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Camping under canvas

Topic: Looking for a firm mattress/mat option

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stevewright

via mobile 27/4/2025 at 12:35am
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Hi all,

I love camping and in the main so does my wife. Ive spent a small fortune on a decent tent and kit and in the main its great and comfortable, however the one issue is sleeping- i bought what i thought was a decent mattress that inflates firm and quite high of the ground, its better than previous versions and although it only looses some pressure, when we wake up in the morning we have terrible leg cramp from what we think is the matress being to soft. Ive looked up lots of options and most descriptions advise 'soft and comfortable' however if you need a firmer sleeping arrangement what are the options? Ive also looked at inflatable mats but even the best of those describe themselves as soft and comfortable- does anyone else have the same issue and can offer any suggestions?

Thanks!

dk168

27/4/2025 at 10:36am
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: PVC_VWCrafter_MWB

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Self-inflating mattresses (SIMs) can have their hardness adjusted by the amount of air blown into them IMHO, and that's what I did to make mine firmer by blowing as much air into it as I could.

I put mine on top of a camp bed though, secured in place using a fitted flannel sheet and extra clips to make sheet tight over the mattress and camp bed.

DK

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Somersetcamping

via mobile 27/4/2025 at 10:37am
Location: Bridgwater somerset
Outfit: Outwell Woodlake 7

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Camp bed with a SIM on top?
We had a Outwell posada double camp bed and 2 Outwell 10cm dream catcher Sims on top makes for an amazing nites sleep. We changed to a Vango air bed, due to the size of the camp bed and Sims when packed down. We find the the air mattress just as comfy if not even more so.

stevewright

via mobile 27/4/2025 at 10:40am
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I find with the mattresses though they generally lose a bit of inflation during the night- this one is far better than old one i had but it still starts of firm and loses just enough air during night so that its to soft by morning. Ive thought about mattress on camp bed option, roll up matts, inflable matts but reluctant to spend mpre money second guessing. Last option is i could end up camping by myself 😄

Somersetcamping

via mobile 27/4/2025 at 2:17pm
Location: Bridgwater somerset
Outfit: Outwell Woodlake 7

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The Vango air mattress we have/use has a built in pump that you leave plugged in to the mains over nite and if it detects a pressure drop form the settings you have it saved on it will automatically kick in and inflate untill the pressure is correct. We haven't had this happen yet so fingers crossed we are on to a winner.

KeldaMacFeegle

29/4/2025 at 9:28pm
Location: Lanarkshire
Outfit: Vango Joro Air 600xl

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We use the Quechua inflatable bed bases, popped together to make a double and an outwell dreamcatcher 10cm SIM on top. If anything, it's been a bit too firm so next time I will inflate the SIM a little less. The bases are really sturdy and barely lose any air. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/inflatable-camping-bed-base-camp-bed-air-70-cm-1-per........

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outdoorjanine

29/4/2025 at 9:45pm
Location: Gloucester
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The Intex Durabeam is a good one and it has a built in pump too.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intex-Dura-Beam-Standard-Prestige-Mid-Rise/dp/B09M5N9K73/........

I have the older version of this one but its still a good matress I sleep well on it.

Janine

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