Currently I have an old foam roll mat bought many years ago that served its purpose at the time but now I want to up grade to something more comfortable, ideal for back packing & can be used all year round.
can anyone recommend any thing they find really good? what are the self inflating mats like?
Quote: Originally posted by smashing69 on 26/8/2011......what's not to like?
Er, the price? And the fact that some people are uncomfortable on ribbed pads? And that you have to inflate it?
If you prefer a SIM - one that is light, packs small, and self-inflates rapidly - have a look at the Mountain Equipment Helium 3.8 which Cotswold sell for £45. I use mine even for car-camping and it's an excellent mat IMO
Quote: Originally posted by Sceptical Camper on 05/9/2011
Quote: Originally posted by smashing69 on 26/8/2011......what's not to like?
Er, the price? And the fact that some people are uncomfortable on ribbed pads? And that you have to inflate it?
If you prefer a SIM - one that is light, packs small, and self-inflates rapidly - have a look at the Mountain Equipment Helium 3.8 which Cotswold sell for £45. I use mine even for car-camping and it's an excellent mat IMO
Can't argue with whether the 'ribs' are comfortable but can say inflating it is no bother. I've smoked for 25 years and can blow it up in about 2 minutes. Not sure why that would be considered a hardship.
I personally prefer to go with a slightly heavier and bulkier comfort foam mat from Exped. I like the way it keeps me very warm but also raises me off the tent floor quite a bit. I could never get used to the thinner SIMs because it just felt like there was nothing below me.
At the weekend in my local sports direct shop I found them selling the Karrimor x lite comfort mat season rating winter with tog of 5 for £38 the RRP is £79.99 what a bargain..... they also had the autumn/winter mat for £28
------------- 24th 25th June Roundhill Caravan & Camping Site Forest Holidays
1st 2nd July Long Meadow campsite
Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park IOW 26th - 30th Sep
NWSC campsite Nottingham 30th Sep - 2nd Oct
Just got delivery today karimor x lite mats from.sports direct. Tryed them out as you do and they do feel great cant wait to use them. Just got to sort slerping bags out now for November.
I've been using Thermarests for decades. I like the comfort of multitube airbeds, but don't like their lack of insulation.
This year I discovered the Exped Downmat. Pricey, but gives you the advantages of both and a built in pump!
(It made for luxurious camping in Iceland!)
Quote: Originally posted by janz on 30/9/2011
I've been using Thermarests for decades. I like the comfort of multitube airbeds, but don't like their lack of insulation.
This year I discovered the Exped Downmat. Pricey, but gives you the advantages of both and a built in pump!
(It made for luxurious camping in Iceland!)
The POE airbeds are insulated very well - better than my previous Thermarest Prolite3.
But having shelled out for the Exped, I'm sure you're more than sorted.
Quote: Originally posted by Sceptical Camper on 05/9/2011
Quote: Originally posted by smashing69 on 26/8/2011......what's not to like?
Er, the price?
Fair comment - but you do get what you pay for. Cheaper brands like Gelert or shops like Go Outdoors or Blacks will get you 'lightweight' gear but real lightweight gear is harder to get and costs more. Often as the really good kit is imported from the US.
Just depends how happy one is to trade off £s for grammes. Most of my original 'lightweight' stuff was traded in sharpish - the bolder I got, the more remote spots I ventured to. The reduction on weight meant I could actually carry enough food to live for a week+ in the middle of nowhere. Great!
Over on the main forum, some do get quite obsessed with getting more and more kit - ending up needing a trailer. I'll admit to being equally obsessed with taking less and lighter.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Sleeping Matts what would you use?
