Waterproof Self-inflating pads ?

“I've been shopping for a new pad. I remember a few years back when Opie and Rabbitman both got caught in the rain while hiking and their self-inflating pads got soaking wet and were useless.

I'm reading that many pads are now "waterproof" and was wondering if that is effective against hiking in a pouring down rain and having it strapped to the back of your pack. Anyone out there have any experience with this ?

I'm not concerned about them being waterproof while sleeping on it...only while I'm hiking with it attached to my pack.
last edited: 3/01/05 1:48:27 PM”

“I got a stuff sack for my Thermarest and I seam-sealed it. Plus I have a pack cover for when it rains really hard. I don't think I'd want to carry the extra weight of a waterproof mattress when I've pretty much got the problem covered already.”

“Big Agnes states that their pads are waterproof...was just wondering what exactly that meant ? Rain storm waterproof or laying on the wet ground waterproof? LOL”

“This might be a dumb question, but wouldn't a self-inflating pad be waterproof? The pad doesn't let air through, wouldn't it do the same for water?”

“that's what I was thinking LZ.”

“Ok...but...read the first post.”

“Water can't get in, but they usually have a fabric covering the air/water tight membrane. That covering absorbs water.

MDS - I'm probably going to get the BA Air Core. It packs down like a 20 oz coke from what I've heard and would go in the pack like a stuff sack.”

“I love my BA Air Core mat.”

“Anything that will keep air in will keep water out.”

“Are the BA Air Core pads self-inflating ?

Anyway, yeah, the material on the outside can get soaking wet. I always enclose anything I'm carrying outside the pack in a waterproof bag. I just have bad memories of Rabbitman and Opie going home because their self-inflating pads got sooooo wet !”

“I don't think that they are, but I am looking at one of the insulated ones with lust in my heart right now.

I think I know what I will be spending my REI rebate on.”

“It's not self inflating. But it ain't tough to blow up either. I think Nigal said he always has to give his Thermarest a puff or two anyway. Same here.”

“MDS - I read a review that said it took 2 minutes to blow up. It took 3 the first time it was inflated and 2 from there on out.”

“MDS, I have 3 threads on the air sleeping pads. Look around baybee!

Otherwise, my recommendation is... now you said waterproof, right??... My recommendation is Big Agnes Sheep Pad. "Repels water and provides lots of other fun to the discriminating camper. Baaaaaaaa!!!"

Sounds great, eh??



LOL”

“I haven't noticed it getting soaked. Damp, but not soaked. It has made no difference concerning its functionality.

Also, I don't go backpacking without it anymore. Just too darned comfortable compared to the old closed cell pad I used to carry.”