Review: A Sleeping Pad that Actually Self-Inflates

BY MARY BETH SKYLIS

Over the years, I’ve opened the valve of my self-inflating sleeping pad only to watch in frustration as nothing happened. The baffles remained compressed and lifeless, despite claims that they’d fill themselves while I was focused on finishing different camp chores. After using a few different “self-inflating" mats, I stopped expecting them to grow plush and full of air on their own. So, when the new Sea to Summit Pursuit Self Inflating Sleeping Pad came into my life, my expectations were low. 

The first time I inflated my Pursuit mat, I got stars in my eyes from the manual inflation. Then, I deflated the pad to see if it would refill on its own. And it DID. Every time thereafter, the pad managed to fill itself to about 70% capacity, making my evening camp that much less time consuming. 

While trying to determine what made this mat more reliable than others, I took a long hard look at the spec sheet for answers. A few details caught my eye: A unique constriction of horizontal baffles claims to create air channels that inflate with ease and the valve permitted air to enter into the system without escaping again (I was also enamored with the nozzle, which not only allows you to inflate the sleeping pad without losing air, but it can also be twisted and flipped upside down to deflate the pad without allowing air back in). While neither of these features were exactly revolutionary on their own, the combination of them seemed to work. 

Aside from its ability to self-inflate, the Pursuit also just seems like a good sleeping pad. The mat’s 1 pound 5.3 ounce weight is about half a pound heavier than the popular Thermarest NeoAir sleeping pad. But it’s also practically half of the cost. And, in theory, the foam interior of the Pursuit Mat will create an insulation barrier even if punctured. When combined with its R 4.2 rating, this sleeping pad makes for a more than adequate option for casual three-season camping.