Comparison Klymit Static V Recon vs Sea To Summit Ultralight Mat Reg

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.

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").

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 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.

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.