Camping equipment Airbed or inflatabale

[sparkyman]

never having used anything but a foam mat or two, i was thinking of upgrading as starting to feel that the foam pads are not doing the job (or as my misses says getting on a bit).

As they both weigh in at about a kilo which one is better apart from the inflatable aire bed only being a tenner?


Sparkyman

 

[GrahamG]

There's no insulation whatsoever in an airbed - they are awful for camping unless it's the height of summer. You want a self-inflating mat. Something like this is fantastic for comfort compared to the standard foam mat:
http://www.alpkit.com/airic/

 

[RedBike]

(I'm not sure we're on about the same things here?)

When I go camping in the car its always the inflatable air bed and a foot pump; but for cyclo-touring for me it's the self inflating mat.

The air bed is far more comfortable and warmer than the mat but it's also far more bulky and heavy. It also requires me to carry a rather large foot pump.

The foam mats are by far the lightest (and cheapest) but they don't pack down as small as the better inflatable mats.

In terms of warmth and comfort then inflatable mats (when they're inflated!!) are more comfortable than foam mats. Sadly, these inflatable mats seem to have a habit of doing down in the middle of the night with me. In which case they are neither warm nor comfortable.

 

[HelenD123]

+1 for the Alpkit Airic. Mine's warm and comfortable.

 

[jags]

exped down mat you will never regret buying this mat honest.

 

[petenats]

Or not quite as pricey the Exped synmat...

Very, very good!

I use these guys, really friendly and knowledgeable about all things camping and outdoors generally!

http://www.tamarackgroup.co.uk/acatalog/shop.html

 

[Fab Foodie]

There's no insulation whatsoever in an airbed - they are awful for camping unless it's the height of summer. You want a self-inflating mat. Something like this is fantastic for comfort compared to the standard foam mat:
http://www.alpkit.com/airic/

Agreed, I've given up on airbeds, they're not so comfortable and a fag to inflate and fold away. Self inflating mats please for me.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Could someone please explain what are the advantages of Thermarests at say £70 over Millets self inflating mats at around £20? I've used the latter for several seasons now and find it topnotch.

 

[willem]

I find self inflating mattresses to be bulky, heavy and not quite as comfortable as I would like. I think technology has moved on to insulated air mattresses like the 900 gram and very compact Exped Synmat for colder situations or the 400 gram and even more compact Thermarest Neoair for warmer weather.
Willem

 

[mcshroom]

I suppose that if the driving force is weight and pack size you could always go with the balloon bed.

I have a Vango 3/4 length self inflating mat and I like it. Packs up a lot smaller than a full size one but you do need to remember to put a jacket/towel or similar under your feet in winter.

 

[just jim]

The exped synmat is really comfy, a bit of luxury if you don't mind a bit of spendiness. I wouldn't like to puncture it though, but it comes with a repair kit. I'm not a very tolerant camper, but maybe months on the road instead of days would change that, then I could get used to less “stuff I really need".

 

[rjh299]

I like my self inflating multi mat

 

[jay clock]

It depends on your comfort requirements. I have friends who use Thermarests with no problems. I tried one, hated it and now have an Exped Downmat 7. Unbelievably comfy. See musings here http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=104184&v=4B

 

[sparkyman]

Bought a cheap self infalting mat from TKMax 16.99 inflates to 1.5" and i have to say very comfy also got a inflatable mat and found that to be comfy tas well, now have to decide which to use self inflating is bit heavier.

SparkyMan

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

There's no insulation whatsoever in an airbed - they are awful for camping unless it's the height of summer. You want a self-inflating mat. Something like this is fantastic for comfort compared to the standard foam mat:
http://www.alpkit.com/airic/

+1

An airbed is too big, bulky and heavy. These are an ideal portable bed to take the edge off the hard and cold ground