Date: Fri, 8 Dec 2000 14:35:40 -0500
Reply-To: "Dave C." <vinniethe85vanagon@MAC.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Dave C." <vinniethe85vanagon@MAC.COM>
Subject: Re: ? Gear for Third World Travel ?
In-Reply-To: <f3.559183d.27622bb7@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
on 12/8/2000 7:19 AM, Rico Sapolich at JKrevnov@AOL.COM wrote:
> It is my impression that some subscribers to this list have experience with
> primitive travel; I seek their hard won advice.
>
> My wife and daughter are preparing for an annual medical mission into the
> hinterlands of Honduras. Because accommodations on these forays are
> uncertain, they can only be sure of having a roof over their heads. Last
> year, they took Thermorest Ultralight ground pads with them. These worked
> fine as microbial barriers on top of the well-used mattresses which they were
> issued, but the 1" inflated thickness would provide scant comfort on a hard
> floor.
>
> Can anyone recommend a particular vendor for a well made air mattress and
> compact manual pump? Or, is it better to go to the expense of another pair
> of thicker Thermorest pads? They will be expected to carry a duffle bag
> filled with medical supplies in addition to their gear, so, compactness is
> important.
>
> Thanks to one and all for indulging my inquiry.
>
> Rich
Dear Rich,
As one that trains specialty outdoor retailer sales staff here is my .02¢.
The "inflatable mattress" touted on many TV commercials and the like are
really not worth the investment. IMHO (and I've slept on quite a few) they
offer little to no back support or insulation from ground heat loss as air
isn't a very good insulator. Not to mention the space, weight, or
durability issues. I refer to these contraptions as "mattresses of pain".
SO, if you walked into a store that I worked in and explained your travel
parameters, I'd reccommend the Camprest LE mfged by Thermarest and a valve
repair kit in case that piece gets damaged. It will probably last you many
years but you don't want to go without a good nights sleep because someone's
dog chewed up your valve. The LE model ships with a stuff sak and repair kit
so just confirm the repair kit is included as it should be.
The dimensions are 2.5 inch thick X 25 wide (so your elbows don't fall off,
kinda nice) X 77 long and weighs 3lb 7 oz. Packed size can be as small as
26" X 6" depending on your technique. These "self-inflate" by opening the
valve and letting it suck in air to equilibrium with the atmosphere. Add
air to really get it firm and then once your cozy use the valve to decrease
air pressure to your liking. Store them long term by opening the valve and
either hanging at the end of a closet or under the bed.
Be prepared for sticker shock as these are not cheap. But, they hold up
great through all kinds of conditions as the adhesive bonding between the
foam interior and the polyester fabric is superior to others that I've seen.
IF the fabric and foam become separated you get to sleep on a big bubble and
that ain't no fun at tall!
You may be able to speak to someone at Cascade designs (1.800.531.9531) and
persuade them to sponsor you or to offer pro-form prices usually only
available only to dealers since you're on a medical mission. Pro prices are
usually 10-20% above wholesale.
Cheers,
Dave C.
Williamsburg, VA
zzzzzzzzz__
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'85 GL Westy (His)
'91 Cabriolet (Hers)
