I have used the Prolite self-inflating pads for years. A couple of comments about the self-inflation process/timing. First, when you first take it out of its pack, it has been compressed for quite a while. It takes several minutes for the foam to expand pulling air into the pad when it has been compressed this long. So, expecting it to self-inflate immediately upon unpacking is not realistic. Second, even after it has been unpacked and expanded and then repacked, the pad does not inflate quickly. When using my pad, I unpack it, lay it out, open the valve, and give it 5 to 10 minutes to inflate. I do something else like unpacking my sleeping bag and pillow while it is inflating. After a few minutes, it will have inflated and will only take a few breaths to inflate it fully. Finally, the older the pad is, the longer it has been stored compressed, or the colder the temperature, the less fully or less quickly it will inflate. However, my 10 year old pad still inflates to about 85% to 90% of its original amount. Third, when the sun is out, I like to lay my pad out with the valve fully open so that the heat will drive out the moisture from your breath that can collect in the pad. This extends the life of the pad significantly. This is another reason to give it time to fully inflate. Summary. Give it a little time and it will self-inflate. So, this might not be the right pad for a Type A personality.
It kind of blows my mind that these reviews are being done directly out of the packaging, especially when Thermarest advises to follow processes like you’ve said. They also NEVER mention the cost ratio of these vs air pads with equal R Values.
You just need to give it a significant amount of time straight out of the packaging. And you are supposed to store it with the valve fully open so it reaches its fully uncompressed state. I normally set up tent, toss in the pad with the valve fully open, then do everything else around camp. Give it more than a minute to do it’s thing. More like 10-30 minutes. Then it only takes a couple breaths.
I use a Flextail Gear version 1, inflator/deflator/light gizmo. Works well. It deflates well too, but I've never been able to get my PL Plus small enough to put 'easily' back in the stuff sack. It's a chore. I can also use the inflation bag that came with my TR Neoair XLite.
@@TheAdventureJunkies this very mat. Just got it the other day. used it last weekend and it worked brilliant. I left it to do the self inflating for about 2 hours but it was not that good so give it some breaths. Very comfy night with no problems. And when i got it out when home.(i always store my inflated) it reflected quite quickly. Hope this helps.
Out of curiosity is it mainly foam inside? I am someone who sleeps on the floor at home and while trying to get into camping I opted for a thick air pad, but found it destroyed my back in about an hour. The closed cell foam pads work for me (again, I'm used to sleeping on the floor), but given that they aren't very pack-able I've been trying to find an alternative. The only thing that seems like an option are the self-inflating pads given they aren't very thick, but I'm also finding out they're foam on the inside (at least in part) so it's getting my hopes up. All of which is a long winded way of getting around to asking what they're like to sleep on, basically that "pocket of air" feeling of thick air pads is what does my back in.
curious what you settled on? I tried a NEMO Tensor & had the same issue as you by the 2nd night. just got the ProLite Apex as I recall the foam *does* help & didn't buy it at the time because it was bulky. Now thinking the bulk is an investment & thankfully have plenty of room in my new pack (Crown 2)
Good unboxing revuew - Ive owned one for 2 years and used it on many multinight trips you are 100% correct about it ALWAYS needs blowing up it also is bulky when packed down However it is super comfortable to sleep on I am 100kg and it is great. I did get a hole in it and fixed no problem with bicycle puncture kit patch
I have used the Prolite self-inflating pads for years. A couple of comments about the self-inflation process/timing.
First, when you first take it out of its pack, it has been compressed for quite a while. It takes several minutes for the foam to expand pulling air into the pad when it has been compressed this long. So, expecting it to self-inflate immediately upon unpacking is not realistic.
Second, even after it has been unpacked and expanded and then repacked, the pad does not inflate quickly. When using my pad, I unpack it, lay it out, open the valve, and give it 5 to 10 minutes to inflate. I do something else like unpacking my sleeping bag and pillow while it is inflating. After a few minutes, it will have inflated and will only take a few breaths to inflate it fully.
Finally, the older the pad is, the longer it has been stored compressed, or the colder the temperature, the less fully or less quickly it will inflate. However, my 10 year old pad still inflates to about 85% to 90% of its original amount.
Third, when the sun is out, I like to lay my pad out with the valve fully open so that the heat will drive out the moisture from your breath that can collect in the pad. This extends the life of the pad significantly. This is another reason to give it time to fully inflate.
Summary. Give it a little time and it will self-inflate. So, this might not be the right pad for a Type A personality.
Great tips John, thanks :)
It kind of blows my mind that these reviews are being done directly out of the packaging, especially when Thermarest advises to follow processes like you’ve said. They also NEVER mention the cost ratio of these vs air pads with equal R Values.
You just need to give it a significant amount of time straight out of the packaging. And you are supposed to store it with the valve fully open so it reaches its fully uncompressed state.
I normally set up tent, toss in the pad with the valve fully open, then do everything else around camp. Give it more than a minute to do it’s thing. More like 10-30 minutes. Then it only takes a couple breaths.
Great tip. Will try next time. Thanks!
I use a Flextail Gear version 1, inflator/deflator/light gizmo. Works well. It deflates well too, but I've never been able to get my PL Plus small enough to put 'easily' back in the stuff sack. It's a chore. I can also use the inflation bag that came with my TR Neoair XLite.
I like how she doesn't even know to use it
Thought this was a parody video at first
@@jpbeck1 lol same.
I like that too.
This is so true. My old vango would take ages to self inflate when i first got it.
what do you have now?
@@TheAdventureJunkies this very mat. Just got it the other day. used it last weekend and it worked brilliant. I left it to do the self inflating for about 2 hours but it was not that good so give it some breaths. Very comfy night with no problems. And when i got it out when home.(i always store my inflated) it reflected quite quickly. Hope this helps.
Out of curiosity is it mainly foam inside? I am someone who sleeps on the floor at home and while trying to get into camping I opted for a thick air pad, but found it destroyed my back in about an hour. The closed cell foam pads work for me (again, I'm used to sleeping on the floor), but given that they aren't very pack-able I've been trying to find an alternative. The only thing that seems like an option are the self-inflating pads given they aren't very thick, but I'm also finding out they're foam on the inside (at least in part) so it's getting my hopes up. All of which is a long winded way of getting around to asking what they're like to sleep on, basically that "pocket of air" feeling of thick air pads is what does my back in.
curious what you settled on? I tried a NEMO Tensor & had the same issue as you by the 2nd night. just got the ProLite Apex as I recall the foam *does* help & didn't buy it at the time because it was bulky. Now thinking the bulk is an investment & thankfully have plenty of room in my new pack (Crown 2)
Good unboxing revuew - Ive owned one for 2 years and used it on many multinight trips you are 100% correct about it ALWAYS needs blowing up it also is bulky when packed down However it is super comfortable to sleep on I am 100kg and it is great. I did get a hole in it and fixed no problem with bicycle puncture kit patch
Good and realistic review! 👍
Glad you liked it