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The first time it can take a couple of hours, as it's been vacuum packed at the factory and may have been stored like that for some time. An SI mat is a bit like memory foam, it's got lots of little holes all through it and they need to return to their normal, not compressed state.

After the first time it's surprisingly quick.

When I asked this question in a camping shop, I was told an average of 20 mins, with it taking longer if its colder. We stuck with airbeds as our Kampa whirlwind pump will inflate our single Coleman Comfort in less than 30 seconds, but anything is a fuss given your scenario.I know been there and still get the odd night.

I would get a Dutch Army Surplus sleep mat (2cm thick and just rolls out). Many SIMs are only 2.5cm thick inflated and these sleep mats are regarded the Rolls Royce of non-inflating sleep mats. I have 3 on our shopping list for overnight camps if I can get the OH to come round to us needing them. Its me that gets the beds ready... link

Helen

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 15/1/2011

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I store mine unrolled. I suppose if they were kept rolled for mnths they would take a while to decompress. If the op wants to use Sim as stated he could just leave it behind settee.

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