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I recently purchased the Multimat Expedition XL mat from "www.upandunder.co.uk" an outdoor store/web based shop based in Cardiff. I ordered online and received the goods within 3 or 4 days - it will take a bit longer for you.

I got the longer mat to provide a bit more protection for the ground sheet of the tent. I can vouch for the quality and impressive insulation properties. We had a bitterly cold high camp in Scotland a couple of weeks ago and I didn't experience much cold coming up from the snow covered ground.

As a nice little aside, I emailed Multimat directly to enquire about stockists and also to ask if their mats are Fox and Pig proof! I had a very helpful response re stockists and the type of mat to purchase - unfortunately, they cannot guarantee that Spanish Foxes or Greek Pigs will not eat the mats!!
Dave Porter

Yes I like the look of these mats too. Do they only sell them in the UK 

Hi Dave

There's nothing out there can cope with the Sierras. I have ruined 2 or 3 Thermarests in the past 7 years and now have gone back to the cheap and cheerful Karimat. I only keep "Thermarest" type mats for sleeping and camping in the snows.

I like the look of the http://multimat.uk.com though. Do you think these are any better than the "Thermarests" or "Alpkit" self inflating types?

I must be old fashioned because you can still see me wandering the hills with a yellow Karrimat strapped to the outside of my pack. I place the foam mat underneath the tent, thus protecting the groundsheet and providing insulation from the ground - this negates the need for a tent "footprint".

In recent years some lovely lightweight air filled mats have come on the market. But, these have to be placed inside the tent. How do ultra lightweight tent groundsheets withstand the thorns or scree of the Sierra Nevada once the snow has gone?? Or, if using a tarp, what type of material is placed under the mat.

After any trip to the Spanish hills or anywhere where rough scree or dry thorny vegetation is encountered
our karrimats are badly beat up. I work on the basis that it is far cheaper to buy a new mat than a tent footprint or new tent!

In the UK, the company to contact is Multimat.uk.com if you are curious.


Dave Porter

Never had problems with stoves on either short or long haul in the past. Im sure Ryanair will be charging extra for multi fuel stoves if they ever find out about them tho'

  ha great story that! I might just chuck in the old pocket rocket too then.

Have you had any problems flying with multi fuel stoves over the years? Some airports have a reputation for being very sensitive to backpacking gear and in particular camping stoves. Since the problems with the MSR fuel bottles we have been taking a simple gas stove (MSR Pocket Rocket) on trips to Southern Spain and buying cylinders at the gear shop in Granada or at Camping Trevelez.

I'll add one more supporting comment for the MSR stove. Some years back, I was in a mountain hut in NZ (Ketetahi Springs, Tongario). Amazingly I was the only person with a reliable stove. There was a young Canadian woman with cold peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (pb&j) who I felt very sorry for. By way of introduction I made up some hot chocolate using the Whisperlite. She must have been impressed because we struck up a pretty good friendship and eventually (much later) got married.!

Dave Porter

I have decided to go for the cheaper but maybe more "sensible" option. I have a trangia set so I am buying the multi-fuel option. Will run with gas and all sorts of fuels but I dont have to buy extra pots, pans etc. Also the Trangia system is very stable, one of the reasons I bought it, as I do tend to be a bit clumsy at times.

Will test it out a lot before I commit to a Bolivia climbing trip with it though. I will report further after testing.

Isnt it funny that after 40+ years, technology hasnt really improved regarding the lighting of fuel stoves? 

I'm on to my 3rd MSR Whisperlite International.

I agree, from time to time the MSR stoves refuse to co-operate and usually at the worst possible moment. I recall spending hours with frozen fingers trying to clear a blockage to make a nice brew in what should have been a memorable camp in the higher part of the Langtang valley in Nepal. I finished up with black carbon soot on all of my clothing and no brew. In the morning the stove worked faultlessly!

Over the years I've considered replacing it but like you have never really come up with an alternative. I suppose the classic MSR XGK stove is an option, particulalrly if you need 100% reliabiltiy for group cooking and for clients.

Incidentally, the most irritating problem arose when Swiss Air confiscated two fuel bottles and pumps at Zurich whilst I was coming home from a trip to Romania (the bottles were scrubbed clean with "hotel shampoo" and smelled of nothing more sinister than very cheap Eastern European perfume).

Good luck with your search. Sorry I can't offer any useful help.

Dave Porter

In many ways I'm glad. Horrible airline. May open the door for Air Berlin to step in and run a proper service. Stuff them!