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We have Aerobeds

Rechargable pump, comfy and don't go down. You get what you pay for in airbeds. We have gone through cheap ones, but invested in a few double and single aerobeds for all of us. very pleased with them

Thanks to everyone who has replied it certainly has helped - now for the fun part - shopping!!! :-)

aerobed all the way

my double height intex lasted 10 days then punctured all around the pump - total waste of money

Hi Superpup

I don't think the Coleman comfort could be pumped with a cycle pump as it has a very wide valve. I don't know about the others recommended.

The cycle pumps that I have had enclosed round the outside of the valve on the tyre. Airbed pumps tend to be inserted into the valve of the airbed, so unless someone can say different I would be suprised if it was an option.

You may need to go for the more traditional pinch valve airbeds (rubber type) which can be blown up by mouth. Alternatively, have a look at the "Ready Beds" as these often come with very small pumps - eg item 290382939399 on ebay (insert number in ebay search box to find). These pumps can also be used for other types of airbeds with simpler small valves. Note - These should have a hose with them - would check before buying if you go down this route. The ready bed pumps are only a few ounces and between 10 and 15cm in diameter, but obviously they will take some pumping to put up an adult size airbed. Have a look at the valve types before buying if you can, to make sure they'll fit.

Some children's inflatables also come with very similar small lightweight pumps - eg. item 200422307705 on ebay. This is likely to also do airbeds with smaller simpler valves. Would check before buying by having a look at one though.

There is another option, but it is probably not lightweight - some sleeping mats and airbeds are self-inflating and have pumps built in. You may want to have a look at these too, although I've no idea how good they are... but I bet someone can fill you in...

Helen

Quote: Originally posted by superpup on 07/1/2010

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hi everyone. as i am fairly new to camping after 40 years. and no air beds then. can any of these airbeds be blown up with a cycle pump. as i dont have a car. got to walk and carry. if you know which one can be blown up with a bike pump. which one is it. double or single. either will do. getting too old for ground sleeping. bones not liking it. many thanks

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A self-inflating mat would probably be the best thing for you. You can buy 'backpacker airbeds' which have about 5 channels and take about 8 puffs by mouth to inflate each channel. However, if you consider that you really need to use a fleece blanket or picnic rug on top of the airbed to prevent condensation making your sleeping bag damp, then the weight & space taken up in your pack will be similar to a self-inflating mat anyway.

The only thing I miss about camping is my lovely Outwell Excellent Air Bed :

http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1428744-10475506?url=http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Outwell_Flocked_Excellent_Single_Airbed.html

Sigh......

Re. a pump for a coleman comfort - its worth checking before you buy a particular pump, but at the suggestion of someone else on the forum we just tried taking the adapters off our standard bellows foot pump and found that the end of the tube the adapters fit into was the right size for the airbed valve.

Basically the Coleman Comfort valve is quite big, but you don't lose air when you remove the pump (unlike other airbeds) as the clear plastic tube on the airbed the pump fits into pushes ino the airbed sealing the valve before you remove the pump. Just pull the plastic tube towards you to inflate or deflate.

It doesn't take long to pump, our 3 year old pumped his single airbed over half full by himself at his Grandma's this Christmas.... However, we are going to invest in the Coleman rechargeable quick pump this year to speed things up (rechargeable from the car and the mains).

Helen