Everyone loves to relax in their own way: someone prefers to spend a vacation on the couch with a book or in front of a computer monitor, someone catches the rays of the hot sun on the beach, and for someone there is nothing better than unity with nature in hiking conditions. That's about the comfort of the latter, we will talk today. A multi-day hike suggests that the tourist needs to sleep somewhere. It is unlikely that anyone will enjoy spending the night on bare ground: not only that, even in summer the land is very cold, stones with bumps also leave bruises all over the body. That is why self-inflating mats are choosing an increasing number of tourists and lovers of extreme relaxation. But first, consider the history of the transformation of the tourist "box".
We will not look far into history when fir spruce branches were used instead of a mattress. Although many for greater thermal insulation and now sometimes it is used as a lining material.
If we talk about self-inflating rugs, then it is worth saying that before their appearance, outdoor enthusiasts used inflatable mattresses and “foams”. Both that and others had both pluses, and minuses. Mattresses smooth out irregularities of the earth, that is, neither bumps nor stones of tourists disturb. However, in cold weather, the air inside cools quickly, and therefore sleep on such "furniture" is sometimes not too warm. And the weight of the mattress is too big for hiking.
“Foam” - a rug made of double-layer polyethylene foam - has served as a great alternative for a long time. Many use it now. It is lightweight, folds compactly and fits in a backpack or attaches externally to it, has excellent thermal insulation properties. But the back of the person who sleeps on it feels all the bumps in the earth.
But self-inflating mats have the advantages of both a mattress and “foam”, while they are practically devoid of flaws. They are soft and yet quite elastic, which brings them closer to orthopedic mattresses in properties. This attribute of camping life provides a comfortable stay, because it smooths the surface. Thermal insulation properties are ensured by a special filler enclosed between layers of air- and waterproof fabric. Some models can be used even in winter.
Of course, any self-inflating mat also has disadvantages. Reviews in this regard converge: it requires very careful handling. If the material breaks through, then using this item will be very difficult. But, in principle, a similar situation can easily be corrected with the help of a repair kit, which is in the assortment of any manufacturer. In addition, self-inflating mats have slightly more weight than the same “foam”. Nevertheless, any tourist can choose the most suitable options, since the market offers models with a thickness of 2 to 10 cm and a weight of 500 grams to 3 kilograms.
How do self-inflating mats “work”? After opening the valve and unfolding this item, the filler begins to absorb air and straighten. After a while, all the folds will straighten out, and it remains only to slightly resume the mat with a mouth or a pump. And after an overnight stay, he easily folds into a compact "sausage" that fits in a backpack.
This hiking accessory has both supporters and opponents. But many active people will be happy to purchase the self-inflating rug “Alexika”, “Therm-A-Rest” or “RockLand”.