Exped Air Management

bobframe

bobframe

Joined
Feb 1, 2011
Messages
514
Location
Toccoa, GA
Bike
1200RT, 1200GS
I'm an Exped Downmat fan. But I don't think its perfect. Here's my beef...

GETTING AIR IN:

I think the "two hand/integrated pump" is lacking. It does work, but it gives me a workout I'm usually not in the mood for. On a warm afternoon, in a stuffy tent, I broke a sweat inflating the Downmat...isn't there a better way?

GETTING AIR OUT:

I think the secret to maximizing the comfort level of the Downmat is in having the exact right amount of air...which of course is different for everyone. So, everyone needs to fine tune the downmat's air pressure. Best I can tell, bleeding air through the "dump valve" is how we are supposed to do it. Problem is, the dump valve is hard to open and close and if you have your weight on the pad (how else you going to know when to stop?) the dump valve releases air very quickly. So fine tuning is difficult. Made all the more difficult by how difficult the valve is to close.

End of rant.

So, anyone else agree with this or see a blindingly obvious solution that I have stumbled past?

Thanks,

Bob
 
Never even tried pumping mine up using the built-in pump. I carry a cheap, D-Cell blower from some other brand of mattress with multiple nipples to fit different size mattress inlets. Works like a charm!
 
If you have a newer exped. Most of the cheap pumps today will mate to the inlet.

If you remove the little orange flap on the inside of the outlet valve, it will deflate very fast.
 
I think the bulit-in pump works extremely well....but I only fill it about half full...........if you're sweating...maybe time to buff up a little....just sayin'............ff
 
Bob, I suppose we haven't addressed the second part of your question. I haven't had to deflate while I'm laying on it but I can see where it might be hard to fine tune your inflation point. I know too much air is not good. I use my eyeballs to regulate how much air I need. I quit pumping before the mattress becomes rigid, leaving at least one single crease across each tube as it bends slightly. This could be the only situation in life where you want to quit pumping before it becomes rigid. :crackup
 
I love my Exped, but I am disappointed in the built-in pump. Seems like it takes longer and is more work than it should be. I always figured that was cuz I use it at higher altitudes. Sounds like it's just the way it works. I've never had an issue with letting air out.
 
bobframe said:
I'm an Exped Downmat fan. But I don't think its perfect. Here's my beef...

GETTING AIR IN:

I think the "two hand/integrated pump" is lacking. It does work, but it gives me a workout I'm usually not in the mood for. On a warm afternoon, in a stuffy tent, I broke a sweat inflating the Downmat...isn't there a better way?

End of rant.

So, anyone else agree with this or see a blindingly obvious solution that I have stumbled past?

Thanks,

Bob
Click to expand...

Yes, there is an obvious solution! It's called a SCHNOZZEL PUMPBAG!

Depending on where you get it, you may have to get an adapter. The one in the video comes with it, but I had to buy an adapter for mine. One of the coolest camping farkles you can buy!

Rick
 
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rickj said:
Yes, there is an obvious solution! It's called a SCHNOZZEL PUMPBAG!

Depending on where you get it, you may have to get an adapter. The one in the video comes with it, but I had to buy an adapter for mine. One of the coolest camping farkles you can buy!

Rick
Click to expand...
I've seen these. Think I will call Exped today and see which version I need for my pad...this does look like an easier inflation method. Still wondering about my "finger tip control air release"....
 
bobframe said:
I've seen these. Think I will call Exped today and see which version I need for my pad...this does look like an easier inflation method. Still wondering about my "finger tip control air release"....
Click to expand...

Not sure about "finger tip control air release"...

But I usually just open the big valve on the opposite end of the park (ok, with my finger tips), fold it in half (side to side), and start rolling it toward the valve to force air out. Once the bulk of the air is out I re-open the mattress, lay it on the floor tent, fold both ends to the middle, and roll it up squeezing the air. It's pretty simple to do and only takes a few minutes. It fits back in the small bag it came in, ready for the next use. Some people use the Schnozzel as a duffle bag and store things (like sleeping bags) in it. I just fold mine up and throw in store it on a bag on the bike.

Enjoy.
 
Why not loose the pump and just use the hose and bike exhaust to fill it? Never tried it myself but the ST engine is one hell of a pump. And no I don't cook dinner on the exhaust!!!!
 
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rickj said:
Not sure about "finger tip control air release"...

But I usually just open the big valve on the opposite end of the park (ok, with my finger tips), fold it in half (side to side), and start rolling it toward the valve to force air out. Once the bulk of the air is out I re-open the mattress, lay it on the floor tent, fold both ends to the middle, and roll it up squeezing the air. It's pretty simple to do and only takes a few minutes. It fits back in the small bag it came in, ready for the next use. Some people use the Schnozzel as a duffle bag and store things (like sleeping bags) in it. I just fold mine up and throw in store it on a bag on the bike.

Enjoy.
Click to expand...
Is this the answer to my "finger tip control" fine tuning?

http://www.exped.com/usa/en/product-category/mats/synmat-ul-9-m#prettyPhoto[node-nid-6907-field_video]/0/


Also, the more I watch the Schnozzel videos, the more I like it. Watch this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_O6hOdxhlA
 
By the way, I've found that inflating the Exped all the way makes it too hard to be comfortable. I generally inflate it somewhere between 50% and 75%, and find that the most comfortable to sleep on. By the way, I use a Big Agnes "system" bag that has the sleeve designed in to the bag for inserting the air mattress. I find the wider Exped and the Big Agnes combo is great!
 
rickj said:
By the way, I've found that inflating the Exped all the way makes it too hard to be comfortable. I generally inflate it somewhere between 50% and 75%, and find that the most comfortable to sleep on. By the way, I use a Big Agnes "system" bag that has the sleeve designed in to the bag for inserting the air mattress. I find the wider Exped and the Big Agnes combo is great!
Click to expand...
I have the same combination and think it has great promise. As with most things, the devil's in the details. That is, the fine tuning of the air pressure really matters. And your 50-75% mark is a lot lower than I would have thought would work for me. But, I suspect that with time, I'll figure out what works for me and become more adept at inflating to that pressure level.
 
BoSTon said:
Nay: The nozzle is not compatible with the valve on Exped mats; it makes horrible whining noise like a cheap hairdryer.
Click to expand...
Spoke to Exped customer service yesterday and learned that the Exped Downmats (and I presume other versions such as Synmat too??) have been through a slight change in the size of their valves. Consequently, they sell an adapter for their inflate valves so that current Schnozzels can be used. Perhaps this explains how there could be two very different views of how useful a product such as this can be when used with an Exped mat??
 
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