We have been camping for 20yrs and started with foam roll mats. We then moved on to Vango sims and whilst they're absolutely amazing, we are now the wrong side of flexible and are thinkng of using camp beds with our sims on top.
I'm after opinions on camp beds. Any I should avoid? What do you have that you would recommend?
We used Outwell posadas, with 10.sims held in place by a fitted bed sheet very comfy and proberly the best nites sleep you could get in tent. We now use a Vango superior air bed with a built in pump. Not quite as comfy, but space is tigh in the trailer, so we had to sell the camp beds and Sims on. They are comfy but they are equally to pack and store.
We had an Outwell double posada and there was a chunky metal support in the middle that made it in comfy with out a SIM, with a SIM it was amazingly comfy
Another vote for the Decathlon inflatable bed base plus Exped Megamat (or similar ... Decathlon sell one). Game changer. Although as you are higher up the angle of the inner tent needs consideration or you coud sleeping with it on your nose or touching the flysheet . They sell one that has a lift up section for underbed storage. But the basic one can sturdy things beneath like extra bedding or bags.
If I were to get a camp bed now, I would opt for the Outwell Posadas or Kampa Dream for their ease of use.
I would avoid getting the old version Outwell Laguna Hill that I had as it was quite difficult to make up when I was tired and lacking in strength after putting up the tent and unloading the bits and pieces from the trailer and car.
The last bar across either the top or bottom end of the bed was troublesome in that I needed the strength in order to stretch the fabric sufficiently for the end of the bar to slot into place.
In the promotional video I had seen, it did not look that difficult to make up, DOH!
DK
------------- * 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$$ on it and walk away! *
I use a Robens camp bed (that doesn't seem to exist any more!), but I needed something lower with a smaller pack size than the concertina folding ones. Along with a 7cm SIM it's actually more comfortable for me than the foam mattress in our trailer tent.
I'm prone to pain in my hip and I'm a side sleeper, so need more give than a SIM alone can provide. The Decathlon one looks great and has many fans, but I'm not sure that the slatted base would provide that extra give. Just a thought.
I think any of the good quality ones will give you a similar level of comfort, so ease of assembly, height and pack size come into play.
I forgot to mention, I put a Self-inflating Mattress (SIM) onto of my camp bed, secured in place using a fitted flannel sheet and clips.
It was more comfortable than the bed at home!
DK
------------- * Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *
I've just googled and Outwell sell a sleep system (Thermarest do something similar) which combines a 9" or 12" insulated SIM with a memory foam topper and cover. Put that on a recommended camp bed or base (the Decathlon ones are fine for side sleepers with a thick SIM), and you will be away with the fairies. Good for spare bed at home too.
Quote: Originally posted by alisonme on 28/8/2024
I use a Robens camp bed (that doesn't seem to exist any more!), but I needed something lower with a smaller pack size than the concertina folding ones. Along with a 7cm SIM it's actually more comfortable for me than the foam mattress in our trailer tent.
I'm prone to pain in my hip and I'm a side sleeper, so need more give than a SIM alone can provide. The Decathlon one looks great and has many fans, but I'm not sure that the slatted base would provide that extra give. Just a thought.
I think any of the good quality ones will give you a similar level of comfort, so ease of assembly, height and pack size come into play.
I am also prone to hip pain, due to sciatica, and until our last trip managed ok with just a sim. BUT... our last camp was 2023 and I'm now mid-40s. (Husband is early-50s) Prior to our last trip we hadn't actually camped in a tent for about 8 years as we had a caravan, then opted for a few years of Eurocamp holidays abroad.
We are now wanting to camp more again so need to find something that works for us in our 'not so prime' years lol.
Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 28/8/2024
I forgot to mention, I put a Self-inflating Mattress (SIM) onto of my camp bed, secured in place using a fitted flannel sheet and clips.
It was more comfortable than the bed at home!
DK
Good idea using a flannel sheet. I will have a look for some as that will be cosy.