The Simond MT500 XL trekking mattress from Decathlon is a budget-friendly, lightweight sleeping pad that offers a surprising amount of comfort and convenience for its price. With a price tag of just £49.99, it undercuts many rival inflatable sleeping pads, while still providing a decent level of insulation and packability. This makes it an ideal choice for summer campers, festivalgoers, and backpackers who want a practical and affordable option without compromising on comfort.
One of the standout features of the MT500 XL is its compact size. Rolled up, it takes up about the same space as a 1-litre water bottle, making it easy to pack away and transport. This is particularly useful for those who are always on the move, whether it's for backpacking trips or festivals. The mattress also weighs only 600g, which is significantly lighter than many other sleeping pads, making it easy to carry around.
In terms of comfort, the MT500 XL provides a decent level of cushioning, thanks to its lengthways air chambers. These chambers help to absorb pressure from small rocks and uneven ground, providing a more comfortable sleeping surface. The mattress also has an R value of 1.5, which means it can resist heat transfer from your body to the ground, making it suitable for summer camping when overnight temperatures stay above about 8C.
One of the minor drawbacks of the MT500 XL is that it bends into a convex shape lengthways when inflated, which means it doesn't lie flat on the tent floor unless you put a sleeping bag and pillow on it. However, this is a minor issue, and the mattress is still very comfortable for the price.
Another thing to note is that the MT500 XL is not self-inflating, and it doesn't come with an inflation sack. Instead, it is inflated by mouth via its one-way inflation valve, which is easy and takes less than a minute. This is a minor inconvenience, but it's not a deal-breaker.
In terms of durability, the MT500 XL seems to be a reliable option, based on the hundreds of user reviews on Decathlon's website, which give it a solid 4.5/5 rating. The mattress also has a two-year warranty against defective materials or workmanship, which adds to its reliability.
Overall, the Simond MT500 XL trekking mattress is a great option for those who want a budget-friendly, lightweight sleeping pad that provides a decent level of comfort and convenience. It's quick and easy to use, and it packs down small enough to slip easily into a rucksack, making it a practical option for a wide range of outdoor activities.
