Now I'm surprised Paul that you haven't mentioned the airbed type that my dad bought for me when I was 8 years old, 59 years ago. Choice of colours (very important) green or blue. It took 3 hours to inflate by mouth (if you include the blackouts through lack of oxygen), was around 5 inches high when inflated, and had an integral pillow inflated separately. I tend not to use it now as each of the separate pockets have fused, and the odour coming from the inflation hole smells of Parmesan cheese and rats urine. An off-putting stink I know, but when inflating it whilst wearing a gas mask, you don't notice it that bad. 😄 Great review as always Paul. Thanks for doing what you do.
I made the mistake of taking one of those old 5" tall airbeds on a camping trip one autumn. I hadn't counted on the fact that with no baffling and it being so tall, there is room for convection currents inside the airbed. I woke up in the middle of the night freezing cold. Thankfully I had a scrappy bit of an old closed cell mat. Once that went underneath, I was both warm and comfy. It must have weighed several kilos, and needed it's own rucksac!!
I’ve used closed cell when I was younger. Moved into self inflating matts mid 1990s. Had an unfortunate leak with an old thermorest while in Iraq 2003. Found it deflated every morning. Bought last year a trekology UL80 to test the idea of air mats on the cheap. Liked it. Took delivery of a sparkling new Nemo tensor insulated in medium wide only today. But I’m not sure I’ll be using that any time soon. Unless it’s in the garden with the kids which is where I’m typing this from. We’re having our own adventures in our garden for the variety. Keep safe everyone.
Finally the message I’ve been looking for 🙌🏽 “No reason to spend a bunch of money if you’re only going out for a night or two”. I feel like so many camping channels insist I spend $200 on a sleeping pad, $400 on a tent and $500+ on the sleeping bag. Paul, you are my kind of camper ⛺️🙏🏼 so glad I found your channel
I’ve got the sea to summit ultralight insulated and I can’t imagine changing it for anything else. I did a lot of research before getting it. Everyone seems to go for the thermorest but it just doesn’t look that comfortable to me. Mine is up and running in less than a minute using the stuff sack inflator that comes with it, it’s cheaper than thermorest neoair (and wider) and I don’t touch or feel the ground at all. Really comfortable to just sit on as well. Love it.
Great video, Paul. I think value for money needs to include quality of sleep, as many people I know are interested in camping but get worn down by uncomfortable nights' sleep and ultimately put off by it. I think people who don't camp very often would need the comfort of Exped/Therm-a-rest more than those that are more experienced, though I take your point that saying you need to spend £150 on a good mattress to a beginner will not go down well. Though knowing my own journey through closed-cell foam mattresses, thicker closed-cell foam mattresses, self-inflating mattress, thicker self-inflating mattress and finally an Exped mattress, all in the pursuit of actual comfort and quality of sleep, means that I wish I would have saved the money and just gone straight to Exped. Cheers
Ive still got a Thermarest self inflating 3/4 mattress from the 90's still going strong. Bombproof in my experience. I recently bought the new thicker Prolite version as I'm getting older. Very happy and love the new valve. If its cold I take a closed cell foam sheet as well. I'm not interested in super lightweight stuff as I just take my time. Quiet, I don't slide around on it. very happy.
That foil blanket is allways part of my pack and just saved my ass from freezing this weekend. There's nothing more versatile at that weight than this cheap foil blanket.
I have a Campingaz Quickbed Compact Single bought in Lidl. 15cm thick inflated and very comfortable but very heavy ~1.5 kg. But excellent value for money as I'm a beginner in this field.
I’ve just bought a 15mm thick yoga mat and I’m planning to glue it to a thin 5mm sleeping mat and see how it fairs. It will be a bit bulky but I don’t mind that as it’ll still weigh nowt. I tend to prioritise reliability over comfort but I thought this might tick both boxes. Anyway less than 20 quid to find out.
I got a vaude soave self inflating mat but that takes a few good breathes to get going, am looking for something just a little thicker so I can double it up so think I will try one of the air mattress, have seen one with built in foot pump which looks rather handy. Love my snugpack softie elite 4 sleeping bag. I am extremely cold sleeper but always nice and warm in that bag, I always use a cotton liner as its easier to wash the liner rather than the bag. Bought a fleece liner but haven't needed to use it yet.... Happy camping everyone.
Hi Paul when I was in the army we used to cut down the sleeping mat as we found as long as you keep your core warm the legs would be fine . Top channel by the way 👍
I spent some time deciding what pad to buy, and in the end I went for the Sea to Summit ComfortLight insulated. At 620 grams plus 57 grams for the pump sack, it is not the lightest, but it is certainly not the heaviest. However, it strikes a good balance of comfort, warmth, and durability. And a sale made it cheaper than the Sea to Summit UltraLight insulated, which I had intended to purchase.
Great video again Paul. I've got a cheap £25 air matress which is fine for summer, but recently invested in the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated and it's an absolute dream for a side sleeper. Comes with an integrated pump sack bag too. I'm 6' 2" and the regular size is fine.
I'm using the Sea to Summit Etherlite XT (insulated one). It is the first decent mat I've ever used. I broke out into a cold sweat paying for it but it is extremely comfortable. Just to be on the safe side I use a cheap closed cell foam mat beneath in winter. Prior to this I used an Alpkit Cloudbase. Really it wasn't very good. I was very cold using it one night in May in 2018 and lost faith in it quickly. Great film Paul. Best wishes, Chris
Hi Chris. That's why I got rid of my cloudbase. It was comfortable but as you say it wasn't very warm. I'm getting more and more tempted by the sea to summit pads. Thanks for watching
Hi Paul, I use a Sea to Summit comfort light insulated. It weighs a hefty 680gm, but it’s the long version and it’s really comfortable. Being a side sleeper I’ve never had a bad night on this pad. The stuff sack also can inflate the pad, which is really handy.
Hi Paul, I use a sea to summit comfort + , it weighs in at 785g so a little bit on the heavy side, r- value 5.0 . Can honestly say it is the most comfortable air mat I have use and not as loud to sleep on as my old thermarest. Blows up both sides, so if bottom gets a puncture won't end up on the floor. Very pleased with mine.
Thanks as always Paul. Another tip to make self inflatable foam more comfy for side sleepers especially is to very quickly scrape away a rough circular hole/indent under tent about an inch thick ( at mid point) and 10 - 12 inch in diameter. You can mark this centre point of hole/your body on your tent foot print for future use as well. Added advantage of this is if your mat burst at night say you can stuff some bubble wrap u may carry, spare soft clothes or where available a slightly inflated cycle inner tube formed into an S shape ( to balance the air) under your mattress and closed cell. I've done all these things over the years and certainly more comfy than firm ground in all eventualities. Also since only a shell scrape it doesn't compromise the floor material etc of your tent.
@@PaulMessner hey Paul my pleasure mate and hoping someone may find it of use if their mattress bursts and either difficult to replace or fix mid trail. Have other field fixes for different equipment that I'll try and add when I find an appropriate video you're doing over time. You take too, cheers Keith
In my first year of camping, I had used a closed-cell foam Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite Sleeping Pad and a small drybag as a pillow. I had a bit of trouble sleeping at times. In my second year, I added on top of the closed-cell foam pad a Stoik'D Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad and an actual camp pillow Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium. I had slept like a baby in its mother's arms.
Hi, I use the Outwell dream catcher 7.5 cm. I know it maybe on the heavier and larger side (it’s not exactly small) for those of you trying to carry all of your gear, but I (😂😂) am not one of those people. I prefer to pitch base camp and then walk on if you know what I mean. This self inflating mat is fantastic for warmth and comfort, the valve means you can have it however soft or hard you like. Sometimes I’m lying in bed at home and wish I could just get up and sleep on this thing, it seriously is that comfortable! I’m on my second one now, the first broke due to no fault of its own ( a friend jumped on it and split a tiny part of the seal next to the valve , which is understandable as it is not a bouncy castle) and I could not see how it could get better. So for those of you that want good value for money, this is it. As long as size isn’t a problem 😁😁 Hope that helps someone out there Thanks for reading and happy camping !
I had a Gen 1 Thermarest Neoair (I got it back in 2010 or so) I used it for two or three years which was probably 10 to 12 trips. I used to inflate it with my breath. This older variety that I had was nearly transparent, and I never had issues with mold (I did store it unrolled with the valve open, just like I do with my self-inflating mattresses). What I did notice happen was the Mylar film inside did start to break down right near the valve.
Good video, I've been using a duo Exped UL for 2 years. It was expensive but has provided warm comfortable sleep so worth the cash. In the summer I can sleep with a cheap bag or liner. I'd buy again.
A nice and informative video! Just one thing I found was just that the frequency of camera angle shot changes were pretty jarring at times (from face on to side) otherwise, lovely.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm still a novice at this editing but I try to experiment to see if I can improve. I guess it doesn't always go to plan. Thank you for watching
I bought a Thermarest 3/4 length in the 90s to do the West Highland way and I'm still using it now nearly 30 years later. I think I paid around £70 pounds for it expensive at the time but at £2.50 a year a bargain. One of the best features is it rolls into it's own bag about 220mm x 140mm.
The older I get the whimpier I get, particularly as a side sleeper. If I can, take two pads. A closed cell foam on bottom like the thermarest ridgerest, and an inflatable on top. Comfortable for side sleepers and winter suitable. Thermarest also makes a 2.5-3.0 inch thick self-inflatable pad “trail pro” that is quite comfortable and suitable for four seasons. Downside is it is fairly bulky for backpacking.
First time camper. Just got the Trekology UL80 pad, Aluft 2.0 pillow and FlexTailGear Tiny Pump X (the pump fully inflates the pad in no time at all). I'm waiting for a Coleman Darwin 2 tent and Rumpl Nanoloft travel blanket to arrive so I can begin paragliding adventures around the country during the milder weather.
I've just bought a mattress pro comes with a pillow and has a 3.4 R value. Not self inflating but has 2 valves and seems really good as it packs down small 522g
I went on my first wild camp in years last night.. went to my local woodland.. it rained, and rained and rained some more but i loved it. I used a trekology ul80 for the first time and must say it was very comfortable.
After years of lower costing mats used for campsites and car camping I've just purchased the exped ul 7 for some trekking adventures. Delighted so far, thanks for the videos.
Thermarest Prolite Plus Small has been my default for many years. Very happy with it. Seems tougher than neoair or exped but still comfy enough- for me anyway.
The prolite is a very good pad mate. The self inflating pads are a bit more sturdy than the air only pads. A little less comfortable though IMO. Thanks for watching
Hello Paul. Great seeing you. I had two Thermorests bubble up when sleeping on them. I had an Exped down filled go mouldy in stuff sack bubbled out at head end🤪 absolute madness. Then I got a very cheap yellow thing. Then I got a free Thermorest, then I got an Exped normal onez which are inflated up against the wall here at home.I loved the Exped Down Fill. Really makes the difference in warmth. From Craig Lee. Good to see you Paul.
I've used a Thermarest Trail Comfort (Large) for nearly a decade now. I only camp 3-4 times a year, and I don't backpack but I'm still conscious of the space my "mattress" takes up when packing. It's served me well, always stored out of the bag as you say. Looking at these new air mats though I do think when it finally gives up I'll be looking at one of those.
Another great video Paul, thank you I've recently bought the sea to summit ultralight insulated mat, first impressions are good, very comfortable, great inflation system and slightly wider then the thermarest.
Im using a standard Sea to summit camp mat SI. I abuse it like hell, it gets wet, smashed, dirty anything it still provies key body heat insulation when its needed! and its cheap too, highly recommend for those who just like to get something adequate that simply works.
Nice one Paul. I have an Exped downmat 9. It’s warmer and more comfortable than my Thermarest NeoAir XLite, but I usually take the Thermarest as it’s much lighter and less bulky.
I like Thermarest for their durability/ quality,Nemo for the ingenuity/ comfort,and Klymit for side sleeping.I also like closed cell foam pads under my inflatables for extra strength and insulation.Thanks for the videos.
I stopped using self-inflating pads a while ago. They're cumbersome to pack and you can't store them rolled up because it will damage the foam. For more ambitious trips where less comfort is assumed I carry low-tech but reliable closed-cell foam. For summer camping (which is honestly what I do most) I use regular air pads.
Got the sea to summit insulated sleeping pad, find it comfortable and easy to inflate using the sea to summit dry bag that also inflated your mat. Also double it up with a z lite seat under my hips. Ads r value, prevents sliding and protect your hips for side sleepers 👍🏼
Great Video! I got myself a Trial Self-Inflating mat from Amazon a few years ago after my girlfriend and I had a terrible couple of nights using a air mattress. It's probably a bit too bulky for hiking but it's perfect for a camping.
Im a side sleeper, and when i was younger, i slept just fine on closed cell foam pads. I tested it out again in my home recently, and the first night, i woke up several times and had to move around because it felt too hard on the hip and rib cage area. But i was not ready to give up, and tried it again after a few days, thinking maybe i just had to get used to it - and this night i slept much better, and didnt wake up a single time. Think im gonna have to try it again tonight, and see if i can get more used to it, because i really like that it is so reliable, quick and easy to use, and doesnt require a groundsheet. I want to use it with my Hilleberg "Bivanorak", without a tarp, and im not sure how the inflateable pads handle getting wet in the rain night after night. I heard someone talk about some issues with the glue around the edges of their pad loosening up, so a big "balloon" popped out on the side. If anyone have any knowledge about this, please share..!
I have the gooutdoors blue basic self inflating one , cons it's quite narrow and I have been improving the insulation by placing a basic foam roll met underneath, you need more insulation under these as you tend to get damp and cold coming up from the ground. Pros it's cheap and quite robust I've had it about 3 years no problems. It is what it is.
I used the Hi-gear self inflatable mats but last time I could feel the ground with my hip as I am a side sleeper. We did a garden camp over Easter and I thought I'd do some experimenting. I doubled up with a cheap roll mat and it made a big difference. My next test is to try a foil windscreen sun visor for insulation under the mat. Great video
I started by bying the Exped MegaMat 10 LXW - it's insanely comfy. And it is insanely big and quite heavy. Carcamping - perfect but hiking - no. So then I bought the Exped MegaMat Lite 12 and that is quite comfortable for me cause I am quite fat. It works for hiking but I think I will go down to a Synmat XP9 when I lost some weight.
I bought a Sea to summit ultralight insulated roll mat just over a year ago. I would have to say it is the most comfy mat I have had. However, it is soo noisy! I roll over a lot and it makes squeaky noise ever time you move.
Paul i love your camping tips on everything to do with wild camping, I just starting out wild camping and was not sure what to buy and after watching many of your video's i purchased a roban starlight 2 and some decent tent pegs, I was looking at the mats and sleeping bags recently and i purchased a small meths burner that you purchased when you first started camping, Thank you for the great content and advise on your youtube channel.
Hi Paul I have the thermarest closed cell z light which I find quite comfortable just the bulk which can be a problem when trying to find the best way to put it on your pack, also have the thermarest neo adventure very comfortable and packable but like u explained there is a chance of popping it and its very noisy, and takes a while to Set up and to take all the air out, while the z lite is quick set up and take down. Great video by the way 👌
That's why I picked up the big agnes mat. I put it inside my pack, let it unroll as much as it can and then put my gear in the middle. You can do this with the zlite but its a liitle harder with a folding mat. Thanks for watching
Hey Paul, we have both an alpkit Numo pad and the exped synmat winter. Switched to these after using self inlfating mats. Much more comfy and lighter weight. The numo we have had for 2 years now and they have both started to leak around the seams how ever alpkit did send repair sealer to fix this. The Exped mats were expensive but are extremely comfortable and has a pump sack which saves alot of work and is a lot warmer in the winter.
You'll make lots of mistakes on your first five camps! Just make a mental note of them and you can put each one right on your subsequent camps and gradually acquire better gear 👍 Have fun, when we're allowed back out there 😊
The more often you camp, the more you learn about what you need. My first camp had a 120l bergen packed to the rafters with everything including the kitchen sink. Thanks for watching
i actually have a cheap raised camping bed from halfords (£5 onn clearance) i've only used it once, it's pretty comfortable if you're alright with a stiff sleeping surface, however, i was very drunk whenn i used it, up on the cumbrian coast in winter, so i was freezing all night, even WITH a -3C rated sleeping bag. planning onn giving it a go again soon, hopefully i will be warmer this time!, packing an extra blanket just in case!
I'm using a thermarest neoair venture , I suppose you could say it's a halfway house , it's not as noisy as the neo air x light and much more comfortable and while being alot cheaper than an. X light, can pick them now for around £47 brand new a bargain however only has an r value of 1.8 , however I have used it to around -1 and it still provides an amazing amount of worth
Morning Paul - thanks for maintaining some normality in this surreal world we are living in. I've got a Thermarest Neoair Xtherm. It was a bit noisy and slippery to start with but I have invested in a lightweight protective cover from Enlightened Equipment which has reduced the problem. Great product - warm and lightweight. ATB - Paul
I have been using the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol It is surprisingly comfortable for me as a side sleeper with all the knobs It protects my hips even on concrete floors It is simple to fold out, puncture proof, lightweight and inexpensive Definitely worth to consider Just it is bulky
i use a lomo folding closed cell foam mat (like the z-lite only cheaper) underneath an ME self inflating mat, forget the name/specs but its the £45 one the sell at cotswold. Perfect for comfort and cold weather
I bought the Trekology UL80, was a really comfortable sleep but after a few uses it started deflating in the night. No leaks that I can find and tried using closed cell foam underneath because the R rating low but this hasn't helped keep the matt inflated. Was good for £40 but not worth it when you have to buy again very soon after.
Always good to see your vids Paul keep them coming got a lot of RU-vid time now. In regards to pads I’ve got the sea to summit comfort plus and love it dearly only draw back I’ve found is it’s pack size but well worth that for a great nights sleep beats my klymit static v hands down on comfort
Cheers Jerry. i think the next few vids will have to come from the garden :). You're one of many that recommends the S2S pads. I must try and get hold of one. Thanks for watching
I have a inflatable sleeping mattress that was made by "Feathercraft" of Vancouver (company folded some years ago). It's very robust, made of the same material as a folding canoe with welded seams, weighs about a kilogram, packs very compactly, about 2 metres long, longitudinal baffles, but no insulation. I always camp with a closed cell foam mattress too just in case of a deflation. The foam mattress prevents heat loss to the ground. I also have two thermarest self inflating mats. One is 5cm thick and the other is a luxurious 7.5cm thick and 76cm width and 196cm long and weighs as much as my tent! I don't backpack now but cycle camp or canoe camp so can carry heavier weights.
Very useful tips for beginners like me 🙂. Others hikers just showing off this & that. Im setting up a tent for the first time in my life in 2 days @Catalina island 🏝. I have hand me down big & compact sleeping bags , im bring both, the smaller sleeping bag as the mattress inside the bigger sleeping bag for insulation and warm. It will be 75F, 65F at night by the beach. The only reason I'm camping is because of COVID19 😑 I normally just stay in hostel, so convenient. I'm not going camping in the woods for sure, its not my thing and I have some old injuries
I have the S2S SI camp mat, and cannot fault it. I use it with a foam/foil combo mat that I found at The Range (about £3 iirc) and it makes my 2 season sleeping bag just about usable in 3 seasons.
Great video Paul... The change of camera angles is extra work but a very nice touch that keeps the video even more interesting! Cheers buddy 👍👍 Edit: I just picked up the Nemo Tensor Alpine myself and like it a lot.
All my gear is ultralight except 2 items, my osprey rook 65 and my thermarest trail lite. I can't compromise on those items for various reasons mostly being 6'6. A base weight of 9kg for me is really good, it's good and water that I really need to be careful about
I have an Exped synmat. Not sure what model but believe it has down in it. Best mat I have had. I also a Klymet skeleton type one. More comfortable than a pad, but not as good as the Exped.
I have the Exped Synmat 7 UL LW. 600 grams and not too bulky. And a heavy Exped downpillow large coming in at 190 grams. Worth it for a good night sleep though! And I have the Z-lite SOL as well, but its more for sitting around and using as double in the winter etc. Cheers!
Great video Paul. I've got 2 Expeds, a Synmat 7M, great pad and the internal pump is a great idea. A little bulky though for a rucksack. I move a lot in my sleep too so I picked up the HL 7 and splashed for the LW version to give me some more room to roll over. Really love both pads and would recommend 👍
I have just bought a Stoic Sjangeli sleeping mat from Alpinetrek, it's nice and lightweight and robustly made. I haven't had chance to test it yet but will report back when I do. It cost me £50
I flip flop between self inflating mats (Vango Trek Pro 5) and air mats (Vango Aotrom). I can never decide which I prefer. Self inflating can be a bit firm for side sleeping, air mats a bit trampoline like.
I have a klymit pad non insulated which I put on top of a thermerest zlite. On top I put an emergency blanket to mimic the thermerest . That all goes in an army bivvi bag. A cheaper way for me sleep on the ground. I would love the thermerest or other expensive sleep pads but I make do with what I got. After I get the lanshan 2 I will save up for the snugpak tactical 3 for winter then maybe a thermerest or insulated klymit sleeping pad. X
Cheers Steve. I hope you're all better after the op mate. The back garden is about as far as I can go. I reckon you own Stupid by now though so that counts as your garden. Stay safe mate.
Thank you for explaining about how the r-value is affected by how much the air mattress is inflated. I like to have my mattress soft which means I sink right down into it. I find it most comfortable when I'm almost skimming the ground in the middle when laying on it. Problem is that there's loads of cold transfer. To off-set that, I use a Big Agnes Q-core SLX which is a lot thicker than the Thermarest, Exped etc which just don't work for me as they're too thin. Over the winter I also bought a cheap multimat roll-mat to go under the Big Agnes mattress, but I haven't tried that out yet (lockdown!). The idea is that it will provide an extra thermal barrier under the air mattress and also much reduce the risk of punctures. It weighs 180g which I'm willing to put up with, but I may end up cutting it shorter to save weight and only having it under the area where it's actually needed. I had planned to try this set up out in a long distance hike in April, but that's not happening now for obvious reasons.
