Bushwalk Australia

Ok, maybe 10 minutes. I made this for my Macpac 3/4 insulated sleeping mat, but I'm sure it'd work for other brands. Macpac sell a sexier version of course, but I didn't fancy paying $40 for a stuff sack of a size I wouldn't otherwise use anyway.

My version is just a large plastic bag, some gaffa tape, and a piece of bicycle inner tube. The mat inflates in a fraction of the time it takes doing it by mouth (2 and a bit bags of air), you don't get dizzy , and you avoid condensation inside the mat. Weighs 30g and takes up barely a sliver of space (slips into the mat's stuff sack with the mat). The only remotely challenging part is cutting the hole the right size- big enough that you can slip it over the outer part of the valve easily, but small enough that it forms a tight seal on the threads of the valve. I'm not sure how durable the plastic will be- I think it should last a while as long as I don't apply excessive pressure when inflating. If not I'll just try a heavier garbage bag or something.

Nifty idea! Similar to the packraft one which works a treat

An Instaflator style attachment might be a bit more reliable and easier to make?

I think it should last a while as long as I don't apply excessive pressure when inflating
Yes, with the Instaflator I realised that I was digging in my fingers a bit too much and in fact i made a couple of holes doing that.
It patches up with just Sellotape so not a big deal and now I know to spread the pressure.

Nice, I hadn't actually seen the instaflator before- looks great! I found on my mat that when inflating, air would escape from the back of the valve if you weren't putting pressure on it (ie with your mouth), hence why I used the rubber piece to fit over the valve and seal on the threads. But by the looks of things this wouldn't matter with the instaflator it is so efficient you probably wouldn't notice!

Anyone know where to purchase a instaflator per chance?

I got mine on ebay.

Had a search there, no dice. Do you know the sellers name?

Therm A Rest sells a kit to make one.

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/accessories/neoair-airtap-pump/product

Take a good look at it and the How To Video and you should be able to make your own.