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 Topic: Self inflating sleep mat
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20/2/2012 at 9:15pm
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If you are fit and healthy and don't mind scrabbling about at floor level then SIM's are very good. Light, no need for pumps etc and don't take up much room. However, as mentioned, if you scrimp on everything else don't scrimp on your sleeping kit because a good night's sleep is a must.
Cheap, thin, SIM's in my opinion are a waste of money as you may find your body touches the ground through them. Go for good quality ones if you can.
A lot of people now are finding the modern airbeds not up to the job and many leak from the start so there is a move towards campbeds with maybe a cheap SIM on top. I am considering this myself at the moment after wasting a lot of money on failed airbeds.
I have no doubt though that you will buy lots of things which you may later regret and it can be a bit of trial and error finding the kit that suits you best.
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20/2/2012 at 11:27pm
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PS
We also have a couple of Luxury Map XL mats, and they too are fab. To be honest though, I don't know if you'd need a mat of this spec if using it on top of a camp bed (we use our Outwell beds for sunbathing - they were simply too tall for our Barbados bedroom inner because of the sloping sides).
The luxury map, as you'll know, is die-cut foam, which is supposed to mean fewer pressure points and a more comfortable sleep. I can definitely vouch for this when using the mats on the floor, but don't think it would be so much of an issue on a taut, hammock-like camp bed like the Outwell. You could probably get away with a solid foam mat, which are considerably less expensive.
Just one other thought, placing an expensive Thermarest directly on top of the metal bits on a folding bed (ie the centre joint pieces and the end bits where the frame meets) worries me a bit; if you move around in the night it might mean the Thermarest could chafe a bit. I think it might be an idea to put a folded fleece blanket on the bed first, then the thermarest, just to give it a bit of protection. I'd hate for a Thermarest to go pop, especially a Luxury Map!
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21/2/2012 at 12:07am
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC
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Thanks for the advice, I shall double check the measurements of the Highlander Torran.
The reason I am getting a Luxury Map is that, in the event I go camping with another person where sharing of bed may be required (I live in hope  ), I would get another Luxury Map, and pair both up without the camp bed.
I did consider the Base Camp first, then thought I would pay a bit extra and get the Luxury Map, which has been rated as the best SIM in a number of reviews.
Good idea about putting a fleece on the bed first to minimise the risk of chaffing, thanks! 
DK 
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21/2/2012 at 8:48am
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The Luxury Map is pricey, yes, but it is a fab mat with a small (ish) pack size and really easy to inflate and deflate.
We had Fat Airics first and liked them, only found they were too narrow and took quite a few puffs of air to make them firm enough for our liking.
Then changed to Thermarest Basecamp XL mats and couldn't believe the difference in inflation and set up times, also they are very much wider. We thought they were comfy, but just fancied something a bit more luxurious.
After a lot of uuming and aaghing over the money side of things, I then ordered the Thermarest Dreamtime XL mats (For me, a really comfy bed is important) but when they arrived I was really shocked at the pack size - they are each as big as some tents, packed! We simply couldn't fit them in (even though we used a trailer, then!) so they went back (great move on my part - had to pay return carriage of course).
I then sent for the Luxury Map XL mats and they are a big, comfy mats with a pack size that's not that much bigger than the Basecamp XL.
When deflating, first open both the valves and then fold the mat - from the bottom up- into three, kneeling on it as you go to get as much air out as you can (takes about a minute to do this and is no effort at all). When you get to the top, do up the valves. Then, unfold it and start to roll from the bottom edge, undoing the valves to let the rest of the air out when you get near the top again. Continue rolling, then fasten up the valves again.
They come with a carry sack, and fit into it easily without first having to be secured with straps etc (the Airics had to be held with webbing straps, or would spring out again. The Thermarests - Basecamp and Luxury Map anyhow - don't do this, once rolled they seem to stay in place pretty well because it's easy and fast to get all the air out).
You can buy heavy duty, top-loading carry bags for them, which might be good if you feel you need to offer them a bit more protection in transit. We just carry them in a tough Coleman dry bag, but I am tempted to get the Thermarest ones.
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21/2/2012 at 9:00am
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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 21/2/2012
The reason I am getting a Luxury Map is that, in the event I go camping with another person where sharing of bed may be required (I live in hope ), I would get another Luxury Map, and pair both up without the camp bed.
DK
When using 2 x Luxury Map XL mats side by side, you don't need to use a joining kit, you can just use a 5ft (kingsize) fitted sheet and the mats don't move (well, I can say from experience that they don't when they have a tent carpet underneath).
In fact, I use a kingsize quilted mattress protector, then a kingsize fitted sheet and it makes a really luxurious, huge camping bed.
If using a quilt, it does mean carrying a kingsize quilt. We have a large Coleman dry bag and use that as a stuff sack for bedding; just cram the quilt, sheets, mattress protector and pillows into it and compress it all down.
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21/2/2012 at 9:59pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC
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I am *hoping* to get a Ventra Down Comforter, along with a fitted sheet, plus the Tech blanket, and the largest down pillow, and the top-loading bag for the lot eventually, as in a complete sleep system.
Can't justify forking out the money for everything in one go, as a camping trailer is high on the list of things to buy.
So I shall continue to take my cheapo Ikea all season duck feather and down duvent, plus fleece blankets etc., along with a camp bed and SIM until I can afford the rest.
May ditch the idea of camping with another person, too costly, unless he comes equipped with his own Therm-a-rest Luxury Map etc...! 
DK
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* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *
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