The Compact Lite is a fairly standard self-inflating mat at a good price. The foam inside is vertically cored so heat can be lost through the holes, hence the 2/3 season rating. This is definitely not a mat suitable for cold weather on its own. Comfort is reasonable. The base is textured and doesn’t slide on a groundsheet. The upper is smoother and sleeping bags with shiny shells can slide around. For the price the Compact Lite 25 is a reasonable buy. However the Therm-A-Rest Prolite Plus and the Nemo Zor are much better mats and worth the extra cost.
Kathmandu make several different mats and also supplied the Hike Pro 38 for test. This is a thicker, warmer, full-length self-inflating mat. The cost is good at £65 but it weighs 770 grams and is quite bulky when packed.
