice on selecting expedition sleeping mats.

Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Mat Frequently Asked Questions

What does R Value 4.8 mean for expedition camping?

R Value 4.8 provides 4 season insulation suitable for winter camping and expeditions in temperatures down to minus 20C when paired with an appropriate sleeping bag. The R Value measures thermal resistance from cold ground, with higher numbers providing more insulation.

Which size should I choose for expedition use?

Choose Medium if you are under 183cm tall and the 52cm width provides enough room for your sleeping position. Choose Long Wide if you are over 183cm tall, move around during sleep, or prefer the extra 13cm width for comfort.

How do I inflate the Exped Ultra 5R mat?

Inflate the mat by mouth or use a pump bag. Exped sells pump bags designed for their mats that make inflation faster and prevent moisture from your breath entering the mat, which can damage insulation over time.

Is this mat suitable for winter mountaineering?

Yes, the R Value 4.8 rating and minus 20C temperature rating make this mat suitable for winter mountaineering when paired with a sleeping bag rated for the air temperatures you expect to encounter.

What is the difference between this and cheaper sleeping mats?

The Ultra 5R uses SYNMAT TECHNOLOGY where insulation is welded to air chambers, maintaining R Value 4.8 performance over the mat's lifetime. Cheaper mats typically use lower R Values, heavier materials, or construction where insulation can shift and create cold spots over time.

Do I need a groundsheet with this mat?

A groundsheet protects the 20-denier face fabric from punctures and abrasion, extending mat life. While not required, a groundsheet is recommended for expedition use where mat failure in remote locations creates serious problems.

Can I use this mat for bikepacking expeditions?

Yes, the Medium size weighs 575g and packs to 31x13cm, making it suitable for bikepacking where pack weight and volume affect cycling performance. The R Value 4.8 insulation handles cold-weather bikepacking conditions.

How long does the Exped Ultra 5R mat last?

The SYNMAT TECHNOLOGY construction, where insulation is welded to air chambers, maintains performance over the mat's lifetime. Proper care including using a groundsheet, avoiding sharp objects, and storing the mat uncompressed, extends its working life.