Thermarest pump

[foxyrider]

anyone had any experience using one of these?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/92281886@ ... 4b1-dpkGXp

[andrew_s]

Interesting - I didn't know they existed.
4x5x7.5cm doesn't seem too big. I wonder how many pumps your pair of AAA give?
I'm not sure I want to spend £30 to avoid the possibility of mildew inside the Neoair though, not having had any problems with it over the last 3 years.

[toekneep]

I have often wondered about the consequences of blowing warm moist air into the thermarest. As a precaution we store ours inflated and with the valves open between tours. We'll be away for six months continuously this summer though so I hope it isn't a problem.

[RickH]

I got one of these - no batteries needed!

Its basically a stuff sack with a hole that fits the valve on the closed end (behind the flap with the label. You put it over the valve, open it out so there is empty space in the middle, roll the top over to seal it then squash the air out of the sack into the mattress. It takes about 2 or 3 fills to inflate a NeoAir. It can also be used to make a seat with a partially inflated one rolled up inside if you feel so inclined.

Rick.

[foxyrider]

I got - no batteries needed!

pump sack.jpg

Its basically a stuff sack with a hole that fits the valve on the closed end (behind the flap with the label. You put it over the valve, open it out so there is empty space in the middle, roll the top over to seal it then squash the air out of the sack into the mattress. It takes about 2 or 3 fills to inflate a NeoAir. It can also be used to make a seat with a partially inflated one rolled up inside if you feel so inclined.

Rick.

Thats been slated by most reviewers - i really don't need an extra bag - pity the stuff sack the NeoAir comes with couldn't be used!

[RickH]

Thats been slated by most reviewers - i really don't need an extra bag - pity the stuff sack the NeoAir comes with couldn't be used!

I think the one the NeoAir comes in is too small (probably less than 5l), whereas the pump sack is quite a big volume (nominally 40l). If I'm not using it for anything else it will easily fold up & fit in the storage bag supplied with the NeoAir. When I'm storing the NeoAir at home I keep it slightly blown up in the pump sack.

I'm glad I didn't see the reviews, they might have put me off what I find to be a useful bit of kit. I reckon it is easier to inflate a NeoAir with one than doing it by blowing (although if you like the mattress firm you probably want to do the last little bit by mouth), although there is a slight knack in getting plenty of air in the sack and also rolling the end to seal it. Once you have pushed most of the air from the sack into the mattress it is easy enough to give the valve a twist through the sack material to stop air leaking back out once you are up to, or near, pressure.

Rick.

[epa611]

Seem to be stealing Exped's idea for inflating bags...

[foxyrider]

Here is my mobile bed!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/92281886@ ... 38y-ft7ymK

Inside the bag - NeoAir ultralight, pillow and NeoAir pump

I got the Sea to Summit 1litre dry bag as the Thermarest bag supplied with the mat is a) too big, b) poorly made and c) not waterproof.