Outdoor Blog

How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress

Published

4 years ago

February 14, 2020

A sleeping bag in a tent with a mountain view.

Air Mattresses are one of the great luxuries you can have when camping. Sometimes a basic roll mat doesn’t quite cut it and you can feel the undergrowth pushing through, giving you a rough night’s sleep. Sometimes it can be so bad that you have to take down and re-pitch your tent in a different location for your second night so you can save your back for all the hiking and other activities you want to do on your camping trip. An air mattress gives you a wide enough berth between yourself and the ground to avoid any sticks poking you in the night.

Sometimes, however, disaster can strike and you notice your air mattress slowly deflating, taking away the great comfort it provides and leaving you at the perils of lying on the hard ground. Do not despair, your mattress isn’t ready for an early grave just yet. Whether you are out in the backcountry or checking it at home, your air mattress can be repaired to ensure that you rest well when sleeping under the night sky.

Before you set out on any camping adventure you should check over every piece of kit that you have. You should pitch your tent, and check you have all the required items. Likewise, your sleeping bag should be aired out and equipment such as your headlamp should be tested and spare batteries packed. If you’re taking an air mattress then blow it up and leave it for a couple of hours to check that it stays firm. If you find that it deflates then read on in this step by step guide, to fix the problem and make sure your camping trip goes ahead as planned.

Note: Looking for the best air mattress on the market? Browse the best air mattresses for camping here.

Some of us need some of the comforts of home when we’re out in nature.

Locating the leak

If you notice that you have a leaky air mattress then the first step to sorting this is to locate where the escaping air is. Before you start with this procedure you must bear in mind that air beds lose their air and become soft naturally over time. So if you have begun to notice the air bed softening over the space of a couple of days then do not worry. You only need to pump a little bit more air into it to keep it firm.

There are a couple of things that cause air mattresses to shrink a little bit faster. If you have purchased a new air mattress and it is shrinking quickly it is not necessarily to do with the quality of the bed. New air mattresses need to be expanded a few times before they begin to work as they should. So if this is a brand new air bed that is deflating sharply after putting it up for the first time then simply re-inflate it a few more times so that all of the seams have expanded properly.

The other possible cause of your air mattress shrinking quickly could be to do with the temperature. If you are camping in cooler weather then this will cause the air inside to thin and thus make it go down lightly. Warm air hold’s itself firm and will keep your mattress firm for a longer period of time. So before you begin to scour your bed for a hole, consider first whether it’s cold and whether or not the air bed is new or has only been put to use a couple of times. If you are sure that it is due to an air leak then its time to begin to find out where the air is leaking from.

Firstly you should make some tests to see if it is a genuine leak. Blow up your air bed fully and if it goes down after a few minutes then it is probably due to a leak. Sit upon the bed after you have inflated it and if it declines more than 2 inches then this is also an indicator of a leak. If you are yet to be fully convinced then leave some weight upon it overnight and if it has decreased significantly by the morning then there is a hole somewhere. When you are searching for the leak make sure that the mattress is fully inflated once again because when the air pressure is higher more air escapes which makes it easier to locate the hole.

The first place to check is the valve, which is normally placed next to the pump and is used to quickly deflate the bed. Place your hand over the valve to check to see if the air is flowing from it. If you discover that the air is escaping from here then this is a slightly bigger problem as this is the hardest part to repair. If it is coming from here then contact the supplier of the mattress to order a replacement valve.

If air is not coming from the valve then stand the mattress up against a wall. Most holes in an air bed shall be located on the underside of the bed due to sharp objects being laid underneath or rough ground when camping, causing it to be punctured. Pump it up fully and place it on the wall so that the underside is facing you. Put your ear close to the mattress to check for a hissing sound. Move your ear around the bed until you hear this sound. If it is not on the underside then check the topside and the sides to see if it is coming from there.

If this method does not work then pour some cold water over your hand and move it slowly around the bed, keeping it around two inches away. The leaking air will feel cold on your hand as it interacts with the water on it.

If you still cannot find the leak then it’s time to put a little bit more effort into discovering its location. The best method is to use soapy water to have a more detailed search for the hole. As a warning, we shall say that some producers claim that this can lead to mold appearing on your mattress. However, it is the best method and if you dry it out correctly afterward there will be no problem. This method will cause the soap to bubble up at the spot where the leak is, just like when you are blowing bubbles.

To do this get a bucket or basin and fill it with soapy water using dish soap. Then take a sponge or cloth and rub it across the surface area of the mattress. Take note that the seams of the air mattress are a place to pay particular attention to. Once you see air bubbles starting to form then you know where the leak is as the air causes the soap to expand. After you’ve located the leak wipe the soap away and mark where the hole is with a permanent marker pen as it will be very difficult to find the hole again once you have deflated the air bed.

Once you have located the hole and marked the spot it is time to deflate the air bed. If you used soapy water then first dry it with a towel, deflate it and then leave it out to dry completely. Let’s take a look at how to fix the puncture.

Fixing a hole with a patch kit

The best way to fix a puncture in an inflatable mattress is by using an air mattress repair kit. Every outdoor enthusiast should have a patch kit. These can be purchased at any shop specializing in outdoor activities and can be used for patching up tents and bike tires as well as air beds. These are inexpensive and the kit tends to contain sandpaper, superglue and patching tape that is suitable for fixing small holes in your equipment.

Check once again that your mattress is fully deflated because if air passes through then it can get under the patch that you have put on, undoing your work. Firstly take the sandpaper and gently remove the soft felt around the hole. This will allow the patch to stick as the soft layer on top of the mattress tends to not be suitable for holding onto sticky material. Once you’ve done this, take a cloth and clean the area with soapy water, drying it afterward. Any dust or specks of dirt can impede the effectiveness of the adhesive working.

The next step is to cut out a piece of patch roughly one and a half times bigger than the surface area of the hole. Around half of an inch wider than the puncture in all directions should suffice. The patch tape shall either have a sticky adhesive and if not a strong adhesive such as super glue should be applied gently to the back end of the patch. Put it once over the puncture gently and don’t remove or adjust it once it has been stuck down as this shall only take away from the stickiness.

Once you have stuck it down press down upon it firmly for around 30 seconds with the lower part of the palm of your hand. This is ample time for the adhesive to confirm its position upon the material of the air mattress. Now take a step back and allow the glue to set for two or three hours. Do not inflate during this period as the tape may come loose, reopening the air mattress leak. After this time has passed, inflate your mattress, listening closely for any further air escaping. There you have it, your air mattress is ready for its next trip!

A little bit of glue, sandpaper, and a patch will solve your sleeping problems in no time.

How to DIY

Maybe you don’t own a repair kit and need to fix your air mattress quickly before you set off on your next adventure. Keep in mind that a DIY repair may void your warranty so check this before you start. Many of them will instruct you to use a patch kit or to return the air mattress to them. Be sure that a DIY fix is something you want to undertake if it does void your air mattress’s warranty.

First of all, you must sand away at the area around the hole just like when you are repairing with the patch kit. The velvety like material will stop the adhesive from binding so it must be softened first before the seam is pulled back together. So scrub the felt away until it is just plastic surrounding the hole.

The next step is to cut out a thin and flexible piece of plastic. This can come from various types of items that you can find around the house. Items such as tarpaulin or a shower curtain are both appropriate for this kind of DIY job. Cut out a square from the sheet of plastic and make sure that it is around a centimeter wider than the gap of the hole on each side.

From this point place a strong super glue onto one side of the material. Don’t be frugal with the glue and place a large amount atop of it. Then like before place the bottom of the palm of your hand down upon it and maintain pressure on it for at least 30 seconds so that the glue sets. Then smooth it out and because you used large amounts of glue, clear away the excess that oozed its way out from the underside of your DIY patch.

After this place a heavy object that weighs at least five kilograms on top of the patch. Heavy books or a dumbbell will do. Leave it for at least six hours and then re-inflate your airbed and listen for air hissing out to make sure it worked. The DIY method can be used when you’re out in the backcountry as you can easily snip a piece of tarpaulin from the underlayer sheet for your tent.

You can also make a temporary fix if you do not have these items on hand at the time. Duct tape shall work for a while. However, the glue on duct tape is not built to last a long time on plastic surfaces so it shall eventually dry up and peel itself off your air mattress. Another tip is to never use hot glue when binding the hole in your air mattress. The heat from the glue will melt the thin plastic and increase the size of the gap in the air bed, meaning your mission to repair the hole gets a little bit harder.

It is also best to try and take good care of your air mattress to prevent having to carry out a repair. The material is fairly soft and can be pierced easily if it is inflated. When camping with it make sure that you choose an evenly grounded spot. Then clear any debris such as sticks and stones before you begin to pitch your tent. This shall minimize the risk of anything poking through and damaging the mattress.

Be sure not to store anything underneath the mattress. Make sure that the air mattress is the first thing you set up inside your tent once you have pitched it. If any small items get underneath it, it will cause the mattress strain during the night when your body weight is putting pressure down upon it. It’s always best to keep your tent in order to avoid unnecessary damage and to avoid losing things or mixing them with other people’s stuff.

Duct tape is the perfect material for quick fixes when camping.

Final Verdict:

Some of us crave some extra comfort when we’re out enjoying our camping trips. Maybe you turn your nose up at the thought of sleeping on a roll mat and you’ll instead opt to sleep on a camp bed, air mattress or another alternative. Although sturdily built, these objects are prone to damage, especially when they are being packed up and used outside. All of your camping equipment is more susceptible to damage than your household items. It gets packed in tightly into a car, hiked on your back for many miles, laid upon rough ground, and can be exposed to water damage, which can reduce its lifespan.

By properly maintaining your air mattress which is one piece of your kit that is particularly likely to be broken, you can avoid having to do these types of repairs. As you will have read, the repair is very straightforward and it does not take a jack of all trades to be able to repair one. The only items required are the sandpaper, glue, and patch contained in your repair kit. Add in a little bit of patience and you can fix your air bed without having to get onto the phone to the manufacturer.

Bonus tip: Here’s a video demonstration for you if you need some visual guidance on fixing your air mattress!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter