The only upside to this being battery powered instead of powered via USB C directly (which would save even more size and weight while greatly reducing the concern around battery life by using the power bank almost everyone carries anyway) is it allows you to choose how you want to power it. Short trip? CR2s are lighter and smaller yet pack more power capacity than the rechargeable Nitecore battery (650 VS 800mah) if recharging is important for your uses the Nitecore rechargeable battery is a good option but if you just want to stay on trail longer without having to recharge the non-rechargeable batteries pack over double the power capacity at 1550mah.
I finally broke down and bought a pump. It's an Etenwolf that cost $27 with a $10 off coupon, so I bought it. It works well, but wow is it loud! Also has a little lantern on it. They could knock $10 off the price of these things if they'd lose the silly packaging. I don't know about other brands, but the Etenwolf comes in a fancy padded box with the obligatory storage sack all of which went straight into the garbage, of course.
To me the only reason to buy this is for the deflate feature. I can blow up anything with my lungs. But deflating and trying to squeeze all the air out of my sleeping pad takes too much time and effort and if I can deflate more completely, then I can pack the sleeping pad smaller.
A good a reason as any, if it ads to your experience and comfort and the weight is reasonable, then why not! I find it perfect for my need but for the inflation… also depends on what pad/valve you have.
@@roberthammenrudh No, just a pump that only works while connected to a USB-C power supply. I guess that would be lighter in total. And it provides more flexibility.
@@KasparJohannes ah ok… like the ones from Rex (pad pal). Yeah that’s a good idea, first time I heard about them like yesterday so now eagerly trying to get my hands on one to try!!
PRESSURE: KPa (Kilo Pascal) is the pressure at which the pump will inflate. So it matters. That new air pump has an output of 2.5KPa only so you may not be able to inflate your pad to the max. For comparison: Tiny 2: 3.5KPa, 2x: 4KPa 2 Plus, 2 Pro EVO: 4.5KPa Vaccum: 10KPa BATTERIES: CR123A batteries have a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, whereas RCR123A batteries typically have a higher voltage (3.7 volts). This voltage difference can make it difficult to operate sensitive electronic devices. The capacity of CR123A batteries is 1500 mAh, while RCR123A batteries have a capacity of 500-800 mAh, with most models having a capacity of around 700-750 mAh. NOTES: - The oficial name for the RCR123A is "16340" - Flextail claims 24 inflations and Robert told us about half that. The reason may be because Flextail used NON-rechargeable batteries at 1500mAh instead of the rechargeable ones. Therefore Robert's numbers should prevail. ATTENTION: The second battery showed in this video, the Fenix is model ARB-L16-700Up. It has a nominal capacity of 700mAh but the nominal voltage is 3.6v and not 3.7v. Nitecore has a new battery NL169 advertised at 950mAh. However, they didn't follow the standards and their battery is 3.6v instead of 3.7v. The Nitecore NL166 (in this video) at 650mAh is perfect with 3.7v. Will the 3.6v do the work perfectly without damaging the pump? I don't know. Flextail should have the answer for that. Also, don't forget that efficiency will decrease during winter time. My take on this? the difference ain't that much in size and the weight difference is minimal. Wait a few weeks, the price for the Tiny 2X should get lower ;)
Thanks for a lot of goodies regarding technical information 🙏🏻 I noticed during testing the ZERO being more “hyper” when I used the Fenix battery… could have been because it was tested after the other battery was depleted and I was used to it slowly dying on me but I suggest anyone interested in buying a battery to follow the guidelines from Flextail.
@@roberthammenrudhYep! following the recommendations from the manufacturer is a good idea otherwise you could blow up your gear and the warranty won't apply. However, it'd be interesting to hear from Flextail about the 3.6v instead of 3.7. This new pump could be awesome, but the very low 2.5KPa is a big draw back. I'll stick to Flextail 2X. And if you have many pads to inflate the same day, or going to spend many days with traveling, the Flextail Max Pro is your choice. Almost twice heavy, but it gives 3 times more inflations. It all depends on what kind of hike/camping you're going to do. Robert, if you want to make a 1M+ views video, I'd suggest you to buy all Flextails pumps and do a very thorough comparison. Not like this one when you didn't inflate the same pads. Just get all the pumps, then charge to the max and inflate the SAME pad to see how many inflations you'll get. Then do the math weight vs number of pads. You'll also need to make the test with both CR123 and RCR123A batteries when you'll test the newest one. No one did that video so far... So hurry up! P.S. I'll take a 10% from the money coming from that video. That, or a gear LOL :D
Yep, if a lantern is a must for you it’s correct. Before my Tiny 2X I used my headlamp as a lantern and sometimes I brought my Fenix CL09 lantern at at 53 grams. If I will use the ZERO I will probably go back using the headlamp so no added weight for me.
@@roberthammenrudh in your opinion what is the lightest commercial lantern for the tent ??. infact I would surrender some weight gain for a longer lasting battery ??. Thanks
@@littlegrandadoutdoors that is a good question, my Fenix is not in production anymore but still available at Amazon and other sites I think and that one I really like. Had a lot of problems finding one when I finally bought the Fenix and can’t say I know what to go for today. Not a lot of light weight options with a good light, a lot of them smaller ones with low lumens like the Nite Ize and Coghlans Micro lantern. Nitecore have their “lipstick” type LA10 with or without high CRI but haven’t tested them out. Sorry not being able to give you more info.
I’m sold...! 😁 Been using the original Flextail Tiny Pump since it came out but it’s finally died & needs replacing. I use an LED Lenser lantern so no light option is perfect for me...! Thanks for the review sir...as always your opinion counts.
Thank you Robert, I was wondering about it, since the adds of this pump are nowadays everywhere. I got the older version and used it while car camping or kayaking but could never convinced myself to take it backpacking, haha, I was blowing those pads all my life with my mouth, why should I suddenly stop doing it and instead, worry about one more gadget, plus mentally 100 extra gram. This time 30 gr sounded like real temptation, but 60...well... I'm not sure again 😂, best to you
Thanks 🙏🏻 and yeah, used to use my mouth but since I got my hands on the Tiny2X I started bringing that one. Kinda miss the lantern mode already though 😄 when thinking about switching to the ZERO, we’ll see.
It looks like a good pump, but I don't think it's ideal yet. Personally I'd like to see it with a USB-C port that could allow you to run the pump from an external battery pack instead of adding size and weight for the battery compartment. That would make it pair nicely with the Flextail Light Repel. I'm already carrying a battery pack, I vape (18650 batteries), and I have a Nitecore flashlight (18350 batteries). One thing I don't want to do is carry a larger variety of single purpose batteries.
There are pros and cons to a separate battery off course. One can buy a battery with a built in USB-C charging port to solve that issue. I too prefer built in batteries but well well… 🤷🏼♂️
I use a blow up mattress occasionally , a NeoAir X lite and that pump would be ideal for it. Going to keep it in mind. Most of the time ( 95 % ) it's a self inflating mattress from Thermarest full length mummy style. Yes it's heavier , packs bigger , but I trust it and use it in my hammock about 3/4 inflated.
One should always pick the gear that works best for them no matter what, nothing is better they use gear you love and trust so just go with it if a self inflating pad is your favourite! But if not, or just want to try a thicker pad then the ZERO is a perfect companion, it was love at first sight 😄 the only thing that can make it better is to ad a small lantern!! Gonna miss that from the Tiny 2X.
My sleeping pad has a pump sack that doubles as a dry sack but I found that once on trail, I never bother to put the pad back into the sack. I use it to pump up the pad when I get to camp, but when packing up, I just roll the pad and shove it into my backpack. I haven't weighed the pump sack but It's probably not much lighter than the Zero Pump. I think for me, the choice is going to be pretty easy. Leave the sack at home and bring the pump!
Yeah a pump is so much easier in comparison, also difficult in a small tent to be inside and inflate the pad with the sack in case of bad breather… that’s the main reason I switched actually.
Tiny 2X has 4 kPa and 180 L/min while the ZERO has “only” 2.5 kPa” but same flow so… if having to top of with the Tiny… same thing will happen with the ZERO. What pad do you have? Haven’t experienced that problem with none of these two. 🤷🏼♂️
Does it work with fenix batteries shown on your video? This battery is a bit longer than standard rc123a battery without usb c charging option and does not fit in some flashlight available on the market. I’m wondering if out will fit this pump.
I tried it and it works, just for a test and for one inflation, but my recommendation is to contact FLEXTAIL and see so that you don’t damage the equipment some how! Just to be sure. Better safe than sorry!
I wonder why they choose to send out such a small battery with all their review units there’s 1700mah on sale right now that would nearly triple the life of their product, and they are cheaper than the nightcores they chose
I tried to comment on this video about a smaller lighter pump that I use, 9 grams vs the 1.2oz, but RUclips removed it and cautioned me about posting spam and how my account could be suspended. So I suppose having a conversation about healthy competition and alternatives is out of the question these days. 😂
Ah that’s no good… glad you posted again to let me know!! I got a recommendation from someone about the T-Rex Pad Pal… is that the one your where trying to recommend? It doesn’t have a battery and use your power bank instead… about 10 grams. Same one?
@@roberthammenrudh Same one! It's been great, I've even used it to inflate my packraft. The next batch should be out in October. Definitely cottage gear, but well made. Zero issues with it.
@@roberthammenrudh They was an older version previously for sale on mercantile ul, but I believe Tyler is revamping the tooling for faster assembly to handle the production requests. They have been released on his website in batches and I was able to sign up for an early notification for mine. I sent the info on Instagram but it's says it's a pending chat request lol. Why is everything so difficult these days? 😂
@@roberthammenrudhwell i prefer to have a headlamp in case i need both hands so the lamp in the pump is not really a benefit as such as i would bring another light anyway. However i just bough a new one - Royvon A5. Small flashlight which clips to cap (to use as headlamp), have ambient lighting (for cozy time in tent), and weighs in at just 17g ☺️ check it out!
You can buy a battery with a built in USBC port and that’s what I will do anyway… no light is difficult to fix though! I will probably go back using only the headlamp.
Just bought one and used your discount code and saved $7.50!
Congrats to a great purchase, I hope you will like it as much as I do! And thanks for supporting this channel by using the code 🙏🏻
The only upside to this being battery powered instead of powered via USB C directly (which would save even more size and weight while greatly reducing the concern around battery life by using the power bank almost everyone carries anyway) is it allows you to choose how you want to power it. Short trip? CR2s are lighter and smaller yet pack more power capacity than the rechargeable Nitecore battery (650 VS 800mah) if recharging is important for your uses the Nitecore rechargeable battery is a good option but if you just want to stay on trail longer without having to recharge the non-rechargeable batteries pack over double the power capacity at 1550mah.
I finally broke down and bought a pump. It's an Etenwolf that cost $27 with a $10 off coupon, so I bought it. It works well, but wow is it loud! Also has a little lantern on it. They could knock $10 off the price of these things if they'd lose the silly packaging. I don't know about other brands, but the Etenwolf comes in a fancy padded box with the obligatory storage sack all of which went straight into the garbage, of course.
To me the only reason to buy this is for the deflate feature. I can blow up anything with my lungs. But deflating and trying to squeeze all the air out of my sleeping pad takes too much time and effort and if I can deflate more completely, then I can pack the sleeping pad smaller.
A good a reason as any, if it ads to your experience and comfort and the weight is reasonable, then why not! I find it perfect for my need but for the inflation… also depends on what pad/valve you have.
It'd be nice, if there was an option without a built-in battery, just with a USB-C port, then it could be powered from a powerbank.
You mean “with” a built in battery? To that I can only agree and something I prefer as well.
@@roberthammenrudh No, just a pump that only works while connected to a USB-C power supply. I guess that would be lighter in total. And it provides more flexibility.
@@KasparJohannes ah ok… like the ones from Rex (pad pal). Yeah that’s a good idea, first time I heard about them like yesterday so now eagerly trying to get my hands on one to try!!
@@roberthammenrudh Yes, but I'd like it to be a bit more professional, like the one from this video, just without the built-in battery 😅
PRESSURE:
KPa (Kilo Pascal) is the pressure at which the pump will inflate. So it matters. That new air pump has an output of 2.5KPa only so you may not be able to inflate your pad to the max. For comparison:
Tiny 2: 3.5KPa,
2x: 4KPa
2 Plus, 2 Pro EVO: 4.5KPa
Vaccum: 10KPa
BATTERIES:
CR123A batteries have a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, whereas RCR123A batteries typically have a higher voltage (3.7 volts). This voltage difference can make it difficult to operate sensitive electronic devices. The capacity of CR123A batteries is 1500 mAh, while RCR123A batteries have a capacity of 500-800 mAh, with most models having a capacity of around 700-750 mAh.
NOTES:
- The oficial name for the RCR123A is "16340"
- Flextail claims 24 inflations and Robert told us about half that. The reason may be because Flextail used NON-rechargeable batteries at 1500mAh instead of the rechargeable ones. Therefore Robert's numbers should prevail.
ATTENTION:
The second battery showed in this video, the Fenix is model ARB-L16-700Up. It has a nominal capacity of 700mAh but the nominal voltage is 3.6v and not 3.7v. Nitecore has a new battery NL169 advertised at 950mAh. However, they didn't follow the standards and their battery is 3.6v instead of 3.7v. The Nitecore NL166 (in this video) at 650mAh is perfect with 3.7v.
Will the 3.6v do the work perfectly without damaging the pump? I don't know. Flextail should have the answer for that.
Also, don't forget that efficiency will decrease during winter time.
My take on this? the difference ain't that much in size and the weight difference is minimal. Wait a few weeks, the price for the Tiny 2X should get lower ;)
Thanks for a lot of goodies regarding technical information 🙏🏻
I noticed during testing the ZERO being more “hyper” when I used the Fenix battery… could have been because it was tested after the other battery was depleted and I was used to it slowly dying on me but I suggest anyone interested in buying a battery to follow the guidelines from Flextail.
@@roberthammenrudhYep! following the recommendations from the manufacturer is a good idea otherwise you could blow up your gear and the warranty won't apply. However, it'd be interesting to hear from Flextail about the 3.6v instead of 3.7.
This new pump could be awesome, but the very low 2.5KPa is a big draw back. I'll stick to Flextail 2X. And if you have many pads to inflate the same day, or going to spend many days with traveling, the Flextail Max Pro is your choice. Almost twice heavy, but it gives 3 times more inflations. It all depends on what kind of hike/camping you're going to do.
Robert, if you want to make a 1M+ views video, I'd suggest you to buy all Flextails pumps and do a very thorough comparison. Not like this one when you didn't inflate the same pads. Just get all the pumps, then charge to the max and inflate the SAME pad to see how many inflations you'll get. Then do the math weight vs number of pads. You'll also need to make the test with both CR123 and RCR123A batteries when you'll test the newest one.
No one did that video so far... So hurry up!
P.S. I'll take a 10% from the money coming from that video. That, or a gear LOL :D
That 60grams rises quickly when I have to bring a lantern to replace the one on my other flextail..
Yep, if a lantern is a must for you it’s correct. Before my Tiny 2X I used my headlamp as a lantern and sometimes I brought my Fenix CL09 lantern at at 53 grams. If I will use the ZERO I will probably go back using the headlamp so no added weight for me.
@@roberthammenrudh in your opinion what is the lightest commercial lantern for the tent ??. infact I would surrender some weight gain for a longer lasting battery ??. Thanks
@@littlegrandadoutdoors that is a good question, my Fenix is not in production anymore but still available at Amazon and other sites I think and that one I really like. Had a lot of problems finding one when I finally bought the Fenix and can’t say I know what to go for today.
Not a lot of light weight options with a good light, a lot of them smaller ones with low lumens like the Nite Ize and Coghlans Micro lantern. Nitecore have their “lipstick” type LA10 with or without high CRI but haven’t tested them out.
Sorry not being able to give you more info.
@@roberthammenrudh thank you for taking the time to answer my question.. you have been some help.. take care ..
I’m sold...! 😁
Been using the original Flextail Tiny Pump since it came out but it’s finally died & needs replacing. I use an LED Lenser lantern so no light option is perfect for me...!
Thanks for the review sir...as always your opinion counts.
Thanks and glad you like my episodes! The ZERO is great one so I hope you will enjoy it, first batch to be released in November I think.
can't wait when it will be available for purchase
Thank you Robert, I was wondering about it, since the adds of this pump are nowadays everywhere. I got the older version and used it while car camping or kayaking but could never convinced myself to take it backpacking, haha, I was blowing those pads all my life with my mouth, why should I suddenly stop doing it and instead, worry about one more gadget, plus mentally 100 extra gram. This time 30 gr sounded like real temptation, but 60...well... I'm not sure again 😂, best to you
Thanks 🙏🏻 and yeah, used to use my mouth but since I got my hands on the Tiny2X I started bringing that one. Kinda miss the lantern mode already though 😄 when thinking about switching to the ZERO, we’ll see.
It looks like a good pump, but I don't think it's ideal yet. Personally I'd like to see it with a USB-C port that could allow you to run the pump from an external battery pack instead of adding size and weight for the battery compartment. That would make it pair nicely with the Flextail Light Repel. I'm already carrying a battery pack, I vape (18650 batteries), and I have a Nitecore flashlight (18350 batteries). One thing I don't want to do is carry a larger variety of single purpose batteries.
There are pros and cons to a separate battery off course. One can buy a battery with a built in USB-C charging port to solve that issue. I too prefer built in batteries but well well… 🤷🏼♂️
Then get a 10 ft usbc to usb and plug it to your power bank boom done.. the internal battery just becomes a bridge
I use a blow up mattress occasionally , a NeoAir X lite and that pump would be ideal for it. Going to keep it in mind. Most of the time ( 95 % ) it's a self inflating mattress from Thermarest full length mummy style. Yes it's heavier , packs bigger , but I trust it and use it in my hammock about 3/4 inflated.
One should always pick the gear that works best for them no matter what, nothing is better they use gear you love and trust so just go with it if a self inflating pad is your favourite!
But if not, or just want to try a thicker pad then the ZERO is a perfect companion, it was love at first sight 😄 the only thing that can make it better is to ad a small lantern!! Gonna miss that from the Tiny 2X.
My sleeping pad has a pump sack that doubles as a dry sack but I found that once on trail, I never bother to put the pad back into the sack. I use it to pump up the pad when I get to camp, but when packing up, I just roll the pad and shove it into my backpack. I haven't weighed the pump sack but It's probably not much lighter than the Zero Pump. I think for me, the choice is going to be pretty easy. Leave the sack at home and bring the pump!
Yeah a pump is so much easier in comparison, also difficult in a small tent to be inside and inflate the pad with the sack in case of bad breather… that’s the main reason I switched actually.
I appreciate the detailed review! And I'll take the corny jokes as a plus haha ;)
😄👍🏻
How does the pressure compare to their other pumps? I need to top of the air in the pad when using the tiny pump x
Tiny 2X has 4 kPa and 180 L/min while the ZERO has “only” 2.5 kPa” but same flow so… if having to top of with the Tiny… same thing will happen with the ZERO. What pad do you have? Haven’t experienced that problem with none of these two. 🤷🏼♂️
Does it work with fenix batteries shown on your video? This battery is a bit longer than standard rc123a battery without usb c charging option and does not fit in some flashlight available on the market. I’m wondering if out will fit this pump.
I tried it and it works, just for a test and for one inflation, but my recommendation is to contact FLEXTAIL and see so that you don’t damage the equipment some how! Just to be sure. Better safe than sorry!
I wonder why they choose to send out such a small battery with all their review units there’s 1700mah on sale right now that would nearly triple the life of their product, and they are cheaper than the nightcores they chose
Good question, like you say a much better performance if one chose a bigger battery to very little weight penalty.
I tried to comment on this video about a smaller lighter pump that I use, 9 grams vs the 1.2oz, but RUclips removed it and cautioned me about posting spam and how my account could be suspended. So I suppose having a conversation about healthy competition and alternatives is out of the question these days. 😂
Ah that’s no good… glad you posted again to let me know!! I got a recommendation from someone about the T-Rex Pad Pal… is that the one your where trying to recommend? It doesn’t have a battery and use your power bank instead… about 10 grams. Same one?
@@roberthammenrudh Same one! It's been great, I've even used it to inflate my packraft. The next batch should be out in October. Definitely cottage gear, but well made. Zero issues with it.
@@roberthammenrudhjust sent you an IG message with the info 👍
@@middleearthchronicles2269 now I’m really curious to try that one… and only available at their website or?
@@roberthammenrudh They was an older version previously for sale on mercantile ul, but I believe Tyler is revamping the tooling for faster assembly to handle the production requests. They have been released on his website in batches and I was able to sign up for an early notification for mine. I sent the info on Instagram but it's says it's a pending chat request lol. Why is everything so difficult these days? 😂
At this weight i would say its worth it - basically same weight as the nemo pump sack
Agree… gonna miss the lantern though in the Tiny 2X, but… will go back using the headlamp again so not a big issue.
@@roberthammenrudhwell i prefer to have a headlamp in case i need both hands so the lamp in the pump is not really a benefit as such as i would bring another light anyway. However i just bough a new one - Royvon A5. Small flashlight which clips to cap (to use as headlamp), have ambient lighting (for cozy time in tent), and weighs in at just 17g ☺️ check it out!
@@joakimolsson1024 thanks for the tip, will check it out.
No light, no usc-c, no thanks!
You can buy a battery with a built in USBC port and that’s what I will do anyway… no light is difficult to fix though! I will probably go back using only the headlamp.