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I have an air mat with foam inside for better insulation. I also have several other thermarest air pads with no foam. When I store them away, I usually roll them up as small and compact as they go like I do when I backpack. But is this good for them and their seams? I know sleeping bags should not remain stuffed into small sacks for long term storage, because the insulation gets crushed. But is it the same with pads with or without foam?

Store my Thermorests unrolled with the valve open under the bed. I believe that is the way Thermorest recommends storing them.

Maranna wrote:Store my Thermorests unrolled with the valve open under the bed. I believe that is the way Thermorest recommends storing them.

Alright, that's what I thought but wasn't 100%. I want to prevent further damage to my overpriced gear, haha

Maranna wrote:Store my Thermorests unrolled with the valve open under the bed. I believe that is the way Thermorest recommends storing them.

That's the only way to store them!

Maranna wrote:Store my Thermorests unrolled with the valve open under the bed. I believe that is the way Thermorest recommends storing them.

That's probably the best wat to store them, but I've stored mine all tightly rolled up and it has held up well for at least 10 years.

WouterB wrote:

Maranna wrote:Store my Thermorests unrolled with the valve open under the bed. I believe that is the way Thermorest recommends storing them.

That's the only way to store them!

Agreed. My wife has too much crap under the bed for me to store them there, but I still store them inflated and valve open, just upright behind a bookshelf instead. Behind a couch works too. It's not as ideal as laying them flat under a bed. Just don't keep it anywhere near where a potential housecat may lurk. One claw, and you're out a hundred bucks, unless those patches actually work.

Keeping the valve open makes sure that the moisture that is in there can get out. Very important to not get them to rot. Also, if you can, keep them away from direct sunlight.

I've hung mine in the closet next to the sleeping bags using hangers with clips.

BTW, the patches work.

a great way to store them is on the top of a gorilla rack type storage shelf. not in the garage though. that is where i keep mine. but ya, unrolled.

Thanks for all your advise, I just cleaned out all the junk from under my bed, and now my sleeping mat can enjoy peaceful storage space!

Maranna wrote:Store my Thermorests unrolled with the valve open under the bed. I believe that is the way Thermorest recommends storing them.

ODD!

When you purchased your Thermorest, was it unrolled with the valve open?

No!

As a matter of fact, it was tightly compressed/rolled up with the valve closed in a very tight package.

Some of these products are on the retailers shelves for months, sometimes years.

Contradicting aint it???

I am going to contact them tomorrow and ask them why the difference in their initial storage procedures and those that we are rec'd to do..

The Chief wrote:

Maranna wrote:Store my Thermorests unrolled with the valve open under the bed. I believe that is the way Thermorest recommends storing them.

ODD!

When you purchased your Thermorest, was it unrolled with the valve open?

No!

As a matter of fact, it was tightly compressed/rolled up with the valve closed in a very tight package.

Some of these products are on the retailers shelves for months, sometimes years.

Contradicting aint it???

I am going to contact them tomorrow and ask them why the difference in their initial storage procedures and those that we are rec'd to do..

*Sniff* *Sniff*, Do I smell a Cheif unleashed? I can't wait to see the turn out of this rampage. Let us know the post call carnage report!

I have been using these things for over 15 years and have nine of em.

I store them all loosely rolled, vertically with the valve open in a Rubber Maid Box. Have done this for years and has not caused any ill effects and keeps them consolidated.

Beware of storing them under your bed if you have any cats or dogs.

I think loosely rolled is fine, Chief. Probably not a good idea to store them tightly rolled, though.

WouterB wrote:Keeping the valve open makes sure that the moisture that is in there can get out.

Also, when inflating, it is best to let the pad inflate on its own, without breathing into it (for self-inflating pads, where one has that option).

Exhaled air is extremely humid, with a dewpoint close to body temperature. Unless your overnights are in Furnace Creek, the air inside the pad will cool below its dewpoint and water will condense. When deflating the pad, much or most of the water will remain inside. The water will accumulate over time as the cycle repeats.