Self inflating Mattresses ~ Thermarest

Gidday,
I went the Thermarest way a few years ago and I have to say that it wasnt truly a case of best is best. I find sleeping on the 5cm thick Basecamp can still be a bit hard on my hip, but I am older than 13, 11, and 5! But they do keep the cold out.

Kids might be happier with a thinner model but it seems they can be even more expensive as they are aimed at hikers etc where weight and packed size is a premium. The Basecamp isn't that small packed but anthing thinner I couldn't sleep on.

On a recent trip I was swagging rather than tentiing and stuck the thermarest on top of the foam in the swag and had a very comfortable night. Maybe you could try a cheaper self inflating matress (there are several reputable brands out there that are a little cheaper than thermarest, Black Wolf for example) on top of the foam for the kids. If it wasn't a thick one the you could probably still roll it up as one.

Hope that helps

Rocco

I certainly can’t attest to any of the others apart from Thermarest. The latter came out many years ago and was mainly used for mountaineering. It then arrived in Australia in both half and three quarter lengths.

The concept was completely unknown in this country but it gained acceptance quickly, although expensive.

Over 15 years I had two, which were subject to some of the harshest conditions imaginable, both here and overseas.

First of all, the half length was very comfortable in the upper torso, but hopeless in the lower leg region. Therefore your decision should be based on a full length mat.

Like any other sleeping mat they need to be looked after very well. The Theremarest is very tough; but a puncture will let out the air.

I commend you on your attitude to quality. Whatever products you choose, do it wisely.

Have a good trip.

Cheers

Andrew,

I've been using what is now called the "Luxury Map" model. It is about 2.5 cm thicker than the standard 5cm mats at 7.5cm. It also comes in a few sizes. I got the "large" size due to my height (all right, width as well). It has served me well over the past 14 years with only one puncture. Make sure you get the repair kit thrown in as well.

The Thermarest base camp models are a good but and are 5cm thick. Mum and dad might do with that extra 2.5 cm though. It makes a bit of difference.

IMHO go with the quality option being Thermarest. They're dear but I think your kids will probably take them with them when they leave home as the quality is that good.Places like Anaconda normally have 20 to 30% off them at various times of the year making them very reasonable. By the way, the generic Anaconda brand, spinifex I think it is also makes self inflators. They're not worth the money. Also do not confuse the Thermarest Base Camp model with Kathmandu's generic line of camping products which is also called "BaseCamp".

Cheers Mick

If using swags why not get some stretchers to put swags on therefore no upgrade of mattress req'd, we have a lot of water here in Qld at the moment so might serve 2 purposes.

Hi andrewmitchell

What thickness is the foam in your swags?. One idea is to put in another bit of foam either in a soft or medium density in your existing swag which is only torso length and it will support the bulk of the body weight as well as still allowing room for the feet,

we added a 3/4 length of 25mm foam in our double swag and it made a lot of difference but still good size when rolled up. I think ours is a soft layer over the origional 50mm medium foam that come with the swag. We also use swags for the kids who are 13, 10, 9, 7

another thought is make sure that the self inflating matt. is long enough. I looked into them ounce and could only find them at about 195cm compared to our 215cm swags, but then we are a family of tallish people.

hope this helps.

Trev.

We have 2 for years and have taken them to many places with our Goldwing and also with the boat, kayaks and hiking. And the result is : uncomfortable .. unless you have 2, which I have when I go alone and have a rip stop wrap (made myself) to put the two in. You have to get used to it to sleep on it and of course it is also a matter of weight.
It is a compromise and very bad one when I consider that I have a Belgium Latex mattress in our camper, it is a good one when you try to save weight. If you have the space and capacity I'd rather sleep on an air mattress, but maybe thats just me - and you could save a bit on the way. They are way too expensive for what they are..

good luck
gmd

If money can stretch, try the

Exped SynMat 9

It was bought by some friends for their daughter, they parents had theramarests 4cm I think, the daughter wanted to be able to sleep better, the Exped above is the 9cm, I think she got the 7cm, apparently both parents want one now as they both got to try it out and it was the only camping mattress they said they had ever been on where no part of the body touched through to the ground when on a side.

We have been using thermarests for over 20 years now. We use them a lot & have never had an leakages.

We started with he standard thinkness, but found them too hard so I bought a thicker one. My wife decided to use my old one underneath hers. This meant she put less air in each one. I decided to get another standard one and do the same. We bought some straps from Rays and just put 2 straps around each bed. Just one negative, they slide apart if you camp on the side of a hill.

Since using 2 thermarests some 10 years ago, I have slept well every night when using them.

I know its an extra cost, but it is the best decision we ever made.

The biggest problem with buying a bigger thermarest is that it takes more air, so it doesn't make your bed any softer. I found this when I bought the bigger one.

BTW, if your kids are not too big, you will probably find one thermarest is fine. Its when you get older and put on a few kilos that the extra mat is very useful.

Laurie

I use the DMH 100mm self inflating mattresses on top of an oztent goanna stretcher . Even with holes in the self inflaters and being 100mm its still the best bed because its the thickness that makes it comfortable .

Andrew
I did not opt for a self inflating mattress, in my swag, as I had to be carefull what I put inside the swag, when it came to roll up time.
Eventually I got a hi density, waterproof ground sheet, from Clark Rubber, had it for 8 years now, . Do not get mixed up with the blue rolls of rubbish, you may find in camping stores.

It is similar to the blue rubber surrounds, that is found on trampilenes, but slightly heavier, anf thicker, and the best thing is that no trimming was required, as it fits perfectly under the swag.

These old plump bones can get warm comfortable on the coldest of nights.
Cheers
Bucky