Hello Murray,

Thanks for the feedback.

I am very concerned about the smoldering  fire. I poured lots of water on
the fireplace before we left and thought we had put it all out. Obviously
not enough. Will make a thorough inspection next time.

Luckily we did not get any ticks this time around as we went in and out for
an overnighter.

The pork steaks were well done with lovely crackle. John, my walking mate
was chef.

Ralph



   _____

From: aushiker@... [mailto:aushiker@...] On
Behalf Of Murray
Sent: Friday, 9 June 2006 11:58 PM
To: aushiker@...
Subject: [Aushiker] Coastal Plains, inflating mats and tics, tics, tics....





<snip>

* fairly knackered from the previous days' walk.
Got to prickly bark in about 4 hrs to find a still smouldering fire
and a message from Ralph (ditton??) describing last nights dinner
(pork steaks?)
This was very mean considering all I had left at that stage was a
muesly bar and a handful of m&ms! oh for a steak!







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

At 09:03 AM 9/06/2006, you wrote:
>Hi
>Thanks to all who responded to my post. The bag is definitely a
>Genuine article. The label reads " the original Therm-a -rest ,
>Worlds finest camping Mattress" (Note they don't mention the
>bag!!)the inside label reads "Made in USA by Cascade Designs Inc.

Dear Neville

In that case, you should send a polite email detailing your concerns
direct to Therm-a-Rest. You should find the contact details at
http://thermarest.com.  I would be surprise if they did not offer to
replace the stuff sack.

Regards
Andrew

At 08:35 AM 8/06/2006, you wrote:
>As long as the mat holds up!! Otherwise I'll be in the pooh!
>
>Don't you have kids?! Don't worry you'll get immuned to the noise
>eventually!

Oh have kids including a 17 year old drummer :-)  One thing having
noise at home ... :-)

Andrew

Here is my walk report for the coastal plains trail.
Summary: shapcotts-cooper rd 12hrs total walk time. cooper rd- YNP on
bike 4hrs. tic bites:40, Tics removed from body:0. Walk difficulty
low. Physical exertion high.

I arrived at Yanchep Nat. Park approximately at 1830hrs Thursday 1st
after hiding my bike in the bush near the Cooper Rd drop off point. My
plan was to get to prickly bark camp by saturday night and ride back
to YNP on sunday morning.
I lost the ghost house trail in the dark and ended up travelling up
the golfcourse on the east side of loch mcness, but managed to get to
shapcotts by about 1930. It is a very nice site and i love the big
tuarts in the area. It was Very cold that night, even with a zero C
bag and full thermals on. In the morning I spotted mist rising out of
a crack in the ground at the base of a Tuart on the track. There Must
be a cave with water in it down there.
There were a heap of roos about, and from shapcotts to ridges is
probably the nicest section of the trail, with regular vegetation
changes. I got to ridges in 3hrs, 20 mins and felt great. at this
stage i figured i would have a crack at going to moitch by the end of
the day. It is a nice view from the camp at ridges. 40 minutes lunch
and I was off again. The track at this stage was still reasonably
firm, with the sand still damp, and the dirtbike tracks were
avoidable. I got into moitch by 1630, and was so stuffed that when I
sat down and looked at my legs they were 'shrinking' and warping like
I was on LSD. I covered 35km that day at just under 5km hr, including
rests.
I think it was on this leg that i picked up all the tics. as much as I
avoided brushing up against 'grass trees' i didn't realise I shouldn't
  sit directly on the ground or put my pack down. And here i was
thinking you're warnings were exaggerated! I sure knew about it at in
the morning... I was covered in bites, and seeing as I used to scrach
tick bites till I bled for a month thats was not a good thing.
The moitch to prickly bark leg was a bit harder; the sand got
progressively softer and drier, and bike damage worse. Plus I was
fairly knackered from the previous days' walk.
Got to prickly bark in about 4 hrs to find a still smouldering fire
and a message from Ralph (ditton??) describing last nights dinner
(pork steaks?)
This was very mean considering all I had left at that stage was a
muesly bar and a handful of m&ms! oh for a steak!
Got to coopers, found my bike intact and made it back to YNP by about
1630hrs on saturday Arvo.
It was a 52km ride back along neaves and old yanchep rd, and i was
totally stuffed and craving a burger by the end of it.
Dispite the self inflicted exhaustion it was a great challenge to
complete in that time, and without agravating any old injuries like I
did the week before at Walyunga.
My new trek poles worked a treat, and my thermarest mat doesn't slip
around on the silnylon tent floor as much when I was on a level
surface (dur). So there is a question to ask the mountain designs
folks... do thier mats grip on silnylon??
Total pack weight for the trip was 8.7kg sans h20. Anyone interested
in the gear list can ask for it to be emailed to them.
Big thanks to Andrew for the links to google earth coordinates and
general trip planning advice gleaned from his website.

Hi
Thanks to all who responded to my post. The bag is definitely a Genuine article.
The label reads " the original Therm-a -rest , Worlds finest camping Mattress"
(Note they don't mention the bag!!)the inside label reads "Made in USA by
Cascade Designs Inc.
Eddie came up with an Idea I'm trying at the moment. I turned the bag inside out
, After 15 minutes of swearing ### . I also coated it with talc powder as the
bag was like opposite poles of a magnet. I'm worried if the bag becomes wet it
may end up looking like clag glue. I purchased it from one of the shops on Hay
street but cant remember which one otherwise I would give them a call and see
what can be done.
Thanks
Neville A
Perth
________________________________________________________________________
Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM.
All on demand. Always Free.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Good news!!! It'd be geat to get opinions from the others!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew" <a1preece@...>
To: <aushiker@...>
Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2006 2:40 PM
Subject: [Aushiker] Re: self inflating mats


> --- In aushiker@..., "Mountain Designs Perth"
> <mtdesign@i...> wrote:
>>
>> As long as the mat holds up!! Otherwise I'll be in the pooh!
>
> Don't worry, looks like you will be well away from that.
>
> I used the mat on Sunday night, and slept under my hochie with a tarp
> under the mat, I was very warm in my bag and did not feel any cold
> through the mat, it was very comfortable indeed.
> When we opened it up out of the package and let it inflate we thought
> it was going to be too narrow for my shoulders but this was not to be
> the case, not once did I roll off or feel like I was going to.
>
> We have another night on the 30th coming up and I look forward to
> using it again and showing it Raplh and Andrew.
> thanks Mike
>
> Andrew_P2
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

--- In aushiker@..., "Mountain Designs Perth"
<mtdesign@i...> wrote:
>
> As long as the mat holds up!! Otherwise I'll be in the pooh!

Don't worry, looks like you will be well away from that.

I used the mat on Sunday night, and slept under my hochie with a tarp
under the mat, I was very warm in my bag and did not feel any cold
through the mat, it was very comfortable indeed.
When we opened it up out of the package and let it inflate we thought
it was going to be too narrow for my shoulders but this was not to be
the case, not once did I roll off or feel like I was going to.

We have another night on the 30th coming up and I look forward to
using it again and showing it Raplh and Andrew.
thanks Mike

Andrew_P2

As long as the mat holds up!! Otherwise I'll be in the pooh!

Don't you have kids?! Don't worry you'll get immuned to the noise
eventually!
Cheers,
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Priest" <andrew@...>
To: <aushiker@...>
Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2006 1:12 PM
Subject: Re: [Aushiker] self inflating mats


> At 09:12 AM 2/06/2006, you wrote:
>>Hi Andrew P2,
>>
>>I am extremely reluctant to use this site to sell things....But! Mountain
>>Designs have bought out a new range of self inflating mats that are priced
>>around the $100 mark. As they are new I'm prepared to give you one for
>>free
>>in return for an honest report on how it performed. You can pick it up
>>today
>>(or tonight) if you like for your weekend trip?? Interested?
>
> Dear Mike
>
> Thank you for supporting the Aushiker mailing list in this manner. I
> am sure that Andrew is one very happy chappy now.
>
> Andrew
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

No probs!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Priest" <andrew@...>
To: <aushiker@...>
Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 6:38 PM
Subject: Re: [Aushiker] Base camping Tents - Thoughts


> At 11:54 AM 6/06/2006, you wrote:
>>Hi Andrew,
>>
>>We carry the Oz Trail Tents, I've got one of the 4V's myself and I reckon
>>they're pretty good value for a fibre glass pole tent. Good for family
>>use.
>>I could sell you one for around $140.
>
> Thanks for your kind offer Mike. I didn't know you guys handled Oz
> Trail tents. As it happened I picked up a second hand one over the
> weekend (used twice) for $90 which should suit me for the few trips I
> use such a tent on.
>
> Andrew
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

At 05:50 AM 8/06/2006, you wrote:
> > I just got out my Therm-a-rest bag (Guidelite long) , you know the bag the
> > inflatable mattress goes in and the dam thing has stuck together
> like a flat
> > balloon that's be left in the sun.I store my mattress unrolled
> and the bag just
> > hangs on the back of the bedroom door with very good ventilation.The bag is
> > a couple of years old but I didn't expect this kind of
> deterioration. I have tried
> > pulling it apart but as soon as it comes in contact with the
> other side it sticks
> > together again and makes it impossible to insert the mattress.
>
>First, the bag. I wonder whether it is a Therm-a-Rest brand bag? I
>ask, because when we bought some mats the shop
>supplied Brand-X bags to hold them. Who knows what the quality of
>those will be?

Hi

Smack head moment. We are talking about the stuff sack? I was
thinking of sleeping bag ... one of the bags with sleeve in it for
the mat. Sorry for the confusion.

That said Roger has a point. If it is a genuine Therm-a-Rest stuff
sack then you may have some come back on Therm-a-Rest, if it is a not
a genuine one, then your options may be more limited.

Andrew

> I just got out my Therm-a-rest bag (Guidelite long) , you know the bag the
> inflatable mattress goes in and the dam thing has stuck together like a flat
> balloon that's be left in the sun.I store my mattress unrolled and the bag
just
> hangs on the back of the bedroom door with very good ventilation.The bag is
> a couple of years old but I didn't expect this kind of deterioration. I have
tried
> pulling it apart but as soon as it comes in contact with the other side it
sticks
> together again and makes it impossible to insert the mattress.

First, the bag. I wonder whether it is a Therm-a-Rest brand bag? I ask, because
when we bought some mats the shop
supplied Brand-X bags to hold them. Who knows what the quality of those will be?

Second, the fabric and the coating. This degradation is well known, and happens
on an almost random basis. It depends on
exactly how the coating was formulated and then applied. Once it happens, there
is only one solution: remove and keep
the cord lock, and replace the rest. Nope, there is no cure.

Being closed up slightly damp seems to make the problem worse, but it can happen
despite being clean and dry.

Cheers
Roger Caffin

At 04:10 PM 6/06/2006, you wrote:

>Hi Everyone,
>
>Thought you may be interested in this:
>
>6PM TUESDAY 13TH JUNE - GREAT TREKS AROUND THE WORLD
>
>World Expeditions invites you to a night of high
>adventure and inspiration. Join our experienced
>adventurers as they recount what they believe to be
>the greatest treks around the world.

Hi

You might want to give details of the venue etc.

Andrew

At 10:41 AM 7/06/2006, you wrote:
>Hi All
>I just got out my Therm-a-rest bag (Guidelite long) , you know the
>bag the inflatable mattress goes in and the dam thing has stuck
>together like a flat balloon that's be left in the sun.I store my
>mattress unrolled and the bag just hangs on the back of the bedroom
>door with very good ventilation.

Hi Neville

Is this a Therm-a-Rest bag or another brand? I couldn't find it on
their site and I thought they only made mats.

Andrew

At 11:54 AM 6/06/2006, you wrote:
>Hi Andrew,
>
>We carry the Oz Trail Tents, I've got one of the 4V's myself and I reckon
>they're pretty good value for a fibre glass pole tent. Good for family use.
>I could sell you one for around $140.

Thanks for your kind offer Mike. I didn't know you guys handled Oz
Trail tents. As it happened I picked up a second hand one over the
weekend (used twice) for $90 which should suit me for the few trips I
use such a tent on.

Andrew

At 02:55 PM 7/06/2006, you wrote:
>Ah Andrew,
>Hope you had a good respite up there anyway.

Yeah it was good and I will be back. Planning a walk in the area.

Andrew

Neville,

Try turning the bag inside out and see what happens.

Eddy

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ah Andrew,
Hope you had a good respite up there anyway.
Ref the trains mate, because the line is stashed away in the valley many people
have no idea of how heavy the traffic is and how much we rely on this Eastern
States connection.
Would you believe, with the current speeds allowed, there is no more room to run
any further services on that line, it's filled to capacity.
Only other option would be to lengthen the crossing loops, of which there are
currently TWO, most trains are too long to fit into these loops, therefore
require a straight run directly from Avon to Forrestfield.
You should consider yourself lucky that all the operators have purchased new
locomotives which are required under law to conform to newer noise regulations,
the older ones would've most definitely encouraged you to seek alternative camp
site.
Share your views regards the kids.     HEH.
Eddy.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Everyone,

Thought you may be interested in this:

6PM TUESDAY 13TH JUNE - GREAT TREKS AROUND THE WORLD

World Expeditions invites you to a night of high
adventure and inspiration. Join our experienced
adventurers as they recount what they believe to be
the greatest treks around the world.

This inspiring slide night will cover climbing
Kilimajaro, trekking to Everest Base Camp, walking the
Inca Trail in Peru, trekking in South West China,
walking along the Cape to Cape and Bib track in WA,
trekking in the highlands of Ethiopia and trekking the
Cradle Mountain overland track in Tassie.

Entry is free, should be a great night. Please contact
World Expeditions on 9486 9899 if you would like to
attend.


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Hi All
I just got out my Therm-a-rest bag (Guidelite long) , you know the bag the
inflatable mattress goes in and the dam thing has stuck together like a flat
balloon that's be left in the sun.I store my mattress unrolled and the bag just
hangs on the back of the bedroom door with very good ventilation.The bag is a
couple of years old but I didn't expect this kind of deterioration. I have tried
pulling it apart but as soon as it comes in contact with the other side it
sticks together again and makes it impossible to insert the mattress.Has any
body had similar experience with this brand before. Are there any suggestions on
other brands which have proven to of good value and construction.Or can this bag
be restored ? I have to get this sorted before the rain sets in!

Neville A
Perth
________________________________________________________________________
Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM.
All on demand. Always Free.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear All

Back from a night at 37 Mile Break in the Avon Valley National Park.
Did a little bit of walking, some trainspotting (expected) and some
wishing it was legal to murder a group of school kids (not
planned).  I headed off for what I expected was some pleasant camping
at an old picnic area (no vehicle access, walkers only) on Monday
night in the Avon Valley National Park. Not exactly central Perth and
not a known camping area.

Well it was beside the east-west railway line so I expected a train
or two during the night .... but got nine going pass! The economy is
booming apparently!

What was not expected was sharing the area with a group of noisy
inconsideration school kids! Unfortunately I got there too late to
move on, even though I did camp as far as way as practical.

Oh, also managed to loose Anne's camera as well.

Nice to be back :-)

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

We carry the Oz Trail Tents, I've got one of the 4V's myself and I reckon
they're pretty good value for a fibre glass pole tent. Good for family use.
I could sell you one for around $140.

Cheers,
Mike


----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Priest" <andrew@...>
To: <Recipient list suppressed:>
Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2006 5:55 PM
Subject: [Aushiker] Base camping Tents - Thoughts


> Hi
>
> Looking to get a 4 person tent for base camping (all my stuff is
> bushwalking gear). Was looking at the following three options, but
> open to other suggestions if available in Australia. If anyone one
> has experience with these models or brands your feedback would be
> appreciated.
>
> Oz Trail 4V Plus
> Coleman Lakeside 4
> Coleman Overlander 4
>
> Thanks
> Andrew
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Hi

Looking to get a 4 person tent for base camping (all my stuff is
bushwalking gear). Was looking at the following three options, but
open to other suggestions if available in Australia. If anyone one
has experience with these models or brands your feedback would be appreciated.

Oz Trail 4V Plus
Coleman Lakeside 4
Coleman Overlander 4

Thanks
Andrew

At 09:12 AM 2/06/2006, you wrote:
>Hi Andrew P2,
>
>I am extremely reluctant to use this site to sell things....But! Mountain
>Designs have bought out a new range of self inflating mats that are priced
>around the $100 mark. As they are new I'm prepared to give you one for free
>in return for an honest report on how it performed. You can pick it up today
>(or tonight) if you like for your weekend trip?? Interested?

Dear Mike

Thank you for supporting the Aushiker mailing list in this manner. I
am sure that Andrew is one very happy chappy now.

Andrew

G'day

For those interested, BackpackGearTest.org has completed the
following product tests during May 2006. These tests are undertaken
for no monetary gain by BackpackGearTest.org and are undertaken in
the field by backpackers (hikers, trampers, bushwalkers) normally
over a four month period. The tester, upon completing the reporting
requirements gets to keep the gear at the end of the test.

Just click on the link to be taken to the test reports.

Big Sky Products Evolution 2P
	 http://www.backpackgeartest.org/bigskyproducts/

Duofold Varitherm Silk Weight Base Layers
Duofold Varitherm Midweight Base Layers
Duofold  Multisport Mid Layer Jacket
	 http://www.BackpackGearTest.org/duofold

Kahtoola KTS-Steel
	 http://www.BackpackGearTest.org/kahtoola/

Leatherman Tool Group e307x
	 http://www.backpackgeartest.org/leatherman/

Mountain Safety Research XGK EX Stove
Mountain Safety Research Lightning Snowshoes
	 http://www.backpackgeartest.org/msrcorp/

Outdoor Research Rando Cap
	 http://www.backpackgeartest.org/orgear/

Thorlo Level 1 UL Hiking Wool Blend Socks
	 http://www.backpackgeartest.org/thorlos/

Wilderness Wear Kosciuszko Socks
	 http://www.backpackgeartest.org/wildernesswear/

Regards
Andrew Priest
List Moderator
http://BackpackGearTest.org

I in fact have much of the lightest weight gear available.**
However in West Aust we sometimes have to carry in excess of 8 litres of water.
Add to that 5-6kgs of mostly dried food and some essential things like first aid
kit & perhaps an EPIRB (and even a pack to carry everything in) and your
starting weight before all other items is going to be at least 16-17 kgs.

** eg.
Sleeping mat 380gms,
Sleeping Bag 480gms (Western Mountaineering), Silk Inner 120gms
Stove / eating kit & Fuel for 7 days (220 gms gas lasts 7 days) - includes
eating utensils, bowl, lighter, sponge Breakdown: Stove Kit 650gms Gas 350gms
Rainjacket 480gms
Bivvy bag 840gms (not the lightest but certainly very waterproof / breathable)
Down jacket 415gms
Camp sandals 300gms


Regards

Perry

---- Roger Caffin wrote:

=============

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ralph's point about delamination is a good one. The huge blister at the
delamination point (read - under your hip or wherever you most need support)
that expands with each rolling and unrolling makes sleeping at best awkward and
uncomfortable. My son took a brand new Kathmandu own-brand
not-cheap-but-waste-of-money mat down the Bib track last year only to suffer
from this problem before Balingup! Thankfully they replaced it upon return - not
that I would ever recommend their product to anyone!

I myself have always used a Thermarest which has proved extremely durable,
providing sufficient insulation and just enough comfort for my aching bones at
the end of a day's walk. Being the thinnest mat they make, mine folds in half
before rolling to make a very light, compact and efficient package. However not
everyone might find this enough for their body size - it's good enough for me,
but I wouldn't want to weigh 20kg more! Mine is full length, and being used to
this I've grown to appreciate it over the 3/4 sizes where parts of you are
unsupported / lying on cold surfaces.

Naturally your choice must come down to what best matches your personal need.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll have good fun in making a decision.

Tom

----- Original Message -----
From: Ralph Ditton <rdassetts@...>
Date: Thursday, June 1, 2006 10:36 pm
Subject: RE: [Aushiker] self inflating mats
To: aushiker@...

> Hello again Andrew,
>
> I use a Metzler, a German made one. It is full length and cost me
> $100 a few
> years ago.
>
> If your preference is for ¾ length, visit a Ranger Camping store or
> Cargill’s at 80 Burswood Rd. Vic. Park. They have a good range
> within your
> price range.
>
> A word of warning. Ask where the mat was made. If it was in Asia
> be very
> wary as the production of them is very suspect. The reason- their
> propensityto delaminate due to the bonding process used. What is
> delaminate? It is the
> separation of the outside fabric from the foam. This happens when
> the glue
> breaks down. I had a hire sleeping mat in my earlier days before
> buying gear
> and the mat had delaminated. It was a Kookaburra brand. It was
> like trying
> to sleep on a sausage. I kept rolling off the thing. Not a happy
> experience.Do not purchase one from K Mart. Theirs are Asian made.
> It is, to my
> knowledge that the Kookaburra brand sells through K Mart.
>
> Another thing to look out for is the R value rating. This will
> tell you how
> warm the mat is to sleep on. That is, what sort of insulation that
> you can
> expect from the cold ground or sleeping platform in a Bib. Hut.
>
> You will know the difference when you accidentally put your
> arm/elbow off
> the mat onto the surface that you are sleeping on. It comes as a big
> surprise as to how cold the ground/sleeping platform can get,
> especially in
> winter.
>
> Happy sleeping.
>
> Ralph
>
>
>
>  _____
>
> From: aushiker@...
> [mailto:aushiker@...] On
> Behalf Of Andrew
> Sent: Thursday, 1 June 2006 8:50 AM
> To: aushiker@...
> Subject: [Aushiker] self inflating mats
>
>
>
> Hi All
> I am looking at buying a mat, within the week I guess but just
> wanted
> to know if anyone recommends  any brands? or places in Perth to
> buy
> one? I know of thermarest but are there any others out there that
> are
> any good, I am looking at a 3/4 lengh and would like to spend
> around
> the $100.00 or less, less would be better, :) even second hand
> would
> be ok I guess.
> The mat would be used maybe 3-4 times a year if I am lucky, for 1-
> 2
> nights at a time.
> Thanks
> Andrew_P2
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  _____
>
> * .
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Hi
yes I would be very interested, thank so much for your offer

Andrew

--- In aushiker@..., "Mountain Designs Perth"
<mtdesign@i...> wrote:
>
> Hi Andrew P2,
>
> I am extremely reluctant to use this site to sell things....But!
Mountain
> Designs have bought out a new range of self inflating mats that are
priced
> around the $100 mark. As they are new I'm prepared to give you one
for free
> in return for an honest report on how it performed. You can pick it
up today
> (or tonight) if you like for your weekend trip?? Interested?
>
> Cheers,
> Mike Wood
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ralph Ditton" <rdassetts@o...>
> To: <aushiker@...>
> Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 8:32 PM
> Subject: RE: [Aushiker] self inflating mats
>
>
> Hello again Andrew,
>
> I use a Metzler, a German made one. It is full length and cost me
$100 a few
> years ago.
>
> If your preference is for ¾ length, visit a Ranger Camping store or
> Cargill's at 80 Burswood Rd. Vic. Park. They have a good range
within your
> price range.
>
> A word of warning. Ask where the mat was made. If it was in Asia be
very
> wary as the production of them is very suspect. The reason- their
propensity
> to delaminate due to the bonding process used. What is delaminate?
It is the
> separation of the outside fabric from the foam. This happens when
the glue
> breaks down. I had a hire sleeping mat in my earlier days before
buying gear
> and the mat had delaminated. It was a Kookaburra brand. It was like
trying
> to sleep on a sausage. I kept rolling off the thing. Not a happy
experience.
> Do not purchase one from K Mart. Theirs are Asian made. It is, to my
> knowledge that the Kookaburra brand sells through K Mart.
>
> Another thing to look out for is the R value rating. This will tell
you how
> warm the mat is to sleep on. That is, what sort of insulation that
you can
> expect from the cold ground or sleeping platform in a Bib. Hut.
>
> You will know the difference when you accidentally put your arm/
elbow off
> the mat onto the surface that you are sleeping on. It comes as a big
> surprise as to how cold the ground/sleeping platform can get,
especially in
> winter.
>
> Happy sleeping.
>
> Ralph
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> From: aushiker@... [mailto:aushiker@yahoogroups.com.
au] On
> Behalf Of Andrew
> Sent: Thursday, 1 June 2006 8:50 AM
> To: aushiker@...
> Subject: [Aushiker] self inflating mats
>
>
>
> Hi All
> I am looking at buying a mat, within the week I guess but just
wanted
> to know if anyone recommends  any brands? or places in Perth to buy
> one? I know of thermarest but are there any others out there that
are
> any good, I am looking at a 3/4 lengh and would like to spend around
> the $100.00 or less, less would be better, :) even second hand would
> be ok I guess.
> The mat would be used maybe 3-4 times a year if I am lucky, for 1-2
> nights at a time.
> Thanks
> Andrew_P2
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> * .
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>

Hi Andrew P2,

I am extremely reluctant to use this site to sell things....But! Mountain
Designs have bought out a new range of self inflating mats that are priced
around the $100 mark. As they are new I'm prepared to give you one for free
in return for an honest report on how it performed. You can pick it up today
(or tonight) if you like for your weekend trip?? Interested?

Cheers,
Mike Wood

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ralph Ditton" <rdassetts@...>
To: <aushiker@...>
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 8:32 PM
Subject: RE: [Aushiker] self inflating mats


Hello again Andrew,

I use a Metzler, a German made one. It is full length and cost me $100 a few
years ago.

If your preference is for ¾ length, visit a Ranger Camping store or
Cargill's at 80 Burswood Rd. Vic. Park. They have a good range within your
price range.

A word of warning. Ask where the mat was made. If it was in Asia be very
wary as the production of them is very suspect. The reason- their propensity
to delaminate due to the bonding process used. What is delaminate? It is the
separation of the outside fabric from the foam. This happens when the glue
breaks down. I had a hire sleeping mat in my earlier days before buying gear
and the mat had delaminated. It was a Kookaburra brand. It was like trying
to sleep on a sausage. I kept rolling off the thing. Not a happy experience.
Do not purchase one from K Mart. Theirs are Asian made. It is, to my
knowledge that the Kookaburra brand sells through K Mart.

Another thing to look out for is the R value rating. This will tell you how
warm the mat is to sleep on. That is, what sort of insulation that you can
expect from the cold ground or sleeping platform in a Bib. Hut.

You will know the difference when you accidentally put your arm/elbow off
the mat onto the surface that you are sleeping on. It comes as a big
surprise as to how cold the ground/sleeping platform can get, especially in
winter.

Happy sleeping.

Ralph



   _____

From: aushiker@... [mailto:aushiker@...] On
Behalf Of Andrew
Sent: Thursday, 1 June 2006 8:50 AM
To: aushiker@...
Subject: [Aushiker] self inflating mats



Hi All
I am looking at buying a mat, within the week I guess but just wanted
to know if anyone recommends  any brands? or places in Perth to buy
one? I know of thermarest but are there any others out there that are
any good, I am looking at a 3/4 lengh and would like to spend around
the $100.00 or less, less would be better, :) even second hand would
be ok I guess.
The mat would be used maybe 3-4 times a year if I am lucky, for 1-2
nights at a time.
Thanks
Andrew_P2







   _____

* .



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




Yahoo! Groups Links

Preamble:
It's a free world and every one is different, so everyone is welcome to wear
what they like (on their feet!). And what
suits one person may not suit another.
Equally, being a free world, each of us is entitled to express his opinion.
I acknowledge that what works for me may not suit another person.

> I am 180 cm tall, 68kgs weight with a size 40 foot (length) with a narrow
> ankle, high arch & instep. (I wear size 42 boots - wide feet) I find the
> ankle support offered by boots essential, especially when carrying weights
> of 25kgs plus.
I used to carry those sorts of weights too, but as I got older it became much
less attractive (which is putting it
mildly). Then I discovered that you don't have to carry such heavy gear anyhow.
These days, a week-long trip would see
me carrying maybe 13 kgs. Don't forget:  one kilogram on your feet is equivalent
to between five and seven kilos on your
back, in energy terms.

> However I don't use much arch support, just comfortable
> inserts to absorb some of the shock when carrying larger weights.
  Fair enough. The cushioning can be very nice.

> I am a frequent walker yet I estimate based on current wear that the uppers
> of my scarpa boots will last for 20 years (with a few sole changes that is,
> currently at $70 a pop fitted by WA Surgical Bootmakers) I think that & the
> comfort level warrants the price paid. I challenge any jogger or lightweight
> boot to last that long or have replaceable soles for that matter.)
Yeah, and my solid steel boots have uppers which will last forever.  But they
are so heavy I can't lift them off the
ground to walk.
Life of footwear is NOT the issue for me. Weight on my feet, comfort and speed
of walking are the issue for me. Lighter
footwear also allows me to place my feet more accurately in tricky scrambling
country.

> Scarpas enabled me to keep basically dry feet while negotiating at least 1-2
> kms of water sections up to a depth of 350mm depth
The amusing thing is that here in NSW many more experienced lightweight walkers
don't worry about whether their feet are
wet or dry. Creek? Walk straight through - or down the length of the creek. With
the right size shoes and good socks, it
makes no difference.
And NO, wet feet do NOT lead to blisters. Forget the theory: practice shows
this. Have a look at Wollemi Wilderness,
March 2006 at http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/FAQ_Photos.htm for what I mean.

> > Moral: don't believe what the vendors tell you, they are just trying to
> > protect their own products. Truth does not enter into marketing.
>  We are a little judgemental / gung ho aren't we?
Yep. Sooner or later, you have to decide whether to be a consumer sheep or
whether to make your own judgements.

> I have seen porters carrying 55kg+ in thongs but do they have office jobs
> and pink tender feet?
Fair point. Solved by going walking more often :-)

> I wore a set of KT26s from Jiri to Gokyo but found they were only suitable
> when I was too sick & weak to carry my pack,
So did I. No trouble at all. But I wasn't sick at the time.

> Actually, very rarely had a sore achilles in leather boots, Roger.
Only happens with some boots with seriously incurved heels. Thankfully, few of
them around.

> Funny how my 'hard leather boots' never seem that hard on my feet.
I didn't say they are 'hard' on the feet. I said they are heavy.

> Actually my Bunyip boots (purchased in 1987) are still beautifully soft*
Nice boots. I have worn some.

> Moral of this exchange - each walker, climber, caver** etc finds something
> that works for them irrespective of marketing. Some people do experiment,
> use their brains and come up with different ideas. It would be a boring
> world otherwise wouldn't it?
We are in complete agreement here. :-)

Cheers, and enjoy
Roger Caffin

Hello again Andrew,

I use a Metzler, a German made one. It is full length and cost me $100 a few
years ago.

If your preference is for ¾ length, visit a Ranger Camping store or
Cargill’s at 80 Burswood Rd. Vic. Park. They have a good range within your
price range.

A word of warning. Ask where the mat was made. If it was in Asia be very
wary as the production of them is very suspect. The reason- their propensity
to delaminate due to the bonding process used. What is delaminate? It is the
separation of the outside fabric from the foam. This happens when the glue
breaks down. I had a hire sleeping mat in my earlier days before buying gear
and the mat had delaminated. It was a Kookaburra brand. It was like trying
to sleep on a sausage. I kept rolling off the thing. Not a happy experience.
Do not purchase one from K Mart. Theirs are Asian made. It is, to my
knowledge that the Kookaburra brand sells through K Mart.

Another thing to look out for is the R value rating. This will tell you how
warm the mat is to sleep on. That is, what sort of insulation that you can
expect from the cold ground or sleeping platform in a Bib. Hut.

You will know the difference when you accidentally put your arm/elbow off
the mat onto the surface that you are sleeping on. It comes as a big
surprise as to how cold the ground/sleeping platform can get, especially in
winter.

Happy sleeping.

Ralph



   _____

From: aushiker@... [mailto:aushiker@...] On
Behalf Of Andrew
Sent: Thursday, 1 June 2006 8:50 AM
To: aushiker@...
Subject: [Aushiker] self inflating mats



Hi All
I am looking at buying a mat, within the week I guess but just wanted
to know if anyone recommends  any brands? or places in Perth to buy
one? I know of thermarest but are there any others out there that are
any good, I am looking at a 3/4 lengh and would like to spend around
the $100.00 or less, less would be better, :) even second hand would
be ok I guess.
The mat would be used maybe 3-4 times a year if I am lucky, for 1-2
nights at a time.
Thanks
Andrew_P2







   _____

* .



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]