I've never slept-in while camping, until now ...
Written: May 02 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Comfortable, durable, high-quality, sufficient length
Cons: Time consuming, heavy, expensive (in comparison)
The Bottom Line: A nice luxury. The Therm-A-Rest is a high-quality, durable sleeping pad that makes for a good night's sleep (helps keep warm too).
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| teamsporttrac's Full Review: Cascade Designs Therm-A-Rest Performance Series |
I've been camping since I was "knee-high to a grasshopper." I can vividly recall the nostalgic smell and crackling of the campfire, torched marshmallows dangling from the end of my 'marshmallow stick,' and the big black ants that always took-over the red & white checkered tablecloth. The memories plus a passion for the outdoors are just two reasons why I continue to camp today, although today I camp a bit differently than I did yesterday.
I never even heard of a Therm-A-Rest until I started camping with friends away at college. It seemed like every person I went camping with had some type of pad on which to place their sleeping bag. I remember seeing a green rubber/foam roll-up pad about 1/2" thick, another blue one that folded-up like an accordion, then there was the self-inflating Therm-A-rest. Heck, I was used to sleeping directly on the ground, so that was always fine for me. In fact I used to tease the guys that they weren't strong enough to 'rough-it' on the ground. However, I borrowed A Therm-A-Rest for a night and was 'sold' on it. It was then that I found out why everyone had these things!
The Therm-A-Rest is a nice convenience. It can make sleeping on hard/rough ground quite comfortable. During colder weather, it greatly assists in keeping you warm (hence the name "Therm-A-Rest"). When the Therm-A-Rest is fully inflated, it is a little over 1.5" thick; this thick cushion lets you forget about anything sticking you in your sleep.
Don't be fooled by "self-inflating." Heres how it works: there is an air valve with an open/close function at one corner of the sleeping pad. While you transport the pad, it saves space to roll it up. Before you roll-up the Therm-A-Rest, you open the air valve. You start rolling from the end opposite the air valve. This forces air out of the sleeping pad. [One thing I dislike about the Therm-A-Rest is the amount of time and effort it takes to put it away. This process of rolling it up and deflating it takes a few minutes.]
Once it is all rolled-up, you close the valve, thus preventing air from entering the pad again (until you open the valve again). It is not recommended to keep the Therm-A-Rest rolled-up for long periods of storage (I think it may reduce the 'fluff' of the padding).
Upon reaching your destination, you open the air valve and air re-enters the sleeping pad (self-inflating). To maximize thickness/firmness of the pad, I often blow more air into the valve after it has had plenty of time to 'self-inflate.'
I consider the Therm-A-Rest a luxury and not a necessity (although I know people that won't go camping without it). There are still times that I go camping and leave the Therm-A-Rest at home. If I am in a hurry or want to camp simply (with as few items as possible), I leave the Therm-A-Rest home.
When you go to buy a sleeping pad, make sure it is long enough for your whole body (if that is what you're looking for). Some are manufactured in shorter lengths to support mainly the head and upper body - reducing packing size and weight. Check price, weight, and packing size. The Therm-A-Rest is the most expensive sleeping pad I've seen. There are many foam types that cost half that of a Therm-A-Rest. The true test is to try them before you buy them. Seriously, the store should be willing to let you feel the comfort/weight of the various pads they have. Go with what you feel comfortable with.
Happy Camping!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
teamsporttrac
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Location: Kansas City, MO USA
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 3 members
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