For a mat of exceptionally high-quality, yet affordable price tag – you can’t go past the SIM 3.8 M from Exped.
The SIM 3.8 has an R-value of 4.6 so you’ll get some decent insulation and warmth from your mat, and it’s cushiony enough to actually keep you comfortable while you snooze. The single combination valve on the SIM 3.8 allows you to inflate and deflate with just one valve, and the comfortable slip-resistant surface won’t rub against your skin. Those Swiss really know what they’re doing when it comes to design, so you can trust that the folks over at Exped know a thing or two about how to keep you comfortable out in the elements.
The SIM 3.8 M from Exped is compact, and a perfect size to slip or attach to your pack for a hike, or to pop on top of a stretcher for camping.
Lowest temperature recommendation: -11 ° degrees
ASTM F3340-18 R-Value: 4.6
Single combination valve for inflation and deflation
Next to skin comfort
Slip-resistant surface
Swiss Design
Comfort Rating:
−11 °C
R-Value:
4.6 | ASTM F3340−18
External Dimensions:
183L x 50W xm
Packed Dimensions:
27L x 18W x 18D cm
Weight:
0.87 Kg
Mat Thickness:
3.8 cm
Material:
75D Brushed Polyester
Fill Material:
Open Cell Foam
Pump:
Self Inflating
Suggested Use:
Hiking
Warranty:
5 Year
Supplier Code:
EXP7640277840973
Snowys Code:
132146
Staff tip:We recommend the Exped Mini Pump to assist with full inflation, and to avoid breathing any moisture into the mat. This mat requires extra time to inflate when setting up for the first time (we suggest 1 − 2 days).
Would these fit a standard stretcher? Want to make the kid's stretchers more comfortable for longer trips. Is there a queen size compatible?
Kath - Ferny Hills, QLD(1 year ago)
G'day Kath,
Realistically you can use any mattress you like on a stretcher, ideally you'd want one that fits inside the boundary of your stretcher frame but it's not absolutely essential. These mats are pretty narrow so you shouldn't have any issue with them. In terms of a larger size, we generally recommend having two single mats on a double/queen stretcher to mitigate the raised ridge pole down the center. Unless you have a really thick camp mattress, the pole in the middle usually creates a peak that has people rolling off to the sides. Hope that helps!
Lauren - Snowys(1 year ago)
Widget inflation pump Compatible1 answer
Widget inflation pump Compatible
George - Ashfield, NSW(2 years ago)
G'day George,
If your Sim 3.8 Mat has a flat valve as per the 3rd photo on our product page, the Widget is definitely compatible. Older models may have a different valve, in which case we cant be sure if it would work!
Lauren - Snowys(2 years ago)
Comparison - 3.8 SIM - Exped / STS1 answer
Seen all the differences in the specs... the following questions relate to how they compare when actually handling them / laying on them... Thanks. Durability? (Will be purchasing for kids 10, 8, 3) Comfort? Texture/feel? Slipperiness? Valves? Durability of valves? Ease of use? Comfort if accidentally punctured? Thanks again.
Renee - Collie(3 years ago)
G'day Renee,
Thanks for getting in touch, I'm guessing you're looking at the Exped Sim 3.8M and the Sea to Summit Camp Mat SI? If so, then the two mats are indeed very very similar. Exped and STS both use a similar 75 denier polyester, with the Exped feeling very slightly softer. In terms of comfort, they're both 3.8cm thick so you'll get the same level of comfort from both mats. Sea to Summit uses a slightly different cutting mechanism for their foam, as well as a slightly tapered design which leads to a slightly lower weight, and smaller packed size. They both feature a similar valve type, of the same diameter, that you can easily let a small amount of air out of if you accidentally over-inflate it, and both compatible with the Exped Mini Pump, and STS Jet Stream and Air Stream Pumps. Both of these companies make a premium quality product, and we have no qualms equally backing either of these products for durability, comfort and usability. If punctured, both mats are going to feel pretty similar, but can both be repaired in the field in the same manner, so it shouldn't cause more than a few hours of poor sleep if that happened. Having laid on both of them before they feel virtually identical to me.
Leece - Snowys(3 years ago)
What size is the valve? Is this mat compatible with the Sea to Summit Air Stream Dry Sack?1 answer
Thank you.
Jill - Jindalee(4 years ago)
G'day Jill,
Yes, you can use the Sea to Summit Air Stream Dry Sack with these mats, the valve is the same size.
Leece - Snowys(4 years ago)
Comparison1 answer
Hi Snowys, Would you recommend this Exped or the Thermarest Prolite Plus for cold climate, low-grade hiking? Cheers.
Shiro - Whoop Whoop(4 years ago)
G'day Shiro,
Both the Exped Sim 3.8M and Thermarest Prolite Plus Sleeping Mats are good options for most conditions. The Exped has a slightly higher R-value so can handle slightly lower temperatures, but is also a little heavier and bulkier, so that might be the defining factor in your decision making. Overall we think both options are great and should suit your needs.
Leece - Snowys(4 years ago)
does this mat require a pump?1 answer
I read a review elsewhere where the purchaser said they didn't realise they needed to purchase a separate pump. Is this correct?
kasey - wangarattta(4 years ago)
G'day Kasey,
The Exped Sim 3.8 M Sleeping Mat is a self-inflating mat, but to assist with full inflation we do recommend a separate mini pump. You can find them here.
Leece - Snowys(4 years ago)
Comparison1 answer
How does this mat compare in comfort to the Explore Planet Earth F60 and Sea to Summit Camp Mat SI Sleeping Mat? Which mat would you recommend for kids (sleeping on ground)?
John - Perth(4 years ago)
G'day John,
The F60 is 6cm thick and the Sim 3.8 M is 3.8cm thick, so we'd say the F60 will be a little comfier based purely on that. The overall packed size of the F60 is geared toward car camping, while the Sim 3.8M is geared toward hiking, or trips where you have limited space. Both options will be suitable for kids.
Leece - Snowys(4 years ago)
Is this a bonded mat1 answer
Is this a bonded mat, ie is the foam bonded to the outer case?
