Well, I recently bought a new Thermarest X-Lite NXT. Amazon had the best price, near half what some hiking shops charge. Given all the excess layers you have there, it's probably cost you more that I paid, weighs 5 times more & takes up 10 times more pack space as well. I'm keto - no excess body fat at all, so the standard sized X-Lite is enough for my comfort. There are similar tech, though thicker cheaper, wider & only slightly heavier mats, Sea to Summit for example is generally regarded at the most comfortable. As far as protection from the ground, most hikers use a tent floor footprint such as Tyvek. Personally, I just use one of those extra thick & robust domestic space blanket/tarps as a footprint + thermal reflector under the tent floor & sleeping mat. I'm probably not going to camp out below -5C or so, so I don't need the X-Therm.
Says on the website '' The Antarctic mat can be used under the tent floor, directly on the ground to protect the tent floor from the brush and stones.'' For protecting a tent/bivvy base - the basic tarp jobbies from LOMO are worth a look - peanuts £, and quite robust, light too. Think the one I bought was c. 4 quid!
that's a lot of layers, and I'm sure it gets the job done. I'm having a hard time of seeing where this antar mat fits if you're still have to use so many protective layers in addition. just thoughts@@cohibablack
I was going to say why don't you just buy the winter UK proof version of that Exped (that I own) which has down insulation then I heard you say you can't afford it so fair do's. This was a very good video and explanation on this bit of kit, thanks 👍🍺
I’ve been very happy with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, I got it on special with about 40% discount, and I don’t think the price in that scenario much exceeds that of combining several other items. And at the end of the day it’s just one item, it takes up very little space and comes in at a total of some 610 grams if memory serves. I combine it with a sea to summit tyvex footprint which really doesn’t isolate but just protects and keeps the damp out. Best sleeping system I ever had, my sleeping bag is old and not top of the range but I am never cold and certainly not from the ground, the heat reflection is really efficient. And then it just adapts to the terrain smoothing out bumps or uneven patches, if you let out a bit of air, that’s more of a bonus than you might think.
Great job. I have only used the snugpak mat a few times under an air mat but still undecided as to how advantageous it is. I really need to get out more and use it in different scenarios then perhaps put out a video with my experiences and opinion as it may be of use to viewers. It may be a case of I bought this so you don’t have to lol
Yes it would be very helpful if all manufacturers used a standard R Value test so we could accurately compare products. Having said that I have a couple of Snugpak bags and they perform reasonably close to their temperature rating so I have confidence in their kit. It is an interesting mat and I really must get out and use it. Will be using this as an alternative to a bulky foam mat this year as part of my sleep system. Thanks for the input 👍
you need to be careful on the heat loss wording here, CONVECTIVE heat loss and CONDUCTIVE. I think using it with a mat underneath or on top will improve things on the r value for your nights sleep in colder climates. I have used one in snow and have to say within my bivvy it was ok, bit on cold or wet ground I think you will need an extra mat. Use it with the XTherm and you have real warmth and comfort. If that is too expensive use a BW Sleeping Pad from MFH (German Army) that folds up (fits inside the sheet frame of your pack easily) and can be used under your snugpak mat. Looking forward to hearing how the Antarctic performs throughout the year
I almost bought it but instead I came across something better, in my opinion, for slightly less price. It's called tne 'Arcturus Large Insulated Woobie Camping Blanket' and it's 7.5 x 7.5 FT. Soft on one side and water proof on the other side. If you triple fold it you have 2.5 ft by 7.5 ft giving you a nice thickness and extra space at the top or bottom to place some equipment off the snow. It's about the same size but a bit heavier than the Arctic mat but if you're going to camp in the winter you can use a sled like I do here in Canada. I haven't tried it yet got it this year. But if you just lay it out flat somewhere you have a huge area almost 8x8 ft. However is not something you're going to take for a light camping trip.
Arcturus Large Insulated Woobie Blanket, I will check it out. Pretty sure it is not something we can get here in the UK. Very jealous of you fine Canadians who have the opportunity to roam free in in the wilderness. On the upside we do not have any hungry bears to worry about 👍
@@InfoZhedExplore I chaged my mind and ordered the Mat. The Arcturus is available on Amazon UK which is where I ordered the Antarctic mat. You convinced me that it's another option to save weight. It's hard to get things here in Canada so I have to order either from the USA or the UK. The Arcturus is probably more like the jungle mat but it has some Corner tie downs and it might be a little bit more durable but everything has its place. I'm stocking up because it looks like the world is going into a large scale war. Hopefully not. Cheers from Canada.
How does the thickness and durability of the Antarctic mat compare with the jungle blanket? I have my eye on using a Savotta Finnish army sleeping mat with the Snugpak on top, also thought perhaps a jungle blanket doubled over might do as well and have other uses for different set-ups.
Good question. In my experience they are both very durable. The filling in the antartic mat appears to be packed a lot denser than jungle blanket. However if the jungle blanket is folded in half then it will be closer in densely to the antartic mat. Which one would have the best insulation properties if the jungle blanket is used folded in half? I cannot answer that question. That raises the interesting question of what a person would use underneath for maximum insulation. Savotta sleeping mat. I looked at buying one myself as all the information available agrees that they are excellent bits of kit but decided against it due to the large pack size. I would suggest using the Savotta in different weather conditions before deciding if extra insulation is required. Adding an air mat for comfort may be a better option. Thank you for raising the interesting questions 👍
You'd be carrying two because you want to use both for twice the insulation. The idea that you can turn them into a sleeping bag is definite marketing waffle, though!
Excellent review/introduction to this product; thank you. I'll be interested as to whether it's waterproof - ie can be used directly on damp/wet ground without letting the damp through - as their website doesn't say it is, only mentioning it will further wick away any perspiration wicked away from your sleeping bag. As to that hook and loop: personally I'm torn between the possible occasional usefulness of "draping it round you like a poncho" (not sure I quite get which bit of 'hook' will match up to some opposite 'loop' though), and the old chestnut of velcro attaching itself to absolutely everything it gets close to - knitted gloves being one likelihood for much bad language in this case!
I would not use it without a waterproof barrier. There is no R rating either but that’s not a problem for me. I forgot to mention that the hook and loop does not match up so useless as a connection for a wrap around poncho. I see it as an insulation layer and additional protective barrier only and think the Velcro system is worthless. Thanks for your excellent observations 👍
Just use a silver army emergency blanket which are about 5mm thick and packs smaller and they about £12 from a army surplus shop lol I also use a luxe 2.1m x2.1m foot print with the army silver blanket on my ul80 air mattband I'm never cold and I mainly camp under a tarp
Great choice, I bought the Snugpak as wanted to find out if it actually worked as could not find any useful independent information about it. Now we are moving into Autumn/Winter am going to use it through the colder months to see if it is up to the job with my 2/3 season air mat. 👍
Yes, Velcro does not make a lot of sense to me. I am still undecided whether it is actually a useful product or just marketing hype. Although it does insulate well need to use it more in different scenarios to give an informed opinion. Glad it was useful to you👍
the hook and loop probably won't work for most people as it is a hang over from the snugpak armed forces kit/expedition kit days when teams would go out together and hence kit could be joined up or shared. Most solo hiking types will not need that
Yes one thing I like about the hook and loop is that when folded in half it helps to keep the mat together and really easy to pack. Have used it a few times and I’m my experience provides a very good insulating layer under my 2 season air mat. Looking forward to using it a bit later in the year when the ground is colder to find out how it performs.
@mikef3808 Very good question. To my knowledge Snugpak do not use an R rating to show an item such as an airman has been thoroughly tested on its performance. In the case of the Antarctic not even sure there is a scientific way to test its thermal ability. The only testing I could find was from their official brand ambassador/outdoors person. Would a long coat or folded poncho liner work just as good? I guess we will never know. I will try to use mine in the colder months to see if the claim of Antarctic mat is vaguely valid 👍
@mikef3808 apologises I got sidetracked. I know from limited testing that it does work on damp chilly ground. However, how well it performs as a thermal barrier over say a full night when the temperature drops down to near zero mmmmmm not sure I would want to try it. Antarctic is probably just marketing hype.
I trink the Option to connect two of this mats could be usefull. For example if you want to lay it at the bottomlayer of a two Person tent. Specially if you are on a Tour With two persons and everyone has one of these mats. Ok, the example on the Website is bullshit. But the option to make one large out of two smaler ones you also have at some sleeping-bags so why not on a mat.
Great idea, I did not think of that. Totally agree 2 would probably work fine with one up and one down with slight overlap so Velcro would join both together. I have used it under an air mat recently while camping and it worked surprisingly well as an insulation layer whilst also providing some protection against any possible sharp objects that may puncture my delicate air mat. I also really like fact it packs down smaller than foam. Snugpak website is exactly as you said lol. Thanks for the input 👍
Hi Danny, bought one as could not find any independent info on it. Use mine as an insulation layer under my air mat inside a tent. I like warmth and comfort and always used to take a Thermorest Ridge Rest mat or something similar for insulation. Works great but foam mats are quite bulky. It packs down well and goes inside my rucksack rather than packing on the outside. Not tried it in colder weather but will at some point. My idea is that rather than spending serious money on a 4 season air mat I would use as an insulation layer under my air mat (Decathlon air mat) the Velcro is a waste of time in my opinion and would prefer Snugpak to do away with it. Am currently undecided if it would be any better than a poncho liner or any other insulating material. From my limited experience using it I can definitely say that it provides insulation from cold ground. Is it absolutely necessary mmmmmm still undecided. Have not provided an update as not used it enough to provide a valid opinion but will when I have more experience using it over the colder months. 👍
Jungle blanket is ace. The mat cushioning is minimal. It is more of an insulation layer. Was going to try folding it up like a seat pad and sit on so that I can save weight and bulk leaving my amazing Helinox chair at home on longer outings 👍
Originally closed cell foam mats were marketed as groundsheet protectors and used under the groundsheet. Comfort and warmth was secondary.
Interesting, thanks for sharing 👍
Well, I recently bought a new Thermarest X-Lite NXT. Amazon had the best price, near half what some hiking shops charge. Given all the excess layers you have there, it's probably cost you more that I paid, weighs 5 times more & takes up 10 times more pack space as well. I'm keto - no excess body fat at all, so the standard sized X-Lite is enough for my comfort. There are similar tech, though thicker cheaper, wider & only slightly heavier mats, Sea to Summit for example is generally regarded at the most comfortable. As far as protection from the ground, most hikers use a tent floor footprint such as Tyvek. Personally, I just use one of those extra thick & robust domestic space blanket/tarps as a footprint + thermal reflector under the tent floor & sleeping mat. I'm probably not going to camp out below -5C or so, so I don't need the X-Therm.
Says on the website '' The Antarctic mat can be used under the tent floor, directly on the ground to protect the tent floor from the brush and stones.''
For protecting a tent/bivvy base - the basic tarp jobbies from LOMO are worth a look - peanuts £, and quite robust, light too.
Think the one I bought was c. 4 quid!
I would actually put this under my mattress. Definitely not under the tent , use a ground sheet for that
that's a lot of layers, and I'm sure it gets the job done. I'm having a hard time of seeing where this antar mat fits if you're still have to use so many protective layers in addition. just thoughts@@cohibablack
@@redred333winter camping maybe for higher 'R' value?
I was going to say why don't you just buy the winter UK proof version of that Exped (that I own) which has down insulation then I heard you say you can't afford it so fair do's. This was a very good video and explanation on this bit of kit, thanks 👍🍺
I’ve been very happy with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, I got it on special with about 40% discount, and I don’t think the price in that scenario much exceeds that of combining several other items. And at the end of the day it’s just one item, it takes up very little space and comes in at a total of some 610 grams if memory serves. I combine it with a sea to summit tyvex footprint which really doesn’t isolate but just protects and keeps the damp out. Best sleeping system I ever had, my sleeping bag is old and not top of the range but I am never cold and certainly not from the ground, the heat reflection is really efficient. And then it just adapts to the terrain smoothing out bumps or uneven patches, if you let out a bit of air, that’s more of a bonus than you might think.
Great job. I have only used the snugpak mat a few times under an air mat but still undecided as to how advantageous it is. I really need to get out more and use it in different scenarios then perhaps put out a video with my experiences and opinion as it may be of use to viewers. It may be a case of I bought this so you don’t have to lol
Good stuff man. I was looking at this but was turned away by the lack of an R value
Yes it would be very helpful if all manufacturers used a standard R Value test so we could accurately compare products. Having said that I have a couple of Snugpak bags and they perform reasonably close to their temperature rating so I have confidence in their kit. It is an interesting mat and I really must get out and use it. Will be using this as an alternative to a bulky foam mat this year as part of my sleep system. Thanks for the input 👍
you need to be careful on the heat loss wording here, CONVECTIVE heat loss and CONDUCTIVE. I think using it with a mat underneath or on top will improve things on the r value for your nights sleep in colder climates. I have used one in snow and have to say within my bivvy it was ok, bit on cold or wet ground I think you will need an extra mat. Use it with the XTherm and you have real warmth and comfort. If that is too expensive use a BW Sleeping Pad from MFH (German Army) that folds up (fits inside the sheet frame of your pack easily) and can be used under your snugpak mat. Looking forward to hearing how the Antarctic performs throughout the year
I almost bought it but instead I came across something better, in my opinion, for slightly less price. It's called tne 'Arcturus Large Insulated Woobie Camping Blanket' and it's 7.5 x 7.5 FT. Soft on one side and water proof on the other side. If you triple fold it you have 2.5 ft by 7.5 ft giving you a nice thickness and extra space at the top or bottom to place some equipment off the snow. It's about the same size but a bit heavier than the Arctic mat but if you're going to camp in the winter you can use a sled like I do here in Canada. I haven't tried it yet got it this year. But if you just lay it out flat somewhere you have a huge area almost 8x8 ft. However is not something you're going to take for a light camping trip.
Arcturus Large Insulated Woobie Blanket, I will check it out. Pretty sure it is not something we can get here in the UK. Very jealous of you fine Canadians who have the opportunity to roam free in in the wilderness. On the upside we do not have any hungry bears to worry about 👍
@@InfoZhedExplore I chaged my mind and ordered the Mat. The Arcturus is available on Amazon UK which is where I ordered the Antarctic mat. You convinced me that it's another option to save weight. It's hard to get things here in Canada so I have to order either from the USA or the UK. The Arcturus is probably more like the jungle mat but it has some Corner tie downs and it might be a little bit more durable but everything has its place. I'm stocking up because it looks like the world is going into a large scale war. Hopefully not. Cheers from Canada.
How does the thickness and durability of the Antarctic mat compare with the jungle blanket?
I have my eye on using a Savotta Finnish army sleeping mat with the Snugpak on top, also thought perhaps a jungle blanket doubled over might do as well and have other uses for different set-ups.
Good question. In my experience they are both very durable. The filling in the antartic mat appears to be packed a lot denser than jungle blanket. However if the jungle blanket is folded in half then it will be closer in densely to the antartic mat. Which one would have the best insulation properties if the jungle blanket is used folded in half? I cannot answer that question. That raises the interesting question of what a person would use underneath for maximum insulation.
Savotta sleeping mat. I looked at buying one myself as all the information available agrees that they are excellent bits of kit but decided against it due to the large pack size. I would suggest using the Savotta in different weather conditions before deciding if extra insulation is required. Adding an air mat for comfort may be a better option. Thank you for raising the interesting questions 👍
You'd be carrying two because you want to use both for twice the insulation. The idea that you can turn them into a sleeping bag is definite marketing waffle, though!
Excellent review/introduction to this product; thank you. I'll be interested as to whether it's waterproof - ie can be used directly on damp/wet ground without letting the damp through - as their website doesn't say it is, only mentioning it will further wick away any perspiration wicked away from your sleeping bag. As to that hook and loop: personally I'm torn between the possible occasional usefulness of "draping it round you like a poncho" (not sure I quite get which bit of 'hook' will match up to some opposite 'loop' though), and the old chestnut of velcro attaching itself to absolutely everything it gets close to - knitted gloves being one likelihood for much bad language in this case!
I would not use it without a waterproof barrier. There is no R rating either but that’s not a problem for me. I forgot to mention that the hook and loop does not match up so useless as a connection for a wrap around poncho. I see it as an insulation layer and additional protective barrier only and think the Velcro system is worthless. Thanks for your excellent observations 👍
@@InfoZhedExplore the hook and loop let you fit two together round a foam roll mat
I now use this instead of a foam roll mat. It saves a lot of space and still protects my delicate air mat. Thanks for the input 👍
I've used one directly on snow, worked fine. Most of the time it's used in a Carinthia Snugpak XP2+ and that's fine.
Just use a silver army emergency blanket which are about 5mm thick and packs smaller and they about £12 from a army surplus shop lol I also use a luxe 2.1m x2.1m foot print with the army silver blanket on my ul80 air mattband I'm never cold and I mainly camp under a tarp
Great choice, I bought the Snugpak as wanted to find out if it actually worked as could not find any useful independent information about it. Now we are moving into Autumn/Winter am going to use it through the colder months to see if it is up to the job with my 2/3 season air mat. 👍
The Velcro seems to make sense if you plan on using it with the misses for a double bed
Think I would need to buy more than 2 to cover us lol
Great video buddy! Thanks for the demos. I hate Velcro haha and what they say you can do with two is nonsense.
Yes, Velcro does not make a lot of sense to me. I am still undecided whether it is actually a useful product or just marketing hype. Although it does insulate well need to use it more in different scenarios to give an informed opinion. Glad it was useful to you👍
@@InfoZhedExplore Very much marketing BS to me. I can’t stand Velcro.
the hook and loop probably won't work for most people as it is a hang over from the snugpak armed forces kit/expedition kit days when teams would go out together and hence kit could be joined up or shared. Most solo hiking types will not need that
Yes one thing I like about the hook and loop is that when folded in half it helps to keep the mat together and really easy to pack. Have used it a few times and I’m my experience provides a very good insulating layer under my 2 season air mat. Looking forward to using it a bit later in the year when the ground is colder to find out how it performs.
@@InfoZhedExploreHow would you think it would fare on its own? Given they call it Antartic.
@mikef3808 Very good question. To my knowledge Snugpak do not use an R rating to show an item such as an airman has been thoroughly tested on its performance. In the case of the Antarctic not even sure there is a scientific way to test its thermal ability. The only testing I could find was from their official brand ambassador/outdoors person. Would a long coat or folded poncho liner work just as good? I guess we will never know. I will try to use mine in the colder months to see if the claim of Antarctic mat is vaguely valid 👍
@mikef3808 apologises I got sidetracked. I know from limited testing that it does work on damp chilly ground. However, how well it performs as a thermal barrier over say a full night when the temperature drops down to near zero mmmmmm not sure I would want to try it. Antarctic is probably just marketing hype.
the snugpak under blanket is better!
I trink the Option to connect two of this mats could be usefull. For example if you want to lay it at the bottomlayer of a two Person tent. Specially if you are on a Tour With two persons and everyone has one of these mats. Ok, the example on the Website is bullshit. But the option to make one large out of two smaler ones you also have at some sleeping-bags so why not on a mat.
Great idea, I did not think of that. Totally agree 2 would probably work fine with one up and one down with slight overlap so Velcro would join both together. I have used it under an air mat recently while camping and it worked surprisingly well as an insulation layer whilst also providing some protection against any possible sharp objects that may puncture my delicate air mat. I also really like fact it packs down smaller than foam. Snugpak website is exactly as you said lol. Thanks for the input 👍
Hi, great video, I have one and struggle to find it's best purpose really. How have you found it. Do you still use it?
Hi Danny, bought one as could not find any independent info on it. Use mine as an insulation layer under my air mat inside a tent. I like warmth and comfort and always used to take a Thermorest Ridge Rest mat or something similar for insulation. Works great but foam mats are quite bulky. It packs down well and goes inside my rucksack rather than packing on the outside. Not tried it in colder weather but will at some point. My idea is that rather than spending serious money on a 4 season air mat I would use as an insulation layer under my air mat (Decathlon air mat) the Velcro is a waste of time in my opinion and would prefer Snugpak to do away with it. Am currently undecided if it would be any better than a poncho liner or any other insulating material. From my limited experience using it I can definitely say that it provides insulation from cold ground. Is it absolutely necessary mmmmmm still undecided. Have not provided an update as not used it enough to provide a valid opinion but will when I have more experience using it over the colder months. 👍
@@InfoZhedExplore yes I guess that's where I'm at with it. Will keep investigating see if I can get a real use for it.
Looks interesting, love my jungle blanket xl. It’s nice that it has a layer of sleeping bag insulation. Does it ad any cushion?
Jungle blanket is ace. The mat cushioning is minimal. It is more of an insulation layer. Was going to try folding it up like a seat pad and sit on so that I can save weight and bulk leaving my amazing Helinox chair at home on longer outings 👍