Ralph Ditton
2005-06-14 09:31:15 UTC
I submit my fourth Owner review for edit.
There is a copy in the Test File with three photos.
Cheers
Ralph Ditton
Owner review: Metzeler Thermo Mat
Review Date: 11th June, 2005
Personal Information:
* Name: Ralph Ditton
* Age: 53
* Gender: Male
* Height: 1. 76m (5' 9")
* Weight: 79 kg (174 lb)
* Email: rdassetts-sFbbPxZDHXw0n/***@public.gmane.org
* City: Perth, Western Australia
Backpacking Background: I only took up backpacking seriously some four years
ago. I have been walking the Bibbulmun Track in sections. My goal is to
complete the 964 km (603 mi) and become an End to End walker. So far I have
completed approximately two-thirds of the Track from North to South, and a
quarter in the opposite direction.
I have evolved from carrying a very heavyweight load-approximately 28 kg,
(62 lb) including food and water-to being a midweight backpacker, averaging
18 kg (38 lb) at the start of a trip. I am hoping to purchase gear that's
lighter still. My trips are usually between three to five days duration.
Product information
* Manufacturer: Metzeler
* Made in : Memmingen, Germany
* Year of Manufacturer: 2002
* Year of Purchase: February, 2003
* Website:
http://www.metzeler-schaum.de/metzeler2004/products/handelsprodukte/thermoma
tten_en.php
* Model: Basic Thermo Mat
* Listed Dimensions: 180 cm x 50 cm x 3 cm (71" x 19 7/10 " x 1 1/5")
* Listed Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lb)
* Manufacturers Insulation Rating: 0,08 WK at a mat thickness of 3 cm
(1 1/5")
* Foam: Low-density open celled polyurethane
* Valve: Plastic easy-close turning valve
* Fabric Cover: Air and water-tight anti-slip PU coated PES fabric
* Colour: Olive Green
* MSRP: AU$110
My Measurements
* Measured Dimensions: 177.5 cm x 49.5 cm x 2.9 cm (70" x 19 1/2" x 1
1/5")
* Measured Weight: 1 kg 50 gm (2.31 lb)
* Flat Edge Seam on all four sides: 2 cm (4/5")
Product Description
The Metzeler Thermo Mat (hereinafter known as mat) is a full length,
self-inflating sleeping mattress, rectangular in shape, designed to cushion
a person under 180 cm (71") tall in comfort.
Field Information
I have used my mat in my tent and the shelters provided, in all seasons
whilst backpacking on the Bibbulmun Track in the South West of Western
Australia (WA). The major use has been in winter conditions and rain is
pretty well guaranteed on most days and nights. The South West of Western
Australia is characterised by a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers
ranging from 16 C-42 C (61 F-108 F) during December to March and cool wet
winters ranging from -3 C to 28 C (26 F to 85.5 F) during June to August.
Terrain on the track is undulating, ranging from 0 to 585 metres elevation
(0 to 1,920 ft).
Within this region I backpack along old forestry roads, sandy tracks, and
purpose-built walking tracks
Features
Insulation
I contacted the manufacturer for the insulation rating as I could not find
it in any of their publications.
They advised me of the rating, listed under Product Information
I always place a groundsheet under the mat for protection and to help keep
the mat clean and I have never felt any cold coming through the mat, but
when my arms or legs come off the mat during the night, inside my Super-mini
Sleeping Bag, I can feel the cold ground, or sleeping platform, depending on
what surface I am sleeping on
.
The sudden change of temperature on my body parts not on the mat result in a
very rapid movement to get those body parts back on the mat and away from
the cold.
The foam core stores a large amount of stationary air which means that the
mattress is warmer to sleep on and I am a warm sleeper
The mat thickness of 3 cm (1 1/5") initially had me worried that the mat
would be insufficient to cushion my hips and shoulders, as I predominately
sleep on my side.
I was debating with myself if I should purchase a thicker mat but I was
off-put by the extra weight a thicker mat would entail.
My decision to purchase the mat with the 3 cm (1 1/5") thickness has been
fully justified as my hips and shoulders are comfortably cushioned.
The mat does not slide around on top of my groundsheet during the night ,
possibly due to the anti-slip property of the fabric.
Packing the Mat
On a few occasions I have packed the mat inside my backpack and letting the
mat partially inflate. This results in the mat pushing the sides of my
backpack out and I then put gear inside the hollow created by the mat.
I only do this when I am going on overnighters as I do not need a lot of
gear.
For longer trips, I wrap the mat inside the groundsheet and place the
package inside the stuff sack, then strap it to the outside of my backpack,
leaving more room inside the backpack for other gear.
Only once did I completely deflate the mat and put it inside the backpack,
but it was not a complete success as the mat wanted to curl up, making it
awkward to pack the rest of the gear.
Inflate/Deflate
I inflate my mat by turning the black plastic easy-close turning valve cap
anti-clockwise. This opens the valve and air is drawn into the mat.
Full inflation can take anywhere between two to four minutes, depending on
how tight I had rolled the mat up the last time I used it.
When the mat has ceased to draw more air into it, I place my mouth over the
cap and blow twice into the mat to firm up the mat, then turn the cap
clockwise to seal the air inside the mat.
Whilst turning the cap, I place my tongue on the end of the cap to seal the
vents to prevent air escaping.
The end of the cap has five vents with a solid centre and in the centre is
stamped Foam Tex.
The circumference of the cap is ridged like the caps on toothpaste and
ointments, to assist in turning the cap by letting my fingers obtain a grip.
Metzeler states that their valves are very durable and can stand a lot of
punishment.
This is a claim I do not want to test as I could think of nothing worse than
being at a bush campsite with a broken valve
To deflate my mat, I turn the cap anti-clockwise and this opens the valve. I
then commence to roll the mat up and with each half turn of the roll, I
place both knees on the mat to squeeze out the air and I do this until the
mat is completely rolled up.
At this stage I then turn the cap clockwise to seal off the valve, thus
preventing air from entering.
Cleaning
To clean my mat I use a damp cloth, as recommended by the manufacturer, to
remove any dirt from the fabric.
The mat does have a stain patch which I cannot remove which was caused by a
medical product I was using on myself.
To date, there is no sign of fraying along the seams or any worn patches
where the mat contacts the ground, nor any sign of separation of the fabric
from the foam.
Storage
At home, I store the mat under my bed in an unrolled state with the valve
open so that any latent moisture from my breath can dry out.
The manufacturer states that the foam is treated with an "Anti Mould
Treatment" before the mats are manufactured and Metzeler states in their
literature that it is ok to assist inflation by giving the mat a few puffs
by mouth.
Manufacturers list of things to avoid
* avoid exposure to direct sunlight over long periods
* do not inflate using compressed-air devices
* do not place mat on stones, branches or similar pointed or sharp
objects
* avoid contact with suntan oil, insect repellent and chemicals
Repairs
The mat was supposed to have a repair kit as part of the purchase, however
mine was missing. I brought this to the attention of the store where I
purchased the mat and they obtained a repair kit for me without any trouble.
Fortunately I have not had to use the repair kit yet, nor do I relish the
idea of trying to locate a tiny puncture in my mat out in the bush.
Metzeler has a world-wide guarantee which means that my local dealer should
help me with a repair or a replacement if need be.
Stuff Sack
The mat was also supposed to come with a stuff sack according to the fine
print in the advertising material which I discovered when I got home and
read up on the mat.
I contacted my local dealer who referred me to the Australian Agent. To the
Agent's credit, they mailed a stuff sack to me at their expense.
Points to Consider
How I could have killed my self-inflating mat without really trying in four
easy lessons
The incidents listed below have been done by me, but fortunately through
either good luck or a very tough mat, the mat has survived with only a
stain.
* I have left the mat inflated with the valve closed inside a tent on
a very hot day. The result could have been a burst mat or delamination
ie.separation of the fabric from the foam
* Spill oils, creams or fuel on the mat
* Put a hot cup on the mat. I could have damaged the fabric or caused
delamination at the spot where the cup rested
* Sit on the mat near a campfire. The heat could have over-pressurized
the mat causing a burst mat or delamination
Needless to say, my warranty would have been null and void and I have learnt
what not to do with my mat.
Likes
* Very comfortable
* Easy to inflate/deflate
* Keeps my body warm
* Tough
Dislikes
* Heavy
* On the bulky side
Would I purchase another one
I would not purchase the same model as the company now has a range of
lighter mats.
In due course I will be purchasing a full-length mat that packs smaller and
is lighter.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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There is a copy in the Test File with three photos.
Cheers
Ralph Ditton
Owner review: Metzeler Thermo Mat
Review Date: 11th June, 2005
Personal Information:
* Name: Ralph Ditton
* Age: 53
* Gender: Male
* Height: 1. 76m (5' 9")
* Weight: 79 kg (174 lb)
* Email: rdassetts-sFbbPxZDHXw0n/***@public.gmane.org
* City: Perth, Western Australia
Backpacking Background: I only took up backpacking seriously some four years
ago. I have been walking the Bibbulmun Track in sections. My goal is to
complete the 964 km (603 mi) and become an End to End walker. So far I have
completed approximately two-thirds of the Track from North to South, and a
quarter in the opposite direction.
I have evolved from carrying a very heavyweight load-approximately 28 kg,
(62 lb) including food and water-to being a midweight backpacker, averaging
18 kg (38 lb) at the start of a trip. I am hoping to purchase gear that's
lighter still. My trips are usually between three to five days duration.
Product information
* Manufacturer: Metzeler
* Made in : Memmingen, Germany
* Year of Manufacturer: 2002
* Year of Purchase: February, 2003
* Website:
http://www.metzeler-schaum.de/metzeler2004/products/handelsprodukte/thermoma
tten_en.php
* Model: Basic Thermo Mat
* Listed Dimensions: 180 cm x 50 cm x 3 cm (71" x 19 7/10 " x 1 1/5")
* Listed Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lb)
* Manufacturers Insulation Rating: 0,08 WK at a mat thickness of 3 cm
(1 1/5")
* Foam: Low-density open celled polyurethane
* Valve: Plastic easy-close turning valve
* Fabric Cover: Air and water-tight anti-slip PU coated PES fabric
* Colour: Olive Green
* MSRP: AU$110
My Measurements
* Measured Dimensions: 177.5 cm x 49.5 cm x 2.9 cm (70" x 19 1/2" x 1
1/5")
* Measured Weight: 1 kg 50 gm (2.31 lb)
* Flat Edge Seam on all four sides: 2 cm (4/5")
Product Description
The Metzeler Thermo Mat (hereinafter known as mat) is a full length,
self-inflating sleeping mattress, rectangular in shape, designed to cushion
a person under 180 cm (71") tall in comfort.
Field Information
I have used my mat in my tent and the shelters provided, in all seasons
whilst backpacking on the Bibbulmun Track in the South West of Western
Australia (WA). The major use has been in winter conditions and rain is
pretty well guaranteed on most days and nights. The South West of Western
Australia is characterised by a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers
ranging from 16 C-42 C (61 F-108 F) during December to March and cool wet
winters ranging from -3 C to 28 C (26 F to 85.5 F) during June to August.
Terrain on the track is undulating, ranging from 0 to 585 metres elevation
(0 to 1,920 ft).
Within this region I backpack along old forestry roads, sandy tracks, and
purpose-built walking tracks
Features
Insulation
I contacted the manufacturer for the insulation rating as I could not find
it in any of their publications.
They advised me of the rating, listed under Product Information
I always place a groundsheet under the mat for protection and to help keep
the mat clean and I have never felt any cold coming through the mat, but
when my arms or legs come off the mat during the night, inside my Super-mini
Sleeping Bag, I can feel the cold ground, or sleeping platform, depending on
what surface I am sleeping on
.
The sudden change of temperature on my body parts not on the mat result in a
very rapid movement to get those body parts back on the mat and away from
the cold.
The foam core stores a large amount of stationary air which means that the
mattress is warmer to sleep on and I am a warm sleeper
The mat thickness of 3 cm (1 1/5") initially had me worried that the mat
would be insufficient to cushion my hips and shoulders, as I predominately
sleep on my side.
I was debating with myself if I should purchase a thicker mat but I was
off-put by the extra weight a thicker mat would entail.
My decision to purchase the mat with the 3 cm (1 1/5") thickness has been
fully justified as my hips and shoulders are comfortably cushioned.
The mat does not slide around on top of my groundsheet during the night ,
possibly due to the anti-slip property of the fabric.
Packing the Mat
On a few occasions I have packed the mat inside my backpack and letting the
mat partially inflate. This results in the mat pushing the sides of my
backpack out and I then put gear inside the hollow created by the mat.
I only do this when I am going on overnighters as I do not need a lot of
gear.
For longer trips, I wrap the mat inside the groundsheet and place the
package inside the stuff sack, then strap it to the outside of my backpack,
leaving more room inside the backpack for other gear.
Only once did I completely deflate the mat and put it inside the backpack,
but it was not a complete success as the mat wanted to curl up, making it
awkward to pack the rest of the gear.
Inflate/Deflate
I inflate my mat by turning the black plastic easy-close turning valve cap
anti-clockwise. This opens the valve and air is drawn into the mat.
Full inflation can take anywhere between two to four minutes, depending on
how tight I had rolled the mat up the last time I used it.
When the mat has ceased to draw more air into it, I place my mouth over the
cap and blow twice into the mat to firm up the mat, then turn the cap
clockwise to seal the air inside the mat.
Whilst turning the cap, I place my tongue on the end of the cap to seal the
vents to prevent air escaping.
The end of the cap has five vents with a solid centre and in the centre is
stamped Foam Tex.
The circumference of the cap is ridged like the caps on toothpaste and
ointments, to assist in turning the cap by letting my fingers obtain a grip.
Metzeler states that their valves are very durable and can stand a lot of
punishment.
This is a claim I do not want to test as I could think of nothing worse than
being at a bush campsite with a broken valve
To deflate my mat, I turn the cap anti-clockwise and this opens the valve. I
then commence to roll the mat up and with each half turn of the roll, I
place both knees on the mat to squeeze out the air and I do this until the
mat is completely rolled up.
At this stage I then turn the cap clockwise to seal off the valve, thus
preventing air from entering.
Cleaning
To clean my mat I use a damp cloth, as recommended by the manufacturer, to
remove any dirt from the fabric.
The mat does have a stain patch which I cannot remove which was caused by a
medical product I was using on myself.
To date, there is no sign of fraying along the seams or any worn patches
where the mat contacts the ground, nor any sign of separation of the fabric
from the foam.
Storage
At home, I store the mat under my bed in an unrolled state with the valve
open so that any latent moisture from my breath can dry out.
The manufacturer states that the foam is treated with an "Anti Mould
Treatment" before the mats are manufactured and Metzeler states in their
literature that it is ok to assist inflation by giving the mat a few puffs
by mouth.
Manufacturers list of things to avoid
* avoid exposure to direct sunlight over long periods
* do not inflate using compressed-air devices
* do not place mat on stones, branches or similar pointed or sharp
objects
* avoid contact with suntan oil, insect repellent and chemicals
Repairs
The mat was supposed to have a repair kit as part of the purchase, however
mine was missing. I brought this to the attention of the store where I
purchased the mat and they obtained a repair kit for me without any trouble.
Fortunately I have not had to use the repair kit yet, nor do I relish the
idea of trying to locate a tiny puncture in my mat out in the bush.
Metzeler has a world-wide guarantee which means that my local dealer should
help me with a repair or a replacement if need be.
Stuff Sack
The mat was also supposed to come with a stuff sack according to the fine
print in the advertising material which I discovered when I got home and
read up on the mat.
I contacted my local dealer who referred me to the Australian Agent. To the
Agent's credit, they mailed a stuff sack to me at their expense.
Points to Consider
How I could have killed my self-inflating mat without really trying in four
easy lessons
The incidents listed below have been done by me, but fortunately through
either good luck or a very tough mat, the mat has survived with only a
stain.
* I have left the mat inflated with the valve closed inside a tent on
a very hot day. The result could have been a burst mat or delamination
ie.separation of the fabric from the foam
* Spill oils, creams or fuel on the mat
* Put a hot cup on the mat. I could have damaged the fabric or caused
delamination at the spot where the cup rested
* Sit on the mat near a campfire. The heat could have over-pressurized
the mat causing a burst mat or delamination
Needless to say, my warranty would have been null and void and I have learnt
what not to do with my mat.
Likes
* Very comfortable
* Easy to inflate/deflate
* Keeps my body warm
* Tough
Dislikes
* Heavy
* On the bulky side
Would I purchase another one
I would not purchase the same model as the company now has a range of
lighter mats.
In due course I will be purchasing a full-length mat that packs smaller and
is lighter.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers.
At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/B9pRWD/3MnJAA/Y3ZIAA/V4TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
To read our reviews, please visit http://www.backpackgeartest.org/
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackGearTest/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
BackpackGearTest-unsubscribe-***@public.gmane.org
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/