For the ultimate in cold weather sleeping mats, no other mat can beat the Exped DownMat 9 for comfort and warmth. Heat loss is dramatically reduced with down insulation inside the mat, as demonstrated by EMPA, the Swiss Federal Labaratories for Materials Testing and Research, and field tests by expeditions. The thick cushion of air also provides comfort and smooths out uneven ground. And as down compresses extremely well, Downmats packs smaller than other insulated mats. For DownMat 9 Exped received the 2002/3 European Outdoor Award, Europes most prestigious outdoor award. Presented by Europes leading outdoor magazines, there is just one winner each year. Besides the obvious warmth, this award was presented to Exped in recognition of the DownMats superb performance and overall value. * Both low profile valves (pat. pend) one for inflation and the other for deflation ensure ease of use. As the valves are flat and not on the mats edge they do not protrude and are therefore protected and durable. * Light foam blocks at the mats ends prevent down from escaping or migrating between chambers. * Laminated polyester fabric is both durable, airtight and humidity resistant. The shells top surface is of brushed polyester fabric that provides excellent slip resistance and comfort next to the skin. Dark colors dry quickly. The seams are high frequency welded for durability. * Two fabric grommets at the head end can be used to secure the packsack to the mat when used as a pillow. * Light and warm: The DownMat 7 Pump has a R-Value of 5.9. At about the same weight a standard 2.5 cm selfinflating mat only has a R-Value of 2.5. Further EMPA tests demonstrated that regular mats lose 3x more heat to cold ground than to the air. The conclusion: use a lighter weight sleeping bag with a DownMat to achieve consistent overall comfort, and still reduce weight and bulk! * Exped only uses IDFL-certified goose down, specially treated to eliminate the effects of humidity that may reach the mats interior.