We currently have Eurohike self inflating mattresses, and Vango Half Moon pillows which have been pretty good for weekend trips. I have a lot of problems with my neck so any longer and I wouldn't be able to strike camp!
We are planning on a week/2 week tour next year in the uk, and are going to invest in better sleeping mats.
What would you guys/gals recommend, we would like to stick with self inflators.
If you have got neck problems then have a look at an AIRIC I have always used either Thermorest or VauDe, both made in the same factory, but won't when the present Thermo needs replacing
There are also special neck pillows available and I suggest that you try and source one
I had for many years used a Thermarest mat (can't remember model). I have used them in all conditions including below freezing temperatures and was never let down and so if you purchase Thermarest I don't think you'll be dissapointed. However for me there were two minor (personal) drawbacks to them. The first was the size of the singles. They were narrow, fine when you first laid down to rest but not so great after a couple of hours of tossing and turning. The second drawback was the Thermarest's material itself which was quite slippery and this resulted in my Rab sleeping bag and my mat parting company on many occassions. So, recently, I invested in an Outwell Premium Single mattress from Go Outdoors in Sheffield. These are wider than your average single and have a softer face to them that is far more inviting than the shiny Thermarest. I've just come back from a week in Dorset and the Outwell was very comfortable (although my partner's mat leaked but was replaced with a new one by Go Outdoors). My understanding is that the particular Outwell mat I'm talking about is only available from Go Outdoors. I bought mine in the Sheffield store and it cost me £36 if I remember correctly. I was there two days ago and they had lots of them in stock. You can buy doubles as well at around £61. Hope this helps.
First reply on this forum, so I hope that it helps. It depends on how you guys are travelling. Normally when I am hiking, I take a 3/4 length mat, you dont need the bit under your legs and you don't have to carry the extra weight. My favourite is the Exped Sim Light Short, Iv'e had no problems slipping on this one, some kind of new material, (made by the company that make those fantastic waterproof and airtight bags.) If im going for comfort I normally go for the Thermarest Prolite 3. If it helps, I'm 6'2" and i am perfectly comfortable on both.
Exped Sim Light is about £35 (bought it last month) Thermarest Prolight 3 about £70 although they may of come down in price since I bought mine,
Hope that I was of help
James
------------- Any man, in the right situation, is capable of murder. But not any man is capable of being a good camper. So, murder and camping are not as similar as you might think. - Jack Handy
I use the Thermarest Basecamps. They are bigger than average (as am I and OH LOL)
Superbly comfortable and warm. I have trouble with my lower back and have been unable to move after sleeping on airbeds and camp beds but the basecamp leaves me feeling really refreshed.
Hope that helps as I know it's a hell of an investment but I feel in this case investment is the right word as the product will not let you down and it's also backed by excellent customer services.
For the anti slip issue, just encase them in a duvet cover :-)
I love the Exped down-mats. Not exactly self inflating, but uses the bag as a bellows. Brilliant mats - warmer and more comfortable than thermarest and packs better too.
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Topic: Self Inflating Matresses
