Topic: what you lying on??? (Read 14165 times)

Glenn B · « **on:** November 22, 2012 »

hi guys as we know Santa is on his way soon and im making out my list.
Im planning on doing a bit of camping in the Mournes come spring and as its about 20yrs since my last outing so a wee bit of advice would be great. Karri mats ie foam roll mats are we still using these or is there better out there, i hope there is as the old back isn't great. Whats your thoughts???

Wolf_Larson · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2012 »

Im using the good old roll mat, but i hear good things about inflatable

RedLeader · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2012 »

I use an Exped Synmat Ultralight and it's been a cracking mat. It's seriously thick when inflated (3" plus) but only weighs a few hundred grams. I thought it wouldn't stick the pace of hiking and camping but touch wood, it's been fine to date. Cost about £70 and worth every penny - it is expensive but I wasted way more than £70 trying to get a cheaper alternative so I now have 4 or 5 other mats that I never use.

There are lots of cheaper options but they tend to be around 1kg and no-where near as thick and aren't a massive saving. There are also luxury traditional foam mats but they're just slightly thicker than the usual ones.

Kayakgirl · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2012 »

Thermarest is my choice of mat. I use the Prolite plus and thoroughly recommend it. Obviously my version wouldn't suit you, but you get the idea.
http://m.gooutdoors.co.uk/thermarest-prolite-plus-lightweight-sleeping-mat-p140130

t18con · « **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2012 »

i use an ex dutch military artiach mat, supposed to be equivalent qualitywise to thermarest. i got it for 17 quid off ebay, it is light although possibly not as think as thermarest.

i could be wrong but the army surplus store at smithfield market, belfast has army surplus ones (new) at 29.99 that are branded as thermarest(i think)

Glenn B · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2012 »

Quote from: RedLeader on November 22, 2012

I use an Exped Synmat Ultralight and it's been a cracking mat. It's seriously thick when inflated (3" plus) but only weighs a few hundred grams. I thought it wouldn't stick the pace of hiking and camping but touch wood, it's been fine to date. Cost about £70 and worth every penny - it is expensive but I wasted way more than £70 trying to get a cheaper alternative so I now have 4 or 5 other mats that I never use.

There are lots of cheaper options but they tend to be around 1kg and no-where near as thick and aren't a massive saving. There are also luxury traditional foam mats but they're just slightly thicker than the usual ones.

Cheers RedLeader had a wee look on line £60-£70 really looks the job i believe the comfort would outway the price. A good nights sleep =a happy camper so i think the old foam mats are history for me.

Glenn

Glenn B · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2012 »

Thanks for the advice folks

whoRya · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2012 »

Hi Glenn. Just bear in mind these mats do come in seasons, a little like a sleeping bag. Generally speaking thicker SIMs tend to give more insulation (as well as comfort) than thinner ones. Most will mention a R rating.

Some folk use a roll mat below lesser rated insulated mats in very cold conditions. That also means they have a lighter smaller mat for spring through to autumn. That also depends on other things like your sleeping bag, how warm you sleep etc.

If you are looking around some of the bigger stores (there aren't that many left!) I would have a look at some of the mats closely and maybe jump into a sleeping bag and test how grippy they are. Both the top and the bottom are relevant as you don't want to slide about on top of the mat or the mat to slide about your tent.

As others have said "what price comfort?".

Glenn B · « **Reply #8 on:** November 22, 2012 »

Thanks for the heads up there is a lot more to this than just lying down it seems.

Kayakgirl · « **Reply #9 on:** November 22, 2012 »

Most of us are normally lying on our back after a NI Wild camp! Lol

specimanYak · « **Reply #10 on:** November 22, 2012 »

I've been thinking about the Klymit Inertia X-lite for a while but i'm still not sure, it's light enough and packs down smaller than any mat i've seen but i just don't know about the comfort/warmth factor or whether it would be like sleeping on a balloon:

http://goo.gl/ifwz3

Mourneman · « **Reply #11 on:** November 23, 2012 »

I only starting using a self inflating mat & would never go back to old roll up mat,the difference is like night & day,they also take up less room.Here's the one i have which i got in Blacks for £11

http://www.millets.co.uk/product/095617.html?gclid=CKTqxdLP5LMCFUfJtAodEFgAqw

RedLeader · « **Reply #12 on:** November 23, 2012 »

I'm not sure how comfy that would be. Is super light though.

Quote from: specimanYak on November 22, 2012

I've been thinking about the Klymit Inertia X-lite for a while but i'm still not sure, it's light enough and packs down smaller than any mat i've seen but i just don't know about the comfort/warmth factor or whether it would be like sleeping on a balloon:

http://goo.gl/ifwz3

Mourneman · « **Reply #13 on:** November 23, 2012 »

BigE has a similar mattress which you insert balloons into

looks good,but during the night i woke to the sound of popping ballons

Better getting something simple mate

specimanYak · « **Reply #14 on:** November 23, 2012 »

Quote from: RedLeader on November 23, 2012

I'm not sure how comfy that would be. Is super light though.

Yeah, the super light weight and pack size is incredible but for the price i'd really like to test it out for the comfort factor, i tend to sleep on my front or side and it seems to be designed for people who sleep on their back and as it's a new kind of shape i'd hate to be the sleepless human guinea pig.

'BigE has a similar mattress which you insert balloons into looks good,but during the night i woke to the sound of popping ballons Better getting something simple mate'

I've looked at those balloon mats before and they never filled me with much confidence in them, the Klymit does seem to be pretty strong though. I have a self-inflating Campri mat, i think LandyLiam posted about it a good while ago, it was on sale for £10, it weighs 1kg so it's heavy and the pack size isn't great but with a roll-up mat beneath it, it does its job and gives a good nights sleep. But there's always something else lighter and more comfortable out there.

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Glenn B

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