Hi Denlee,
I work as an outdoor education instructor and use my gear regularly and see many other makes and models of gear on programs.
I have had a thermarest for the past 6 years and haven't had a problem with it at all apart from it getting moldy inside from having to blow it up to desired firmness as they never fully self inflate. This would happen to any similar style mat. I stored it correctly, leaving it unrolled and valve open in a dry spot, but I guess it came down to amount if use.
I have since bought an Exped equipment down mat 7, 7cms of down filled plush-ness.. better nights sleep than my bed at home! Similarly priced to certain thermarest models.. have had a few friends have issues with baffles blowing out but all were replaced under warranty as it was a know issue to the company.
The mountain design branded mats seem to be ok, had a few issues with some of our hire fleet mats leaking due to de-laminating fabric. MD's replaced them under warranty and the replacements have been good. Mountain designs often have good sales, so you might save yourself a few bob.
Check out a few online sites as well such as campsaver.com, bivouac.com.nz, and a few others that slip my mind.
At the end of the day I guess it comes down to the best that you can afford and warrant, but I can vouch for thermarest being premium quality.
Hope this is of some help and feel free to throw me any questions.
Cheers,
O.
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