Candy Bar-Sized Air Pump Makes Inflating In The Great Outdoors A Breeze

When it comes to outdoor adventures, smaller and lighter equipment can make a big difference. Flextail, a Chinese company based in California and known for its innovative camping gear, has unveiled the ‘Zero’, a compact battery-powered air pump designed for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Zero pump is not just small; it’s tiny enough to be clipped onto a keychain or slipped into a pocket, weighing only 1.2 ounces (34 grams). Despite its diminutive size, this portable device is a powerful tool for campers looking for a comfy night under the stars.

Unlike some previous Flextail models, the Zero uses a replaceable battery. Users can choose between a single CR123A battery or an externally charged RCR123A with a capacity of 650 mAh or higher. This choice offers flexibility and ensures campers can find suitable power sources in different environments.

The cylindrical design of the Zero is sleek and slim, measuring just under 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length and an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, or about the size of a Snickers bar.

One of the notable features of the Zero is its compatibility with various sleeping pad valves. It has six different nozzles designed to fit sleeping pads from popular brands like Big Agnes, Exped, Klymit, and Therm-a-Rest.

Despite its small size, the Zero boasts impressive performance. It inflates at a lower pressure of 2.5 kPa, but it does so quickly, with an inflation rate of 180 liters per minute. This efficient inflation process saves time and effort, especially after a long day of outdoor activities.

The pump’s estimated runtime is around 25 minutes, allowing it to inflate approximately 25 sleeping pads before needing a battery recharge or replacement.

Having a fast and efficient pump for inflating sleeping pads comes with multiple advantages. It eliminates the moisture and mold issues from condensation caused by breath inflation.

In addition to inflating sleeping pads, it can be used as a flame fan, assisting campers in starting campfires more quickly. The Zero also has a small push-button activator that requires a double tap to prevent accidental activation in your backpack.

For those interested in adding the Zero to their outdoor gear collection, it’s available for pre-order on Indiegogo. Pledge levels start at US$27 or US$36 for the pump, along with an RCR123A battery.

Flextail’s Indiegogo campaign for the Zero has seen substantial success, surpassing its initial US$5,000 goal early on its campaign. With still some time to go, the company aims to begin shipping in November, assuming everything goes according to plan.

[via Flextail/Indiegogo]