Reviews > Sleep Gear > Pads and Air Mattresses > Insul Mat Max-Thermo > Andy Mytys > Initial Report

Insul Mat Max-Thermo Sleeping Pad

Initial Report

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Insul Mat Item: Max-Thermo Sleeping Pad (http://www.pacoutdoor.com) Item Number: 170MT-650 Year of Manufacture: 2004 MSRP: $55.00 Listed Weight: 23 oz (650 g) Weight as Delivered: 23.9 oz (678 g), including:   . Insul Mat Max-Thermo Sleeping Pad, 22.6 oz (641 g)   . Stuff Sack, 0.7 oz (20 g)   . Patch Kit, 0.6 oz (17 g) Size: 20 x 72 x 2.5 inches (51 x 183 x 6.3 cm) [w] x [l] x [d] Measured Size: 21.7 x 71.7 x 3.5 inches (55 x 182 x 9 cm) [w] x [l] x [d], with a 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) seam around the mat's border Measured Size, Packed: 11 x 5.5 inch (28 x 14 cm) cylinder, with a 16.5 inch (42 cm) circumference R-Value: N/A Color: Red/Black Warranty: Lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship Manufactured In: China

Product Description:

A full length, 3-season inflatable sleeping pad that uses synthetic fill insulation within its construction in order to reduce the effect of convective heat loss.

Test Unit Description:

Insul Mat's Max-Thermo sleeping pad comes deflated and packed in a stuff sack, along with a patch kit that includes instructions on use, sections (patches) of the material used in the top and bottom of the Max-Thermo pad's construction, and a tube of adhesive. Attached to the outside of the stuff sack is an owner's manual that outlines the mat's design characteristics in English, German, French, and Italian. Warranty and company contact information is also included in the booklet, as well as a statement the manufacturer's corporate environmental philosophy and a "Thank You" to its customers.

Roll Out the Red Carpet:

The Max-Thermo pad is constructed of two different gauges of material. The bottom of the mat is the thicker of the two, and is constructed of 70D nylon that's black in color. The upper material is a 50D diamond ripstop nylon. The pad comes folded and rolled in such a way that only the thicker bottom material is exposed. Laying the mat flat on its bottom exposes the bold, candy-apple red material used for the pad's top - WOW! The color reminds me of a rich velvet material.

Inflating the mat is as simple as turning the brass valve counter clockwise until loose, then blowing inside. The valve is listed as being "weather safe" and "impact resistant." The manufacturer claims that it has the "strength to last a lifetime." I inflated the mat completely with just nine mighty blows, and counted out anywhere from 40 to 50 puffs when I was less inclined to undergo a "cardio" workout. Once inflated, I simply closed the valve by turning it in a clockwise direction. When fully inflated, the mat is self-supporting, even when standing on-end.

The Max-Thermo pad's shape is designed to support the body, but in the interest of saving weight the shape of the mat is tapered. The pad is at its widest from the shoulder to the hip area, and tapers towards the head and foot areas. Seeing the bright red, contoured mat standing on its edge reminded me of a surfboard.

I Remember When:

The Max-Thermo pad makes me think of those old mattresses that I used back in my "car camping" days. It has a "six chamber" design, and looks like it could be used to lounge on in a swimming pool. Each tube is filled with synthetic insulation that's supposed to reduce convection flow within the tubes, resulting in a "substantially warmer mat."

Taking a Max Snooze:

The manufacturer recommends that "it is most comfortable... when the mat is not filled to trampoline like firmness." As recommended, I let some air out of the mat. When I reclined on the mat, though, I could feel some areas of the Max-Thermo pad lifting whenever my body pressed down in an adjacent area of the mat, and when I moved my head and shoulders around I could feel a "wave" moving through the pad. I began to experience a sense of vertigo - my head started to spin and I felt a little queasy. Now, let me add that I typically get sick on the merry-go-round at the local fair... I just can't handle movement. Fortunately, I found that inflating the pad to a "firm" level did away with the excess motion, and I no longer felt unsettled.

Once I found the "ideal" firmness that my situation required, I began to gauge the comfort of the mat. I didn't really have an issue with the firmness that I inflated the mat to. In fact, I am accustomed to having a firm but supportive base to sleep on (my bed at home is a king sized "Stearns and Foster" C-class). Unlike a bed's mattress, however, the width of the Max-Thermo pad is made of six equally sized tubes running down its length. Between each set of tubes there's a channel. For the most part, this topography is not very noticeable and actually results in a comfortable support structure. However, I do find myself wishing that the head of the pad had a solid surface to it, so it was more "pillow-like." With the current design, it feels like my head is constantly leaning against something (the tube) rather than lying flat.

In terms of size, I find the Max-Thermo pad to be ideal in length. I can position my head on the mat, and still have my feet resting at the bottom of the pad. Lying on my stomach, my toes point outwards and extend beyond the length of the pad, but they're essentially supported as my ankles are still on the pad itself. The pad also fits my frame well in terms of supporting my shoulders, chest, hips, and legs. Field testing will show if the tapered shape of the Max-Thermo pad creates any issues when tossing and turning.

Packing it All Away:

Packing up the Max-Thermo pad is a painless task. While the stuff sack is by no means excessively large, I found that the pad easily slips into it. To store the mat, I simply open the valve and lie on the pad until my body weight forces most of the air out. Then I fold the pad in three, using the channels found between the tubes as a guide. Once folded, I roll the pad up, tweaking the folds back into place as I proceed (rolling the pad pushes the remaining air out of the pad, with the resulting force shifting and even opening the folded shape a bit).

The manufacturer gives no recommendations on either its website or the Max-Thermo pad owner's manual with respect to long-term storage methods. I am concerned with what effect storing the pad rolled in its stuff sack will have on the insulating performance of the synthetic fill found within the mat's tubes. I plan to store the mat unrolled and partially inflated, so that even the weight of the pad's shell material is not bearing down on the insulation. The pad will be slid under my bed when not used, where there will be no extended exposure of UV rays on the pad's material.

Insul Mat Website Feedback:

Insul Mat's website for the Max-Thermo pad can be divided into five distinct areas - base product info, picking a mat, specifications, product pricing, and warranty info.

• Base Product Info - This page gives a basic overview of the Max-Thermal pad and its core features, including construction, size, and weight.
• Picking a Mat - This page opens with the intention of instructing readers on how to choose the right mat for their needs, but in the end basically just says to get what makes sense, rather than talking about advantages in Insul Mat's various pad designs, differences in product lines, and other REAL information that could assist in making an informed decision.
• Specifications - This page simply lists the item name, item number, size, R-value, volume (where applicable), weight, and color of each of Insul Mat's products.
• Product Pricing - This page simply lists the item name, color, item number, and suggested retail price of each of Insul Mat's products.
• Warranty Info - An explanation of manufacturer's warranty policy, including corporate contract information.

Test Plan:

The Insul Mat Max-Thermo pad will be my primary sleeping pad for all my overnight needs during the next six months. It will be used in tents and under tarps, with surface conditions ranging from soft sand, to beds of pine needles, to hard granite. As an equal opportunity sleeper, I will be reporting on back, side, and stomach sleeping position experiences.

Questions that I will be resolving include:

• Does the tapered shape of the pad afford enough latitude in movement for a sleeper, such as myself, who changes sleeping positions frequently?
• How well does the pad buffer against hard surfaces and protrusions in the ground?
• How well does the pad accommodate me when sleeping on my stomach?
• How well does the pad accommodate me when sleeping on my back?
• How well does the pad accommodate me when sleeping on my side?
• The Max-Thermo pad reminds me of those car-camping mattresses of days gone by. I still recall how those relics would typically develop multiple holes in the course of the night, and how I would find myself awaking on the cold, hard ground wondering what happened. How durable is the Insul Mat Max-Thermo pad? Do I find myself constantly reaching for the patch kit?
• If any punctures do occur, can they be repaired for short-term use with common items such as duct-tape or the contents of my first-aid kit, or is the patch kit a "must-take" form of insurance?
• Does the texture of the pad's shell material tend to catch down that pokes through a sleeping bag's shell, increasing instances of down leakage?
• Do I experience any slippage issues, either with respect to myself on the pad, or the bottom of the pad sliding about when it is placed on various materials, such as a Tyvek groundsheet, nylon tent floor, DryLoft bag cover, or SilNylon bivy?
• Are there any cold spots that develop due to the thickness of this pad?
• Can the pad be used in winter conditions, either by itself or in conjunction with a traditional closed-cell pad?
• Are there any issues of concern due to moisture around the mat's brass valve freezing up or causing other valve operation issues?
• Does the brass valve maintain an effective seal?
• How easy is the pad to maintain? Do stains wash out easily?
• Can the pad be folded and placed in a backpack to effectively provide additional padding for the hiker?
• I will be traveling in Europe with the Max-Thermo pad in tow... how well of a fit is it for "hostel hopping?"

Personal Biographical Information:

Reviewer: Andrew Mytys Email: amytys (at) backpacker (dot) com Homepage: Andy's Lightweight Backpacking Site Location: Michigan Age: 33 Gender: Male Height: 6'1" (185 cm) Weight: 165 lb (75 kg)

     Backpacking Background:

I live in Michigan and have been hiking seriously for 15 years, although I've camped since I was 6 years old. I consider myself a lightweight hiker. I carry the lightest gear I can get my hands on which will provide a comfortable wilderness experience and adequately support the goals of my trip. Unless my goals are time/distance oriented, my pace is always slow. I rarely exceed 1.5 miles (2.4 km)/hour. I rest frequently, hike long days, and enjoy whatever nature throws my way.

Reviews > Sleep Gear > Pads and Air Mattresses > Insul Mat Max-Thermo > Andy Mytys > Initial Report