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10/1/2011 at 5:52pm
Location: Glasgow Outfit: coleman sahara tentipi safir + others
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note to mods - this might be better placed in the equipment board
I think you will find advocates for both airbeds and self inflating mats (SIM) on this forum. Might take you a while to trawl through this lot
I always use SIM when camping fat airic or thermarest depending on the trip, used an airbed once and was a dreadful experience. SIM will tend to be warmer as there is a degree of insulation rather than a air bed full of cold air. Might be worth checking your local camping store to try before you buy
W
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10/1/2011 at 6:37pm
Location: Outfit:
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Hi Ac.
Three years back we took the plunge and bought 2 "ThermaRest DreamTime XL's" what can I say they are the Mutts Nuts, they fasten together to form a Queen size bed, I did whince at the price £119 each from the "Outdoorshop" but on reflection they have been value for money. Apart from the price, the only other down side is the pack size.
Andy.
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10/1/2011 at 11:54pm
Location: Outfit:
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I prefer an airbed to a sim, although they can be cold that can be easily remedied by putting some insulation underneath, like roll mats, picnic blankets, foil car windscreen covers or even big opened out cardboard boxes.
The other problem with an airbed is that they can develop a leak. I seem to have to buy a new one every year and I spent big money on one last year hoping this was the definative airbed. However it got used over chrismas for the nephews staying over and the bl**dy thing is going down. £60 down the drain.
So I believe that these very expensive sims are far better than the £14.99 one I got from Lidl, which I can't stand, get back pain with and don't sleep a wink. Also it's just too narrow. I can't afford dropping £119 on one sim but it seems that that is really what has to be done. Some people go a bit further and put a sim onto a folding camp bed, which is - according to people here, the ultimate in comfort. Me...I'm going to drag the mattress off my double bed and somehow tie it onto the roof of my car...well not really but I'd like to....
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11/1/2011 at 2:09pm
Location: Berkshire Outfit: Wolf Lake 5
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Victoria, I'm just making the switch to SIMs after getting sick of buying new airbeds. I've gone for 2 Decathlon 4.5cm high-density foam SIMs (£17 each, 5 year guarantee), one on top of the other, with a fitted mattress topper (from airbed set up), then fitted sheet around them. Not camped with it yet, but tested it in the living room for many nights and can attest to the comfort and proper nights sleep (one SIM on it's own didn't have enough give in it for my liking). I would say quite a bit more comfortable than airbeds. No noticeable movement of layers either.
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11/1/2011 at 2:42pm
Location: Sheffield Outfit: Sunseeker Trailer Tent
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I prefer airbeds, I find them more comfortable. I put travel rugs underneath and a fleecy underblanket on top. I must be lucky because mine are in their 5th year :-)
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11/1/2011 at 9:08pm
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Quote: Originally posted by pitchperfect on 11/1/2011
Victoria, I'm just making the switch to SIMs after getting sick of buying new airbeds. I've gone for 2 Decathlon 4.5cm high-density foam SIMs (£17 each, 5 year guarantee), one on top of the other, with a fitted mattress topper (from airbed set up), then fitted sheet around them. Not camped with it yet, but tested it in the living room for many nights and can attest to the comfort and proper nights sleep (one SIM on it's own didn't have enough give in it for my liking). I would say quite a bit more comfortable than airbeds. No noticeable movement of layers either.
What about taking the two SI mats, and slipping them inside an old or a cheap single sleeping bag. Then sleeping in your bag on top of the whole lot? Would it be too slippy?
I have two lidl SI mats and I was thinking of putting them side by side inside a double sleeping bag to keep them together. Of course putting them one on top of the other would make a comfier base but i'm more than 50cm wide!
I am currently looking at the Gelert Adventure XL 10cm SI mat, has anyone heard any good reports about it? It's not that expensive at about £35
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11/1/2011 at 11:18pm
Location: Berkshire Outfit: Wolf Lake 5
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Quote: Originally posted by victoria1 on 11/1/2011
Quote: Originally posted by pitchperfect on 11/1/2011 Victoria, I'm just making the switch to SIMs after getting sick of buying new airbeds. I've gone for 2 Decathlon 4.5cm high-density foam SIMs (£17 each, 5 year guarantee), one on top of the other, with a fitted mattress topper (from airbed set up), then fitted sheet around them. Not camped with it yet, but tested it in the living room for many nights and can attest to the comfort and proper nights sleep (one SIM on it's own didn't have enough give in it for my liking). I would say quite a bit more comfortable than airbeds. No noticeable movement of layers either.
What about taking the two SI mats, and slipping them inside an old or a cheap single sleeping bag. Then sleeping in your bag on top of the whole lot? Would it be too slippy? I have two lidl SI mats and I was thinking of putting them side by side inside a double sleeping bag to keep them together. Of course putting them one on top of the other would make a comfier base but i'm more than 50cm wide! I am currently looking at the Gelert Adventure XL 10cm SI mat, has anyone heard any good reports about it? It's not that expensive at about £35
Putting them in a sleeping bag would work well I reckon but it would have to be a good fit - unfortunately I haven't got any spare square ones, just the (I hate them!) mummy style ones. The mattress topper seems to be doing a good job of holding them together and is very comfortable. Definitely plan B there though if it doesn't work out. Thanks for the idea.
The Gelert SIM seems like a good deal on a decent brand. It's very difficult to tell if they're going to be good quality and comfortable to sleep on, but at £35 it may be worth a punt (I think I'd still like some kind of topper for extra comfort).
I've bought loads of stuff from Decathlon in the past and have found it all to be excellent quality for the price. That 5 year guarantee was the clincher for me - and from past experience I know they play nicely with warranties. They've got 40% off in their sale at the moment.
Can't wait to try them out for real. Am currently investigating heaters ... 
Post last edited on 11/01/2011 23:24:16
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