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  #1  
Old 14 May 2010
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Therm-a-rest
Hi all,
Just having my weekly intake of news via MVN & they have a camping section this time & suggest a therm-a-rest £85!

I have always just layer on the ground via fart sack the cold never really affected me but the bones are getting a bit creaky, so have decided I might need something like this.
I see Lidal Aldi & Tesco all do a self inflating camping lay down thing,
I also still have a Army foam 1 (I never ever used 1 as far too big)

comments suggestions welcome I have looked at the other post about these thurm -o - rest things just looking to see if i can warrant paying £85
I usally get forces discount/bmf any onbe seen it cheaper ?
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Old 14 May 2010
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You need to see if the cheaper one is properly insulated otherwise you'll feel it, some of the cheaper ones are no better than a lilo. I've got a Thermarest Prolite 4 which has been great over two long trips, only one puncture for a thorn but easily repaired.

Thermarest Prolite 4 Regular at planetFear
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  #3  
Old 14 May 2010
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I use this matras for 3 years now and I still like it: http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage_na.nsf
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  #4  
Old 14 May 2010
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Yes Therm-a-rest are expensive, but you do get a lifetime warranty and they do honour it, even when you bought it in West London and claimed in Tallinn, Estonia!! But it would have to fail two or three times to perhaps save you money in the long term.

Other wise there is the Air-ric range from Alpkit. I have a Slim Air-ric and it is nice: To look at the quality is comparable to Therm-a-rest, IMO.
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Old 19 May 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
Yes Therm-a-rest are expensive, but you do get a lifetime warranty and they do honour it, even when you bought it in West London and claimed in Tallinn, Estonia!! But it would have to fail two or three times to perhaps save you money in the long term.

Other wise there is the Air-ric range from Alpkit. I have a Slim Air-ric and it is nice: To look at the quality is comparable to Therm-a-rest, IMO.

second that I have both a thermarest and a slim airic i nearly always take the alpkit pad as its so much more compact
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  #6  
Old 19 May 2010
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Alpkit have some regular Airic's left but there new range of sleeping mats is not due until June 2010.
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  #7  
Old 19 May 2010
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Therm a rest or similar
We bought Katmandu versions for a 13 week trip, sleeping on them for about 11 of those weeks. They were great.

If pack size is an issue you can get 3/4 length versions that obviously roll up smaller.

I would invest in the middle of the range one, a good nights sleep is hard to argue with.
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  #8  
Old 20 May 2010
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thermarests......a 'yes'!
Thermarests....been using them for 7 years. got new ones in the last couple of years. best thing we have. profile 4
we also have the medium sized thermarest pillows..a luxury but after a days riding so good to rest the neck on a good support.

yes - the ones we now have are sponsored by them but our first couple we actually bought - they were our first choice after loads of research. we have never been let down.
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  #9  
Old 18 Jul 2010
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Kathmandu self-inflating mattress
Hi guys,

Thought I'd throw in my two-penny's worth...

On my last big camping expedition in the Western Australian desert, I took a cheapie Kathmandu self-inflating mattress cos at the time I couldn't afford anything in the more expensive Thermarest range. Apart from the fact that it rolled up mega-small, it was REALLY comfy whether sleeping on deep sand or rock-hard salt pans. Coupled with an emptied wine bladder as a pillow (I'd forgotten to take a proper pillow!) and a Kathmandu down sleeping bag, I had some of the best night's sleep ever on it!

So if you're looking for a cheap but effective option, I heartily recommend the above!
Jeanie

PS: I had help emptying the wine bladder, in case anyone's wondering...!!
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  #10  
Old 18 Jul 2010
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Can't say that I find self inflating mats comfortable personally, have tried a few from cheap Gelert 25mm 3/4 length ones to a Thermarest 50mm full size one. They are however very good at insulating you from the cold ground. Now I use either a hammock for comfort, or if I'm ground sleeping I use a Thermarest Neo Air, it isn't self inflating but it packs down nice and small and I find it way more comfortable than self inflating mats, even if it does sound as though you are sleeping on a giant bag of crisps at times!
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  #11  
Old 18 Jul 2010
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Exped everytime...
Exped Downmat 7DLX - the best nights sleep camping you can get!
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  #12  
Old 18 Jul 2010
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I would also recommend the alpkit mats we have three, I have the fat versions, they are better than my bed at home!
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  #13  
Old 31 Jul 2010
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I have one of these for about 4 years now. Just love em. They pack really small they are durable and they are nice to lay on. And i haven't been nice to mine so im quite amazed that it is still in one piece. If i ever happen to need a new one i will buy a therm-a-rest for sure.
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Old 8 Aug 2010
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Hi mate.
Had the same problem. You could try Decathelon sports shops or cut down your foam mat to 3/4's length and a bit off the width(Old Military method). There also used to be Z shaped folding mats that were quite good. Good luck.
Mike
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