New to touring on a bike!

[stephenjubb]

with the neoair, I used it for two months round scotland, got a slow puncture and went banana shape in the last week. had two thermarests pro lites go as well.

now use a thermarest prolite on top of a z lite foam pad, a little heavier combined but after going through 8 sleeping pads (2 Aplkit, 1 neoair, 1 exped down mat - faulty valve, exped synmat and three thermarest pro lites) in 4 years I wanted something reliable. at least if my thermarest goes I've something uncomfortable to see on, but beats the floor by far.

 

[hubbike]

stephenjubb, its stories like yours that make me want to go back to a foam mat. before self inflatables existed nobody minded them. and they're cheaper, warmer and lighter. I slept on one every day for a year and have no complaints.

 

[andym]

I have to say I'm a bit mystified: OK you can put two of the failures down to equipment failure (how come you didn't get a replacement under warranty for the Synmat with the faulty valve?) but that still leaves six punctures. It's not like you have sharp objects just floating around in your tent. So is it sharp stones getting through the groundsheet? Or are you using them without a groundsheet , or to sit on outside the tent?

My general advice would be buy the simplest sleeping pad that lets you get a decent night's sleep. If that's a simple foam pad or bubble wrap then great but they don't work for me: I have never woken up at night worrying about my sleeping pad puncturing but I have woken because I was aching and/or cold.

 

[J-Lo]

Thanks for all the helpful replies!!

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I had a look at the thermorest matress things - I dont think I can justify spending that much on one! Ive used them basic foam matresses before (£10 etc if that) when camping and slept like a log, which should be great providing I can get a relatively small & light one.

Basic foam mattresses are more than adequate. I tried Thermarests but got fed up with repairing punctures. Foam mattresses won't break the bank, won't puncture and are very lightweight.

 

[MarkF]

Basic foam mattresses are more than adequate.

Not for me they are not, I'm a side sleeper and I need more comfort if I'm not to wake up umpteen times a night.

 

[samid]

I've been using a Thermarest (actually, two - a pro-lite full sized, and a slightly thicker 2/3 length one) for about 10 years now. While I do not camp all that many days a year (at least much less than I would like to) - still, I didn't have a single mattress puncture in all those years (knock on wood). Makes me wonder what do you guys who get all those punctures do with your mats? Inquiring minds want to know.

P.S. for me, even the thinnest Thermarest is way more comfortable than a foam pad. And, it packs smaller.

 

[bilboburgler]

keep the weight down

So don't buy steel if you can buy aluminium
Don't buy spuds if yoiu can buy pasta
Vegeterianism witha an interest in polenta and soya is a good thing to maximise life and minimise weight
Even silly things like don't buy heavy waterproof panniers, buy the lightest that gives you good space and stick one big plastic bag inside.

You do want access to google maps so when thinking internet phone think windmill charging or mini charger

 

[samid]

keep the weight down

So don't buy steel if you can buy aluminium

What is heavier, 1kg of steel or 1kg of aluminum?

 

[funnymummy]

Have you considered a trailer?
I converted my old child trailer, I can now carry twice as much stuff, without anymore effort than what I could carry just on the bike in panniers. The only downside I did find was the odd barrier accross some cycle paths/tracks, but it was esay enough to unhitch the trailer & haul it over - worth it to be able to have a few extra 'luxuries'

 

[stephenjubb]

I have to say I'm a bit mystified: OK you can put two of the failures down to equipment failure (how come you didn't get a replacement under warranty for the Synmat with the faulty valve?) but that still leaves six punctures. It's not like you have sharp objects just floating around in your tent. So is it sharp stones getting through the groundsheet? Or are you using them without a groundsheet , or to sit on outside the tent?

My general advice would be buy the simplest sleeping pad that lets you get a decent night's sleep. If that's a simple foam pad or bubble wrap then great but they don't work for me: I have never woken up at night worrying about my sleeping pad puncturing but I have woken because I was aching and/or cold.

the synmat had lots of punctures so couldn't be returned, it was the downmat that had a faulty value and they gave me a full refund.

 

[YahudaMoon]

+ 1 for the Thermaest. I have the Thermarest Prolite 3/4. Its so comfortable. Though it should be for £65 - £80. Im not sure why people are puncturing them either. Mine only weighs 11 oz and packs down so small to only 10 inch x 4 inch and Ive had no problems. Those foam mattresses are MASSIVE. though I cycle tour light and small. Also My Terra Nova Laser Competition Tent isn't much bigger than my Thermarest.

Other than spare socks / jersey/ food/ map/ innertubes/ toolkit/ water bottles/ pump/ titanium pot / spork/ stove/ hat/ sleeping bag and a cash card thats my total touring kit. Oh some gloves and baby wipes

 

[willem]

As for trailers, they are a good way to carry a lot. But contrary to what is being said, this will take more effort: there is more rolling resistance, there is more wind resistance, and there is an awful lot more weight to pull up a hill. We used one when the children were small, but not anymore.

Willem

 

[hubbike]

What is heavier, 1kg of steel or 1kg of aluminum?

which is tastier tatties or pasta?

 

[J-Lo]

Thanks alot for the advice everyone. I'll probable get one of those trangia 27 stoves, im sure I'll fit it in a pannier! As for sleeping mats, i'll probably get one of these (they're abit cheaper and seem to get good reviews) http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16531&category_id=289