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All I can say is don't scrimp on the kipping depatment if you are starting out. Many people do buy the cheapest airbeds and sleeping bags when 1st starting out, which is quite understandable. However, they are then put off for life after spending a night being uncomfortable and freezing their ***s off.

I'm not saying you need to spend an absolute fortune. Just do plenty of research before investing. Sleeping is quite an individual thing, so whats good for one persone might not be for another. When were in the small tent, we use a Aerobed Active double airbed and a Coleman Hudson double sleeping bag and always have a decent nights sleep. 

The Aerobed is comfortable enough, just makes a bit of noise when tossing and turning . It took us a few attempts at getting our sleeping arrangements right. We have had cheap airbeds, the worst being a god awful Camping gaz one that was about as comfortable as a bed of nails!!

There are also some really good self infating mats, and as mentioned, camp beds. The only problem with camp beds is they are no good if you like to get snuggled up.

There are pros and cons to each and it can be tricky picking the right set up for you, but like I said take your time in chosing, and buying the cheapest may cost you more in the long run as you may end up buying something else when you are not happy!!!

Good luck

Andy

The best airbeds are the rubberized ones. Our Royal rubberized one has lasted since 2004 & never needed topping up even during a 9 night holiday.

A tip which I learned from this forum a few years ago was, inflate the airbed enough to press your hand on it & just be able to feel the ground. Never fully inflate it, as when you lie on it, it will always feel firmer, so if it's fully inflated you'll feel like you're sleeping on a board.

We always use a fleece blanket & a fleecy matress cover on our airbed, to prevent dampness through condensation.

Go for the rubberised type,

the pvc type will always go down on you

Our rubberised double goes down enough to need pumping the following day a little - but it is over 30 years old. Our son's one stays full for days.

Must admit, when we can we use our Coleman Comfort airbeds which are so comfortable (and you don't roll with the double given the separate compartments), although I do need to top them up at least every other day (especially when it gets hot inside the tent).

We use Wilkos fleecy mattress protectors, which have proven excellent insulation and act as cosy sheets as well. With SIG, footprint and inner groundsheet underneath the airbed, we've never needed any additional insulation under the bed. The mattress protector on top is sufficient insulation.