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I'm gearing up for a camping trip and I have access to lots of polyurethane foam of any shape and size. I always cut myself a generous 'sleeping mat' (think Exped Megamat sized) and sleep like a log on them. The problem is space is a premium this time - previously I had a van so just used to chuck it in uncompressed.
I'm looking for some way of compressing effectively a single foam mattress - normal compression bags won't work as the foam is going to fight back once rolled up so no chance of stuffing in a bag. I almost want to roll the mat/mattress on top of something and to keep rolling it and then either velcro or cinch strap the full width of the rolled mattress. I'm not taking a vacuum cleaner with me so no vacuum bags!
My google-fu has failed me tonight. Anyone any ideas? Best idea wins a lump of foam of their choice.
I would use a velcro or cinch strap... well one at each end.
Old Vango tent bag with the compression straps on?
Other brands also have same.
Re vacuum bag: sitting on it works almost as well as a vacuum cleaner!
Re vacuum bag: sitting on it works almost as well as a vacuum cleaner!
This. What you're trying to replicate is any other self inflating mat which is pretty much a lump of foam in a sleaed bag that you squeeze the air out of.
I've had reasonable success with 3 kayak straps, I think that's what you might call a cinch strap. The 3rd one in the middle stops the bursting sausage look.
On my motorbike I had 3 straps attached to a sheet of tough waterproof material, you put the bedding on it then rolled it up tight, then connected the straps and kept tightening it down
I guess it's stating the obvious, but if you camp more than once in a blue moon, then it might be worth investing in a comfy self-inflating mat for car camping. Alpkit's Dozer is 64 quid currently and big, 7.5cm thick unit that's very comfortable, but also packs down easily. They do a double version tool.
Otherwise, straps. Or possibly a large-ish compression tent bag - MSR do them, tho maybe not large enough, but at that point, you might as well put the money you'd spend towards an actual self-inflating mat.
OR you could stuff it into an appropriate cardboard box and then tape it up. Â Or some sort of plastic barrel container.