Gear Review: Bed Mat Air-Bed OEX Flux 5.0 Vs Thermarest Neoair X-Lite

Testing my new OEX Flux 5.0 against my tried, tested and well-loved Thermarest bed mat. How does the more reasonable newcomer test against the more expensive staple?

[@blank-dr2kx]

Subbed thanks for taking time out to review this mat had looked at it yesterday

[@bushcraftdavetrangia]

Thank you and welcome to the channel 👍

[@rufusduck71]

Just picked pne of these up as an upgrade from the previous yellow oex mats with zero insulation inside .these have been great for my kids but are really only asummer mat .this new flux should be a bit warmer in spring .

[@bushcraftdavetrangia]

Yeah this seemed to work really well on a freezing cold April night, so should work for spring through to autumn well 👍

[@ncurtis1970]

I have the OEX flex 5, cant recommend it enough it is brilliant for it money. I use a reflective piece of radiator foam underneath for extra warmth and protection when its extra cold out.
Nice review, i wonder what your thoughts are after a using it for a year.

[@bushcraftdavetrangia]

Thank you buddy. It's a great mat and I've used it a lot. I really like it and its super easy to use and put up/down. I still prefer my neoair despite the price though as i get a more comfortable sleep in my opinion 👍

[@twigletcaz]

Helpful review, thanks.
What tent is that? Looks like it has a decent amount of headroom?

[@bushcraftdavetrangia]

Thank you. It is the eurohike tamar 2 👍

[@IrelandRider]

Morning Dave.
I use and like the trekology UL80, it isn't bad tbh, though no R rating. There's always hand warmers lol.
I think English Woodsman used to use that mat you got.
Anyway I hope you get on with it for the rest of its lifespan, have a great Bank Holiday weekend and see you on your next adventure ✌️ 🤙 🤟

[@bushcraftdavetrangia]

Thank you Rich. Yeah I've seen a few using the trekology. Might have to try that at some point. Enjoy the Bank Holiday buddy 👍

[@sorrows_touch]

I have the flux on my wishlist! I think the most important part for me is the pillow, I just can't get one that feels comfortable, im using a oex self inflating on top of a trail inflatable one at the minute and just cant sleep on either lol i did buy a normal vango pillow but haven't tried it yet. Nice to see you using the phoxx 1 again!

[@bushcraftdavetrangia]

Thank you Lance. Yeah I agree pillows are tricky. I think an air pillow is generally not great. Mrs Bushcraft uses a thermarest compression pillow so it's like a sponge. It's a bit bigger to pack down but more comfortable and more expensive but a decent option if inflatable pillows are not working for you.
Also worth just using some clothing bundled up instead.
Have a great weekend 👍

[@eckartbeutel6699]

Hello Dave, this OEX Flux 5.0 looks quite nice to me. It is kind of similar to my klymith insulated. I woouls recommend to use a FLEXTAILGEAR MAX Pump 2020 or something like that to get it pumped up.

[@bushcraftdavetrangia]

Hello Eckart. Definitely going to get a pump. I think I've looked at the flextail one before so I'll get one soon 👍

[@camouflage962]

hey Dave, thx a lot for that. How do you judge the Exped Dura R8 MW/LW?

[@bushcraftdavetrangia]

Not tried that one. I'll have to check it out 👍