Travel rugs: types and subtleties of choice

A special camping rug for tourism is an integral part of tourism equipment. On a hiking trip, no other bedding can replace it, like a sleeping bag. This product has its own characteristics, thanks to which it gives a special comfort to a person. About what it is and what it is for, the material of this article will tell. In addition, we will briefly dwell on its varieties, materials of manufacture, as well as the nuances of choice and care.

A tourist rug is a coating of various sizes that is used as thermal insulation between the human body and the ground. This is a product the size of a person and more, designed for sitting and sleeping a tourist. The rug can be used as protection of a sleeping bag from moisture and damages. They lay it on the bottom of the tent, the floor or the ground, and use it for camping.

In another way, it is called “karemat”, “foam”, “accordion” (the difference in some names is explained by the varieties of products). Its purpose is to smooth out the uneven surfaces on which the tourist found the night. In fact, it replaces the soft skin, spruce branches.

In the production of tourist rugs, brands use different raw materials. Depending on the type of product, it is made from:

• foamed polymers: non-crosslinked polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam foil (penofol), cross-linked polyethylene foam (isolon), as well as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA, EVA);
• rubberized material and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane foam with a porous structure, placed in a polyester shell.

Each type of material has its own characteristics, which determine the durability of the product, varying degrees of softening of uneven soil surfaces, as well as resistance to mechanical damage. For example, the demand for rugs made of non-crosslinked polyethylene is explained by their price. These products differ from other types of material in their large-pore texture. Such rugs can vary in thickness, colors. This material is widely available, so you can simply buy the right cut and make a rug out of it.

However, the material also has disadvantages: it wears out quickly, tears, crumples, in addition, it does not always have the proper level of thermal insulation. A thick layer causes a large roll size, which is inconvenient on a hike. Penofol, unlike disposable rugs, has a foil sheathing on one or two sides. Due to the reflection of infrared waves, heat loss is reduced here.

Izolon, unlike the first two types of raw materials, is wear resistant. This raw material is made at the Izhevsk Plastics Plant, it is characterized by density, however, along with low cost, it has several drawbacks. For example, sufficient thermal insulation at low temperatures is unusual for the material, and even with a large thickness, such a rug takes up a lot of space, which is inconvenient for a hiker.

Characteristics of EVA exceed other materials in terms of strength and thermal protection. These rugs are always black, are inexpensive, and are characterized by high wear resistance. The raw material has a soft texture, as well as sufficient flexibility at low temperatures, which is why the rug from it can be taken on a hike in the cold season. The disadvantages of the material are the overall dimensions of the product with a large size of the working area, as well as the fear of high temperature.

As for the rubberized material, it does an excellent job of smoothing uneven ground. The rug, which is made of it, will not be afraid of minor punctures. However, this raw material cannot be called light, its weight is greater than that of the foamed counterpart for the production of tourist rugs. In addition, tourists also note insufficient thermal insulation.

The PVC used for inflatables is good for its low weight and low cost, as well as its ability to smooth out uneven ground. However, the rug it is made from can be easily pierced. Also, such products may have air passing through the existing seams. PVC mat is preferable to use in summer due to significant heat loss.

Polyurethane foam mat can be used in different types of travel pads.The material is characterized by a sufficient leveling of the soil surface, it is resistant to punctures, weighs a little, and is compact when folded. However, this product, which is characterized by high thermal insulation, requires careful use.

Today, specialized rugs for tourism can be different. Conventionally, they can be divided into several categories. For example, according to their purpose, they are divided into options for hiking, rugs for mountain hiking and trekking, mountaineering, cycling and fast & light hiking. In addition, there are double models for family and romantic holidays.

According to the type of construction, they can be standard, rolled up, folding and inflatable. Consider the main nuances of each type.

Foam pads are the most common and common hiking pads. You can buy them not only in specialized stores - they are also on the shelves of construction and household points of sale. They can be laid by the fire, with good material quality, they restore their shape without weight load.

This category includes products with a sealed shell and an internal filler similar to foam rubber. The principle of unfolding such products is extremely simple. When the valve is opened, the compressed filler expands on its own, forming a self-inflating effect. After the carpet is inflated, the valve is closed.

Experienced users note that the dimensions of the rug are quite acceptable for tourism, however, for proper density, such a product does not hurt to create additional pressure. When the valve is reopened, the bedding is blown back to its original size. The disadvantage of such a product is the impossibility of repair in case of an accidental puncture.

The layman often confuses these products with ordinary air mattresses. Some of these varieties may be equipped with down with many baffles, which is necessary to prevent cooling. The disadvantages of the products are exactly the same as the previous variety. As far as merits are concerned, one of them is the small size when packed - some modifications can fit in the backpacker's pocket.

These products withstand low temperatures, in addition, they provide for adjusting the density of inflation. You can also inflate them by mouth, but it is better to use a compact pump for this (for example, mini, electric, case pump).

These rugs attract the attention of buyers with the presence of stable supports. Outwardly, they resemble clamshells, which are characterized by considerable dimensions when folded. Such products find their customers because not every person can sleep on the ground: there are those who can hardly fall asleep on folding beds.

These products have a high degree of wear resistance, they increase the comfort of the user. But, along with this, they can not be called comfortable on a hike. They do not have proper thermal insulation, and therefore it is better to use them in the warm season.

Products of this type are a set of PES sheets connected together, packed in a textile shell. The upper part of the folding rug is made of fabric, the lower part has a synthetic base. Compared to solid sheet products, these models have their drawbacks. In addition to being divided into sections, which reduces the comfort of the user, these beddings are impractical and get wet, and therefore need a protective cover.

To date, rugs for tourism are produced by many brands. Among the rich assortment, one can single out the products of several companies, for example, Therm-a-Rest, Exped, Penolon. The first brand produces products for mountain hiking and trekking, these products are characterized by low weight and user comfort. The line includes sports inflatable and self-inflating mats for tourism in the summer and winter seasons. Models differ in average density and thickness up to 6.3 mm.

Among other options of the brand, inflatable products for mountaineering are worthy of attention, which are distinguished by greater warmth and the ability to use at sub-zero temperatures up to -25 degrees. All products of the company are presented in four sizes, due to which the buyer can choose the option based on their own preferences.

Swiss brand products Exped inferior to the first brand, but in its assortment there are many rugs worthy of attention. They have a slightly heavier weight, as well as slightly worse thermal insulation, but at the same time they are more compact and can be suitable for both one and two users. For example, for tourists who prefer to sleep on the ground with great comfort, the manufacturer offers options with a width of 105 cm.

Travel mats "Penolon" designed for sports, travel and outdoor activities. The company offers buyers two-layer products for tourism, sports and recreation, made of PPE. The bedding can be used under a sleeping bag and is lightweight and durable. The product is characterized by low thermal conductivity and high water-repellent properties.

When purchasing a tourist rug for a tent or for a short one-day trip, you should rely on a number of criteria. For example, the key ones will be thermal insulation, comfort, size, reliability, weight, volume and cost. As practice shows, in the conditions of the Arctic, the same foil rugs with a thin layer are inferior to products made of rigid foam. Izhevsk rugs allow a significant amount of heat to pass through, however, their users do not freeze.

The specifics of operation will determine the size of the product. Let's say someone needs a small bedding, while another user needs a large size modification. The size of the model must be at least 180 cm long and 60 wide. Imported counterparts have dimensions of 185x50 (52) cm, more comfortable ones provide dimensions of 195 (200) x65 cm.

The shape can be both rectangular and tapering towards the legs, which reduces the weight of the bedding. However, according to users, rectangular ones are considered the best products (when they are laid in a tent, there are no gaps left).As for the type of model, many people like options with filler. You need to choose between options with foam rubber and down.

It is necessary to take into account the indicators of the minimum temperature in order to have an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwhat season a particular product is suitable for. Rugs warm the body in different ways, trekking products warm a person at temperatures up to -8 degrees, in summer options this figure is +5 degrees, winter ones can withstand a mark of -30 degrees.

When buying, you need to take into account the density of the material, the size when rolled up and the weight. Density can vary between 75-150 D for puncture resistant products and 20 to 30 D for lightweight bedding. The latter are suitable for use inside tents; when used outdoors, they quickly become unusable.

The use and care of the rug depends on the type of particular variety. For example, sheets of rigid foam are carried along the back of a backpack that is designed for such equipment. Folding and compact analogues are packed inside a hiking backpack. Flexible ones are recommended to be rolled into tight rolls under the diameter of the backpack, creating from them a kind of pipe-frames.

In addition, depending on the variety, some products provide for carrying on the back or side of the backpack. The method is not the most convenient, moreover, it does not protect against accidental mechanical damage. Therefore, in this case, you have to pack the rug in a special protective case-tubemade from durable textile.

In winter, you can take a couple of foam rugs on a hike. This is explained by the ability of the foam to absorb moisture, as a result of which it freezes inside the formation, which worsens thermal insulation. By laying one litter on top of another, it will be possible to smooth out the unevenness of the soil and partially achieve greater thermal insulation. If the surface is too uneven, the bedding can be placed under the sleeping bag, and under it itself - any things that level the surface.

In order to quickly and effectively return the cleanliness of a dirty karemat, it is carried to the bathroom, one of the sides is poured with water from the shower. Immediately, the tiled wall of the bathroom is soaked, and the karemat is glued to it with the moistened side. The rug will immediately stick to the wall, which will quickly wash out the existing dirt from the second side. Wash it with water, pouring from the shower. With proper pressure, dirt from the relief surface will be washed out quickly. After the product must be thoroughly dried and removed for storage.

How to choose a rug for tourism, see the following video.