AT Habitat, Atlas, & Summit Pictures, ideas, aaand BS

I cannot envision any good way for that to work with the Habitat. Unless you modded the crap out of it and changed pretty much... well, everything. I *guess* someone could somehow put in some kind of gas struts or something like the lifting/cantilever poles to limit travel to 30ish degrees, but you'd have all that extra fabric from the tent, the tent frame members, and trying to redesign the sleeping area, etc.... In that case I think it would be much easier, safer, cheaper, and more reliable to just go with the summit or something similar.

If I have time I can go out and try and get some pics for you tomorrow of what the interior of the habitat looks like partially deployed. It'd help me envision things too, for when I'm putting it away

 

You really didn't have to spend all that time writing a response w/ the video I posted.

 

I figured it's better to have too much info just in case. I can always use the practice typing anyways

 

Take it from a fellow upper Midwesterner... if winter camping and storm chasing is your primary mission, look elsewhere. Especially since you are used to a 2wd sportsmobile.

I’ve done tent camping, ground and rooftop, during the late deer season on the Wisconsin superior shore, and it gets too cold to be out for more than a couple days. But that is also out all day and only using the tent for actual sleep.

Our Hab is for three seasons or when I want to pretend I am back in the Army.. embracing the suck.

If I were doing UP winter, a 4x4 quigly/sportsmobile/ujoint van would be spot on.

 

lol, i think you got plenty today.

 

Exped MegaMat question: there are a few posts in this thread about the megamat, and I was thinking of using my REI discount coupon this weekend to buy one. Has anyone removed the stock Habitat mattress and replaced it with a MegaMat? Not sure if I would try to fasten it down so I could close the Habitat with it up there or just throw it up it there every night.

 

I think it might be ok as long as you keep the thickness the same. I'm planning on throwing mine on top and then just putting it away when I close the Habitat. Don't actually have any nights in it yet though

 

My wife and I have been using a 2” latex topper when we are out for more than a weekend, but it’s cumbersome to pack, doesn’t roll up well, etc. We’re heading down to Joushua Tree and Anza Borega next month for a few weeks and need something more comfortable. I’ll pick one up tomorrow and experiment with it this weekend. I’ll report back.

 

Wife and I love our REI 3.5" Camp Beds. We place them side by side on top of the Habitat mattress. They are just the right width that they don't slide side to side, so nearly act like one mattress, and can still be adjusted to each others firmness/softness preference. We have the standard length, but the tall size would fit easily as well. But Personally, i like the extra room at the feet and head to throw my phone or whatever. They flatten and roll up pretty good. Not saying small, but for the comfort level it's TOTALLY worth it.

 

REI CAMP BED

I think they discontinued it actually, but here is the Xlong on clearance at REI.

 

maybe deflated. the habitat mattress is 2" thick not 4". If you do plan on fastening it down, you could just use US Cargo Control L Track and bolt into place on the sides with some rivnuts.

 

Just did a little research on the megamat, had never really looked into them until now..

I was just about sold, but then saw in one of the reviews (they're 349$ on Amazon prime) where someone said it takes, "1-2 hours to inflate to about 90%"

If thats the case It just wouldn't work for us. Many times we pull into camp late at night and like to be able to be in bed within minutes.

 

That's what OBA is for

 

I've not heard that from anyone, and it does come with a small pump to "top it off". If I get one tomorrow, I'll play with it this weekend and let you know how quickly it inflates.

 

Thanks, will be looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it.

 

It is suggested not to inflate via lung power.. moisture + foam isn't a good combo. they also advise against using "mechanical air pumps"

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVSjCvGFMnM

 

I call BS. Here's the directions straight from Exped:


Inflation:

- For 1st time use allow the mat to self inflate by opening the inflation valve and leaving it for about 2 days in a warm environment, then top off by mouth or use Mini Pump. To speed up inflation of the mat, insert the toggle attached to the valve cap into the inflation valve. If there is no time for this procedure, just inflate fully by mouth or by Mini Pump right away.

- In normal use once in camp, unroll and spread out the mat, then open the inflation valve. To speed up inflation of the mat, insert the toggle attached to the valve cap into the inflation valve. The foam inside will gradually expand and selfinflate the mat.

- Inflate to personal comfort level. The more you inflate the mat, the warmer and firmer it will be. This is a question of individual preference. Let comfort guide you.

- Valve caps are most easily closed by pressing down with one thumb at cap hinge while walking your other thumb around the edge of the cap.

- To reduce the pressure in order to make the mat softer while lying on it, open the inflation valve, then press in the one way flap allowing air to escape.

- To prevent the accumulation of humidity from your breath in the mat, we recommend the regular use of the Mini Pump or any other pump devices from Exped: Pillow Pump, Schnozzel Pumpbag or the Schnozzel attached to the deflation valve of one of the waterproof bags Shrinkbag, Shrinkbag WB, Waterproof Compression Bag or Waterproof Telecompression Bag.

 

"Do not use mechanical air pumps which could lead to excessive pressure and ruptured seams."

It sounds to me like they just recommend against mechanical pumps simply due to fear of over-inflation and rupture, so as long as you paid attention I see no reason why you couldn't use one. I'm definitely going to pick up some kind of device that's faster than the little inflation bag they include with the mat