1 Elegance Double 7.5cm (really two singles joined)
x3 Have "punctured" some multiple times
All are very comfortable but three have had multiple puntures, 4 small holes in the material around the valves but the double has had a seam go plus several small leakes where is joins to it's twin.
Ok, so not hard to fix with a bit of seam grip, some patience and some geek forum trawling, but the buiud quality is surely woeful. Outdoor kit that gives up on some light family camping!? Thank god I'm not on an expedition!
Two observations:
Double SIM's seem to be uniquely prone to this my the way they fold and roll together for storage.
The generic valve assembly on most of these products seem to pinch and "cut" into the SIM material
Impressed by SIM comfort but not impressed by the quality or durability in this instance.
What SIM would folk recommend and why, especially with regards to the valve design, the majority seem to have the same valve assmbelies and probably come out of the same factory in China....
Another vote for thermarest.. I have also had them for years. When stored at home its rolled out full length with valve open and hung in a large cupboard.
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.
Yep, Thermarest vote from me too. I have 2 and an Exped fat mat which was my favourite until it started to de-laminate. It wasn't that old either but I dont think I will bother replacing it.
I like the Kampa Wide boys... 10cm thick and singles. We find two singles much better than a double and no issues with the valves.
I also let a lot of air out when sleeping and find this so much more comfortable.
Gary Cross
------------- Gary Cross - The masked camping guru.
We've have a Gelert and an Alpkit for a few years. No leaky problems (except when the cats got their claws into one) so no complaints about build quality. The Alpkit won't self-inflate, that's my only grouch.
I bought a Therm-a-rest Luxury Map XL for the 2012 season and can't fault it.
It has an advantage over other brands in that the valves can be replaced.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Airic - 5 years of heavy use, lent to friends for festivals and still going strong. Did need to repair one a couple of years ago thanks to my cat, the kit they sent worked a treat. Replaced one valve, which they sent free of charge too, was was working but a bit wonky.
Quote: The Alpkit won't self-inflate, that's my only grouch.
That's true actually, they don't self inflate that well (most SIMs need a bit of puff, but not as much). I think they make up for in other areas though.
Vango Adventurer DLX. 75 mm thick . Had two of these for a couple of years and no problems whatsover. Must have slept on them for over 40 nights.
Keep them unrolled with valve open at home and only roll them when need to for travel etc.
Like the look of the Kampa Wideboys, which are slightly thicker at 100mm or four inches
------------- May '13 Rozel, Jersey
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August 17, Gonies , France
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: SIM Blues
