Mats

O

OmegaA

Joined
Feb 13, 2004
Messages
282
I damaged my self-inflatable mat (a cheap one, not Therma-rest). Now it releases air all the time that eventually I end up on the ground if I deside to sleep on it. To avoid such problem, I would like to buy a plastic ordinary mat.
I saw several types of mats in the shop: 1-2 seasons, 3-4 seasons and even 5 seasons (I guess for very cold weather).
My questions is: what is the disadvantage of 3-4 season mats in comparison to 1-2 seasons? 3-4 season mats should be softer, better insulation, weight and dimensions - not much difference. Of course, 3-4 season costs more, but still quite cheap.
I do not want self-inflating any more because they are heavier, need to get inslated, cover smaller area, you try protect them from the rain...
 
I've got the same problem with mine (ThermA-Rest) but it is light and worked great for me in the past. Weight is probably the main disadvantage. I have a suggestion and while it may not be what you've asked for it definitely has a potential: get a ThermA-Rest at REI, get a patch/glue kit that comes with it and be a happy camper. Your investment is protected by REI 100% satisfaction policy. Good luck!
 
i prefer my ridgerest (made by therma-rest) closed-cell foam pad to my self-inflatable. its cheaper, more durable, and weighs less. i don't have to worry about puncturing it or tearing it. the only downside is slightly more bulk. you can buy 3/4 length vesions i believe, or just buy the full length and cut it down to the preferred size.
 
I have a closed cell foam pad that i have used for years and it has worked pretty good. I would not use it for winter camping, its too thin. The extra weight of a four season is probably not a real big deal like you said. You were also talking about self inflating not have insulation value to a certain point. Just if you are interested-Thermarest just came out with a 4 season airmatress that weighs about a pound and a half. In the end both choices are good in my opinion, just depends what you like to sleep on. Thanks for the fact that there can be problems with getting thermarests wet, gives me something to think about.
 
I do a good deal of backpacking and I can tell you that thermarest pads are the best. If you want one with out spending the money go to campmor.com and they have termarest pads with cosmetic inperfections that are about half the price but work fine. My brother got one of these and all that was wrong with it was the "termarest" logo was smeared when it was painted on. He has used it for six years and never a problem. I use/abuse mine all the time, usually when I go backpacking I will just throw it down and sleep on top of it. No ground sheet, and have never had a hole in it. Mine is also a ultra light model, but they are more expensive ($90). Hope that this helps.
Wade
 
I think self-inflating mats still have one big disadvantage for hiking - weight. Because of this, I do not think many people take them for one-day walks. You can take small closed-cell mats for sitting during breaks, but why not lie down on closed-cell mat? I like to lie down, especially while warming up food.

As I understood, there is no real disadvantage of having 3-5 seasons mats in summer times instead of 1-2 seasons, right?
 
I like the 3/4 length Z-rest as it folds and takes up less space.

Remember you can insulate youself from the ground with natural materials if in a survival situation as well.

Skam
 
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