Weight
The weight of a tourist rug depends both on the materials of manufacture and on the geometric parameters, type (inflatable or self-inflating) and the purpose of the model. It can increase due to the presence of an additional thermal insulating layer based on aluminium foil, etc. Note that this parameter is of priority when transporting on oneself (on foot, especially in difficult conditions) — for such cases, models with a
minimum weight are best suited. In situations of tourism in transport, or going out into nature, the convenience of the product will play a greater role than its weight.
Fastening possibility
Possibility of connection with other rugs in a single design. Thus, for example, you can create a family bed from two products, or an impromptu game table for the company. However not all models with this function are compatible with each other — by definition, quilting is available for the same rugs, but the compatibility of different models should be clarified separately.
Built-in pillow
The presence of
a built-in pillow in the design of the rug.
Self-inflating models usually have this feature (see "Type"). The pillow is a thickening at the head of the rug, providing additional support for the head of a lying person. However the dimensions of such a thickening are usually small, and it is not a fact that it can fully replace a real pillow; however, even such a “mini-pillow” is better than the complete lack of support under the head.
Repair kit
Minor repair kit, originally supplied with the mat. This option is found exclusively among inflatable and self-inflating models: even a slight damage to the shell can completely render such a rug unusable. In such cases, a
repair kit allows you to correct the situation: such a kit includes at least patches (with special glue or self-adhesive ones), and sometimes additional tools. Note that repair kits are usually designed for minor damage — cuts and punctures up to 10 – 15 cm in size; however, more serious "accidents" do not happen so often.
Dimensions (LxWxT)
The dimensions of the rug in the unfolded position. This parameter allows you to evaluate how much the area of the product will be enough for your purposes, and whether it will fit in the intended location — for example, in a tent.
Each individual size has its own specifics. So, choosing a classic rug (see "Type") in length depends on the height of the user, in width — taking into account the physique (
wide tourist rugs will be a burden for the average person, and narrow ones will be uncomfortable for large people). Among the seats, the situation is simpler, they all have approximately the same size, sufficient for their intended use. The thickness, usually, characterizes the softness of the product: the larger it is, the better the mat smooths out irregularities and the more pleasant it is to lie on it (ceteris paribus, of course). On the other hand, for a thick rug it is more difficult to achieve compactness when folded, so an increase in thickness affects either the dimensions of the product during transportation or the price.
Dimensions (folded)
Dimensions of the rug when folded. This parameter determines how much space the product will take up during transportation. Note that in this case, “perfect” sizes are usually indicated, corresponding to the most dense packaging according to all the rules; actual dimensions may be slightly larger, depending on the quality of folding.