Inexpensive Inflatable Pad

[Robert R]

I was surfing around fleabay and came across an inflatable mat (made in China) for $39 obo, new, named the LA Recreation ultra lightweight pad.  I offered $32 and it was accepted.  It shipped from the United States and I received it in a couple of days.  I figured for $32 it couldn’t hurt to take a look at it since it wasn’t a huge investment.  The R value is 1.3, weighs 14 oz claimed and is made with 20d nylon.  It looked similar to other mats I have seen before but it was quite a bit cheaper.  I was quite surprised when I opened the package.  It appeared to be well made.  It uses a single flat valve with a rubber flapper inside to keep the air from coming out when it is being inflated.  All the welds were without flaws.  It measured 73″x21.5″x2″ and it was accurate.  The actual weight was 15.5 ounces with the stuff sack.  A patch kit was included.  It does take about 15 breaths to inflate.  I haven’t had a chance to use it camping (still quite hot here in Texas) but I have used it lying around the house and when I watch TV at night.  It has good support but it will bottom out if the weight is concentrated in a spot, like if you were to sit up.  I was able to lie on my sides and not feel my hips touching the floor.  Seems like a decent pad for the price.  I’m 6 ft 190 lbs.  I liked the slightly longer length and width also.  This is a stock photo of it:

[Link .]

It looks a lot like the OutdoorsmanLab Ultralight Sleeping Pad on Amazon, Darwin did a video Gear to Lighten your Load on a Budgeton the Outdoorsmanlab UL pad.

 

 

 

 

 

[Anonymous]

Combine that with a 1/8″ or 1/4″ Evazote foam pad (preferably on top, unless you need bottom protection) depending on the temps and you’re good to go in a wide range of temps.

I use an Klymit X Lite Inertia pad in combo with Evazote in similar manner of the above.  Occasionally you can find these for around 40 to 50 dollar range.

I’ve even used it at more extreme cold temps by putting a larger 1/8″ foam pad on the bottom, the X Lite pad over that, and then a more cut to size 1/4″ foam pad over that.  The X Lite pad, since I’m not using it with a bag doesn’t provide much insulation at all, but primarily comfort (though it may provide a little more being sandwiched between these, especially if you put it in a enclosed covering).  The foam provides all the insulation, and super dependable at that.  No awkwardness since the Evazote foam is pretty grippy and keeps air pad in the middle pretty well secured.

Please keep us updated about long term durability, especially after being used in the field for awhile.

[Robert R]

Yes I think this is very similar if not the same as the Outdoorsman Lab mattress.  I believe I’ve seen those as low as $49, which isn’t bad really, but this one was $32.  I think currently they are selling them for $34.99 or thereabout with free shipping.

Pairing it with the evasote pad is definitely a good idea for cooler temps.

I will definitely update this as the pad gets more use.  I normally use a Thermarest Z lite sol but I was curious about how this mattress would perform given it’s weight for an inflatable.  In much colder temps I use an Exped Synmat 7 but it’s quite heavy at 30 ounces.

[Link .]

yes, that is a good price! they are 44.95 on Amazon with free shipping and they have deals on them all the time for lower, but thanks for the ebay alternative that is a good deal.

[David Thomas]

“haven’t had a chance to use it . . . here in Texas”

It could be used in Houston as a floatation device.

Seriously though, that’s a lot of area for the price and weight.

[Author]

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