Just a tip. Always inflate your sleeping mat with a pump or Schnozzel type bag. Never blow them up by mouth, for two reasons. The inside of the mat will start to go mouldy from your damp warm breath, which will ruin an expensive insulated mat. Also the mat will seem full at first, full of warm air, but once the warm air cools, you loose a lot of air pressure inside the mat and it will feel soft by the morning. This can be mistaken for it leaking.
Cheers buddy, yeah I normally use the schnozzle, and also have a mini pump coming soon 👍 during reviews I like to blow up by mouth to give an indication of how easy or difficult it is 😁👍 thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
I've heard that the mould just lives inside the pad but doesn't actually decrease the insulation or doesn't degrade the material. most long distance hikers I know decide not to carry the bag and just pump by mouth.
I just started to watch this video after watching another video about the Sea To Summit Etherlight Insulated mat failing multiple times for users. I was about to buy this one but wont bother if I'm just going to have the same issues of random deflation that my Etherlight mat has (Was replaced under warranty). What mat would you recommend instead of this one? Thanks for making this video and sharing your experiences!
To be fair mate I've been using the sea to summit etherlight xt extreme for well over a year now, with no issues, the generic issue with inflatable mats is that they could get punctured, and this is wht sts offer a lifetime warranty. My other suggestion would be a thermarest neo air or xtherm 👍 atb Paul 🙏 🏕🏕🏕😁
@@ACumbrianladoutdoors Thanks for the reply. It's hard to have confidence in a product when others have the same issues. I was considering the Extreme version but thought I wouldn't need it for camping in Australia or it's extra bulk and weight (Not that it's that much but it was a consideration when buying my Ether Light) I hope you don't have any issues with your StS mat. I haven't looked into whether others have had pin hole leaks in the dimple areas on the Extreme, hopefully not. Cheers ☺👍
Good review Paul. My first UL80 started deflating slowly after about 6 months in, it didn't totally deflat but it was definitely loosing air which made it quite uncomfortable as the night went on. Trekology did send me another for free which I haven't tried yet but after watching this video, I'm not very optimistic. However, I'll give it ago. It's good to know I'm not the only one with issues. Thanks for the review.
Cheers Rachel, yeah mine failed after about 6 months, it's such a shame really as I'm sure Trekology can come up with something really decent if they tried, hopefully your replacement does better than mine, thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Thanks Buddy, it really depends on the seasons you are going camping, the Thermarest neo air xtherm and the new sea to summit mat are excellent for 4 seasons, with the sea to summit being slightly more comfortable by all accounts. Also the exped down mats are receiving some excellent reviews. I currently use the Klymit insulated static v lite, in all honesty a little thin for me but still usable, well insulated, unless pitching on snow or ice. I intend to buy the thermarest neo air xtherm as my next mat if that helps, thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
I've just had a second unsuccessful attempt at finding the leak on my UL-140. I'm thinking the same, a leaky valve (though it doesn't appear to leak when submerged or with the soapy water test). It failed on it's 5th use and has always been used with a foam mat underneath and was well looked after. Despite it's comfort and decent price, it's just not worth the hassle.
First time i pumped 2 of these up it was deflated wthin 3 hours. I noticed that when i placed my hands above and below the valve and squeezed the valve seemed to click further into place both mats then stayed up for 2 nights so yeah i agree there are issues with the valve but wonder how many times people are thinking they have failed when the valves just not clicked fully closed.
You may have a point mate, the lesser experienced folk may not have closed the valve properly, mine definitely was though, I made double sure, by all accounts the new model is a lot better, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
I thought mine had a hole in it so I put it away for a year and now I've used it 3 nights in a row and it hasn't deflated at all. I think I just didn't close the valve properly before. You gotta have that thing SEALED tight. Fully closed.
So many people are going away from this mat now. Such a shame that they fail so often. Be good if they brought out an insulated version though but they need to sort this out first.
100% agree mate, I'm pretty sure Trekology could come up with something very decent if they tried, thanks for watching and commenting mate, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
@@ACumbrianladoutdoors I have had this UL80 and a MULEVIP Isomat, both have the same air inlet system and they leak proberbly at that point. I hate it. It is not cheap, the MuleVIP Isomat i bought at amazon for 35 euro, and it slowly deflates.
Awesome video paul... Although no insulation I absolutely love my UL80 for the warmer months. Really comfy too imo 👌🏻👌🏻 Although ive been lucky and mine has been sound, but have only used it on 10 or 11 camps so theres still time 😂 Thanks for a great informative review! ATB pal... Chris
Cheers Chris, yeah I loved mine too, but can't justify replacing after 2 failures, hopefully yours keeps going strong, thanks for watching and commenting buddy, I really appreciate it, catch you soon, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
@@ACumbrianladoutdoors Yeah I dont blame you either, you could maybe forgive one going even though that shouldn't happen. But two... cant have that really. No worries as always ✌🏼🏕🏕⛰💚 Chris
Trekology sent me a new one following deflating issues after about 6 uses. The new one is 250g heavier, so I assume they have gone to a thicker fabric due to issues with the 550g version. So far, new one has been spot on
Is that the one with the built up n pillow mate? They sent me a 2nd normal one which failed again unfortunately, such a shame as its sooo comfortable. Thanks for watching and commenting pal, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Cheers buddy, such a shame as it's so comfy, I've been looking at the exped range as they are supposed to be good for side sleeping, but no experience with one, hope that helps pal, thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Hey Taz, I'm currently using the sea to summit etherlight extreme, a bit pricey, but very comfortable, and an awesome r value it's really proving it's worth 👍 atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Hi Paul, Great video as always, but my wife was laughing so much when the were blowing it up, she thought you were gonna collapse😂 You should have inserted “ a few moments later” screen from Spongebob Squarepants 😎 Hope to meet up soon buddy, have a great weekend.
Can't imagine you will get much sleep at Glastonbury 😉🤣 that being said the newer ul80s are proving more reliable, and a good option as you don't really want to be taking something too expensive there 👍 atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Great review, I found it comfortable but a very cold mat obviously I know its got no thermal properties but I think the amount of air needed blown into it makes for a cold sleep mate 🏕
After seeing many other reviews all positive I brought one of these from ebay. Now after watching this and seeing all the comments from others with the same problems I'm not so sure if I trust it
A good mat for summer use, just very unreliable 😳 they did bring out a new version, so hopefully you got that one. Should you find yourself looking for another sleeping mat, I can't recommend the sea to summit etherlight xt extreme highly enough 👍 atb Paul 🙏🏕🏕🏕😁
Totally agree with you pal, it's fairly comfy but the R rating is crap, gotta take extra foil mats to keep you warm in the colder months which takes up more space and weight. Mine only goes down slightly but it's not good enough. Instead of a pop cap maybe a screw in cap with a rubber O ring might be a better design? Atb Daz & Andy 😁👍🏻🏕
Cheers lads, aye it's a shame like, was soooo comfy, got a new summer mat, review video coming soon in that, hopefully Trekology cam come up with a much improved mark 3 👍 catch you soon, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Great review thanks for the heads up, glad I didn't go for one as recently I was thinking of a more expensive Trekolodgy UL80 pad upgrade. I'll stay as is for the time being I use a cheapo 20 quid ebay Inflating Sleeping Pad and a Highlander thermal foam backed blanket 100 grams Did a camp last week warm as toast even in my old 3 season Snugpak bag but I always put the blanket on top of the pad never underneath ( its not noisy ) I've had it for 2 season now an zero air leaks or issues
Cheers buddy, glad you found it useful, it's a real shame as its so comfortable for summer use. Glad you have found a sleep system that works for you, it just goes to show you don't need to spend a fortune on gear all the time 👍 atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
I think the rubber I the one way flapper valve perishes it used to be yellow now it's black it could do with a couple of easily replaceable spares in the pack
Could easily be the problem James, it's a shame some companies don't put as much effort into their products as others 😳 thanks for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it, atb Paul 🙏🏕🏕🏕😁
I wonder if it's because they're made only to hold ppl upto a certain weight because ours are fine! Glad we didn't use them before we both lost masses of weight and both of us are now at our recommended bmi weight! If so, they should put it on there add, like they do there chairs!
Many people have had issues, glad you are one of the lucky ones, although I'm a little confused as the ul80 was only released in 2020🤔 apparently the v2 is a lot better 👌 atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Just a tip. Always inflate your sleeping mat with a pump or Schnozzel type bag. Never blow them up by mouth, for two reasons. The inside of the mat will start to go mouldy from your damp warm breath, which will ruin an expensive insulated mat. Also the mat will seem full at first, full of warm air, but once the warm air cools, you loose a lot of air pressure inside the mat and it will feel soft by the morning. This can be mistaken for it leaking.
Cheers buddy, yeah I normally use the schnozzle, and also have a mini pump coming soon 👍 during reviews I like to blow up by mouth to give an indication of how easy or difficult it is 😁👍 thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
can you pls link me to a good value pump to work with this pad?
I've heard that the mould just lives inside the pad but doesn't actually decrease the insulation or doesn't degrade the material. most long distance hikers I know decide not to carry the bag and just pump by mouth.
I just started to watch this video after watching another video about the Sea To Summit Etherlight Insulated mat failing multiple times for users.
I was about to buy this one but wont bother if I'm just going to have the same issues of random deflation that my Etherlight mat has (Was replaced under warranty).
What mat would you recommend instead of this one?
Thanks for making this video and sharing your experiences!
To be fair mate I've been using the sea to summit etherlight xt extreme for well over a year now, with no issues, the generic issue with inflatable mats is that they could get punctured, and this is wht sts offer a lifetime warranty. My other suggestion would be a thermarest neo air or xtherm 👍 atb Paul 🙏 🏕🏕🏕😁
@@ACumbrianladoutdoors Thanks for the reply. It's hard to have confidence in a product when others have the same issues. I was considering the Extreme version but thought I wouldn't need it for camping in Australia or it's extra bulk and weight (Not that it's that much but it was a consideration when buying my Ether Light) I hope you don't have any issues with your StS mat. I haven't looked into whether others have had pin hole leaks in the dimple areas on the Extreme, hopefully not. Cheers ☺👍
Good review Paul. My first UL80 started deflating slowly after about 6 months in, it didn't totally deflat but it was definitely loosing air which made it quite uncomfortable as the night went on. Trekology did send me another for free which I haven't tried yet but after watching this video, I'm not very optimistic. However, I'll give it ago. It's good to know I'm not the only one with issues. Thanks for the review.
Cheers Rachel, yeah mine failed after about 6 months, it's such a shame really as I'm sure Trekology can come up with something really decent if they tried, hopefully your replacement does better than mine, thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Great review thanks for the update what would you recommend and a hiking sleeping pad?
Thanks Buddy, it really depends on the seasons you are going camping, the Thermarest neo air xtherm and the new sea to summit mat are excellent for 4 seasons, with the sea to summit being slightly more comfortable by all accounts. Also the exped down mats are receiving some excellent reviews. I currently use the Klymit insulated static v lite, in all honesty a little thin for me but still usable, well insulated, unless pitching on snow or ice. I intend to buy the thermarest neo air xtherm as my next mat if that helps, thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
you say there are better more reliable matts out there. Any receomendations? Im llong for a mat thet would provide maximal comfort.
Hey buddy, I would recommend the sea to summit etherlight xt extreme, very warm and comfortable, and you can get an xl version 😀 atb Paul 🙏 🏕 🏕🏕😁
I've just had a second unsuccessful attempt at finding the leak on my UL-140. I'm thinking the same, a leaky valve (though it doesn't appear to leak when submerged or with the soapy water test). It failed on it's 5th use and has always been used with a foam mat underneath and was well looked after. Despite it's comfort and decent price, it's just not worth the hassle.
Have you ever tried putting the tiniest bit of silicone grease on the plug or in an emergency, spit? Just a very thin coating.
Yeah I tried that bud, but it still went down 👍
First time i pumped 2 of these up it was deflated wthin 3 hours. I noticed that when i placed my hands above and below the valve and squeezed the valve seemed to click further into place both mats then stayed up for 2 nights so yeah i agree there are issues with the valve but wonder how many times people are thinking they have failed when the valves just not clicked fully closed.
You may have a point mate, the lesser experienced folk may not have closed the valve properly, mine definitely was though, I made double sure, by all accounts the new model is a lot better, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
I thought mine had a hole in it so I put it away for a year and now I've used it 3 nights in a row and it hasn't deflated at all.
I think I just didn't close the valve properly before. You gotta have that thing SEALED tight. Fully closed.
So many people are going away from this mat now. Such a shame that they fail so often. Be good if they brought out an insulated version though but they need to sort this out first.
100% agree mate, I'm pretty sure Trekology could come up with something very decent if they tried, thanks for watching and commenting mate, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
@@ACumbrianladoutdoors I have had this UL80 and a MULEVIP Isomat, both have the same air inlet system and they leak proberbly at that point. I hate it. It is not cheap, the MuleVIP Isomat i bought at amazon for 35 euro, and it slowly deflates.
Awesome video paul... Although no insulation I absolutely love my UL80 for the warmer months. Really comfy too imo 👌🏻👌🏻
Although ive been lucky and mine has been sound, but have only used it on 10 or 11 camps so theres still time 😂
Thanks for a great informative review!
ATB pal... Chris
Cheers Chris, yeah I loved mine too, but can't justify replacing after 2 failures, hopefully yours keeps going strong, thanks for watching and commenting buddy, I really appreciate it, catch you soon, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
@@ACumbrianladoutdoors Yeah I dont blame you either, you could maybe forgive one going even though that shouldn't happen. But two... cant have that really.
No worries as always ✌🏼🏕🏕⛰💚
Chris
Nice review. Thank you for sharing and wishing you a wonderful day. Stay Safe
Thanks buddy, much appreciated, hope you have an awesome week too, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Trekology sent me a new one following deflating issues after about 6 uses. The new one is 250g heavier, so I assume they have gone to a thicker fabric due to issues with the 550g version. So far, new one has been spot on
Is that the one with the built up n pillow mate? They sent me a 2nd normal one which failed again unfortunately, such a shame as its sooo comfortable. Thanks for watching and commenting pal, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Honest review Paul not a lot do them now mate... Any tips for a winter mat for a side sleeper👍👍
Cheers buddy, such a shame as it's so comfy, I've been looking at the exped range as they are supposed to be good for side sleeping, but no experience with one, hope that helps pal, thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Which pad would you recommend ? Thanks.
Hey Taz, I'm currently using the sea to summit etherlight extreme, a bit pricey, but very comfortable, and an awesome r value it's really proving it's worth 👍 atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Subscribed! Great review. Thanks for the info
Cheers mate, glad it was useful for you, atb Paul 🙏⛺️⛺️⛺️😁
I got 2 holes in mine in the first week., Repaired though and had no issues ever since. I really like it.
Hopefully yours will keep going pal, I loved mine while it was working, thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Hi Paul,
Great video as always, but my wife was laughing so much when the were blowing it up, she thought you were gonna collapse😂
You should have inserted “ a few moments later” screen from Spongebob Squarepants 😎
Hope to meet up soon buddy, have a great weekend.
🤣🤣🤣🤣 yeah it takes a bit of blowing up like, have a good weekend and hopefully catch you soon, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
I agree Paul, the two I've had both went down even though they didn't appear to have punctured ATB 😊👍
Thanks buddy, it's such a shame really, I found it so comfy for summer use, thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
you mention there are better more reliable options, can you recommend one pls for glastonbury?
Can't imagine you will get much sleep at Glastonbury 😉🤣 that being said the newer ul80s are proving more reliable, and a good option as you don't really want to be taking something too expensive there 👍 atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
@ACumbrianladoutdoors So will the ones at Go Outdoors be the newer versions?
Great review, I found it comfortable but a very cold mat obviously I know its got no thermal properties but I think the amount of air needed blown into it makes for a cold sleep mate 🏕
I totally agree pal, great for summer use, and such a shame it's been unreliable for me 😥 thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
After seeing many other reviews all positive I brought one of these from ebay. Now after watching this and seeing all the comments from others with the same problems I'm not so sure if I trust it
A good mat for summer use, just very unreliable 😳 they did bring out a new version, so hopefully you got that one. Should you find yourself looking for another sleeping mat, I can't recommend the sea to summit etherlight xt extreme highly enough 👍 atb Paul 🙏🏕🏕🏕😁
Totally agree with you pal, it's fairly comfy but the R rating is crap, gotta take extra foil mats to keep you warm in the colder months which takes up more space and weight. Mine only goes down slightly but it's not good enough. Instead of a pop cap maybe a screw in cap with a rubber O ring might be a better design? Atb Daz & Andy 😁👍🏻🏕
Cheers lads, aye it's a shame like, was soooo comfy, got a new summer mat, review video coming soon in that, hopefully Trekology cam come up with a much improved mark 3 👍 catch you soon, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Great review thanks for the heads up, glad I didn't go for one as recently I was thinking of a more expensive Trekolodgy UL80 pad upgrade.
I'll stay as is for the time being
I use a cheapo 20 quid ebay Inflating Sleeping Pad and a Highlander thermal foam backed blanket 100 grams
Did a camp last week warm as toast even in my old 3 season Snugpak bag but I always put the blanket on top of the pad never underneath ( its not noisy ) I've had it for 2 season now an zero air leaks or issues
Cheers buddy, glad you found it useful, it's a real shame as its so comfortable for summer use. Glad you have found a sleep system that works for you, it just goes to show you don't need to spend a fortune on gear all the time 👍 atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
I think the rubber I the one way flapper valve perishes it used to be yellow now it's black it could do with a couple of easily replaceable spares in the pack
Could easily be the problem James, it's a shame some companies don't put as much effort into their products as others 😳 thanks for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it, atb Paul 🙏🏕🏕🏕😁
I wonder if it's because they're made only to hold ppl upto a certain weight because ours are fine! Glad we didn't use them before we both lost masses of weight and both of us are now at our recommended bmi weight! If so, they should put it on there add, like they do there chairs!
Hi Maggie, thanks for watching and commenting, I think it's just poor production tbh there's been too many people with issues sadly, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
My ul140 is excellent, no issues as of yet 🤞
It is a very comfortable mat that's for sure, hope you don't have any issues, thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Love mine , fragile so need to be careful with it
I loved mine, so comfy, but just not worth replacing after 2 failures 😥 thanks for watching and commenting, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Good honest review matey! Bono estente!
Cheers Rob, it's a shame really coz it's sooooo comfortable, thanks for watching and commenting mate, atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁
Guess you’re just unlucky lad… Had mine 6 years and been on over 20 camps, no problems what so ever
Many people have had issues, glad you are one of the lucky ones, although I'm a little confused as the ul80 was only released in 2020🤔 apparently the v2 is a lot better 👌 atb Paul 🙏🏕️🏕️🏕️😁