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How to Inflate Sleeping Pads

Our rental sleeping pads inflate with the help of an inflation sack without using your breath. This breathless and effortless process is easy and quick once you see how to do it, so we made a video to show you. Now we'll walk you through everything you need to know about our sleeping pads. Remember, this is a completely BREATHLESS process if using the inflation sack.


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Quick tips and notes about our lightweight rental sleeping pads

  • This pad does not self-inflate, but you do not need to use your breath on it because you have an inflation sack. Watch how to use it as shown in the video below.

  • This pad has two valves: INFLATE and DEFLATE. They each have a plug that must be completely sealed once the pad is inflated.

The small DEFLATE valve will release all the air quickly, so it's easy to pack.

The bigger INFLATE valve is a one-sided valve that allows air in, but will not let it escape.

  • IMPORTANT: Air will leak out slowly if you do not shut and completely seal the plugs over these valves.


Troubleshooting common issues with our lightweight pads

I don't have an inflation sack.

Plug is hard to open.

Plug doesn't shut all the way.

I inflated the pad too much.

My pad deflated overnight. I checked the plugs and they are completely sealed.

Video for inflating lightweight air pads 



Quick tips and notes about our ultimate comfort rental sleeping pads

  • This is a self-inflating pad made with comfortable foam that automatically expands when it comes in contact with air.

  • The double-sided valve controls the airflow in and out of the pad.  Watch how to use it as shown in the video below.

  • To self-inflate, turn the valve halfway to the open position and leave it for about 3 minutes. This allows air to quickly travel into the pad and self-inflate the foam.

  • To add air, turn the valve to the INFLATE side, which will allow air in and will block it from escaping. Once at the desired firmness, close the plug and verify that it is screwed on correctly. IMPORTANT: Air will leak out if you do not correctly seal the plug over this valve.

  • Adding air is a completely BREATHLESS process. You do not need to use your breath because you have an inflation sack.

  • The flat yellow side of the valve is the DEFLATE side, which will allow air to escape without letting air in. Once you've deflated and rolled the pad, close the plug and verify that it is screwed on correctly. IMPORTANT: Air will leak in and expand the pad if you do not correctly seal the plug over this valve.


Troubleshooting common issues with our comfort pads

I don't have an inflation sack.

The pad inflated inside its stuff sack and it's hard to take it out.

My pad deflated overnight.

My pad deflated overnight. I checked the plug and it is threaded correctly.

Video for inflating ultimate comfort pads 



Preventing holes and leaks in air mattresses

All of our sleeping pads are air mattresses, susceptible to holes from sharp objects and leaks from partially sealed plugs. Please protect them from holes and leaks.


Protect the pads from sharp objects

If a sharp object pokes through the pad, air will leak out and you'll end up on the ground. Please protect these pads from coming in contact with sharp objects. Clear the ground under your tent from rocks, twigs, and other sharp objects, use a footprint under the tent, and make sure the tent floor is clear of sharp objects before laying your pad there.

Seal the plugs and verify

Once inflated at desired level, double check that the plugs are FULLY SEALED to prevent leaks. Even the slightest opening will let air leak out.

In the lightweight pads, sometimes the plugs remain just slightly open and you may have to step on them to seal them completely.

In the ultimate comfort pad, sometimes the cap doesn't screw on exactly right. This is especially important when you slide the pad into its storage sack. If the cap isn't threaded correctly, the pad will expand and it will be hard to take it out of the sack.


Rental pads specs and features

Big Agnes Rapide SL Lightweight Sleeping Pad:

R-value 4.1

Weight - 22 oz

Dimensions - 20" wide x 72" long x 3" thick, with slightly thicker edges to prevent slipping off the pad. Also available in 25"x78" for tall and wide folks.

Uses: This pad can be used for car camping or backpacking.


Kelty Waypoint SI Ultimate Comfort Sleeping Pad: 

R-value 5.6

Weight - 5 lbs 6 oz

Dimensions - 30"x78"x3"

Uses: This pad is for car camping only!

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