http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/ARMASNNSM/title/ARTIACH-Skin-Mat
I'll keep looking and post in this "post"
From: Stephen Dmetruk, 02/24/98
Email:
sdmetruk@sas.upenn.edu
Review Type: Sleeping Pad
Manufacturer & Name of Gear: Artiach Skin Mat Reg Midlength
Weight: 1 lb 14 oz
Cost: $64.00 US
Conditions: Rated 35 degrees / Summer
Usage: Hiking & Backpacking
Capacity: Long
Reviewer's Height & Weight: 5'6 - 130 lbs
Conditions: 4-Seasons - Moderate
Usage: Ultralight Fastpacking
This is an excellent self inflating pad.
Comfort: I've never slept on a Thermarest, so unfortunately I can't compare it to what would be the most viable alternative. But then again, I can't imagine sleeping on anything more comfortable (short of my own bed). The pad insulates well and is easy to adjust the right level of 'cushion' with the valve.
Setup/Use/Maintenance: This pad does not always inflate itself (I've read other reviews which expressed the same complaint). It always requires a bit of blowing, which is disconcerting since I imagine this will shorten the life of the pad because of mildew issues. The pad is also somewhat of a pain to roll up to fit it in its stuff sack and it takes a bit of time.
Packability: The pad rolls up into a package the size of, oh, a cylinder with the diameter of the middle of a football and about the same length. This is much much smaller than the Thermarests compress (I'm comparing to comprable Thermarests - not the ultralightweight ones). The package is very very dense once rolled up and I find it awkward to fit on the inside of my pack (I used to use a ridgerest, so having a pad in my pack is strange to me to begin with).
Durability: This pad is probably a little more delicate than Thermarests, but I have yet to experience any problems with it on the trail. I did, however, put it up against a wall which had a small pin (smaller than a sewing needle) sticking out of it and this punctured the pad. I didn't have time to repair the hole before my next trip and the pad didn't leak at all - I was shocked. I give the durability of the pad one thumb up. The patch looks pretty....wimpy too. I've seen Thermarest patches and they look much much better.
Verdict: I like this pad a lot. Its not perfect, but I have yet to find gear that is. I would buy it again (although maybe in a lighter weight - there are smaller ones). Yes - I'm quite pleased with my sleeping pad.
Also, the surface is the tackiest available, thus there is no sleeping bag slippage whatsoever.
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