Alpkit Airo 120
Alpkit have launched a comprehensive new range of sleepmats, and just in for test is their lightweight option, the Airo 120.
I’ve been using fat mats for ages, but as I’m bivying any minute I was going back to a full length self-inflator until Alpkit stepped in with this wee bugger.
It’s got a ¾ length at 120cm, decent width at 51cm at the top end and the packed weight was only 3g more than the site’s average of 439g.
The nylon ripstop fabric used on both sides feels robust and it’s sealed at the edge with a nice wide seam. The valve is the standard chunky affair and the mat does assert itself quite well on it’s own when you open it up and leave it. A few lungfuls in there and it’s a surfboard.
It come in a nice wee ripstop bag with a webbing squasher on it to make it slightly smaller at one end…
It looks good, the nice chilli red colour endeared me to it immediately, and going over it, it just doesn’t feel “budget” at all.
I’ll have this on a hill in the next few days, so I”l have more to say in a wee while.
Most brands run training events, coaching trips for journos and shop staff and the like, Alpkit being Alpkit have a do that’s open to everyone, it’s on 1st July, and it’s in their own words below.
The kit’s always decent, that Gamma hewadtorch was my first choice for ages, but now with more design imput they’re going to get better.
What bivy you using that’s forcing you to go back to a self inflator?
I look forward too seeing the tent’s of theirs. When you getting them in for test?
Oh and when are we having a 3 wire meet…in old school orange of course ;o)
We will have a meet, the photo’s will be funny, like orange slugs racing or something.
Tents? I am burdened with secrets once again there, they have stuff and things on the way.
Anothyer point about the selft inflator was that it should be less easily damaged if I end up using on the bare ground.
It’s funny you’re doing the bivy thing just now. This weather of late and from reading Mr Turnbulls book is why I bought the 3 wire, so far I’m really rating the wee orange bag.
I’ve also got another bivy related thing happening at the moment which will be interesting no matter which way it turns out…more shall be revealed later.
Bivying is better in the Three Wire, oh aye. I shall await your revealling!