Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 Long Mattress

Outdoors Reviews
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July 14, 2014
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Comments
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The Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 long, is designed to be a compact lightweight backpacking capable inflatable mattress. By simple observation, it appears to be designed to compete with the traditional foam laminated inflatable mattresses such as the Thermarest Trail Lite or Pro Lite, and appears to do a relatively fine job doing so.

Size and Packaging

Left to Right: Thermarest Trail Lite, Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 Long, Exped Synmat

Our first observation from the factory packaging for the Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 is that the mattress rolled size is certainly larger in diameter than our older square style Thermarest Trail Lite, and is both longer and wider than the Exped Synmat. It would appear that the overall size of the mat may be expected to be even larger when rolled, given that the factory stuff sack is quite loose around the rolled mattress. After removal, we found that the Ultralight 100 was doubled over, rolled, and sinced with elastic bands, which explained some of the overall diameter of the mat. Additionally this particular model is the “Long” which sports an overall size of 25″ x 77″ x 1.5”, making it five inches longer and wider than the standard model.

The “self inflating” nature of the mattress is very similar to the Thermarest, as in you still need to inflate it by blowing

Top to Bottom: Thermarest Trail Lite, Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 Long, Exped Synmat

into the valve despite the manual deterring you from doing so. Once inflated the “long” nature of this mattress is apparent and very much appreciated. It offers a wider and longer tapered sleeping area in comparison with the Thermarest Trail Lite and also provides more air and foam insulation against the ground. Though the overall thickness of the Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 is quite a bit less than the Exped Synmat, it is a very generous and comfortable sleeping surface.

Top to Bottom: Thermarest Trail Lite, Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 Long

After deflating the mattress we decided to roll it up in the same manner as the Thermarest Trail Lite. This meant that we did not fold the Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 in half, we simple rolled it vertically end to end. Rolling the mattress in this manner showed that it was about 10% longer and wider than the Thermarest and with a bit of effort it could almost fit in the Thermarest’s bag. Considering the Fox Outfitters is actually almost 5 inches larger it is quite interesting to see that it rolls up to such a comparable size.

Weight and Durability

Given that Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 Long mattress is a full 5 inches longer than the standard model and the Thermarest Trail Lite, it is surprising to find that it doesn’t feel to be much, if any heavier. Our non-scientific weight assessment could not determine a discernible difference in weight when simply holding the mattress in our hands.

Top to Bottom: Thermarest Trail Lite, Exped Synmat, Fox Outfitters Comfort 100, Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 Long,

Comparing the Ultralight to the Fox Outfitters Comfort 100 shows a significant difference in weight. As we’ve said in a previous review of the Fox Outfitters Comfort 100 is a large, heavy weight car camping mattress. The Ultralight on the other hand is actually longer and just as wide at it’s widest point, as the Comfort 100, but manager to come in at almost half the weight if not more.

The overall construction of the Ultralight 100 appears to be quite sturdy. All of the seams are welded, and the valve is oversized for easy of inflation and deflation. The foam core of the mattress is of a cross check through hole design. This means that there are some areas of the mattress that are only air insulation. I don’t see any serious drawbacks to this overall, and am sure this was to allow for a more compact rolling size, as well as a weight consideration.

Overall Impressions

The Fox Outfitters Ultralight 100 long mattress certainly compares favorably with the larger, better known brands. The comfort, size, and construction of this mattress easily competes in the backpacking market. It is certainly a value coming in under cost for other competetors, most notably the Thermarest Trail Lite.