How do you store your sleeping pad? Therm-a-rest states that they should be stored unrolled; however, I would want something that could be stored in my pack, quick to go. Anyone have any recommendations or suggestions? Should I go with a closed cell? Are they affected by heat/cold? I keep my pack in the car by day but it follows be inside at night. Actually I sleep with it by my bed because GF won't let me put it in the bed. Is that wrong? She says I have issues.

Thanks

Blitz

I think the foam in the inflatable thermarests can get compacted if they are stored rolled long term.

The closed cell z-rest folds up like an accordian and stores compactly.

Also, a closed cell pad is better in the winter because it insulates better against the cold ground than an inflatable does. (Closed cell they are not as cushy, of course, I love my Thermarest Camp Rest.)

I've kept mine deflated and tightly rolled up for the past 10 years or so. Guess I forgot to read my Therm-a-rest instruction booklet Over that time, I've used it monthly on overnighters and for a yearly weak long hike in the summer. It doesn't self inflate anymore, so I have to blow it up manually now, which doesn't take long at all. Aside from this minor inconvenience, the mattress still keeps me warm, is still very comfortable, and has given me no other issues.

I store my Thermarest Basecamp XL and Tennier MSS bag unrolled so that I don't compact the fill any more than necessary. I just hope that in an emergency I have 10 minutes to roll both of them up and attach them to my BOB.

In both cases, the manufacturer suggests that the items should be stored in an uncompressed state. It's probably a good idea for the equipment's longevity, but I don't know if it will prove to be a problem in an emergency.

Hi Blitz,

I am with Rio, I have stored my Therm-a-rest rolled-up in the supplied bag for at least 15 years, it still works for me.

No one on this site will think you have issues, your normal, just like the rest of us!

Concerning your GF not letting you keep your BOB in bed, that is not a problem, yet. The problem comes after she becomes becomes DW and all of your "cute survival stuff" is re-classified as cr*p and relegated to the storage room in the basement (yes, I too have issues).

Mike

I've managed to avoid the DW thing for quite a while now (14 years), but I know it's just a matter of time. Trying to go for a record. A plus is that we don't have a basement so that option is out for her.

Thanks

Blitz

I guess I'm just lucky. My DW actually asked me the other day whether we had enough ammunition stored. Normally, she is completely uninterested in "survivalism" topics and preparations generally, but she is a pessimist, and therefore both understands and supports my efforts in disaster and emergency preparedness.

Jeff

I store my Thermarest flat under my bed.

I'll give another vote for the Z-rest if you want something small, light, and easy to store. It's not as comfortable as the Thermarest, but it has many advantages. If I were to keep one stowed and ready to go, it'd be my Z-rest.

Kevin B.

I store my Thermorest unrolled and inflated between the back of the couch and the wall, standing on its side. Actually I store two of them behind the same couch. Since the back of the couch "leans", it is wasted space anyway.

In the bed=issues
By the bed=OK