Re: Therm-a-rest vs. other brands ?
James Smith (jas@MATHS.ED.AC.UK)
Wed, 22 Jan 1997 11:44:56 +0000
> Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 10:19:06 -0600
> From: Paul Kasley <kasley@FNAL.GOV>
> Subject: Therm-a-rest vs. other brands ?
>
> I have been shopping for a camping pad and I have noticed a
> large range of prices for products that, to me, appear comparable.
>
> The Therm-a-rest appears to be the market leader and also to
> have the highest prices. I have found comparable (at least on
> the surface) products priced from $30 to $70 less than an
> equivalent Therm-a-rest. Either Cascade Designs is way
> overpriced, or there are large quality differences that
> justify the disparities.
>
> Could the group please enlighten me on the following
> issues:
>
> 1. What factors determine the quality of a camping pad ?
> Are there any important factors that should, but don't
> show up in a typical catalog listing ?
>
Not sure, but make sure you get a decent NON-SLIP coating.
> 2. Are there any particular usage conditions that would
> favor one brand over another ?
I have a Therm-a-rest, the quality and ease of repair of the valve is
important, and it is easy to replace a Therm-a-rest valve, don't know
about others. Also ease of repair of any damage, the Therm-a-rest's are
quite easy to repair, and they have a return to base repair policy
should you do any major damage
> 2. Why is Therm-a-rest so much more expensive than all others
> and what justifies the expense ?
Research and Development?
>
> 4. Within the Therm-a-rest line, what are the differences
> their "vanilla" self-inflating sleeping pads and the Staytek
> mattresses ?
>
? not sure on this.
>
> To add context, I am interested in a pad measuring
> ~77 x ~25 x 2 or 2 1/2 for cold weather outside camping.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Paul Kasley
> ASM, Troop 17, Elmhurst, IL
>
> kasley@fnal.gov
> Fermilab, Batavia, IL
> Research Division, Controls Hardware
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> Engineer wise, plagiarize!
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
