This foldable rubber mat provides a clean, comfortable platform for changing shoes at the trail parking area.
By Marcus Woolf
At the end of a long hike in warm weather, I can be a sweaty mess. Plus, my shoes are sometimes caked in mud when I hike after a recent rain. So, whenever possible, I change some of my clothes and put on clean footwear when I return to my car at the trailhead. It’s my never-ending effort to prevent my vehicle from becoming a pig pen. But wardrobe changes in the parking lot are tricky. First, I have to make sure I’m shielded from the view of others. And just as important, I have to avoid injuring my feet on gravel, sharp rocks or scorching pavement. Fortunately, the Adventure Mat ($29.95) allows me to do a quick change while keeping my feet clean and protected.
With a flick of the wrist, you can unfold this rubber mat and plop it on the ground. Once deployed, the mat provides enough room to change clothes or even rinse off after a day of outdoor adventure. When you’re finished using the mat, you can fold it up into a square that tucks into a zippered cloth bag. While I primarily use the Adventure Mat after hikes, this product has also become popular with mountain bikers, climbers, skiers, paddlers, and people enjoying pretty much any outdoor activity.
After using an Adventure Mat for several months, I can recommend it due to its convenience, clever design, versatility and durability. Here are a few things I like about the product...
Plenty of Protection
While the Adventure Mat serves all sorts of uses (I once used mine as a picnic placemat during a day hike) its main function is to keep your feet safe and clean. The mat is only about 2 millimeters thick, but the rubber material is dense enough that you‘ll feel comfortable while standing on gravel or hot or cold pavement. The surface of the top of the mat offers some traction, so wet feet won’t slip on it. Also, the bottom of the may is outfitted with cross-shaped nubs to prevent that mat from sliding across the ground. (Be aware that the pad can still possibly slide if you’re on an icy surface.)
One benefit of the mat is that it gives you a decent-sized platform to stand on. When it’s unfolded, it measures 19.5 inches by 19.5 inches.
It's Made to Last
The Adventure Mat is constructed with durable rubber that can stand up to plenty of punishment. After months of use, my mat has not suffered any tears or punctures. Plus, the rubber is waterproof, so the mat won’t absorb grit or grime. The only signs of wear are faint black stains likely caused by the soles of shoes. But, if I rub those stain marks, my skin doesn’t pick up any of the grime. To clean the mat, I typically just rinse it with a hose, but you could use something for stout like 409 for a more thorough cleaning
The Design is Clever
Rather than just create a typical mat that rolls up, the Adventure Mat wizards produced a product that unfolds and folds up easily. To unfold the mat, you hold a cord at one corner and simply flick your wrist in a smooth motion that takes a second. When it’s time to put away the mat, numbered sections provide a guide to help you fold it in the correct sequence. You can hold the cord while folding the mat to avoid getting your hand dirty. Also, when you fold the mat in the proper sequence, the clean top side never touches the dirty bottom side—just another cool feature that helps contain dirt and grime. If the unfolding and folding procedure seems a little unclear, just watch this video for a demonstration.
It's Compact
The Adventure Mat folds down to a square that measures 6.5 inches by 6.5 inches and is 0.75 inches thick. It fits into a durable case that’s about 8 inches by 8 inches, so the product doesn’t take up a lot of space. It weighs 1.3 pounds, so it’s pretty heavy for serious backpacking, but I mostly keep this stowed in the car, so weight isn’t an issue. If you don’t mind carrying a bit of extra weight, you can tuck the mat into your day pack and use it as a surface for spreading out a picnic lunch.
It Serves Many Functions
I love gear that can serve several purposes, and the Adventure Mat certainly fits that description. While it’s perfect for hiking, you could also use it as the floor for an outdoor shower, or stand on it while donning or removing ski boots. However you deploy the Adventure Mat, you'll likely find that this is a case where a very basic piece of gear becomes one of the things you appreciate most.
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