I'm toying with buying 2 Thermorest self-inflating beds, instead of using the flocked airbed that I already have.
Can you use a thermorest directly on the groundsheet, or do you have to have a rollmat or some other insulator underneath. In other words are Thermorests warm enough to use on their own with a sleeping back or do you need other insulation as well..?
it depends how thick the thermarest is.i have a 4cm ultralight thermarest which is supposed to be for all round use,will be using it this weekend for first time.thats for backpacking though.also have a standard 4cm robens mat and a 5 cm and they are ok for all year round.prefer them to the airbeds which i also have.which one are you thinking of getting and what time of year will you use it?
We used to have a Vango and a Thermarest ( both 5cm ). Found them warm, but no where near as comfortable as an airbed ( well the Coleman Comfort beds anyway ). A lot more convenient though ( no pumping up required ).
Thermarests are fine on their own - mine is called a Basecamp but I can't remember the thickness! Its not at all necessary but sometimes I slip my thermarest inside an old child's cotton type envelope sleeping bag which adds a smidge more warmth and cushioning and stops my own sleeping bag slipping on top of the thermarest.
NB Don't buy a Thermarest Dreamtime - they cost a fortune and the people in the shop told me they really, really aren't worth it. MT
Post last edited on 24/01/2006 18:25:33
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
Thanks for all your replies. I would only use it from May-October, mainly for weekends, thought it might save on the faff of blowing up the airbed and having to take a thermal fitted sheet, and various other blankets to stop the cold air inside the airbed factor. Still unsure though...
Blod, thermarests are certainly the easiest option. I am far too lazy to faff about with airbeds, sheets, warm thing underneath, warm thing on top etc etc. I do know that a lot of people prefer sleeping on airbeds but I have never even felt the urge to try, and I like my comfort. MT
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
With an electric pump, I can pump up air airbeds almost as quick as a self inflating matresses takes to inflate itself. Plus I always find I have to add a little bit by mouth as well to the self-inflating ones. BUT, the self-inflating ones definitiely have a big advantage when you are putting them away again. It takes me a while to deflate an airbed and fold it, whereas the self-inflating ones I just open the valve, roll it up and close the valve. I also find the inflatable ones easy to store, they pack flat ( well my ones do anyway ). The self-inflating matresses we had were almost the size of a sleeping bag when rolled.
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Topic: Question about Thermorests
