Camping gear - sleeping pad
Sleeping pad
I weight around 95 kg, so I was not too keen to sleep on 1.5 or 3 cm thick sleeping pads. I was searching for something thicker and more comfortable. Beside comfort, packing size was most important parameter. I started with this review, Google suggested it when I searched for 'best sleeping pad'. Based on following research and availability, I choose Therm-a-Rest NeoAir All-Season in Regular size. It was a bit costly, but it ticked all boxes - lightweight, very compact packing, comfortable. When I tested it in my bedroom, it feelt like a right choice.
It comes with small electric pump, with two AA batteries. But I just use my lungs to pump it. I managed to fully inflate it with less then 20 full blows. I am still in good shape, it seems. Got little dizzy after, but it was not too bad. It is 183 x 51 cm, just enough for me, since I sleep on my stomach and like to keep my feet out of the bed.
It deflates easily too. Just open the valve, roll it and push air out sitting on it. Then unfold it again and fold it according to instructions, so it will roll into really small sack.
Therm-a-rest specification claims it packs to 22 x 12 cm, and I can confirm that. Don't let first photo's confuse you, there is few cm's of free space there, on each side. It is really small, especially compared to some other inflatable sleeping pads I saw at the shop.
It comes with repair kit, which is also very small and it can be carried inside the sack. I hope I wont be needing it, but it is better to have it around.
After using it on my first camping ride ever, I can confirm that it is really, really comfortable. I couldn't imagine that camping sleeping mat of this size could be so comfortable.
Time will tell, but this seems like a very good pick.
UPDATE 8.3.2021.
Since I am constantly on the watch for a way to improve my camping gear, I was looking for a new sleeping pad and I found this nice and informative blog post - https://outdoorunion.org/reviews/best-sleeping-pad. It's worth checking out.