Now I understand what you meant. I also once read that REI treats it's staff well. Years ago it was listed as one of the 100 best companies for which to work. Seems their employees are both happy and knowledgeable.

It's actually a coop. I'm not sure just how it is run but it is different than other camping supply outlets. There is no "owner". The first time I shopped there was in 1977 at the original Seattle store. I "joined" REI at that time. Since then, every year I get a percent of what I spent there back. Now a days, I just use that credit on the first purchase I make at REI for the new year. I also found the quality of their REI brand to be comparable or superior to other camping equipment companies and usually at a lower price.

 

un roll them, close the valves at the feet, open the valve by the head, place both hands on the hand print images and "perform CPR"... the foam "pillow" inside pushes the top back up and there are some internal valves that stop air from coming back out.


it is a nifty little design. I get their emails with coupons and bought into the REI rewards club the day that I bought them. Got them at 20% off and then the additional discount for the rewards club. ended up saving about 280.00 on my first purchase. still cost me 650.00, but I got EVERYTHING needed to camp with the bike except food and TP.

 

Had my original pad 20 years and it has been abused many ways. Still going strong, no leaks, excellent insulation against the cold hard ground. Couple years ago bought a "Dream" model (Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Dream Sleeping Pad) for truck and boat camping, even more comfortable, but obviously heavier and more bulky, don't carry it on the bike.

For extra efficiency in packing when I don't have much space, I compress them twice. Open the valve, roll them up, close the valve. Force them back open, roll even more tightly until air accumulates against the closed valve, open the valve, squeeze out remaining air, close the valve. They can be rolled surprisingly tightly. For long term storage, store them unrolled and valve open, to maintain the loft and keep them from over-pressuring if they are overheated, like for instance if they are left in the direct sun on a hot day.

 

I have a question for you fellas with the 20 year old Thermarest. How do the new ones compare to the older ones construction quality wise. We all know that many items made 20 years ago were made superior to what's made today. Just wondering if the quality has suffered in those years or if they have maintained their level of quality.

 

Your last sentence had me wondering.... What about on the back of a bike? Should I be worried about at least putting it into a stuff sack or something? Is it going to fall apart sitting back there?

 

Yes, get the bag for the Thermarest, keeps it clean and is easier to handle.


There is also a Sierra Trading Post store in Meridian.


When we were younger, doing lots of backpacking, we bought lots of stuff from REI. I do not recall getting anything that was not top quality.

 

Here is what I use. It rolls up to the size of about a football and a half.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modper...irbed&i=726419

 

I'm using a Thermarest neo air now, packs small and light. I bought mine from LL Beans. Any problems, Beans will give you a new one for years every after. You won't lose your initial investment at least. Also, you can use some paracord to bind two Thermarests together side by side. 25+ years using Thermarest here.

 

I've never actually gone in the Sierra TP. When it first opened there was a rumor that they were connected to the Sierra Club. Don't know if it's true or not. If not I would head in.
One of the great things about living in Idaho is we have all the major outdoor stores local. Cabela's, STP, Sportsmen's Warehouse, REI, and I'm sure I'm missing one or two....LOL

 

Good sleep is almost priceless...