Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Eamonn on June 30, 2011

Title: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: Eamonn on June 30, 2011
What kind of sleeping mat does everyone use for Bivving? I've just got my first bivi bag. I have a Thermarest trail lite but i'm worried about it getting damaged so i was thinking of getting a closed cell foam mat.
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: Matthew on June 30, 2011
My usual mat for anything outdoors is my thermarest prolite 3 short version. For bivvying it goes on the outside. They are more durable than you think.
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: RedLeader on June 30, 2011
I usually use an Alpkit short mat with a foam mat underneath. Gives a bit of extra comfort.
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: Eamonn on June 30, 2011
I got a army surplus goretex bivi bag so there's plenty of room for my thermarest to fit in it and use a cheapo foam mat on the outside.
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: Greyfox on June 30, 2011
I have a Dutch army roll mat it's about 2 cm thick very durable and very comfy!

GF
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: Eamonn on June 30, 2011
Quote from: Greyfox on June 30, 2011
I have a Dutch army roll mat it's about 2 cm thick very durable and very comfy!

GF

I think this is what i'm looking for  :) Cheers
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: LandyLiam on June 30, 2011
but is it also very heavy?  :o
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: Greyfox on June 30, 2011
It's bulky but no heavier than any other roll mat. I have a inflatable which I bought from Cotswolds and although it's more compact it is heavier than my Dutch mat. Give Endicotts a call speak to kevin and ask him if he has any in stock. You will be lucky to buy it anywhere cheaper. http://www.endicotts.co.uk/

GF
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: LandyLiam on June 30, 2011
interesting website  ;D
http://www.endicotts.co.uk/index.php?cPath=121&osCsid=08fdd422840a4b751866b03d1fd23266

as i visit Exeter occasionally i'll have to pop in for a browse  ;)
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: Eamonn on June 30, 2011
hey grayfox cheers for the link but i've already ordered one of ebay. lol .
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: suspectmonkey on July 01, 2011
For bivvying it has to be the Thermarest Ridgerest for me.  Ignore the quoted weight as it is a large mat and easily trimmed to suit.  It's relatively cheap, very comfy for a foam mat and you don't need to worry about it getting punctured or wet.  I like it as I can put it outside the bivvy bag giving me lots of space inside for my sleeping bag to loft and wriggle about!     
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: Eamonn on July 01, 2011
Quote from: suspectmonkey on July 01, 2011
For bivvying it has to be the Thermarest Ridgerest for me.  Ignore the quoted weight as it is a large mat and easily trimmed to suit.  It's relatively cheap, very comfy for a foam mat and you don't need to worry about it getting punctured or wet.  I like it as I can put it outside the bivvy bag giving me lots of space inside for my sleeping bag to loft and wriggle about!     

I was looking at the one but then Greyfox recommended the Dutch mat and the colour decided it for me lol. So I’ll have a green mat, camo bivi and camo micro tarp lol. The materials for the tarp just arrived today, so when that's done I feel there might be a "Where's Big E" post to follow ;)
Title: Re: Mat for Bivvying
Post by: Celt_Ginger on July 02, 2011
Another thumbs up for the Dutch mat. The most comfortable closed cell mat I've used. For pure comfort though it's hard to beat my Exped Synmat,