The self-inflating hiking mat retains heat well, so it is necessary for a comfortable sleep during a hike, especially when it comes to hiking in the cold season. These rugs can be used even in winter.
A sleeping mat is a necessary attribute of camping equipment for spending the night in a tent. Of course, instead of a tourist mat, you can use a regular inflatable mattress, but it is comfortable to sleep on the mattress only in warm weather. If the air temperature is below + 10 ° C, it is possible to freeze on the mattress, since the air inside the mattress will not warm up. For hikes in cool weather, it is best to use self-inflating rugs.
How does a self-inflating rug work?
Such a rug has nothing to do with an air mattress, since it does not have empty space inside it, but a porous substance, like a sponge. This filler is called open-cell polyurethane. The peculiarity of the filler lies in the fact that when the valve is opened at the straightened rug, the pores themselves begin to fill with air. In about 20-25 minutes, the mat is inflated, after which it is necessary to close the valve.
Self-inflating rugs are single and double. They are two and a half to seven centimeters thick. And they weigh on average from 500 to 900 grams (the weight of one berth). In terms of heat-insulating properties, such rugs are several times superior to conventional isolon "foams".
Rules for the operation of self-inflating rugs
Despite the fact that the rugs have a protective rubberized coating on the outside, they require careful use. You also need to take a rug repair kit (patches and glue) with you on a hike.
It is not recommended to use self-inflating mats outside the tent. They should not be placed on dry grass, branches and stones, as this can cause punctures in the protective coating. Do not leave the rug in the sun. If it heats up, the volume of air inside will increase, and the rug may disperse at the seams.
Do not use the mat as an inflatable swimming mattress, it is better not to let it come into contact with water. If the valve is poorly closed and water gets inside, it will be quite difficult to dry the porous filler.
If water gets inside, twist the mat tightly several times in a row, so you can squeeze the water out of it. Then dry it outdoors (not in the sun) or in a ventilated area for several days.
How to store your self-inflating mat
At home it should be kept flat and with the valve open. It can be placed on top of a cupboard, under a cupboard, between a wall and a cupboard, etc. If the mat is kept rolled up and the valve is not opened, the porous filler will become less bulky over time or even begin to delaminate.
