Episode Summary: In this episode of Yeti Walks Into Basecamp, we spend some time with Brandon Bowers of the PNW, Product Manager for Therm-a-Rest. Curious what sleeping mat/mattress/pad is right for you? Ever wonder what exactly that arbitrary looking “R” value is? Think your pad sounds like a spent potato chip bag every time you turn over on it? Can you slap a piece of tape on a leaking mattress and think it’s good as new? We discuss ALL these things, and more, and just how much effort goes into making those kingpins of the hiking/backpacking sleep system world: the NeoAir Xtherm, NeoAir Xlite, and the Uberlite.
 
Topics: Therm-A-Rest, sleeping, sleep system, pads, mattresses, pad repair
 
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Timestamps and Questions:
0:00:00 – Intro by The Fire Once Lost
0:00:17 – Beginning of episode
0:00:48 – Introducing Brandon Bowers
0:04:47 – Brands under Cascade Designs
0:07:48 – Drink of the choice
0:22:14 – Mind covering your backpacking experience?
0:33:37 – What does your day-to-day look like at Therm-a-rest?
0:48:44 – What other products does Therm-a-Rest offer?
0:52:09 – Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads are king on thru-hikes, explain their change in material.
1:00:33 – Can you explain what “R-value” is?
1:13:49 – Other than the Xtherm, Xlite, and Uberlite, do you have a 4th pad you’d suggest?
1:15:00 – Mind explaining the 3-methods of mat inflation?
1:18:31 – Any tips for detecting an air leak without submerging a pad in water?
1:23:03 – Tips for thru-hikers who need a rapid replacement/repair
1:26:33 – End of Interview
1:29:15 – End of Episode
 
 
Created, hosted, produced, and edited by Yeti Legs and
Basecamp (aka Wesley and Marie Black)
 
Intro and Outro track is Appalachian trail by “The
Fire Once Lost”, an American/Bluegrass artist from Denmark.
Check out the album, and their IG page.
 
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