Setting up a camping trip is more than an exciting experience for everyone especially if you are going with your family. It is a memorable time for your kids as they expect to have fun in the woods. They know it is an outdoor activity and having a comfortable tent with self-inflating camping mats can attract the kids to go onboard.

Camping is a challenging trip and modern campers know what to bring to enjoy the whole adventure. Self-inflating camping mats create wonders on every trip and here’s how they work.

Inside the mat is a special kind of PU foam with open cells. They are compressed when rolled up and they expand when you roll the mat back out. Opening the valve causes the sleeping mat to literally self-inflate. Air is sucked in from the outside into the pores of the foam then the valve should be closed to prevent any air from escaping when you lie down on it.

The firmness of the mat can be controlled by using the valve. You can regulate the firmness and thickness of a self-inflating sleeping mat depending on the ground conditions and your choice of air inside. You can get more air into the sleeping mat by blowing air through the valve or through a mouthpiece.

Bear in mind though that inflating the mat with your mouth can build-up moisture and bacteria which can ruin the mat. It can affect the insulating capacity of your mat so a better alternative in inflating it is using pump systems.

How to keep your mat after using it?

Let all the air out to pack your sleeping mat down after using it. You can simply fold the sleeping mat two to three times and then open the valve. After releasing all the air inside, close the valve and roll the sleeping mat up. It is now ready for transport and always keep the mat rolled up during the transport.

How to check the thickness of the mat?

The thickness of the mat is usually anywhere from 3 cm to 10 cm and this thickness affects the user’s comfort. For example, mats with 3 a cm thickness are perfect for shorter trips. Some campers find mats with a thickness of 4-6 cm as comfortable for a good night’s sleep. For some, a thickness of 10 cm or more is suitable for their camping trip.

How to clean your mats after using them?

Remember that you use your mats outdoor so expect them to get dirty and scratched. Cleaning them is super easy and a must as experienced campers say. Simply wipe your mat with a wet cloth and soap. You can do this when the mat is inflated. Rinse it immediately and dry completely.

When there are scratches, you can easily repair them with patches and adhesive to secure the hole or tear in the surface. It is necessary to find the hole and seal it so you won’t mess up your next camping trip.

With all these simple guides to proper care of your mats, it is going to be easy for you to keep your self inflating mat useful for years.