Exped SIM 5

The Exped SIM 5 is the heaviest-duty mat in the SIM line, built around a 5 cm self-inflating PU foam core. Foam thickness translates directly into insulation: an ASTM R-value of 6.5 puts it in all-season territory, with the maker rating it for comfort down to -30°C. The self-inflating design also means less risk of a puncture-ending trip than a pure air pad, plus a simpler camp setup. The top layer is 75D recycled polyester with a TPU laminate, honeycomb embossing, and a brushed soft-touch finish that keeps a sleeping bag from sliding. Two flat, low-profile valves, Regular size (183 × 50 cm), and a weight of 1010 g round out the numbers — noticeably heavier than the thinner SIM 3.8 or SIM Lite 3.8, a fair trade for the extra insulation. A stuff sack, repair kit, and 5-year warranty are included. At roughly 155 g per unit of R-value, the SIM 5 is an efficient pick for cold-weather base camps and winter trips rather than an ultralight thru-hiking setup, where the thinner mats in the range make more sense.