Okay, now I can get some sleep.
Written: Oct 16 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: comfortable, easy to use, light
Cons: a little pricey, could be a little wider
The Bottom Line: Definitely purchase one of these if you like to get a good rest when you are camping. Don't bother with full size inflatable mattreses.
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| hannahmont's Full Review: Cascade Designs Therm-a-Rest Discovery Explorer |
I finally bit the bullet and bought a Therm-a-Rest after nightmarish sleeping experiences on the Coleman inflatable bed (see my review). After two nights of rest on this baby, I am convinced that Therm-a-rest is definitely the way to go. The cost is totally worth it. This mattress is actually in their cheaper line, but is still very high quality.
EASE OF USE: This mattress is very easy to use because it is self-inflating. All you need to do is open the valve and let it do the work. Leave it alone for a few minutes (I haven't timed it, but it's not too long) and it will inflate itself. I usually add a few more breaths to add to the firmness, but some people might find it completely comfortable without the extra air. Deflating the mattress is easy, too. I just undo the valve, roll the mattress from the end opposite the valve and compress the air out as I go. Once the mattress is all rolled up, I sit on it to squeeze out the last of the air and close the valve. It will now hold its rolled-up shape. Only roll it up for traveling, though. Therm-a-rest recommends storing the mattress unrolled with the valve open behind the couch or under the bed.
If you are backpacking, this might not be the best mattress. It's a bit bulky once it's rolled up, but it is pretty light. I know they sell a lighter (and more expensive version) for backpackers.
COMFORT: This mattress is waaaay more comfortable than you'd think, considering it's only about an inch and a half thick. I thought my hips would be uncomfortable, but they did not hit the ground through the mattress and I found it very comfortable to sleep on my side. It's definitely not your bed at home, but it's great for camping or an overnight at a friends whose couch is already taken.
People have complained that the material that the mattress is made out of is slippery and causes you to slide off your mattress in the night. I did not experience this, but I can imagine if you were sleeping on a slight hill it might happen. I imagine that this could be resolved by making a slipcover for the mattress made out of flannel or something like that.
SIZE: (The following information is taken from the official website -http://www.cascadedesigns.com/thermarest/discovery_series.asp?Action=Explorer)
Weight: 2lbs2oz/940g
Inflated Size: 20x72x1.5in/51x183x3.8cm
Rolled Size: 21x6in/53x15cm
Color: navy top/mocha bottom
The length is great for me, but if you are a taller person, your feet might hit the ground. I wish the mattress was a little bit wider, but it wouldn't be convenient because it would take up too much space.
All in all, a great purchase!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
hannahmont
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Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 2 members
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