arata ASP-R7 review: High insulation that is OK for harsh winters, portable and comfortable to sleep on. What's more, it's a surprising price, and there are no blind spots anymore, so it's scary for mountain air mats
written by Yosuke.C
A sleeping mat that is indispensable for staying in a comfortable tent when climbing. Thin and lightweight models are often enough in warmer seasons, but in the colder seasons, you start to want something with higher insulation.
When it comes to lightweight, highly insulated mattresses, air mats that inject air are common. However, warmer and lighter models are more expensive, and since insulation performance, lighter and more, there is a trade-off between price and insulation performance, so it has been common knowledge up to date that if you take something, you will have no choice but to lose something.
the ASP -R7 mattress that offers top-class insulation and lightness while still offering change for 20,000 yen . I had the opportunity to use it this time, so I'll be reviewing it right away.
Named from the two words "new" and "change" in Japan, " arata " is a brand that has attracted a lot of attention as its tent launch last year. arata were highly balanced, with a different level of portability, insulation, comfort, and cost performance .
table of contents
Main features of the arata ASP-R7
The arata ASP-R7 is an air mat developed for all seasons, designed for mountainous scenes in Japan, and can be used in 3000m-grade environments, including the Northern Alps during the harsh winter. The lineup includes two types: "Regular" rectangular with plenty of width, and "Mummy" which cuts unnecessary parts to make it lightweight. You can choose according to the comfort you want and the style of mountain climbing.
To accommodate the environment in the Northern Alps that can be used alone, which can reach less than -25°C, the multi-layer structure combines TPU film and heat-reflecting PET film, and is designed to be as lightweight and compact as possible, ensuring high insulation of R 6.7 for Regular size and R 6.6 for Mummy size. As a result, this sleeping mat is suitable for all seasons, with a Regular size of approximately 584g and a Mummy size of approximately 477g.
Favorite points
- High insulation that can be used alone in harsh winters
- It is thick enough to absorb unevenness on the ground and provides a comfortable sleeping experience
- High portability for insulation and comfort
- An extraordinary cost performance
Interesting points
- It is difficult to adjust the air pressure from the valve on the ground side later.
- Minimum durability
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | arata ASP-R7 / Mummy | arata ASP-R7 / Regular |
|---|---|---|
| size | 183 x 51 x 10 cm | 183 x 56 x 8 cm |
| Storage size | φ10 x 22cm | φ10 x 25cm |
| Matte thickness | 10cm | 10cm |
| weight | 477g | 584g |
| Surface material | 20 RipStop Nylon | 20 RipStop Nylon |
| Insulation material | Multi-layer structure combining TPU film and heat-reflecting PET film | Multi-layer structure combining TPU film and heat-reflecting PET film |
| R value | 6.6 | 6.7 |
| Seasonal | Four Seasons | Four Seasons |
| accessories |
|
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| Outdoor Gearzine Review | ||
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to use | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed review
In this review, we mainly used Mummy sizes and conducted field tests, so we will review them based on the feel of Mummy sizes. Let's take a look now.
High insulation that can be used alone in harsh winters
The author is proud to be one of the top experiences in the country where he was unable to sleep due to cold from the ground. I think you know firsthand the importance of sleeping mats more than anyone else.
It's really tough to be able to sleep because the area that is in contact with the ground is cold, and in an extremely cold environment, it's a matter of life and death. The ASP-R7 has an "R value" that represents insulation performance (ASTM standard F3340-22). In terms of design, it boasts an R value that is not a problem even in environments below -25°C, and this is the only spec that can be used in mountainous areas in Japan. According to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the lowest temperature ever recorded was in Asahikawa, Hokkaido in January 1902, at -41°C, which is expected to be this low temperature, so the ASP-R7 cannot be handled alone, but there are no invasions such as the worst cold wave that can even enter the mountain, and the specs can generally be used alone in weather conditions that can be put into the mountains.
Air mats can be structured in a variety of ways, including "types that contain insulation materials such as down and synthetic fibers," "types that form layers to suppress convection," and "types that combine insulation and layer structures," but the ASP-R7 uses a structure that combines TPU film and heat-reflecting PET film to ensure heat insulation.
the ASP-R7 actually capable of with an R value of 6.6
The way you feel the cold varies from person to person, so this may be just a reference, but in my experience, I have been staying in a tent in the coldest environment so far, in the Southern Alps, which has cooled down to -20°C. The mat I was using at that time was layered with closed cell mats and air mats, and the combined R value was around 5.8, so I was able to stay without feeling the cold from the ground.
Compared to the insulation at the time, the ASP-R7 , which has an R value of 6.6, did not notice any difference between being cold or hot, and as with that time, it felt very high insulation. When you actually lie down directly on the mat, you will immediately start to feel the gentle warmth and you will be able to experience the heat-reflecting film reflecting your body temperature. The ASP-R7, which has an R value of 6.6 on its own, was more difficult to use, and was able to avoid any stress, rather than a mat that had been stacked with an R value of 5.8. Even with insulation, the R value is 0.8 higher, which gives you a sense of security.
It has high insulation and may be overspects during high temperature periods, but in that case you can adjust the sleeping bag by making it a little thinner. In any case, this one piece has high insulation that can be covered all year round.
When I put my hand on it, it gets warmer
It is thick enough to absorb unevenness on the ground and provides a comfortable sleeping experience
Comfortable as if you had brought a bed into the field
The thicker the air mattress, the better the insulation, which can be said to be an advantage, but personally, I find it a fluffy feeling that is typical of an air mattress, and the fluffiness of the air mattress is a bit shaky, and I've been using foldable closed cell mattresses that don't require infusion, so I'm not good with it. The ASP-R7 is Mummy-sized and has a thickness of 10cm, and although the thickness of the product has been a concern, its effect on sleeping comfort, when I actually slept, it didn't feel shaking and was very comfortable.
It flattens the bumps on the ground, providing a comfortable sleeping experience, and the surface structure reduces the fluffy feeling that is typical of air mats, and also creates areas that create space between the body, preventing the surface contact with the body from becoming stuffy. The 10cm thickness was comfortable, not even when lying on my side.
A thickness of 10cm makes the unevenness of the ground flat.
The Mummy size is slightly shaped towards your feet, but the tip of the toes is securely large enough to hold your feet, so you won't feel cramped when you sleep.
The highly insulating air mattress makes a rustling noise from the inside, which is a key factor in sleeping comfort. the ASP-R7 before it was inflating, the insulation film made a rattle sound, but when I swelled and slept, the rattle sound was very small. I'm not saying it's zero, but it wasn't too bothering me, and I didn't notice it at all when I was in my sleeping bag.
Air mats that make a rattle noise every time you turn over in bed can cause trouble for your partner sleeping in the same tent, but the ASP-R7 , it's not a problem.
Regular size "56cm wide" gives an exquisite size
The width of the Mummy size is 51cm, which is used by many air mats. This is just the last time an adult man will fall off when he sleeps. The width has been reduced from the balance between light weight and comfort to the comfort of the sleeping area. If you want a little more room to sleep, we recommend the Regular size, and the 56cm size, which is 5cm wider than the width of the Mummy size, was the perfect size. With your arms down, it fits perfectly on the mat, making it the size just right so that it doesn't feel cramped. The squares are unshaped at the feet and head, making it look like you've brought a bed to the field.
The wider width is 5cm, so it doesn't feel cramped
Pump sack that can be packed in three sessions
The pump sack that comes with the ASP-R7 Unlike closed cell mats that can be used when spread out, air mats take time to make them in a usable state. Using a pump sack to inflate the air over and over again is a time-consuming task, but the ASP-R7 , which can be inflated in three sessions, did not feel any stress.
Nylon makes it slippery
The materials used for air mats include nylon and polyester. Nylon has a stronger fiber ratio and is lighter, so in today's world where there is a growing need for lighter weight, nylon mats are increasing, and the ASP-R7 is also nylon.
Although nylon has the advantage of being lightweight, it has the disadvantage of being slippery due to its low coefficient of friction, making it more likely to slip off the mat in a field with an inclined position. the ASP-R7 is also slippery in slopes, so some kind of action is required. (We will introduce recommended solutions in the second half of the article.)
The valve is on the back (ground side), so it is difficult to adjust the stiffness.
What bothered me was that there was a valve to inhale the air in the back (the ground side). The advantage is that the valve is on the ground side, so you don't have to worry about the valve when you sleep, but when you inflate, you have to inflate it while turning it over, and it also takes time to adjust the amount of air after inflation.
High portability for insulation and comfort
Comparison with 500ml plastic bottles. The left is Mummy size, and the right is Regular size
Equipment during the harsh winter when equipment tends to be heavy. When planning a mountain hike in the extreme cold, it is foolish to reduce the weight of your equipment to protect against the cold. Therefore, there are few ways to reduce weight, and carrying heavy equipment can be considered a fate, but once again, the ASP-R7 is a stone that will give you a stake.
Although it has insulation to accommodate minus 30°C and provides a comfortable sleeping experience, it is lightweight at 477g (Mummy size), making it an attractive finish for those who want to reduce the weight of their mountain climbing. It weighs 560g even with pump sacks, storage bags and repair patches, so considering its insulation performance, it can be said to be a lightweight, compact and highly portable mat.
Weight including the main unit, storage bag, pump sack and repair kit
The balance between weight reduction and comfort is often in conflict, making it difficult to achieve both, but for those who don't want to sacrifice the weight reduction and feel comfortable, the Regular size, which is kept at 584g, is best to ensure a comfortable sleeping experience (the total weight of the Regular size, including accessories, is 672g).
Prevention of puncture and insulation boost! The lightest in the world! ? Closed cell mat with only 42g
A problem with all air mats is the "risk of puncture." In a world of minus 30°C, puncture is one of the problems you absolutely want to avoid. There are even people who don't choose an air mat because they don't want to risk puncture.
Use it in conjunction with a closed cell mat is effective as a countermeasure against punctures in air mats. By laying a single mat between the ground and the air mat, it is an effective measure to prevent punctures caused by damage to the air mat, and I use it in conjunction with a closed cell mat when bringing out the air mat. However, carrying two mats is also true that the weight of the equipment increases. We decided that it was inevitable to reduce the risk of puncture, but arata also has a lineup of ASP-03 This is probably the lightest closed cell mat in the world to cover your entire body.
Ultra-lightweight mat with only 42g
If adding 42g to the air mattress reduces the risk of puncture, it would be lighter. The ASP-03 is 0.4mm thick and has an R value of 0.45, so it also provides a small, insulating boost. Among polyethylene mats, the surface friction coefficient is designed to be large, and ASP-03 with air mats, it also has the effect of anti-slip properties, and one unit can play the three roles of protection, insulation, and anti-slip properties.
If you place it under it, it will protect your air mat
Cost performance that can be called a different dimension
the ASP-R7 insulation that can accommodate minus 30°C and provides a comfortable sleeping experience, but while boasting high specs, it achieves a threatening cost-effectiveness.
With prices rising, all brands of mats are beginning to rise, but the ASP-R7 is priced at 20,000 yen for both Mummy and Regular sizes. This overly aggressive pricing makes it a bit worrying to the producers, but it is true that it is gentle on the users' wallets. Be gratefully benefited.
It takes a huge budget to get the equipment to get into the mountains in winter, so the cost-effective ASP-R7 is also recommended for hikers who are looking to challenge themselves as they climb the world at -30°C.
Summary: All-season air mat with insulation, comfort, portability and cost-effectiveness
We introduced arata's air mat ASP-R7
The feeling of security is truly a guardian when sleeping in a world of extreme cold at -30°C. Instead of feeling cold when you lie down, carry a comfortable bed that will warm you up and warm you up, and help you recover your strength for the day and prepare for the next day!
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Yosuke
People who act with just one backpack with the motto of "as light as possible" so that they don't get inconvenient.
From spring to autumn, I chase after char deep in the mountains and go fishing in the mountain stream. We walked the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. Camping to be healed by the bonfire. Snowboarding is a floating mountain with a mountain of silver.
A freelance writer who has been enjoying the outdoors for over 20 years and enjoying the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on my experience writing articles for more than dozens of outdoor web media, I will be sharing my own experiences and tools that I have been using.
