ULfoam - An ultralight Closed cell foam mat, made even lighter

Outdoor enthusiasts know the value of lightweight gear. Every ounce counts when you carry your equipment on long hikes or camping trips (why would you be here if you didn't). One essential but very simple item that has seen very little innovation is the closed cell foam mat. Foam mats of various sizes and thicknesses have been the backbone of outdoor sleep systems for years, and yet they still hold a place here in the world of ultralight.

The versatility of a foam mat

Many long distance hikers chose to carry a secondary mat to accompany their ultralight inflatable. Foam mats however don't only get used for sleeping. They are used for back support in frameless backpacks, or as sit pads at your rest spot. They can be a ground sheet for your shelter, or boost the U-values of your inflatable in a cold spell.

This isn't new tech, but a simple development of how do we make this lighter.

Introducing ULfoam - Ultralight Roll Mat

Here are the figures:

• 150mm length

• 45mm width

• 3mm depth

• 61g +/- 1g

When comparing this to other products on the market we are shaving off somewhere between 13 to 43g. That might not sound like much but once you stack it all into your Lighterpack, you know it counts. That could be the equivalent of all the guy line rigging and ultralight pegs in your kit rendered free weight. Or better yet, wrap the mat around you under your jacket and count it as worn weight, then it doesn't count.

The ULfoam mat was able to achieve this by thinning out the depth during production, and by reducing the density of the foam used in order to achieve a lighter overall weight for the same dimensions of many others on the market, simple.

Like others, closed cell foam is resistant to water and does not absorb moisture, which helps keep you dry and warm. The ULfoam mat maintains these qualities while cutting down on bulk.

Benefits of Using the World's Lightest Foam Mat

Using an ultralight foam mat like ULfoam offers several benefits:

• Less weight to carry: This means you can hike longer distances with less fatigue.

  
  

• Compact size: The mat rolls up small, freeing space for other gear.

  
  

• Good insulation: It keeps you warm by preventing heat loss to the ground.

  
  

• Durability: Closed cell foam resists punctures and moisture.

  
  

• Comfort: Provides a cushioned surface for better sleep outdoors.

  
  

These benefits make the ULfoam mat a smart choice for anyone who values lightweight and efficient gear.

Who Should Consider the ULfoam Mat?

The ULfoam mat is perfect for:

• Backpackers who want to reduce pack weight.

  
  

• Campers looking to protect their existing gear and pad out the campsite

  
  

• Hikers who need compact gear for long treks.

  
  

We do know however that this will primarily go for ultralighters looking to pair with their inflatable mat. Or just sleep on this if you are mad enough.

The Future of other Ultralight Gear

This is hardly the greatest development in the world of DCF (Dyneema Cuben Fibre), titanium and carbon fibre manufacturing. But it does still show that there are many grams to be saved when looking at your everyday bits of gear that we all carry on trail.

There will be more, as we continue to pick away at all the essentials. We plan to bring a core group of essential items to you, made here in the UK, lighter than all the rest.