Inflatable travel mats: features and selection rules

Rest is an integral part of every hiking trip, because you will need a lot of energy on the way. Therefore, you need to take care of comfortable equipment for sleeping. A tourist inflatable mat is an excellent choice for both a beginner and an experienced traveler. In this article, we will look at how to choose the right device.

A modern inflatable tourist rug is a device without which an experienced traveler cannot imagine a single trip. This attribute is a mini mattress that is easy to fold and carry with you. There are two main types of hiking rugs.

• Inflatable. This type of mat is designed for hiking, so it is very compact. It is inflated with a pump or by mouth. Often in this attribute there is a filler - synthetic or natural (in the form of fluff).
• Self-inflating. These mats are incredibly travel-friendly, they are compact, lightweight and inflate on their own when the valves are opened.

To find the right travel mat for you, you need to familiarize yourself with the properties of different models.

• Options. Standard sizes of inflatable and self-inflating mats: length - 180-185 cm, width - about 50 cm. The thickness is different: self-inflating - 2-6 cm, inflatable - 5-7 cm. Weight is relatively small: self-inflating - 400-600 grams, inflatable - 300-500 grams. But in well-known companies, special series of rugs are produced, which provide for wider and longer models.
• The form. Previously, rugs were produced in the shape of a rectangle. But in recent years, manufacturers have begun to create these devices with a slightly rounded shape that narrows in the leg area. This solution allows to reduce the weight by 15%.
• Thermal insulation. In order for the mat to protect you from the cold as best as possible, you need to choose a model with a filler: foam rubber, down and synthetic fibers. Cheaper models - with polyurethane foam and synthetic materials. But it is better to choose rugs filled with natural down, in this case, the advantage lies in warmth, weight and compactness. The manufacturer marks on the product the temperature at which this rug can be used. On average, popular fixtures are limited to -8 ° C. But there are models that do not provide for temperatures below + 5 ° C. There are also winter options that can withstand temperatures of -25 ° C.
• Density. Sleeping mats also differ in density, which is measured in units of "denier", the average density of this device is 75-150 den. An inflatable tourist mat for a tent is not designed for an overly hard surface, its density is 20–30 den. Sleeping mats usually come with special patches for fixing the attribute. But still, you should choose this equipment with a density of 45 den.
• Compactness. Summer rugs will take only 1 liter in your backpack.The volume of universal models is from 2 to 3.5 liters.

Now consider the most popular models of inflatable rugs.

Thermal insulation - up to -5 ° C, weight - 540 grams, size - 180x52 cm, thickness - 7 cm. The kit includes a case, a repair kit, a built-in pump (you can also use a regular one). Minuses: valves stand out, condensate collects, low density. Pros: compactness, small weight, presence of the built-in pump.

The density of the material is nylon - 20 den, cellular structure, width - from 3 to 6 cm, size 185x54 cm, weight - 440 grams, the shape narrows in the leg area. Pros: compactness, lightness, the presence of a built-in pillow. Minuses: lack of filler, thin material, high price.

Parameters: 183x51 cm, thickness - 10 cm, weight - up to 1 kg. Increased comfort due to the cellular structure, good thermal insulation due to silvery threads that reflect the warmth of a person. The rug can be inflated both independently and with the help of a pump. In addition to the declared parameters, models of other sizes are produced.

This model of inflatable mat is designed for people above average height. Minuses: more weight. Pros: built-in pump, a place to fix the pillow, models with insulation are available.

Size: 183x52 cm, thickness - 7 cm. Permissible temperature up to -12°C. The set includes a case, a built-in pump, a repair kit. Pros: lightweight, durable materials, affordable price, the presence of natural insulation. Minuses: limited sizes.

Dimensions: 183x51x6 cm. Total weight - 350 grams. pros: oval shape, which greatly saves space, compact, reflective layer that retains heat. Minuses: no large sizes, use at limited temperature.

On the features of choosing tourist rugs, see the following video.