Extend Your Thermarest Pad's Life: Proper Cleaning and Storage

Investing in a quality Thermarest sleeping pads yields comfort and warmth for camping and backpacking adventures.

But over time, wear and dirt can degrade your pad's performance. Employing careful cleaning methods and storage between trips maximizes your pad's lifespan so you get the most from your investment.

In this article, we detail key steps for post-trip cleaning and recommendations for storing your Thermarest pad properly at home.

Follow these pad care best practices and your Thermarest gear will deliver cozy nights in the backcountry for years to come.

Cleaning Your Thermarest Pad

Cleaning your Thermarest pad after outings removes dirt, body oils, and other grime that can break down pad materials prematurely. It also eliminates odor build-up over time.

Here is an optimal process for cleaning Thermarest pads:

Inspect and Remove Debris

Inspect your pad's top and bottom surfaces for debris like dirt, leaves, pine needles, or sand.

Carefully brush off any debris using your hand or soft brush. Avoid abrasive scrub brushes or high-pressure water at this stage.

Wash with Mild Cleaner and Water

Mix a small amount (a few tablespoons) of mild soap like dish detergent or Tech Wash in a bucket of lukewarm water. Gently sponge the pad surface to lift dirt and oils.

Tip: To avoid delamination, do not saturate the pad or use excessive water pressure.

Fully Rinse Pad

Rinse your pad thoroughly with clean water to eliminate all soap residue which can degrade materials over time. Stand pad upright while rinsing to prevent water pooling inside.

Fully Air Dry

After washing, allow your Thermarest pad to completely air dry indoors or in shade before storage.

This prevents mold growth. Standing upright propped against a wall accelerates drying time.

Warning: Never store a damp Thermarest pad. Always fully dry first!

Storing Your Thermarest Pad

Storing your Thermarest properly between adventures helps keep materials resilient and extends usable life dramatically. Consider these storage tips:

Store Fully Inflated

Keep your Thermarest pad inflated at about 75% capacity for storage. This maintains the pad's form, prevents creases, and avoids material memory settings that reduce comfort over time.

Store Loose

Avoid compressing your pad tightly for long-term storage as this can weaken insulation materials. Store your pad open or loosely rolled.

Use Storage Sack

For best results, store your pad inside its included storage sack or breathable cotton sack. Avoid non-breathable plastic bags or restricting bands.

Control Temperature & Humidity

Ideally, store pads between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit in a dry area. Avoid excess heat, cold, or moisture which accelerate material degradation.

Keep Away From Rodents

Mice and other rodents are strangely attracted to pad materials and can cause surprising damage if stored improperly. Keep your pad safely out of reach.

By cleaning your Thermarest meticulously after trips and using thoughtful storage methods at home, you can add years of reliable comfort to your trusty piece of sleeping gear. 

Have any other questions on keeping your pad performing great? Let us know in the comments.