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Oh, one thing I didn`t like about my Astrals is the zip-up nylon holdalls they came in, rather than stuffsacs. Bulky. The campshop owner said that because they weren`t classified as compressible bags. Hmmm...bought two stuffsacs and they compress just fine. (I wouldn`t store a sleeping bag long-term in a stuffsac anyway.)

However the original holdall bags are great for carrying the fleece blankets, towels, compressible pillows etc in. Very lightweight and hold a lot. So not wasted. I wouldn`t mind another couple in fact.

Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 18/04/2005

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Oh, one thing I didn`t like about my Astrals is the zip-up nylon holdalls they came in, rather than stuffsacs. Bulky. The campshop owner said that because they weren`t classified as compressible bags. Hmmm...bought two stuffsacs and they compress just fine. (I wouldn`t store a sleeping bag long-term in a stuffsac anyway.)

However the original holdall bags are great for carrying the fleece blankets, towels, compressible pillows etc in. Very lightweight and hold a lot. So not wasted. I wouldn`t mind another couple in fact.

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We have a pair of Astral 350s now, and I have found I can get both of them into one of the zip-ups, thus leaving the other for pillows, fleece blanket and the cheap foam mats we use for insulation under  the airbed. Hurrah for Vango!

Hi

I keep seeing this about insulation under the airbed, I have a Coleman weathermaster tent with sewn in groundsheet, and both the bedroom pods have groundsheet bottoms so that gives me 2 layers between the ground and the airbed.

Would i need to still put some foil backed mats down to form insulation under the airbed or will i be ok as is, I haven't yet had a chance to go camping but Im hopeful this year.

Regards

 Steve.

Quote: Originally posted by Erectedatlast on 18/04/2005

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Would i need to still put some foil backed mats down to form insulation under the airbed or will i be ok as is, I haven't yet had a chance to go camping but Im hopeful this year.

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As Valk_scot says, best place for insulation is between you and the airbed.

As for the foil backed mats, the foil does no particular harm, but it has no benefit either, in this situation.

Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 18/04/2005

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And if you try sleeping with an airbed made up like you do at home, with just a sheet under you on the airbed and a quilt on top of you, I guarantee you`ll freeze, no matter how many groundsheets you use.It will be like sleeping on a block of ice.

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Fair point in the winter, but outside of that a reasonably thick sleeping bag will provide enough insulation between you and the airbed. Depends on the sleeping bag of course.

But from maybe May onwards if I was sleeping on a airbed (or campbed which is slightly worse) I would not bother with an additional mat.

Hi

Many thanks for the advise, and I now look forward to being warm at night, this means I can now leave the wife at home and get some peace and quiet hahaha.

 Steve.