Just Up The Trail

I bought this product with whatever money I had left after the kids had been fed, clothed and sheltered.
The opinions expressed in the post are my own.

Here’s an idea. Plan a hiking trip with your family. The kids are small and can’t carry much but that’s ok because Mum and Dad can carry most of their stuff. We won’t go far, just around 100 miles on the West Highland Way. That will be a perfect first hike. Great. Until you grab your pack and realise its just far too heavy to carry for even 2 or 3 of the proposed 96 miles. So you start culling stuff. That extra fleece can go, how much underwear do I really need. Those 2 self inflating sleep pads that weigh nearly a kilogram each are probably overkill, and what difference do those thin foam ones make anyway.

It’s the first night in the tent, in Scotland, in very early April. We’re wishing we had carried the sleeping mats. The kids have got one of the foam ones each and are surprisingly cosy but Hazel and I are freezing. I emptied my pack and slept on the empty rucksack. Turns out those mats make a huge difference so we picked up 2 more foam pads before hitting the trail and we were much less cold.

This year I treated myself to a new sleep pad. I was tired of carrying the weight of the self inflating one and the foam ones were just a little bulky so I thought I’d try an inflatable one. After a while trying to decide which to go for, I went for the Numo from Alpkit. It was reasonably priced and so much smaller and lighter than the ones we had. It was cheaper than similar options from other manufacturers and I felt a nice warm feeling inside by supporting a smaller UK company besides, I’d previously bought a top and a crash pad from them and was very happy with the speedy service and the hand written thank you note that was in the package.

It came out of the box, even smaller than expected and weighed next to nothing in my hand. I immediately went to the Gear Store (or the cupboard under stairs as Hazel calls it), grabbed the old one for comparison and bounced into the living room to excitedly show off the size difference to anyone who was there. Evan said it was cool but no-one else seemed interested.

Time to blow it up. The info said you could inflate with 12 breaths and it wasn’t many more before I’m lying down on it in the kitchen. It was nice and comfy and surprisingly non-slidy and as soon Hazel had tried it out (again on the kitchen floor) I was back on the computer ordering one for her.

So we’ve used them for all this years camping trip since our snowy Glyndwrs Way hike where they would have been useful. They’ve performed really well in the tent and under a tarp both with and without a groundsheet. I would be extra careful if you don’t have a groundsheet because I’d imagine a gorse or bramble thorn would lead to a harder nights sleep but so far no punctures and we’ve been wild camping more this year than we have been to camp sites.

There are a couple of huge outcomes for us after buying these mats. The first is the weight and bulk savings, and while I’m sure you could get a lighter mat, I reckon you’ll struggle to get one at this price point and made from the same tough material. The second is that we actually sleep well on them so we’re better rested to wrangle 3 kids along the trail

The only drawback is that the kids want one each now I’m happy to get them one because they’ll last them for a couple of years at least, I’m not sure if I can fit 5 of them in our little blue tent.

Alpkit Numo Sleep Mat: Pros and Cons

The Alpkit Numo sleep mat offers backpackers and campers a lightweight and comfortable option for a good night’s sleep under the stars. However, like any piece of gear, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the key pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you:

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight: At 350g, the Numo is one of the lightest sleeping mats on the market, making it ideal for weight-conscious backpackers and trekkers.
• Compact pack size: It rolls down incredibly small, fitting easily into even the most packed backpack.
• Comfortable: 8.5cm of thickness provides good cushioning and support, making it comfortable for sleeping on your back or side.
• Durable: Made from tough materials and featuring an anti-slip coating, it holds up well on various terrains.
• Affordable: Compared to other ultralight mats, the Numo offers excellent value for money.

Cons:

• Not insulated for extreme cold: With an R-value of [R-value], it’s best for three-season use and not suitable for winter camping.
• Requires inflation: Unlike self-inflating mats, you need to blow it up yourself, which can be tiring after a long day.
• Susceptible to punctures: As an inflatable mat, it’s vulnerable to sharp objects, requiring careful campsite selection.
• Limited length: Taller campers might find the 1.80m length a bit restrictive.
• No repair kit included: You’ll need to purchase a repair kit separately in case of punctures.

Overall:

The Alpkit Numo is a great choice for backpackers and campers who prioritise lightweight comfort and affordability. However, if you need a mat for extreme cold conditions, prefer self-inflation, or are very tall, you might want to consider other options.