So on my last trip I woke up one night and realized I was sleeping on the ground. In the morning I found that I had a 1/4 inch cut and a small pile of expelled down in my Exped Downmat 7. I had the little repair kit which had directions for both a short and long term patch. I followed the directions for a long term patch - 3 layers of goop then a circular patch with more goop. I was worried the goop looked thick and worried it was too old.

I slept on the ground the next night to make sure the goop cured. The next night I tried it and it held, as well as for the next 14 or so nights, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s days are now numbered.

So has anyone patched an air mattress and gotten long use out of it? Or should I be shopping before my first winter trip?

I repaired my Exped Downmat in the middle of the night while winter camping. I used the same little repair kit that you used. After a half-hour, I got on it and went back to sleep figuring I'd re-repair it at home later. That was 4 or 5 years ago. The edges of the patch needed a little touch-up at home, but it has worked great ever since.

So yes, I'd say I've gotten long use out of a similar patch job. I think my hole was smaller.

You could be in good shape with your repair!

I repaired my Exped 9 about 7 years ago-a good 2 inch gash-and it is still holding.

In the summer I might be willing to roll the dice on it holding up (but probably not, I’m getting softer the older I get).

In the winter I would definitely replace or have a backup.

Good luck!

I have a therm-a-rest going on 30 years. Its not my primary pad any more due to the bulk, but is gets used when its supposed to be below 45 as I get cold on my Klymit pad.

cmanimal: "I have a therm-a-rest going on 30 years. Its not my primary pad any more due to the bulk, but is gets used when its supposed to be below 45 as I get cold on my Klymit pad."

Ditto, except for not owning a Klymit. A generous application of marine-grade Goop fixed a leak near the valve assembly so long ago, I’ve forgotten which milliennium it was. Used the pad this past weekend and was happy to see how much time was required to reduce it to a packable volume. :-)