We're investing in a new self inflating mat - after Outwell and Gelert issues (punctures, wearing etc), we're keen to get something more durable - but also comfortable (a must!).
Having decided on a Dozer, we've been reading about Exped Comfort SIM 10 DLX and are now confused ;).
With spending a bit more, I'm worried about it being worth it. I know Dozer's are new, but assume very similar to Far Airic - do they last well? Very tempted by Exped but it's another £40 for two on top of Dozer.
Tried and tested both (and others) very recently. Ended up with Exped down 7 dlx. Its far more comfortable than the any of the oehters and a lot warmer too.
I got a god deal at spikeoutdoors.
10/10 on all fronts
------------- Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once!
We've not slept on them yet, but they look amazing - got the SIM Comfort DXL. When they arrive you need to let them 'out' for a couple of days. Laid on them for a little while...briefly thought about suggesting to the OH that we sleep on them that night....they were that comfy!
The material on them is amazing - really soft on sleeping side (but think fairly tough). Def at least 10cm and very long. Looks like they'll connect nicely too. I'd estimate together they're probably size of large double (they're about 5 inches narrower than our king size bed, but the same length).
Think we've made a great choice and can't wait to test them properly in a few weeks!
PS - also really like where the valves are - I hope it will be lower risk than wear and tear/dog attack (!) than the ones at the end in every other SIM.
I was impressed, with their spec too. So I have ordered one, it was delivered this morning to my work and I will collect and try it tomorrow. If I am really please we will get another one and put the tranquil XL by gelert one on ebay.
When you start looking for good quality gear and try to compare with other brands you see whats what. No where can I see the R-Value of the Gelert SIMats so how can I judge if it will be warmer or colder to sleep on?
Some sleeping bags say 4 season but do not give any comfort rating for temperature
So we will see who tries it first then
------------- July 1-9 Nantcol Waterfalls meet Sept naturist week Sept SVR w/e Oct Secret meet Nov hopleys meet
Just to add another one to the mix - Obelink do a Nomad SI allround 10cm SIM with an r value of 11. It has brass valves, is non slip and is really comfortable. There is a standard size and an XW which is both longer and wider.
------------- Christine
2014
April -
BunRoy Fort William 3 sleeps
April / May
Invercaimbe Arisaig 4 sleeps
Bleatarn Brampton tbc July
I was interested to see that HC do a memory foam topper and cover for their Cannes SIM, which would then make them comparable to the Thermarest Dreamtime XL (would be similar in price too, after you've added it all up).
I posted a few months ago about the possibility of adding a memory foam topper and cover to an existing SIM (was thinking about getting the Dreamtime XL, at that point, then investigated possibilities of achieving the same level of comfort on a less expensive basis). I decided against both options in the end because of size/bulk (the pack size of the Dreamtime XL is absolutely HUGE and, when I checked out the size of a memory foam topper, I realised it wasn't realistic (they look fine when compressed in packaging, but never go down to that size again!).
Out of interest, does anyone out there use a memory foam topper with a SIM? Anyone got the HC topper in ybyatt's link?
I have heard that the Vango Adventurer mats are excellent, can anyone offer their opinion on them, as we need to invest in mats as the air bed is not good at keeping the cold off our backs.
Quote: Originally posted by Outdoorlass on 05/9/2010
I have heard that the Vango Adventurer mats are excellent, can anyone offer their opinion on them, as we need to invest in mats as the air bed is not good at keeping the cold off our backs.
If you want to compare mats to see which is the warmest you have to look at the R-Value the higher the number the better insulation (feels warmer). If it has no R-value given look for something that does.
Obelink mat as mentioned above is good value, and their customer service is excellent
I have both my mats inflated on the stone conservatory floor, trying to see which is best! I like the exped inflation as it has one way valves, not like the brass ones where if you breath into it it comes out again.
------------- July 1-9 Nantcol Waterfalls meet Sept naturist week Sept SVR w/e Oct Secret meet Nov hopleys meet
I was interested to see that HC do a memory foam topper and cover for their Cannes SIM, which would then make them comparable to the Thermarest Dreamtime XL (would be similar in price too, after you've added it all up).
I posted a few months ago about the possibility of adding a memory foam topper and cover to an existing SIM (was thinking about getting the Dreamtime XL, at that point, then investigated possibilities of achieving the same level of comfort on a less expensive basis). I decided against both options in the end because of size/bulk (the pack size of the Dreamtime XL is absolutely HUGE and, when I checked out the size of a memory foam topper, I realised it wasn't realistic (they look fine when compressed in packaging, but never go down to that size again!).
Out of interest, does anyone out there use a memory foam topper with a SIM? Anyone got the HC topper in ybyatt's link?
hi i have the cover which has foam in it too, but i believe from the website the memory foam one is "available soon". the human comfort mat is 10 cm thick 210 long and 76 cm wide. longer and wider than alot of sim's it has the non slip dots all over one side. two valves, it in flates and deflates quickly. i am really pleased with it and buying one for my son for next season.
------------- TTFN
Vonnie
______________________________
KARSTEN CAMPERS DO IT WITH INFLATABLES (OO ER!)
Quote: Originally posted by Outdoorlass on 05/9/2010I have heard that the Vango Adventurer mats are excellent, can anyone offer their opinion on them, as we need to invest in mats as the air bed is not good at keeping the cold off our backs.
If you want to compare mats to see which is the warmest you have to look at the R-Value the higher the number the better insulation (feels warmer). If it has no R-value given look for something that does.
Obelink mat as mentioned above is good value, and their customer service is excellent
I have both my mats inflated on the stone conservatory floor, trying to see which is best! I like the exped inflation as it has one way valves, not like the brass ones where if you breath into it it comes out again.
Exped v Gelert
Well not the most scientific test ever done but they both feel the same when inflated hard, would say the Exped possible has the edge on comfort if you like a soft one. The Exped is a lot lighter and slightly smaller pack size but as we have loads of room that makes no difference to us. Only a long term test will tell really so I will sleep on both as we are away next week.
------------- July 1-9 Nantcol Waterfalls meet Sept naturist week Sept SVR w/e Oct Secret meet Nov hopleys meet
For comfort I've found that actually letting some air out on the Nomad works best rather than adding extra puffs. So once fully inflated I lie on it and open the valve for a second or two. My husband tried it out this weekend and found that was best for him too, he also gave it a big thumbs up for warmth and comfort, he normally uses an airic.
Post last edited on 05/09/2010 18:38:48
------------- Christine
2014
April -
BunRoy Fort William 3 sleeps
April / May
Invercaimbe Arisaig 4 sleeps
Bleatarn Brampton tbc July
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Exped or Alpkit - Best Mats?
