BS: Thermarest-style camping pads

Subject: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: Gary T
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 03:57 AM

We're really fond of the design of Thermarest self-inflating ground pads for camping, but lately are questioning their durability (lthey seem to reach the point of failing to hold air a lot sooner in their lifetime than one would expect). I'm aware there are other brands of the same style pads, sort of copycats perhaps. Does anyone have any experience or words of wisdom in this area, especially recommendations for or against any particular brand(s)?

Thanks, Gary

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: Midchuck
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 07:23 AM

Here's one to make the rugged backpackers shudder:

When we decided to make it three nights at Old Songs this June, we thought it over, and took the futon off the guest bed downstairs, and wadded it into the back seat of the van.

We looked like two monkeys s****ing a football, getting it into the tent; but what a luxury to sleep on compared to air mattresses or camping pads!

(The infield at Old Songs, where the camping is, has the hardest clay in the known world.)

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: Raptor
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 08:19 AM

Do you leave the thermarest unfolded at home when not in use? There is a repair kit u can get!

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: Gary T
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 08:33 AM

Raptor, yes, we store them flat and with the valve open. I actually have the patch kit, but we've run across slow leakage with no detectable leak (sure was fun wrestling the thing into the bathtub to look for bubbles!).

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: Raptor
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 08:40 AM

Call the company for a replacement they might suprise you!

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: Grab
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 09:34 AM

A cheap li-lo is by far the best for camping if you're carrying stuff in a car. Packs down pretty small, generally very tough (tougher than a Therma-rest), nice and cheap, and you can use it to play on in the water too.

Otherwise just get a nice thick bit of roll-mat, preferably one with an 'egg-crate' kind of shape on the underside to get rid of condensation under the mat. Also much cheaper, nice and comfortable, and never goes down!

Grab.

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: GUEST,KingBrilliant
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 10:03 AM

We usually take a double airbed matress with duvets & proper pillows (for Amoret & I who are wimps) & Mark has a rollmat. At the moment we are between cars & had to rely on lifts + train for Towersey & so we all had rollmats + sleeping bags. Amoret & I had had a test-night on mats & sleepingbags & it was really uncomfortable, so at the festival I was amazed!!! We had really comfortable nights - most unexpected. I think the pillows we had were a huge help - we took blow-up plastic cushions from the 'pound shop' & used them semi-inflated & wrapped in clothes. This seemed to completely alleviate that too-flat feeling. Thoroughly recommended.

Kris

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: paddymac
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 02:33 PM

Ever notice how few things in life give rise to greater ingenuity than the quest for a decent night's sleep? It's been my experience that a bit 'o the crature and warm feet can overcome most other problems. Sometimes, depending who you're with, working the kinks out in the morning can be a memorable experience as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: GUEST,Ickle Dorritt cookieless again
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 06:36 PM

Ibought one for Warwick folk festival in July- it hasn't deflated yet.

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: BanjoRay
Date: 05 Sep 00 - 08:22 PM

My wife and I both have Thermarests which we've used in the most god forsaken territory you can imagine on mountaineering trips. They'll turn a scree slope into a feather bed! If they start to deflate, you have to persist with the bathtub until you find the leak, then fix it with the gunge that comes in the repair kit. This has only happened once to each of us after years of abuse. As long as you leave it to self inflate when you store it it'll be fine.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: GUEST,Blind desert pete
Date: 06 Sep 00 - 07:48 PM

After 20 yrs my thermarest blew out a side seam. I sent it back to cascade designs asking for a repair, but they sent me a new one. Thier lifetime guaruntee sp means just that!

Subject: RE: BS: Thermarest-style camping pads
From: Gary T
Date: 06 Sep 00 - 08:04 PM

Thanks for the replies. We'll try for warranty service on them.