Self Inflating Camping Mats

Hotspur

Hi,

Does anyone use one of these?

I'm thinking of the Vango double mat
http://www.wildday.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?id=7198 or, two of the fat airics http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16215&category_id=253

Anyone got any suggestion as to if they are any good or not and if two separate single mats would move about much? I've tried air beds which I don't find that comfortable for 2 and also want to cut down on kit to carry.

Thanks

mountainchrisriver

Thermarest make a huge selection (very good quality)... although the alpkit ones you mention are hard to beat for value for money (this is mse afterall!)... the alpkit ones appear to be well made aswell... dont' think you'll go far wrong with them as long as you are not wanting to carry them around in a rucsac...


ps. thermarest do a coupling kit...
http://www.thermarest.com/product_detail.aspx?pID=71&cID=4

not sure if alpkit have something similar... are you planning on using them with sleeping bags?

chalky_bertie

We used to use 2 * single ones backpacking around Australia which were great as they didn't take up much room. You can feel the bumps in the ground as they are thin(ish) but ok. Now back camping in UK with bigger tent we use blow up camping beds as they seem abit more comfortable. Not sure how the double would be.

Is there a chance a shop around where you live stocks the singles so you can check them out 1st.

Hotspur

mountainchrisriver wrote: »

Thermarest make a huge selection (very good quality)... although the alpkit ones you mention are hard to beat for value for money (this is mse afterall!)... the alpkit ones appear to be well made aswell... dont' think you'll go far wrong with them as long as you are not wanting to carry them around in a rucsac...


ps. thermarest do a coupling kit...
http://www.thermarest.com/product_detail.aspx?pID=71&cID=4

not sure if alpkit have something similar... are you planning on using them with sleeping bags?

If camping solo I'll use a 3 season sleeping bag but will probably use a duvet with a rug/blanket on top of the mat when the OH comes along too during the warmer months. The coupling kit seems a good idea and gives me the option of just taking a single mat on the solo trips. I have looked at the thermarest and as you say they are pricey

mountainchrisriver

This thermarest may be a good compromise...

http://www.theoutdoorshop.net/showPart_large.asp?part=PN30908

and its at a good discount from these folk (just to highlight I have no connection with the company but I use them and am quite happy to recommend them...)

worth trying to get to a shop to lie on a few before deciding what to buy...

HTH

boatman

You need to decide if you want a thinner one to carry it or a thicker one if your not planning on carrying it, the thicker ones are definitely more comfy.

Hotspur

Good point boatman,

I'll be throwing everything into a car so weight and very small pack size isn't a significant issue when compared to a double air bed and pump. I'm tending to think that Alpkit's Fat Airic, at a fraction over 7cm thick, will be the best option for comfort and value for money, together with a thermorest coupling kit when a double is required.

BillScarab

I prefer the self infalting mats to air beds but I would always buy single ones and get your OH a proper sleeping bag. . I've bought stuff from Alpkit (not a mat) before and they are a very good, reliable company.

VardreRFC

We use Fat Airics when we go camping and love them, was impressed with Alpkit as a company as well when we ordered. No association, just a happy camper.

Hotspur

Thanks all.

I'm going to go for the 7.5 cm thick Fat Airic x2 and the thermorest coupling kit. Should do the trick nicely zzzzzzzzz!

artichoke

hi all

how tough are the fat airic's?

how easy do they puncture?

we camp with a dog - who will step on the mats - would a dogs claw puncture the mat?

She is a good hot water bottle and usually sleeps curled up on our feet..

and does anyone know if the coupling kit does keep them together in the night? and could you couple 3 or more together for the kids to cuddle up next to us?

any advice appreciated

art