Pumping up your Mat with the bag!

By ghirsch163414 Ranked #391 - Sleeping Pads April 1, 2009

I like this mat, but hate the inflation method.

I went to Lowes today and found a part that is used for a dishwasher drain to reduce the size. The large end fits on the mat valve and I am able to jam the pump into the other end using the hose that came with the pump. Now I can pump this up to give it a try. My pump is a very small, light and looks like this:

www.stowawayboatfender.com/stowaway_hand_pump_1.html

Some of your customers will not want the extra bulk with the pump. The bag system would work if the bag would stay on the valve, but there is nothing to keep it on while you "re-charge" the bag. Also, it is almost impossible to keep the bag on the valve while pushing the air into the mat. I think that this is a very lame inflation system. I have since read reviews where the reviewer admits to forgetting the "pump" and just blowing up the mat with his mouth. This introduces moisture which causes the down to break down much faster. They need to fix this system if they want recommendations.

View Details: Exped DownMat Sleeping Pad

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes