 <img width="320" height="240" /> This appears to have fallen out of my downmat when I opened the valve to expel air. Anyone know what it's for and should I worry?
|
 |
sorry...here's pic 
|
|
 Hi, yes, keep it!!!!! It happened to me a few weeks ago. I can explain what and how to fix it, but I'll have to do it at home this evening when I've got mine in front of me....
|
|
sorry...here's pic
OMG! 
It's the pin from the self destruct! RUN! 
|
| Edited: 20/10/10 16:36 |
 is this to do with the "new, improved, internal pump" version? 
|
|
Ok, first attempt... Yes, it's the internal pump version, and it's a seal of sorts (is the technical term a flange?) which sits in the neck of the deflation valve - when the plug is in it'll be pressed flat to seal the valve, but with the plug out the little rubber 'neck' it sits on will allow it to rise to let air out. I don't know how mine came out, but fortunately we have other Downmats to compare to work out what it was. The problem is that it's so rubbery and squishy that you can't push that tiny thin stalk back in through its hole. The solution I arrived at was to feed the stalk into the hole, gather up a fold of material around it from the other side of the hole, leaving some slack, then grip the stalk through the material with a pair of pliers, and gently pull - the thing popped back into place!  Hope that makes enough sense to get you sorted, Rog...
|
|
ok i'll try that now
|
|
Matt, As Bette Midler once sang...... "did you ever know that your my hero".... Thanks
|
| Edited: 20/10/10 17:58 |
I say, steady on old chap...
|
|
|
|
|
Ahhh.... A new relationship blossoms on OM. We want invites to the wedding though...
|
|
|
|
|
Other than the disintegrating valve are you happy with your downmat Rog? I nearly got a 3/4 from Nordic Outdoors for £49 recently.
|
|
TTG, yes it's great. I fixed the valve as matt said and no problems. I have only used it camping once so far and no complaints. It was a cold night and I didn't wake from cold at all which is new for me. I have the short so a bit of a high clothing pillow needed, didn't notice by feet falling of the other end to be honest.
So far I'd give it 8/10 only because it's still to early to give it a higher or lower score.
|
|
 I'm very happy with my Downmat, ttg, I find it both comfy and warm. It's heavier than a lot of other mats, but I'll happily take the weight penalty.
|
|
Should I take the plunge? Still wonder if a 7cm mat would fit inside a Rab SZ and the straps of my golite quilt. I like to sleep on grass in my bivvy but there are always the odd rock under the turf and would rather not damage the mat.
|
|
I'd join you in wondering if a 7cm mat would fit inside a SZ but I can answer that question for you tonight if you'd like to hang on a bit longer. I used my 7cm mat (full length) and a SZ in the snowhole in March, but only had the sleeping bag in the SZ. There was certainly no room for a mat along with my insanely lofty sleeping bag, but it wasn't necessary anyway cos we were in a snowhole. The material the mats are made of isn't that flimsy.
|
|
Apparently its a common thing ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1AHekpHUwY&feature=related
|
|
