If you're looking for a sleep mat that is suitable for year round use, the Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm R and the Thermarest Prolite Plus R should definitely be on your short list (infact, they may well be all that is on your short list!).


So, what are the major differences between these two mattresses? Well, other than the fact they're both 4 season mattresses, they don't really have a lot in common. The Prolite Plus has the obvious advantage of being self-inflating, which can be a great benefit if you don't fancy busting a lung blowing up your bed, once you've erected your tent, all after a long day out on the hills.

If weight and pack size are your major concerns, you can't really beat the NeoAir Xtherm R. It packs down to 20 x 9cm (compared to 25 x 13cm of the Prolite Plus R), and weighs a measly 430g (the Prolite Plus isn't exactly back-breaking at only 620g, but for ultra-light backpackers, every gram counts - and shaving off almost 200g is an opportunity not to be missed).



Thermarest NeoAir XTherm Mattress

Another specification worth taking into consideration is the R-Value of these sleep mats. Although both are classed as 4 season mattresses, the NeoAir Xtherm offers far greater insulation from the ground (an R-Value of 5.7, in comparison to 3.8 for the Prolite Plus), this is due to fact the NeoAir Xtherm offers a sleeping height of 2.5 inches from the ground and utilises a "Triangular Core Matrix" construction, providing more than 10x the amount of individual air chambers compared to a traditional air mattress.


Thermarest Prolite Plus Mattress

Lastly we come to the price. Well, luckily for you - we offer both of these mattresses for well below the SRP. The Thermarest Prolite Plus R comes in at £74.99 (SRP: £99.99) and the NeoAir Xtherm follows at £123.99 (SRP: £150.00).

So, if you're looking for a comfortable, insulating, lightweight and extremely packable mattress, both of these will certainly do the trick. For those looking for the advantage of a self-inflating mattress, the Prolite Plus R is the one to go for. If you're into lightweight backpacking and would rather inflate your mattress in the evening than carry the extra 200g all day, there really is no better option than the Thermarest Neoair Xtherm mattress.

View the entire Thermarest Fast and Light range.

Don't know your hydrostatic head from your lumens? Well never fear, our advice centre has you covered. With comprehensive guides on walking boots, trekking poles, sleeping bags, family tents and many more, be sure to visit our gear advice centre if you need a helping hand before making your purchase.

• Stove buying guide
• Gas canister guide
• Camping lantern guide
• Camping bed guide
• Self-Inflating Mattress guide
• Waterproof jacket guide
• Waterproof jacket washing guide
• Walking boot maintenance guide
• Base layer guide
• Warm layer guide
• Getting the most out of your sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag washing guide
• Walking pole guide
• Walking trouser guide
• Insect protection guide
• Sleeping bag buying guide
• Head torch guide
• Family tent buying guide
• Technical tent buying guide

Tilley Hats have been around for donkeys years. That doesn't mean to say they're old fashioned, on the contrary in fact. We've just had the New Tilley Outback Hat arrive with us, and it's a beautiful specimen, wouldn't you agree?


Let's take a more in depth look. This particular Tilley Hat (the Outback TWC6) features a modern waxed cotton finish, making it incredibly tough and hard wearing. Over time the wax coating will develop a leather-like appearance, that will add a certain vintage style to it's appeal.

Oh, and then there's Tilley's guarantee - You just don't see a guarantee like this on goods nowadays. In fact, it's so rare, I've photographed it as proof!

I think you can make it out from the photo, but if not I'll spell it out:

• Insured against loss
• Guaranteed for life
• Replaced for FREE if it ever wears out
• It also floats, ties on, repels rain, blocks UV rays (UPF 50+ on this bad boy!) and it won't shrink.

So, if you want a hat that will last a lifetime of use and abuse, the Tilley Outback Hat is the way to go.

We've just taken delivery of our new range of Mammut sleeping bags. Mammut (also known as Ajungilak) offer a wide range of sleeping bags, covering even the harshest conditions. From ultralight bags, to expedition bags - there's something in the new Mammut range to suit everyone's needs.

Is it the time of year when all those schools and Dofe providers dust off their expedition kit and realise that they need to replace it all (here's hoping...) but it is also the time when the participants start needing to get some kit as well. As a Dofe expedition assessor myself I frequently get asked what are the essential bits of kit a participant needs, especially when starting out for with their Bronze award, so here goes....

1. Waterproof Jacket and Waterproof Over Trousers. Both a must. Many people say they never use over trousers but they are the ones who have never spent all day walking in the pouring rain! No need to spend a lot on either but make sure you have them both. A Regatta Calderdale jacket and Regatta Chandler over trousers would be ideal.

2. Sleeping Bag. Definitely worth getting a 2-3 season rated bag as the temp does drop surprisingly at night in the uk. The Vango Nitestar 250 sleeping bag is definitely our best selling one.

3. Sleep Mat. There are loads of these about from a few pounds upwards but if you want insulation AND comfort then you need to be thinking about a self inflating mat. The Vango Trek Mat is our best selling mat and has a great pack size to fit in your rucksack.

4. Walking Boots. Not fashionable boots, but waterproof walking boots. Surprising as it may seem a lot of boots are not designed to be walked in and often swiftly break, normally the sole falls off as they cannot cope with wet and mud and the continual flexing as you walk. The Trezeta Chinook NV Mid boot is perfect for all Dofe expeditions from Bronze through to Gold.

Really that is the basics as most expedition providers provide rucksacks, tents, stoves, maps, map cases and compasses and most participants have clothes to wear whilst walking but always remember....no jeans!!

Always email me if you are after any Dofe equipment quotes/expedition group kit advice. Ian@completeoutdoors.co.uk

Just had a large delivery on Lafuma RXSA chairs arrive and six of these are already being shipping out as I type, so to speak. They are the kings of the outdoor chair but these year it seems that everybody wants them!