Airbed/camping mat recommendations...

[Bill]

We have a couple of thick thermarests but need another couple of mats and things have moved on in the 20 or so years since I bought them! Needed for car camping in a decent sized tent and I don't mind paying for comfort. Happy with singles so movement doesn't disturb SWMBO or vice versa.

Thoughts??

[mids]

I recently bought an Exped Megamat - very happy with how comfortable it is but it's the first SIM I've owned so no idea how it compares.

https://www.expeduk.com/

[Bill]

Ouch! Think I might need a budget after all!

[madbadger]

Mats are expensive. I remember thermarests being the only decent option and steep at about £30. They are £130 now.

[Harpoon]

Alpkit comes in bit cheaper.

https://alpkit.com/collections/sleeping-mats

Just looked back through my order history and found I bought a Dozer mat in 2010 for £25!

[sjg]

The £80 decathlon air base things are excellent. Stick a self inflating mat on top and you have a super comfy bed that’s up off the floor. Two can attach together for a double.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/inflatable-camping-b...

[Faust66]

If you need a mat for car camping and weight is not an issue, then it's got to be an Alpkit Dozer.

I've never used such a comfortable sleeping mat (and I've had a few over the years).

Alpkit have regular sales... plus, if you create an account you get 10% (IIRC) off all products as well as 5 quid credit every time you review one of their products and include a picture (3 quid without a pic).

[HustleRussell]

I've got a Vango Shangri-La 10cm which was about £110 in 2018 and which still works perfectly. Very impressed with it and happy with my purchase.

It's worth saying that they work best if stored unrolled and inflated. Mine lives under my real bed. If I'm going to use it I roll it up for transport.

[Bill]

Thanks, heard good things about Alpkit so will get a couple of those. If SWMBO is uncomfortable I'll send her your way!

[bigdom]

madbadger said:

Mats are expensive. I remember thermarests being the only decent option and steep at about £30. They are £130 now.

https://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/Therm-A-Rest-Therm-a-Rest-MondoKing-3D-XXL-sku52131003.asp?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuNb-0_zDgAMV2urtCh2HtAiYEAQYAiABEgJ4xPD_BwE

I have the previous model, and joining straps for kingsize. Agree they're pricey, but if away for at least a week, I find it as comfy as our Tempur mattress.

These are great for them too

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09FXMMR9W/ref...

[Steve_H80]

I've just bought one of these after my last self inflating mat because a self deflating mat.
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/16007770/oex-ultralit...
It seems comfortable enough and packs small and light, but I won't know till next weekend how it copes in the field.
The best airbed I ever had was a Gelert 6 reed airbed jobbie. Each reed had it's own valve and took about 3 breaths to inflate, if one reed deflated you still got a good nights sleep on the others. I wish they still made them.

[Chrisgr31]

I have moved on to using a camp bed rather than an airbed. Comfortable warm etc.

[bongo96]

just bought an OEX Flux 5.0 and spent a couple of fairly comfortable nights on it.

I'm a side sleeper, average weight. I've realised it's most comfortable when not fully inflated.

It has an R value of 3.0, but I don't quite believe that as the insulation material seems minimal. I will pair it with a Thermarest Z lite closed cell foam mat for when it gets cold.