I've read with interest many posts about self inflating mats; We had a Coleman Qsize for 2 years no problem, just after guarantee it failed... the kind local retailer replaced it FOC. 5 nights on the replacement no problem, 2nd trip 4 nights no proble, night 5, a disaster! So.... we need to move on... after much research and opinions we are thinking either the Alpkit Dozer (195x60x7.5cm) or Alpkit Wideboy Wedge 190x64x25.5-5.cm)..., or the Vango DLX XL Mat 198x63x7.5cm.
Both priced around £40-60 which is about our budget... although am open minded but not at open minded for a Thermarest £80 each... we go 4-5 times a year just mini break camping.
My BIG question as well as your opinion on the above, but is mainly about the width and weight... I am particularly a larger lady and my husband is a little cuddlier these days and I wonder if there was a weight restriction on the self inflated sleeping mats. The coleman airbed we had said it was tested for a ton tessy elephant type thing and appeared no restrictions and after 2 years had no issue - the one we have now we havge found a split (repaired but not convinced! ; read lots of posts about this model of Coleman Queensize Quckbeds about overinflating and heat, so our mind is made up... sleeping mats it is!).
Oh and btw, I love sleeping on my side, the hubby on his back so he is easier to please... your thoughts and ideas about the Vango would be most appreciated particulary as the Dozer is currently out of stock!
Hi Stew... I think the Dozer is the replacement of a mat everyone craved about think it was called something like fatic.. that is completely wrong maybe airic of something... anyhow.. thanks for your interest..... I do hope someone has a recommendation for me, vango or dozer :-)
Fith attempt at a reply, must have a computer glitch but just on this post.
If I am camping at a known flat level pitch, then I sometimes use a narrow double air bed with an Alpkit fatairic on top. This allows me to spread, but still be off the ground. The reason for this is that most sims are a bit narrow, probably because they are designed around the old foam sleeping mat ethos.
An email to Alpkit regarding max weight should get you a quick reply, as their customer service is legendary.
Post last edited on 31/07/2011 18:00:14
------------- Canvas tent, paraffin light, petrol stove. Heaven
I'd rather be kayaking.
Spent up, not pent up, just had my new tent up.
We have a vango adventure dlx 7.5cm (single and double) and like them a lot. Having said that, I am a bit of a beanpole bloke and therefore have no hips to worry about (and I upgraded from a 2cm 3/4 length SIM...)
Mrs Splat is still slender, but has hips - although she usually sleeps on her front.
I have always assumed that for curvier people (regardless of weight) who like to sleep on their side, a SIM may not have enough give to be really comfy.
I emailed Alpkit at the weekend and they have replied early this morning and advised they have issues getting the DOZER and no clear timing at present.
Back to square one me thinks...
Turns out the second coleman queensize had a split in it we've found ... we've repaired it but dont feel we could trust it .....
I've emailed Alpkit to ask their thoughts on weighter people on their mats.
Really dont know what to do now :-( camping again in just a few weeks......
As a bit (ok, a lot)of a fatty myself, I bought the 5cm SIM from Aldi (approx £13) and I have to say, I love it. I like to sleep on my front and 'spread' a bit but I've found it great. If you give it an extra bit of 'puff' once its inflated, you don't touch the floor, even when on your side! I wasn't sure about SIMs so figured if I didn't like it, I'd only spent £13 but it was money well spent. Even got OH onto them now.
Thanks again everyone.. my confidence is growing... aparently we are going for the 7.5cm vango ..... as can get them in time... seems like a few people say they ok... I am a bit of a front and spread as well.... recovery position even so my padded bits may help!
My son bought two of the Aldi sim cheapies and is going to use them piggy back so to speak (Hmmm I dont know if that sounds quite right ?), anyway I have heard the vango's & Gelerts are pretty good .
Stew
------------- Does it ever get better than spare ribs and chops straight off the BBQ
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Topic: Self Inflating Mat Human Weight?!
