Message Forums

Hi,

Having got fed up of airbeds we are going to try something different. Generally we get cold rather than uncomfortable. Don't know anything about either of these except what I've read on review sites.

Any thoughts on what is best? We go weekend camping and the odd long week break over the summer. Me, hubbie and 3 kids age 5 3 and 1.

Thanks,

Kara xx

Hello Kara and welcome to UKcampsites.

Airbeds have been the topic of many forums.

The main problem with air beds is that it traps air which gets cold and as will you. Many people swear by various air beds and mats.

If you have airbeds you could try buying cheap roll mats the thin polystyrene type and use them over your airbed to stop the trasnsference of the cold.

Others have bought the foil backed picnic blankets to go over the airbed.

The fat Airics, thermarest and have you looked at the Gelert adventure roll mat at 10cm thick? Are expensiv, you wont get much change out of £50

If you have airbeds and are comfortable I would try the cheaper option of say the picnic blanket (keep an eye on your Aldis, Nettos, Lidls or even a garage forecourt when you fill up)

If you want to check out on other forums click on the  button above, put in roll mats or airbeds and use the equipment section for the search then read through the questions and opinions of many others.

Good luck and welcome once again.

Thanks for the reply, we don't mind the cost we just don't want anymore cold nights!

We normally start out camping around April time and this year we were really cold.  Last summer we ended up buying a duvet as well as our sleeping bags as we were so cold. We have 3 season sleeping bags, a rug down under the airbeds and fleece blankets on top between us and the sleeping  bags but we're still cold.

I read on here about the different mats and thought we'd go for whatever offered the best insulation regardless of cost as it will be an early present for each other for xmas.

We've just bought a SunValley 8 and are yet to try it out but going to France in August so really looking forward to the break. Before this we had a cheap tent that cost £100 about 5 years ago and is finally starting to give up the fight.

I'd rather  buy something that is expensive but worth the money rather than cheap things that don't work as I'd like them too.

Thanks again.

kara

I cant recommend enough the thermarest prolite.(and you can use it backpacking too). Its warm and comfortable - surprisingly so. You wont have the depth of an airbed, but we sleep well on them. I would not be without it. May be a four season sleeping bag would help. The 3 season one I have is no way three season and not warm enough in april.

Hi Kara.

As a scout leader I do a lot of camping and can only comment on what I use in the cold months. I have gone for the the thicker foam mat as it has more foam than air so less chance of cold.

I have the Gelart 10cm roll mat can be seen here which is as comfortable as my home divan and as warm.

I lay it on an aldis all weather picnic blanket with foil back and the same on top of the mat.

I have a Nanok 4 season sleeping bag (mummy) I have slept in temps as low as -20 wearing only my underwear but Im a warm blooded soul.

My son who is the opposite is set up as I am but i bought him a sleeping bag liner again from Aldi's, some fleece base layer clothing especially for bed, a pair of thin fleece gloves and hat, he was so comfortable he kept me awake snoring.

Layering is the best option I prefer the layering of thin fleece type clothing as it cant slip off through the night and isnt restrcitive.

So If you arent backpacking I would look at the likes of the fat airic at 5cm deep or the gelert at 10cm deep.

Happy hunting 

thanks everyone for the replies, now I've got even more options to look at LOL

Kara x