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Subject Topic: self inflating mats Post Reply Post New Topic
23/8/2005 at 1:10am
 Location: milton keynes
 Outfit: outwell hartford L
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i have decided to get some of these but would like some advice/feedback on brands that others have used or own

air beds too bulky and bouncy and mine have punctures i'm fed up and am not buying more

but honestly how comfy are the mats? i'm guessing deffo better then the groundsheet that i kipped on after my air bed deflated lol

i'm not very heavy, but the hubby is nearly 13 stone  does weight matter?



23/8/2005 at 10:56am
 Location: Zoetermeer Holland
 Outfit: Chateau 430 Nice
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Very comfortable. For me more comfortable than an airbed.
I can imagine that weight does matter a bit. There are differences in quality of foam used inside. The more expensive brand also use a better quality of foam, giving more resistance and hence more comfort. Also in case of puncture (still possible, although not likely) these betters ones remain much more comfortable.

One to two inches is OK, mine is 4 cms thick is fine. More is not necessary for comfort. If one wants more one may just as well return to a normal airbed.

Remember, thicker inflatables are not necessarily more comfortable. Best is to try in the shop. The better shops have a pebble bed in the shop. You put down the inflatable on that and lay down on it to feel.
Also the pressure needed differs per person. I usually don't inflate extra or just one blow. If one inflates too hard the matrass actually becomes less comfortable.

Some price differences also depend on the outside materials used e.g. anti-slip. Choosing one made of the more traditional materials is cheaper and not necessarily worse. Mine in theory slips down a bit more if laying on a slope, but it hardly ever noticed. One has a tendency to slowly 'crwal down' a bit anyway on a slope, every time when turning from one side to another when asleep. This is not a matter of slipping materials.
So don't go too cheap, but also don't pick unnecassary properties.

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WL



23/8/2005 at 12:15pm
 Location: Middlesex
 Outfit: Iveco Motorhome + lotsa tents
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I love the self inflating type over the air beds any day... Try therm-a-rest. http://www.thermarest.com/product_selection.aspx?cID=3

 Or this cheaper one looks quite good but you will have to ask our members for a comparison...  http://www.alpkit.com/products/airic.php click on any of the three for pics n info...



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DELTA..
aka Paul








“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.”








23/8/2005 at 1:51pm
 Location: Cardiff
 Outfit: Gelert Atlantis
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Thermarest are the best.

I've tried others but they are rubbish.  Although thermarest are expensive they last for years.  I've got a 3/4 one I used for backpacking 15 years ago and my son now sleeps on it.  I've got a luxury base camp one and few weeks ago slept more than 8hrs every night for 10 nights, and I'm quite heavy!



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Jane


23/8/2005 at 9:30pm
 Location: Sale
 Outfit: Khyam Harewood Dlx Montana 4 Diablo6
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i tried one at a yeomans display and thought it was great, until I saw the price. I'll see how the next trip goes with an airbed before I splash out


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24/8/2005 at 8:57am
 Location: Nottingham
 Outfit: VW California
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We use Thermarests and find them extremely comfy and warm, quick to set up and pack away. So comfy that I positively look forward to bed time when camping - 10 hours sleep a night on these beauties is bliss . We've used ours lots for both camping and sleep-overs for 3 years and there is no sign of wear at all.

Having said that, try before you buy, what suits one person may not be right for the next - after all we all like different matresses at home.



24/8/2005 at 4:21pm
 Location: Heathrow
 Outfit: Coleman Bi-Space 500 & Alaska
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We also have Thermarest (2 x luxury camp and 1 x expedition).  We are all sleeping well on them and what a relief not to have the faff with the airbeds deflating, etc.

Not cheap - but then well worth the money.  The shop I bought them from said we could take them home and 'try' them, if not happy we could return them.  (Cotswold Outdoors).  I did return one for a different type with no problems. 



25/8/2005 at 11:11pm
 Location: milton keynes
 Outfit: outwell hartford L
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thanks for all your help i guessed the more expensive ones will be better nice to read someones had lasted 15 years! i like to make my money go far

i will deffo be out shopping this bank hol and will try to test some



25/8/2005 at 11:17pm
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They have some in Netto! but i dont reckon they would be nearly as good as the branded ones tho ! depends how tuff yer old bones are !!

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My e:mail


26/8/2005 at 4:01pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Reimo Legacy
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Have recently purchased two Alpkit mats - the Airic and the Wee Airic.  Have only used for a night each but both comfortable (and I'm well over 13st!!). The Fat Airic has a good review in Outdoorsmagic:-

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/UAN/3355/v/3/sp/

Given the price difference between these and Thermarests felt the Alpkit ones must be worth a try - even come with a puncture repair kit should the worst happen!



Post last edited on 26/08/2005 16:07:47

Post last edited on 26/08/2005 16:09:08



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