Camping Mats: specifications, types

— Rug (karemat). Travel mats of classic design, not related to self-inflating; it is these products that are usually called “karemats” (from the Karrimat trademark). The size of such a rug is usually sufficient for a person to fit on it in a prone position; there are even double models, although rarely. Anyway, the main advantages of karemats are low cost, ease of use (such products do not require inflation) and almost absolute insensitivity to damage. On the other hand, such rugs are much stiffer than inflatable and self-inflating ones, they are somewhat inferior to them in terms of thermal insulation quality, and when folded, they are rather bulky and usually require carrying on the “external suspension” of a backpack.

— Seat (karemat). Rugs of small sizes, designed exclusively for sitting and designed, usually, for one person. Such products will be convenient in simple conditions when you do not need to organize an overnight stay — for example, seat covers can be a good addition to a picnic rug. Some models even have a belt that allows you to constantly wear the seat on yourself. Note that in this case we mean non-inflatable seats made of dense porous material; they are tougher than inflatable and self-inflating counterparts, but they are cheaper and are not afraid of damage.

— Inflatable mat. Models resembling air mattresses of small thickness; in...fact, it is the thickness that is the main difference between such a product and a mattress. In addition, camping mats are usually made of denser and more durable materials, which allows them to better endure the troubles associated with being outdoors. Compared to self-inflating mats (see the relevant paragraph), inflatable mats are easier to roll up and take up less space in luggage. On the other hand, they are more sensitive to punctures: a small damage, not critical for a self-inflating product, can completely disable the inflatable shell.

— Self-inflating mat. Products in the form of classic rugs (see p. "Rug (karemat)"), made of a material with the so-called open-porous structure — like foam rubber, but more rigid. When compressed, such material is significantly reduced in size, which makes it easy to transport such equipment; and when the mounts are removed, it is filled with air, "inflating" (hence the name). It is worth noting, however, that the “self-inflating” of such products is rather arbitrary — they are unable to take in the right amount of air on their own, and it has to be added by inflating or pumping up the shell. However, when unfolded, mats of this type turn out to be much thicker than karemats, which provides comfort and a high degree of thermal insulation, sufficient even for use on expeditions (see "Intended Use"). Their main disadvantages include higher cost, as well as the fact that it takes some time and effort to expand and collapse.

— Self-inflating seat. Small seat mats made of self-inflating material. The features of this material are described in detail above in the "Self-inflating mat" section, and the features of the seats — in the "Seat (karemat)" section.

— Self-inflating pillow. A product made of self-inflating material (for more details, see "Self-inflating rug" above), intended for use as, in fact, a pillow. In terms of length and width, such models are comparable to seats (see above), but they have a much greater thickness, which is necessary for the normal placement of the head.

— Inflatable pillow. Pillows of a classic inflatable design — that is, in the form of a shell filled with air to the desired rigidity. Such pillows are noticeably simpler and cheaper in design than the self-inflating ones described above, and when folded they take up less space. In addition, by changing the degree of pumping, you can adjust the product in terms of stiffness to your own preferences. On the other hand, even a small puncture or cut makes the airbag unusable.

— Inflatable seat. Small seating mats having an inflatable shell. For details on the features of such a shell, see "Inflatable Mat" above; Seats differ from floor mats mainly in size. If we compare them with non-inflatable counterparts, then this type of seats is noticeably softer, smoothes out bumps better, but is sensitive to punctures and cuts.

— Picnic mat. Rugs designed for use at picnics and other similar events. They are quite large and can be used not only as a place to sit, but also as an impromptu tablecloth. In other words, these rugs are an analogue of ordinary bedspreads, which are often used during picnics. The key difference is that specialized rugs are made of dense waterproof material with improved thermal insulation, which allows you to comfortably place even on cold or damp ground.

The number of people that the product can accommodate when used for its intended purpose. For classic rugs (see "Type"), this purpose is the organization of a berth, for seats — seated placement on the ground.

Most of this equipment is designed for individual use, but there are also double models ; many of them, however, can also be unfastened and used as two separate halves.

Seasonality determines the time of the year for which the tent is mainly designed. So winter options allow you to use the mat at sub-zero temperatures. This is facilitated by both durable frost-resistant material and comfortable heat-resistant fillers. As for the demi-season purpose, the majority of the mats are suitable for such use, however, weather and temperature conditions depend not only on the time of year, but also on the region. Therefore, it is better to specify the temperature characteristics of the mats. Regarding the summer, everything is simple here. Any rug can be used in the summer. But there is no need for a summer picnic to take an insulated heavy winter mat.

Thermal conductivity resistance R-Value is only relevant in cases where the mat will be used in the cold season. Thermal conductivity is indicated by the R-Value coefficient, from 1 to 9. A travel mat with a thermal conductivity coefficient of 1 will allow the user to feel comfortable on the mat at an ambient temperature of at least 9 °C. If the R-Value coefficient reaches 9, then the travel mat can be safely used at an ambient temperature of -45 °C. The level of thermal conductivity is directly related to the density and thickness of the filler. If the filler is porous, that is, it contains many air-filled cells, then the travel mat will insulate the user well from the cold floor. Regarding thickness, winter rugs usually have a thickness of at least 10-12 mm.

The weight of a tourist rug depends both on the materials of manufacture and on the geometric parameters, type (inflatable or self-inflating) and the purpose of the model. It can increase due to the presence of an additional thermal insulating layer based on aluminium foil, etc. Note that this parameter is of priority when transporting on oneself (on foot, especially in difficult conditions) — for such cases, models with a minimum weight are best suited. In situations of tourism in transport, or going out into nature, the convenience of the product will play a greater role than its weight.

The maximum weight that the rug can carry without consequences. This parameter is relevant primarily for inflatable and self-inflating products (see "Type"), because mats, due to the dense structure of the material, are highly resistant to loads, and it is almost impossible to overload such a mat during normal use.

Of course, the permissible load must not be exceeded — this can lead to damage to the rug. However, it should also be borne in mind that its value is usually indicated for situations where the weight is distributed more or less evenly over the surface; under point loads, the product can be damaged even by a weight that is less than indicated in this paragraph. To put it simply, if a full-size “sleeper” model (see “Type”) has a load capacity of 100kg, a 95kg hiker can comfortably lie on such a mat, but trying to stand up with their feet can end up sad, since the load at the point of contact will be much higher than calculated.

The number of valves for inflating and releasing air provided in the design of an inflatable or self-inflating product (see "Type").

— 1. One valve used for both inflating and deflating the mat. The advantages of this option are simplicity and low cost. On the other hand, the throughput of valves is in most cases low; this is not a serious disadvantage when filling the mat with air, but can greatly slow down the folding.

— 2. The features of this option depend on the number of seats (see above) for which a certain model of the rug is designed. So, in single equipment each valve has its own specialization. One is designed to inflate and is often designed to prevent air from escaping even when the plug is open; the other, which is responsible for the release of air, has a high throughput and allows you to quickly blow off and roll up the product. However such models cost more than similar single-valve ones. And double mats usually consist of two separate halves, each of which provides its own universal valve; in terms of inflation / deflation, they are no different from the single-valve models described above.

- 4. Four valves can be installed in two-seat models: each separate half of these mats has an inlet and outlet valve, similar to single-seat two-valve products (see above).

A material used as a covering for the top of a rug.

— Polyethylene. Foamed polyethylene is a traditional material for mats (see "Type"), however, for a number of reasons, it is practically not found in self-inflating mats.

— Polyester. Synthetic material, characterized by good strength, resistance to moisture and adverse effects, including temperature fluctuations and ultraviolet radiation. Due to this, it is very popular in models of all purposes (see above).

— Nylon. Classic nylon is considered a fairly simple material, inferior to polyester, but the situation is reversed in tourist rugs: they use specific varieties of this material, which are highly durable and reliable and suitable even for expeditionary use. However such a coating is quite expensive, and therefore it is mainly used in expeditionary models.

— Polyamide. Polyamides are a whole family of synthetic fabrics, including nylon as described above. Actually, this term can mean both nylon and some similar materials. They are mainly used in tracking models (see "Purpose").

- Fleece. Synthetic material based on polyester microfibre. It is pleasant to the touch and provides good thermal insulation, but for a number of reasons it is found mainly in picnic products (see "Type") and is practically not used in other types of tourist rugs.

A material used as a covering for the underside of a rug.

— Polyethylene. Foamed polyethylene is a traditional material for mats (see "Type"), however, for a number of reasons, it is practically not found in self-inflating mats.

— Polyester. Synthetic material, characterized by good strength, resistance to moisture and adverse effects, including temperature fluctuations and ultraviolet radiation. Due to this, it is very popular in models of all purposes (see above).

— Nylon. Classic nylon is considered a fairly simple material, inferior to polyester, but the situation is reversed in tourist rugs: they use specific varieties of this material, which are highly durable and reliable and suitable even for expeditionary use. However such a coating is quite expensive, and therefore it is mainly used in expeditionary models.

— Polyamide. Polyamides are a whole family of synthetic fabrics, including nylon as described above. Actually, this term can mean both nylon and some similar materials. They are mainly used in tracking models (see "Purpose").

The material that plays the role of the internal hardware of the rug. Note that this parameter can be specified both for self-inflating products and for traditional mats (see "Type") and even for inflatable mats — in them, the internal volume can be supplemented with filler to improve thermal insulation.

— Polyurethane foam. A material that is extremely popular among self-inflating mats, but also found in karemats. It is distinguished by strength, durability, resistance to temperature extremes, as well as good thermal insulation properties. Polyurethane foam filler can have different densities; the higher it is, the better the mat is suitable for extreme conditions, but the more expensive it is and the more it weighs (the latter is especially noticeable in self-inflating models).

— Synthetics. Usually, polyester-based filler is called synthetic. One of the main advantages of this material is resistance to moisture, which includes the ability to retain most of the thermal insulation properties when wet, as well as a high drying rate. On the other hand, the initial level of thermal insulation of synthetics is somewhat lower than that of polyurethane foam, and it does not tolerate long-term storage when rolled up. This material is found only in inflatable and self-inflating models.

— Polyethylene foam. A material found mainly among mats, but occasionally used in self-inflating mats. Note that in karemats, polyethylene foam usually plays the ro...le of not only the core, but also at least one of the surfaces (upper and/or lower); but for self-inflating products, shells are made from other materials. If we talk about practical properties, then this material has good thermal insulation properties, is resistant to moisture, and is inexpensive. On the other hand, polyethylene foam is sensitive to UV radiation, and in general it wears out faster and loses elasticity than the same polyester foam.

— Fluff. Natural down (duck or goose) is mainly used in high-end expedition equipment (see "Purpose"). The main advantage of such a filler is its excellent thermal insulation performance. On the other hand, such a rug should be protected from moisture as much as possible — in the wet state, all its advantages are lost, and the filler dries for a long time. Another disadvantage is that fluff can cause allergies; therefore, for people prone to allergic reactions, before a serious trip, it's ok to check such a rug in advance.

According to the density of the filler, a general conclusion can be drawn about the strength, weight and level of thermal insulation of the tourist rug. With an increase in the density of the filler, the resistance of the tourist rug to mechanical wear increases, but at the same time, the mass of the product increases. Also, rugs with a denser filler have worse thermal insulation — this is due to the structure of the filler itself, because the lower its density, the more air-filled cells that limit heat loss. To simplify: high density — higher strength, but worse heat retention; low density — lower strength, but better heat retention. In general, the density directly depends on the type of filler. So, for foamed polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate, it can be 25-70 kg / m³, but the density of polyurethane foam is usually 12-40 kg / m³.

Possibility of connection with other rugs in a single design. Thus, for example, you can create a family bed from two products, or an impromptu game table for the company. However not all models with this function are compatible with each other — by definition, quilting is available for the same rugs, but the compatibility of different models should be clarified separately.

The presence of a built-in pillow in the design of the rug.

Self-inflating models usually have this feature (see "Type"). The pillow is a thickening at the head of the rug, providing additional support for the head of a lying person. However the dimensions of such a thickening are usually small, and it is not a fact that it can fully replace a real pillow; however, even such a “mini-pillow” is better than the complete lack of support under the head.

The presence in the design of the mat (see "Type") of two separate layers of material. This arrangement is considered more reliable and practical than a single layer; in this case, the composition of the layers can be exactly the same.

The presence of a coating on the mat in the form of an aluminium film (foil), usually, on the underside. Such a film significantly improves the thermal insulation of the product, however, its inexpensive varieties quickly peel off, while high-quality ones are quite expensive and significantly affect the price of the rug. This function is found mainly among karemats (see "Type"); the thermal insulation of self-inflating and inflatable equipment is usually quite good without foil.

Minor repair kit, originally supplied with the mat. This option is found exclusively among inflatable and self-inflating models: even a slight damage to the shell can completely render such a rug unusable. In such cases, a repair kit allows you to correct the situation: such a kit includes at least patches (with special glue or self-adhesive ones), and sometimes additional tools. Note that repair kits are usually designed for minor damage — cuts and punctures up to 10 – 15 cm in size; however, more serious "accidents" do not happen so often.

The presence of a cover in the delivery set of the mat. Such an accessory provides additional protection against scratches and damage, and in general it is more convenient to wear the product in it than in home-made packaging; while the weight of the cover is so small that in most cases it can be completely neglected.

The type of pump supplied with the inflatable mat (see "Type"). Some models are supplied without a pump at all — this reduces the cost and allows you to choose a pump of your choice, or even do without it. However, it is not always convenient to inflate the mat with the force of your own lungs, so if comfort is important to you, it is best to immediately purchase a product with a pump in the kit. The options here might be:

— Mini pump. Extremely light and compact, but at the same time quite functional pumps. They can have a different design, but the most common devices are in the form of a small elastic "pillow". Each time you press the “cushion”, a portion of air enters the outlet, and during non-working hours the pump can be compactly rolled up and packed (including with a rolled up mat).

— Bag pump. The pump is in the form of a fairly large bag, which has a valve on one side for pumping up the mat, and on the other, a rather wide neck. Such a device is used as follows: a bag with an open neck is connected to the rug, after which it is necessary to tightly close the neck and twist the bag, thus “squeezing out” the air contained in it into the rug. Some manufacturers recommend additional blowing into the bag by adding air to it, but even this procedure is easier and less tiring than inflation without a pump. At the same time, 2 – 3 repetitions of this...procedure are enough for pumping, and in some models — even one run. Also note that the bags, like the mini-pumps described above, are light in weight, take up minimal space when folded and are usually carried in the same case with the rug, or even serve as a cover for the rug themselves.

— Built -in. The pump, which is directly part of the rug. Usually, it looks like a characteristic platform, which you need to press with your foot or hands, after opening a special valve; another valve is used to release air (usually on the opposite side of the product). The built-in pump is convenient because it cannot be lost; on the other hand, it complicates the design of the mat and increases its cost compared to similar models that use external devices (for example, mini-pumps).

The dimensions of the rug in the unfolded position. This parameter allows you to evaluate how much the area of the product will be enough for your purposes, and whether it will fit in the intended location — for example, in a tent.

Each individual size has its own specifics. So, choosing a classic rug (see "Type") in length depends on the height of the user, in width — taking into account the physique ( wide tourist rugs will be a burden for the average person, and narrow ones will be uncomfortable for large people). Among the seats, the situation is simpler, they all have approximately the same size, sufficient for their intended use. The thickness, usually, characterizes the softness of the product: the larger it is, the better the mat smooths out irregularities and the more pleasant it is to lie on it (ceteris paribus, of course). On the other hand, for a thick rug it is more difficult to achieve compactness when folded, so an increase in thickness affects either the dimensions of the product during transportation or the price.

Folding method, nominally provided for by the design of the rug.

Note that inflatable and self-inflating products (see "Type") do not have a strictly fixed way of folding, and cushion seats do not fold at all. Therefore, this parameter is relevant only for mats (see ibid), and the options here can be as follows:

— Roll. Roll-up rugs are more bulky and not as easy to carry as accordion rugs. On the other hand, such a mat along the entire length has a uniform structure, without cracks and weak points, which ensures high-quality thermal insulation and the best comfort. Therefore, despite its shortcomings, it is this folding method that is the most popular nowadays.

- Harmonica. Rugs from several segments, folded like an accordion. This design makes the product as compact and easy to carry as possible, it is easier to find a place under it than under a roll. On the other hand, the weak point of the “accordions” is the joints between the segments: they protect against the cold worse than the main surface of the mat, and they can also tear as they wear out. Therefore, this type of folding is relatively rare, and it is worth using such mats when compactness and ease of carrying are fundamentally important, and complex conditions are not planned.

Dimensions of the rug when folded. This parameter determines how much space the product will take up during transportation. Note that in this case, “perfect” sizes are usually indicated, corresponding to the most dense packaging according to all the rules; actual dimensions may be slightly larger, depending on the quality of folding.