Dumb question about inflating X-therm

I used the TR Packliner/Inflator (think that is what you're talking about) and it only took me a half dozen or so to fill it. Breathing into the mat won't ruin it but it will cause the hot air to shrink once it cools and leave your mat partially deflated…and you'll need to blow it up some more. Over the long term if you don't allow the mat to dry inside it may get a little funky – but leave the valve open and store it flat and you should be ok.

I hope the answer to your questions is "no," as I too gave up on using the stuff sack "inflator." I would hate for my x-therm to be harmed as a result.

Seems like people have had better luck with the "Instaflator" and I was going to try one of those. I'm not sure why it would work so much better, aside from the much larger size. But worth a try.

Instaflator is hit or miss, mine just popped opened in the seam after 2 usages. Camptek microburst which is slow but does a okay job an after 3-5 minutes you can top off the air with couple of breaths.

del

When I bought my xtherm I also splurged and bought a Camptek microburst. My justification is not getting moisture into the pad but the real reason is that I HATE blowing up an airmat at the end of a long day. I have been called a namby pamby by one hiker but I think it was more out of jealousy than it was based in fact. :)

The main get from the Instaflator is not the bag itself, but the valve. It comes apart and can be attached to any bag, so you can put it in the corner of a pack liner or just about any kind of bag you'd like. I haven't measured it in a while, but I think my Instaflator valve, trimmed down to just the Therm-a-Rest fitting, weighs about half an ounce. I also cut my bag in half bringing the total kit to just a hair over an ounce. The leftovers can later be substituted in if my current bag pops.

For what it's worth, my Instaflator has about 30-40 fills on it with no problems.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one. I'll try that garbage bag trick.

Instaflator has been working great for me. Never had any problems.

One more vote for the microburst. Attach it, do some chores for a few minutes, then top off as needed with you own breath.

+2
Plus you can use the fan to help start a fire.