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Hi all,

i am thinking about getting a self inflating single airbed.

can anyone recomend one or give me any tips on what to look for when buying?

Do they roll up ok and go back in the bag after use?

Cheers

Tom

Hi Tom,

We've just had ours delivered today! The kids are trying one out now!

We've had problems with airbeds and the kids so I posted about what was the best option and self inflating mats were advised. I searched on the net and found single ones by Outwell for £12.50 but I also found a camping shop selling the same Outwell ones on ebay for £9.99. With the p&p charges it was cheaper to get the ones from ebay.

As I said, they arrived today and the kids are testing them now. I havent been allowed to test them myself yet but the kids seem to be impressed!

My OH says that they roll up easily and there are 2 velcro straps with each mat to help tighten them and keep them rolled, as well as a bag.

Hope this helps!

I've had this one from Argos for the last couple of years, and camped at all my Bike Rallies with it. It is very comfortable and seems to be hard wearing. I cant compare it with any other Self Inflate Mat, because its the only one i've ever used.

http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1428744-10294381?url=http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0196433/Trail/C%24cip%3D50353.Sports%2Band%2Bleisure%3EC%24cip%3D50354.Camping%2Band%2Bcaravaning%3EC%24cip%3D50355.Camp%2Bbeds%2C%2Bairbeds%2Band%2Bcamping%2Bmats.htm

I will second the thermarest.

If you are just starting out and are not sure if camping is for you then I would suggest a cheap and cheerful brand.

If camping turns into something long lasting then the thermarest is tops. Lifetime guarantee (I have the basecamp) warm and soooo comfortable.

They are a doddle to set up/ When you pack them away undo the valve and just keep kneeling and rolling (you can fold them in half to speed this up) when you reach the end it pops into the bag easily.

They do advise you store them at home unrolled. I keep mine under the bed.

Anyone have the Fat Airic? Are they really comfy? Do you still have condensation issues, on particularly cold nights? Do you slip off them during the night? How easy are they to pack up?

Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 01/4/2007

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Fat airic is fab! OH is 6ft 2 with a 48 in chest and he fits on it fine!!   

I do slip off mine though, he seems to manage OK but I do find myself half on the tent floor in the morning. Might just be me though

They pack up nicely although they do take up some space and are very deff for car camping rather than backpacking.

Very good product though, we are very pleased with ours.

edited to say no condensation at all.

Post last edited on 01/04/2007 20:33:28

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Thanks for that, Pigletand Tigger. Do you have to wrestle them, to expel the air and pack them down? Does it take much longer than deflating and packing up airbeds? We like our airbeds very much, but whatever we do seem to suffer from condensation issues (especially in the UK) so end up airing sleeping bags out every day; not so good if the weather isn't being kind!

I notice, on the website, that there is £10 off the second one, if you order two (this doesn't become apparent until you add items to basket).