Why We Chose It: Lightweight, durable, versatile and surprisingly comfortable
When it comes to getting wild, Exped is a brand that definitely has previous. In 1981, Andi Brun and his wife Heidi disappeared (temporarily, we hasten to add) into the wilderness of Northern Canada. Upon their return to Switzerland, the couple started Exped. Not ones to ever shy away from adventure, the pair once spent time on an uninhabited island in the Great Barrier Reef.
“It’s clear that Exped is a company that had adventure at the heart of it right from the word go”
These days, travel restrictions permitting, the pair tend to fly off to Asia in the winter months to supervise production of Exped products. While there, they’ve been known to head off into Vietnam and its neighbouring countries armed with their canoe and hammocks. Heidi and Andi, in short, love the thrill of getting out there and exploring.
Why are we telling you all this? We’re telling you because it’s clear that Exped is a company that had adventure at the heart of it right from the word go. Not only that, but it’s two founders (now presidents) continue to live and breathe what the company is all about to this day. This means there’s an authenticity to Exped, and a genuine sense that getting out and enjoying nature is absolutely what the brand stands for.
Some brands talk the talk, Exped walk it. All of which leads us, in a roundabout way, to a discussion of the Exped FlexMat Sleeping Mat – an excellent lightweight option for backcountry adventures, and one that’s well worthy of its inclusion in the Outdoor 100.
Who is the Exped FlexMat Sleeping Mat for?
On paper, the Exped FlexMat is for the adventurous souls who are all about trekking long distances and who want to cut down on excess weight where they can. You know the type. They like to march long distances, only briefly allowing themselves a 15-minute pause at lunchtime, in a bid to cover as much distance as they possibly can. They’re the kind of people who will happily sit you in a corner of the pub and tell you how many grams they saved for their multi-dayer just by cutting their toothbrush in half.
“We think you’ll like what this item brings to your outdoor excursions”
Weighing in at 308g, which is less than a solitary can of soup, means this sleeping mat won’t be weighing you down anytime soon (wherever you find yourself). However, don’t let its properly lightweight nature fool you. This product is anything but flimsy, and should do a job for you even in certain alpine conditions.
Whether you’re an alpinist or an ultralight backpacker planning a long-distance summer trek somewhere, we think you’ll like what this item brings to your outdoor excursions. The simple yet effective nature of its design means it’s a great option for those rough, uncomfortable-looking, camping spots you sometimes have to make do and mend with.
