The Remat - Patagonia - Fishing Gear Reports - Trout's Fly Fishing

Gear Reports - The Remat

The Remat by Patagonia
The Remat by Patagonia
The Remat by Patagonia

Manufacturer: Patagonia

Product: The Remat

Retail Price: $35

Tester: Tucker Ladd

Rating: 1 / 5 - Back to the drawing board.
1 / 5 - Back to the drawing board.

Date Tested: Feb. 01, 2009 - Apr. 28, 2009

Test Area: Colorado

What they say:
"One man's trash is another man or woman's…wader changing mat. The ultimate recycled product, the Remat is a byproduct from automobile gasket manufacturing, reworked and repurposed for a long life of heavy-duty use. Beyond wader changing, it doubles (or triples) as a driftboat seat cushion, work station floor mat or boat floor cleat protection. The tough, cushy, water- and stain-resistant Remat is also showing up in front of kitchen sinks and mudroom doors wherever anglers live. Made from 100% synthetic nitrile rubber."

What we say:
Okay, so the idea behind this mat is great, reusing auto industry waste; but I must say that this mat is totally worthless as a changing mat for fishing, skiing, or whatever. The holes that have been removed from the foam section are big enough to get the bottom of your feet wet, which completely negates the purpose of this product. I also wouldn't use it as a drift boat mat, as the holes and the minimal thickness of the pad will not be adequate protection from studded boots. The one practical use I found was as a gear pad in the back of my truck; but I feel that $35 for a piece of foam to put my gear on is a little pricey.

Last minute thoughts:
I applaud the environmental story behind this product, but was quite disappointed in its overall performance.