Dura 8R M Sleeping Mat Ultralight Airbeds

Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications

If you are looking for durability over weight and an ‘Extreme Cold’ mat in a full rectangular format then this mat could well be the one you are looking for.

Exped says:

The Exped Dura 8R M is a durable, extra-warm mats for demanding adventures, including extended outings in alpine and polar regions, rugged paddling trips and overlanding.

DOWNMAT TECHNOLOGY™: 700 cu in RDS down insulation for use in all seasons, or simply to keep cold-sleepers warm in any weather. 9 cm thick air cushion with Exped cradle comfort design: air chambers run head to toe, fully supporting the body for an unrivalled night’s sleep and giving maximum durability.

Schnozzel Pumpbag included: rapid, moisture-free mat inflation: lung power not required!

Our Verdict

Exped’s Dura 8R Sleeping Mats are intended for use in extreme cold environments, being part of the Dura series they are constructed using considerably more durable face fabrics than ultralight models. The top surface is 75denier and the underside is a whopping 170denier, making these mats extremely resistant to puncture and general abrasion, contrast the fabrics with the 20denier top and bottom of the Exped Ultra range.

Comparing the Dura 8R M with the similarly spec’d Ultra 7R M, all the specs are the same except for the fabric weight, the Ultra 7R M weighs 648grams and the Dura 8R M weighs 955grams – it’s nearly 50% heavier.

What we really like about Exped mats are the easy to use non return valves and the superb Schnozzel Pumpsack which makes inflation of the mat simple – its the best inflation sack we’ve used by far and its big enough to act as a rucksack liner or a drybag. In the case of a down filled mat it is essential to use an inflation device as using your mouth forces moisture into the mat which will eventually compromise the down.

The Dura 8R mats are 9cm thick, which is 2cm thicker than a standard mat and delivers an enhanced level of comfort. Unlike the Ultra mats the Duras don’t have the oversized side rails to help you stay on board.

We also need to commend Exped for their environmental approach to the new range – Production is Carbon Neutral (by offsetting), the Face Fabrics are recycled and their factories are Bluesign approved. There is very little packaging and what there is is simply constructed from recycled card.

If you are looking for durability over weight and an ‘Extreme Cold’ mat in a full rectangular format then this mat could well be the one you are looking for.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• RECYCLED 75D/170D BRUSHED POLYESTER FACE FABRIC: Recycled polyester keeps plastic out of landfills and uses less water, energy and carbon to produce.
• FLATVALVE: Pioneered by EXPED. Industry-leading durability, reliability and intuitive performance.
• DOWNMAT TECHNOLOGY™: 700 cu in RDS down insulation for use in all seasons, or simply to keep cold-sleepers warm in any weather.
• COMFORT CRADLE: Air chambers run head-to-toe, fully supporting the body for an unrivaled night’s sleep and increased durability. EXPED’s Comfort Cradle side rails center and secure the sleeper on the mat.
• SCHNOZZEL PUMPBAG INCLUDED: Rapid, moisture-free mat inflation: lung-power not required!

Specifications

• Weight: 955g (excludes storage bag/pumpsack)
• Pumpsack weighs: 57g
• Dimensions: 183 x 52cm
• Thickness: 9cm
• Packed size: 33 x 16cm
• ASTM R-Value: 7.8
• Exped temp rating: -40°C

Material & Construction

• 75D/170D recycled polyester, Oeko-Tex® 100 certified
• Insulation: 700 cuin/oz Down, RDS certified

ASTM R-Value:

From 2020, there is a new industry standard for measuring the R-value (level of insulation) of sleeping mats – ASTM F3340-18. This new standard is the sleeping mat equivalent to the EN rating for sleeping bags.

You can now directly compare the R-value of mats rated using the ASTM F3340-18 with confidence that is a fair and accurate comparison between mats. In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat.

In general terms, an R-value below 2.0 is for summer use, 2.0 to 4.0 is for cooler 3 season use and 4.0+ is for winter temperatures. This will be also be dependent on your sleeping bag, how cold you sleep etc. Please contact our customer service team if you need advice on choosing the right mat for your activity.

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Sleeping Mat
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Sleeping Mat
• About Exped
• Exped Mat range Explained
• R-Value Explained
• Recycled Content in Outdoor Gear
• Responsible Down Standard