Hi, so this season we are going back to a tent after having to sell our trailer tent so looking for advice on what tog sleeping bags I should look for for the children, my husband prefers a duvet for us and what air bed you use for the adults, for the kids I've got the bunk bed for younger 2 and the little camp beds for older 2, so just need to sort these bits out ready for July.
I've not ever noticed tog ratings on sleeping bags, only the number of seasons. My boys have been camping since they were about 18 months and layers were the key back then so fleecey blanket inside one of our old festival sleeping bag and another blanket over. They are now 9 & 11 and have Vango DofE /Scouts endorsed 2/3 and 3/4 season sleeping bags as they are great for family camping plus they are both in Cubs / Scouts so works for more "wild" camping. It looks as if Vango also do shorter versions of these spec bags so would be good for younger children. I wouldn't personally go lower than a 2/3 season bag for children as can't face being woken up by a cold child at 4am!
Adult beds - we've used the bog standard air beds (cold and didn't like them), double SIM (we've managed to break the valves on 2 of these) and this next week we will be trying out this which I am hoping will work as it was so expensive but the pack size is amazing. Son#2 and I tried it on a garden camp in March and it was at least on a par with the best of the 2 SIMS we broke. https://www.outdoorxl.co.uk/exped-synmat-duo-lw.html
We use a thick double self-inflating mattress for the adults (which is more comfortable, noise free, and far more durable than an air bed) and thinner ones child sized ones from Kampa for the kids. Though the kids one are thinner I can affirm that having spelt on them they are still very comfortable not that you need this. In my eyes, there is no point skimping on beds as a bad night sleep can really ruin the camping experience. Failing a good bed, bring loads of wine.
As for sleeping bags, I'd let the kids decide what they want as I find, with one of mine at least, they will put up with anything they chose even if it is crap, but when tired and in a bad mood he will find fault with anything we buy without showing them first. With the adults, you could get a thick single sleeping bag and unzip it and a voila it is just like a duvet that packs down better.
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: air beds and sleeping bags
