I'm not a regular camper but have been doing more weekend trips, for festivals and the like. We recently picked up a large family tent and I'm now having to update my sleep setup.
I picked up a Posadas XL and I'm considering getting a SIM as well. I liked the look of the Decathlon, but I'd prefer something that matches the width of the camp bed. That led me to the Outdoor Revolution Campstar Midi 100.
However now I'm wondering whether I should go all out on the MondoKing 3D XXLarge. Its twice the price, but has a lifetime warranty, and is seemingly best in class. I'm a big believer in buying quality first time, and if it lasts a lot longer then the price difference isn't an issue. That said I've read about reductions in quality with Thermarest in recent years.
Any thoughts or experiences on either of these, or indeed similar 76cm wide SIMs I should consider?
Hi I’ve got the vango Shanghai la ii, in fact I’ve got four now one each for the whole family and they’re brilliant. The only awkward point is that you are meant store them un rolled, which I don’t. So therefore on the first trip of the season I pump a little air in them and that helps them to get back to full inflation. After that they’re fine for the rest of season. Also coupled with decathlon inflatable bed base, you get an amazing nights sleep.
Thanks for the info. I have heard good things about the Shangri-La, but as its about the same price as the Thermarest and doesn't have the lifetime warranty I'd probably go with the MondoKing if I end up spending that much.
What I'm not really clear on is whether a cheaper option would last, or whether I'd end up having to buy another one in 10 years, due to leaks, failed valves etc.
The problem with any SIM is that you only use them for a small portion of the year, that's why we discounted buying any from Go Outdoors, since they (and most other retailers) only offer a 1 year warranty. If you're an infrequent camper, that could mean very little.
We bought Expeds (6 year warranty) and liked them bit did have a problem with one on first outing.
We previously had Thermarests and when an issue developed after several years, it was sorted without fuss.
Based on our experiences, I reckon the lifetime warranty is worth having. That said, I'd check their definition of 'lifetime' before splashing out.
Where have you seen the Mondoking for sale? Good price?
IMHO, if using with a camp bed, then one should not need the best SIM money can buy.
However, if there is the need to put the SIM directly on the floor, then get the best that one can afford.
I bought a Therm-a-rest Luxury Map XL to use on top of my camp bed, which was probably a bit OTT. However, at the time, I thought I might need to use it directly on the floor if and when I camped with another person; which I did, paired with another Luxury Map XL, just the once!
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lidds0 You've exactly hit on my reasoning - I don't plan to use it a lot each year, so if after 2 or 3 years its failed, I won't have had good value from it, even if it was at the budget end. The lifetime warranty doesn't cover everything, but it does cover things like failures in the seams or valves, plus from what I can tell the valves can be replaced DIY. I have seen posts from many in the UK who've had replacements (including you!) so that is reassuring. If I go that route (I'm leaning towards it) I'll see what price I can get it at and share if it seems good.
Thanks dk168. I agree that as I do plan on using it on a camp bed, the SIM is less critical - the thermal properties aren't as important in particular. As above, the reason I eyed the Thermarest was really around reliability backed up with a long warranty. That said if its able to be used directly on the ground its nice to have that option.
Just found this, regarding Thermarest' 'Reasonable Lifetime Warranty' (notice they now include the word 'reasonable'!):
'Therm-a-Rest takes pride in offering the highest quality camp products and we stand behind every piece of gear that we make. We offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all products, except electronic devices, which have a 2-year Limited Warranty.
Should your Therm-a-Rest product be found defective under this warranty, Cascade Designs, at its option, will repair or replace it. Mattresses older than two years from the date of manufacture may be replaced with a cosmetically irregular mattress.'
N.B. The date of manufacture is stamped on the top side of Thermarest mats and you can't check this until you open them. It could well be a year or two old by the time you purchase!
It suggests their warranty is no longer as airtight as once it was.
So what's changed? It sounds like a SIM is covered by the limited lifetime warranty still, as its not an electronic device.
I found the following details regarding what their warranty covers:
"Normal wear, puncture, abrasion, misuse, alteration, abuse or taking apart of the product is not covered. If your Therm-a-Rest product has repairable damage or wear not covered by your warranty, Therm-a-Rest will complete the repairs for a reasonable fee."
So if it gets a general puncture that's not covered, though should be easy enough to fix. But failures in seams and valves would be. That coverage seems in line with other manufacturers, but for life.
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Topic: Cheap or pricey XL SIM?
via mobile 24/8/2022 at 11:04am
