Have bought one second hand and it seems to not be filling with air properly.
2007-01-03 02:11:19 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Other - Outdoor Recreation
yes yours is broke
2007-01-03 09:35:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Normally for storage it has been rolled and compressed with the valve unscrewed to let the air out and it is in the form of a roll! The valve is screwed closed to keep the air from entering.
When you unscrew the valve the foam inside the mat tries to resume its shape and air is sucked in. Help it a bit as it unrolls and blow a bit more air in to fill it a little more. Then close the valve again to contain the air.
Et voila a sleeping mat.
2007-01-04 06:04:24 · answer #2 · answered by John T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then possibly it either has a puncture or the valve will not open or seal properly. They only need a little air in them, you dont have to inflate it any more than what it draws in itself when the valve is opened really.
All they do is put a layer of air (held stable by the open cell foam inner) between you and the cold ground. Air being one of the best insulators around stops your body heat from warming up the earth underneath you.
There are puncture repair kits for sale in camping stores if you need. I dont know about the valve though.
Take it easy
2007-01-03 11:07:57 · answer #3 · answered by EvilSpike 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if it's real old maybe the foam has broken down....if that's not the case, you have a leak like spike says.
Blow it up by mouth, close the valve and sit on it while looking for signs of leakage. Repair any leaks with an air mattress/inflatable toy repair glue/kit, sold in sporting goods departments.
2007-01-03 11:20:12 · answer #4 · answered by DJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you suspect a leak, inflate it by mouth first. Then take a sponge with water and a little handsoap and wipe over it looking for bubbles. This is the best way to find leaks. If you find one, mark it, wait for it to dry and then use a repair kit. However, if you still can't get it to work, go buy a new one. For the most part they're super tough if you take care of them and definitely worth their weight in gold in backcountry.
2007-01-04 12:55:30 · answer #5 · answered by NML 1635 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a boy scout and get this lecture alot. U put the mat under your sleeping bag so...
1. Sleeping bag stays dry,
2. little more comfy,
3. you stay dry
4. keeps you warmer
2007-01-05 17:39:57 · answer #6 · answered by MACMAN9494 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋