How to choose a tourist caremat?
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Types of constructions
Today there are two main types of sleeping mats on the market: a tourist “foam” and a self-inflating mat. In the first case, it is a sheet of foamed thermal insulation material. The second option is such a mixture of foam and an air mattress. Which one you choose will depend on the purposes for which you plan to purchase a rug. Let's take a closer look at these types.
Ordinary karemat
Karemat is, in fact, a piece of foam between you and the cold earth. Most of them are less than one and a half centimeters thick. The air is located in small cells of the material due to which the function of thermal insulation is performed and the softness of the material is given. The main advantages of such a litter are weight, cheapness, reliability and ease of use. There are several advanced foam options. Firstly, two-layer karemats. Such products are made of two materials and are considered more reliable than single-layer analogues.
Another modification is karemats with aluminium film. The foil reflects the heat of the human body, thereby improving the same level of thermal insulation.
It is worth noting that not all karemats with aluminium foil can boast of sufficient durability. Some cheap products will simply climb after several hikes, which negatively affects the thermal insulation of the mat.
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| The big disadvantage of karemats is a large volume when folded. |
Inflatable mat
Many outdoor enthusiasts give their choice to inflatable mats. In fact, this is an ordinary inflatable mattress, only thinner and with more air chambers. The increased number of compartments is used to reduce the heat exchange between the chambers and thereby prevent the air from cooling too quickly. However, inflatable mats for the most part still remain unsuitable for use in winter. Some manufacturers quite successfully use reflective layers to increase thermal insulation. However, models with aluminium film can break the silence by rustling, which does not really contribute to a comfortable sleep. The main advantage of mats of this type is the smallest possible size when folded. The advantages include low weight and the ability to smooth out uneven terrain due to the large thickness. Speaking of disadvantages, it is worth noting the inconvenience of inflating/deflating, greater sensitivity to damage and questionable sleep comfort due to the effect of air rolling.
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Self-inflating mat
A more advanced option is self-inflating karemats. They are made of a porous material like foam rubber. In compressed form, this material takes up quite a little space, and when the mat is straightened, the foam expands and thus inflates the mattress. All you have to do is spread out the mattress in a tent or other place where you are going to sleep and open the valve. You will only have to pump up some more air to give the mattress more rigidity.
Such mats have better thermal insulation properties than conventional karemats. But, at the same time, they are heavier. The advantages can also be attributed to the fact that when folded, they are much more compact than simple foams. And as for the disadvantages, the main one is a shorter service life. Inflatable karemat is easy to punch, so it is recommended to choose karemats with a repair kit.
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| Usually, self-inflating mats when folded are more compact than conventional caremats. |
Key Features
Mat weight
For a tourist, weight is one of the key parameters when choosing equipment. Especially if we are talking about multi-day hikes. Some “serious” self-inflating mats can weigh from two or more kilograms, which is too much for ordinary hiking, but models up to one and a half kilograms are just right. However, if we are talking about winter hikes or serious mountain expeditions, then we need a rug that will protect well from the cold ground and we will have to put up with a lot of weight. As for ordinary foams, they are suitable for simple hikes in the warm season or for picnics in nature, and their low weight will be a very pleasant feature.
Mat Dimensions
If we talk about dimensions, then everything depends on the parameters of the body of the person who will be lying on the mat. When choosing a tent mat, do not forget to check whether it will fit in it. Usually, the standard length ranges from 180 cm to 200 cm, width from 50 cm to 60 cm. As for the thickness, it varies from 7 mm and up to 100 mm depending on the type and thermal insulation characteristics. Mats with a larger thickness are designed for use in winter hikes, in the warm season they will only add unnecessary weight.
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| Choose a mat for the size of the tent. |
Comfort
Comfort means the convenience of transportation and operation of the mat. When choosing, you should pay attention to models with additional functions and capabilities. For example, some manufacturers offer mats with a built-in pillow, which, you will agree, is very practical since you do not have to purchase it separately or think about what to put under your head instead. There are also models that allow you to connect two identical mats, thereby increasing the usable area. Or as an alternative, you can consider two-seater models. Such options will be interesting for couples who prefer to sleep next to each other. It is also worth paying attention to the number of valves in self-inflating mats. Single-seat models can have one or two valves. In models with two valves, usually, one is designed for air intake, the other for exhaust. This design is superior to single-valve ones in terms of convenience and speed of inflating-deflating. The convenience of its transportation depends on the type of mat. So simple karemats in a twisted form take up more space than folded self-inflating mats, which, like inflating ones, are usually equipped with a cover for easy storage.
They are not united by mats
In addition to tourist mats, there are several other types of products. A self–inflating seat is an excellent option in cases when you do not need to organize a sleeping place. It is more convenient to take a tourist seat for a several-hour outing into nature, since it is much smaller than a bulky rug. Such seats are quite versatile in application and can be used in a car, on a boat or just in the park on a bench. The seats are made according to the same principle as the mats and, accordingly, have the same characteristics.
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| With a tourist pillow, rest will be much more comfortable. |
Self–inflating pillow - is made in approximately the same size as the seat, but has a large thickness in order to ensure comfortable placement of the head. It will be useful for those who are going camping, but have a rug without a built-in pillow. This pillow can also be used on long trips or at home when you need to make a bed for guests.
Result
So, to answer the question “How to choose a travel mat?” you need to first decide what needs you need it for. For short hikes in the warm season, a simple and light “foam” is suitable, but for more serious outings into nature, you need to look towards self-inflating mats that will protect you from the cold ground and ensure a comfortable sleep. The choice is yours, we hope this article will help you make it. Travel in comfort!
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