Thermarest self inflating mattresses

Thermarest brand seems top of that 'food chain'. Been using ours on and off for 20 years - ours are 1.5" thick. Never had an issue with them. Other brands these day may be as good .... and cheaper ?

Same here - been using the same one for over twenty years.

The only problem I have is that it's harder for me to get upright now, relative to when I first bought it:-)

George

Richard,
I have 5 Thermarest Le Camp Rest's. When purchased we were five in a discovery so space was a premium.
The matresses are fantastic. we have had in all temps down to -9, very happy with them in every regard.

We now have a more space (landcruiser) now but would not consider changing them. The were not the cheapest thing around but I usually only like to spend money once.
Paul.

Richard

Around about 20 years ago, we got cranky when our air mattress went down in the CP in Broken Hill. Went into the laundry and tried to patch it at 11 pm, then at 1 am gave up when it went down again. We were on grass which was fine by me but not on for the Managing Partner.

We chucked it in the bin, and went to a cabin for our final night of that trip. On our return went into a camping shop and asked "What is the best mattress for camping". The assistant showed us the 1" thick Thermarest, MP said "Not thick enough for my poor old back", to which the reply was "Take it home, put it on the bedroom floor and if you cannot sleep on it all night bring it back tomorrow." She did, and next day went back and got two. They have been many times used by people of increasing weight (ahem) and some years back my wife got a 3 inch thick cheapie which she finds more comfy (had bursitis by then). I still use the original Thermarests and find them mega comfy, and various family members do too.

The cheapie has lasted 6 years, but it takes approx three times as long to roll up. I reckon that if you are looking for long term frequent use and as you are using the foam mattresses as well the 1" Thermarest would be your best bet. You might even try sleeping on the bedroom floor on one and see if you can leave the foam mattresses home.

However, I'll bet you'd get a good run from the cheapies for less frequent use. But for speed of pack up, I'd keep away from the thick ones if I could.

Enjoy the trip.
Max

Hi Richard

I have been sleeping on a great outdoors diamond series self inflating matress for years and Muddy has for the past 2 years.
I was very impressed with it when the saleslady demonstrated how comfortable it was by throwing odd shapes of big and small hard plastic bits under it. I laid on it and didn't feel a thing!
It's only 2inches thick and has 2 valves.
We let it go through it's "inflating" stage while setting up camp. Before going to bed one of us, usually me does up the valve.
We find no difference and it's just like our matress at home, comfy as.
The only added difference we have made is by putting in a clark rubber exercise mat under it when we sleep on it in the camper. Muddy's love handles aren't as padded as mine, works a treat though, comfy as.
When travelling in the 4BY it's with one valve undone and folded in half so the matress can breathe. The valve is locked off before bed each night. We also undo one valve during the day while staying in the same spot, as recommended.
When travelling with the camper we simply leave it made up but with the valves undone.

Worth looking at if you can get them here in S.A.

Cya
:)

Richard,
A bit depends on which way your swag rolls. If it rolls towards the foot end, as most do, you'll have to put the thermorest with the vents at the foot end, so opening and closing them will mean unzipping the swag to get to them. If the swag rolls towards the pillow end, then the vents go at the top end, and you'll have easy access to them.