Thermorest Mattress

[rodger55@blueyonder.co.uk]

HI
I recently bought a "Thermorest Neoair Venture" camping matress which must be manually inflated.
I've since heard that the moisture in your breath gets trapped in the chambers, and can rot the fabric.
Anyone got any thoughts on that?
I thought I might buy a pump if I can find one light enough.

[jus_young]

This should do the job

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/ie/therm-a-rest/accessories/neoair-pump-sack/product

Just do a Google search to find the cheapest price.

[Valantine]

That's one very expensive sleeping mat. With modern materials there shouldn't be a problem.
If you're worried then make something like this --> http://www.rei.com/product/829645/exped-schnozzel-pumpbag

[Valantine]

jus_young beat me to while I was typing lol

[ADz]

Alternatively there is an electric pump, small/compact and only 66g..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THERMAREST-NEOAIR-MINI-PUMP-/231446958141

I've just ordered one for my Xlite and Xtherm mats, they don't take long to blow up by mouth but using this would be much easier after a day of hiking.

Oh and I wouldn't worry about the material rotting just by blowing them up with breath (However it could condense in Winter), they are modern and high quality materials, It shouldn't be a problem in warmer temps. I have never heard of anybody's Thermarest rotting, these mats have been around for a long time.

[jus_young]

It's not rotting that is the problem, the thermal properties can be lost over time due to a continual build up of moisture. The problem is worse with down filled mats as the down starts to clog together.

[saxonaxe]

Make a few camping trips to Wales and find a friendly Dragon to inflate the mattress. Hot breath = dried out mattress..:jumping-joy:



(sorry just trying to help...;) )

[TheDaddy187]

i have a self inflating jobbie...

a little more weight but no problems like you described...

[ADz]

i have a self inflating jobbie...

a little more weight but no problems like you described...

Not just more weight but it will be a lot more bulky. The Thermarests pack down to size of can of coke or beer.

[TheDaddy187]

i managed to squeeze it along with my sleeping bag into my sleeping bag case...

mines only about an inch thick when inflated so not like some of the more bulky ones you get...

[OakAshandThorn]

My Trail Pro is self-inflating, though for extra expansion (or "loft", I guess) I'll put a few breaths into it. For this pad, that's OK, can't say for yours, but here's a link to the owner's manual: http://media.cascadedesigns.com/pdf/Air_Mat_Brochure_EN.pdf
I know some of the Big Agnes pads use a bag that comes with for inflation, though I doubt it would be compatible with a Thermarest.

[Valantine]

Why not use your breath when using when camping and then when you get home use a pump to inflate and deflate a few times to remove the moisture (some pumps have reverse to deflate)

[TheDaddy187]

maybe try putting one of those silica gel packs inside to soak up moisture?

as long as its in the paper wrap it shouldnt effect the material...

whether it would effect it if it was loose i dont know...

just replace it every now and then to keep the inside fresh and moisture free...

[FishyFolk]

Only got one of the early ones. And they always seem very narrow to me. I toss and turn a lot at night, so i end up rolling off them entirely. Thank the gods for hammocks :-)

[jus_young]

Must admit that when I am ground dwelling I do like the comfort of my Thermarest XLite. Five centimetres of luxury as opposed to the previous self inflating mat at half the thickness.

[happybonzo]

I've been told on more than one occasion that the Thermorests and the VauDe mats are made in the same factory... I often wonder how many of the rather specialist products we use and buy this may apply to?

- and just to add that Alpkit make pretty good mats as well

[ADz]

Must admit that when I am ground dwelling I do like the comfort of my Thermarest XLite. Five centimetres of luxury as opposed to the previous self inflating mat at half the thickness.

+1

[Tigger004]

I have the Thermorest neo air all season and have a couple of ways to pump it,
the first is battery powered and in a stealth camp may prove noisy (not too loud), my second option is the neo air tap which allows use of any old bag, plastic or stuff sack (does involve making a hole in the bag of choice)

1, [URL="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=bl_sr_outdoors?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Minflator&index=garden-uk&search-type=ss"] about 13 quid for the miniflator (very small and light - better than the thermarest version)
2, http://www.facewest.co.uk/Thermarest-NeoAir-AirTap.html about 9 quid for the airtap (comes with a couple of plastic bags)

Both work well, Regards Jeff

[rodger55@blueyonder.co.uk]

Some great ideas on here guys. Thanks for the comments.
I think I'm going to get the little Thermarest battery pump.
Small and light and if I'm lucky the lovely Lenin will help me out with the cash.
Thanks again

[Magicdave]

It's recommended that airbeds are stored inflated, then with the valve opened, to combat this problem. I don't know how effective it is.