Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Thermarest have just put out a new blow up one (http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/therm-a-rest-neoair-venture-sleeping-mat-p292551). The blow up (as opposed to self inflating) tend to pack smaller. The neoair xlite is the best mat around though as it has thermal properties for even arctic conditions.

I'm probably going to pick up the new one (linked one) as I find my self inflating mat low on the performance side for its size.

The Thermarests look good, found the small Venture as low as £41, tempted to invest in one but the Thermarest foam mats are only £18, better insulation rating and about half the weight... Tempted to just strap one of these to the top tube as it'll make the hike-a-bike sections easier on the shoulders while getting around the the problem of it being bulky to pack...

More things to ponder...