Article by Markus Zinkl’
FLEXTAIL Gear - Zero Pump ($42,99 w/o Battery, $49,99 w/ Battery)
Introduction
The ZERO PUMP is a compact and lightweight outdoor pump designed for backpackers, weighing only 1.2oz and measuring 1.02 * 2.95 in (official specifications).
With patented AIRVORTECH™ Technology 2.0 and an exclusive micro-motor, it efficiently inflates sleeping pads in around 50 seconds and can inflate up to 25 pads consecutively. Compatible with popular brands, including THERM-A-REST, KLYMIT, NEMO, SEA TO SUMMIT, BIG AGNES, and EXPED, it is a versatile outdoor tool.
The pump comes with all nozzles for the mentioned pads and is available in two versions. One comes without a battery and the other one comes with a USB-C rechargeable one.
Additionally, the pump can be used to deflate sleeping pads quickly, and it can also serve as a reliable fire-starting tool for backpackers.
Specification- and Comparison-Chart
Sleeping-Pads Used: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Regular
In Use
The durable aluminum body added a sense of reliability to the pump, ensuring it could withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The double-click mechanism to turn it on was a thoughtful feature, preventing any accidental activation that could drain the battery unexpectedly.
While the pump did an impressive job inflating my sleeping pad, I found that a couple of additional blows were needed to achieve the desired firmness. It's worth noting that the marketed 1.2oz weight can be somewhat misleading, as this measurement is without the battery and nozzle (see specification chart).
One suggestion for improvement would be the development of a battery-less version, similar to the RexCreations PadPal, that could be powered by a common item on every packing list – a power bank. This addition could make the ZERO PUMP even more versatile for longer journeys where access to traditional power sources may be limited.
Available here:
Tester Profile
Markus Zinkl: I’m 33 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.
The products that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge by Flextail Gear. The opinions presented are our own.
We welcome comments and questions in the comments section below
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