Wife currently has a Fat Airic, before that she had a cheaper 7 cm Outwell mat (which to me, like much of branded kit looked like a Outwell branded generic mat).
She was happy with the Outwell - (though customer service when the valve area failed was lacking), but says she find the Fat Airic more comfortable, it seems a bit more giving and supportive.
I suspect this is down to the use of die cut foam in the core (where bits are cut out of the foam). I think maybe this changes the way the mat respds to pressure on it? It certainly makes it much more compact when packed and lighter.
Alpkit also ahve an excellent reputation for customer service.
But if you can't stetch to a FA, then the Vango will be perfectly good I imagine. I know people with Vango mats and they are happy with them.
we invested and slept on ours for the first time this Easter break Fat airic that is and would highly recommend we slept so much better than normal so very comftable, worth the extra pennies.
We bought 2 Costco mats last week for the kids and compared them directly with our Fat Airics...you can tell a difference, the Fat Airics seem a little bit more supportive but not enough to warrant the extra cash...and could just be because they have been inflated for the last 8 months. The Costco ones are a bit shorter and a bit wider - so for hubby the longer Fat Airic is probably better, but for me either would do.
I bought a Robens mat from GoOutdoors a couple of years ago and it compares favourably to the Fat Airic that I also have. I'm not sure how much the Robens might be now but they are certainly worth looking at.
------------- Nigel
March 2012 - Dove Meadows
6th July Moving to Hayle
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: Fat Airic V Vanco Premium 7cm?
