Hiya. I know the camp bed and sim combo has been discussed at length ut most threads focus on comfort. Back from weekend away with picnic rug under airbed and blanket on top of airbed, 3s bag and blanket on top and I didnt sleep as was sooo cold. 2nd night I added an extra top blanket. And added 2 fleeces and a hat and was warm. Is the sim and camp bed a better solution for warmth? And if so talk to me about both as this is a minefield to me! Thanks!
------------- Wife, mum to 2, avid book reader, enthusiastic knitter and geocaching family. Please close the gate!
May 2015 Cotswold View
August 2015 Henlow Bridge Lakes
August 2015 Disneyland Paris (not camping!)
September 2015 Henlow Bridge Lakes
August 2016 Polmanter, St Ives
It sounds like you had lots of insulation on top of you and very little on the actual airbed which is where it is needed. To warm it up you really need the rug underneath and then also sleep on top of a duvet or similiar on top of the airbed if that makes sense?
We use a airbed..we usually have a carpet on the floor..this time were only taking rugs so have bought some of those yoga mats with the insulating foil on the bottom..these will go under our air bed..then on top will be a thick mattress topper..the sort with cosy furry top..then we put on a stretch jersey fitted sheet..on top of this will be a double sleeping bag..and a 10 tog duvet on top..I can honestly say..no matter how cold the weather we have always been warm in bed. Even when its good weather we take a thin duvet too..a sleeping bag just wouldnt be warm enough on its own.
------------- Camping Tip #26: In an emergency, a drawstring from a parka hood can be used to strangle a snoring tent friend...or husband!!
We've just swapped to airbed and camp bed combo and I found it so much warmer and comfy - however it all takes up a lot of space in the car and you need a big bedroom pod - I would say at least 215 by 160cm and that would be a squeeze.
If your airbed is still working and you find it comfortable (even though not warm at present)save the buying of the SIMs etc until it bites the dust and put cardboard under the airbed.
Just ask in your local shop, get a big box and open it up under the airbed. It makes a world of difference. A fleecy blanket on top of your airbed, maybe held on with a fitted sheet, will certainly help.
Don't focus so much what goes on top of you, but underneath you. Insulate yourself from the cold ground.
An extra layer under is worth two over the top
If you go ehu we take an electric blanket set on low
We have a rug under the bed then a mattress protector on the air bed then a 4.5 tog quilt then the electric blanket then a fitted sheet then a feather quilt over us
We have a double raised platinum aerobed and we get better sleep on that camping than the bed at home
This is our aerobed in our old Eden
------------- April Peak District Beech Croft Farm
May Peak District Duke of York
May Holland Delfse Hout
June Cotton Arms Nantwich
july/aug Cornwall Pentewan Sands
And quite a few local weekenders
Air beds are notoriously rubbish at keeping you warm, the air inside them gets cold during the night and just sucks the warmth from your body. You really must have some decent insulation underneath you, closed cell mats are very good at insulation but at only 10mm or so thick they are not overly comfortable. I have camped in January, in a tent, in the snow with a "karrimat" (10mm closed cell mat) and wasn't cold because of effective insulation..
A sim is a good compromise, although they are bulky, they provide good (not brilliant) insulation and good comfort. If you can fit it into the car, a 10cm sim with a 20mm memory foam topper is excellent.
If space is a premium, check out the Exped rang of "filled" mats. They produce an inflatable mat "air bed " with a difference, they are either filled with down or a synthetic insulator, both are excellent, they are comfortable and provide a very high standard of insulation.
This is the point where I now get my coat because I mention the words "mummy shaped sleeping bag" I accept they are universally hated on here but if you want a light weight, compact, good nights sleep, then they are the only way to go.
Gets coat, leaves and braces oneself for the abuse ;-))))))))
We have 2inch thick sponge which we got from an old trailer tent bed which goes ontop of the airbed and boy is it comfy and we have never been cold and it rolls up pretty small to..
Emergancy Heat blanket (silver foil sheet you get in first aid kits) under bedroom pod then camp bed then SIM then bed sheet then get into sleeping bag and before I zip it up I cover my body in a fleece blanket then zip it up. I wear thick pj bottoms tucked into socks then think shirt and fleece jumper.
Just returned today from 3 nights in harrogate (very cold in evening) but I've been fine. I do exactly the same with my kids (7 and 5) and put onsie hood up in them for extra.
All slept great and no issues.
I do however put the heater into the bedroom on low during night.
If it doesn't warm up before we go away next week, I'll be taking the 2" memory foam mattress topper off our bed and taking it with us to put on top of the airbed.
It may mean leaving the dog home alone for 5 days if we're short of space...
Lol! Errr no, it doesn't appeal. Thanks for all your ideas and advice. Will do some thinking and shifting around of gear, see what changes I can make!
------------- Wife, mum to 2, avid book reader, enthusiastic knitter and geocaching family. Please close the gate!
May 2015 Cotswold View
August 2015 Henlow Bridge Lakes
August 2015 Disneyland Paris (not camping!)
September 2015 Henlow Bridge Lakes
August 2016 Polmanter, St Ives
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: warmth in bed
