camping mattresses

[Lindy]

We pack all our camping and fishing gear - enough for 3 days - into our canoe and paddle a few k's up a creek.

We have just up graded our canoe (to one with an electric motor :D)but there is not as much cargo space in it. So we need to cut down on what we take - cutting down on beer is not an option.

We thought bedding was a good area to cut down on - we used to take a queen size inflatable mattress, pillows, sheets and a quilt - a bit extravagant I know but you have to be comfy!

So I guess I would like to know what are the thinner self inflating mattresses like and which would you recommend?

Thanks and Cheers,

Lindy

[mackmauler]

Lindy, Better than the ground they are but not much :-X i would prefer to do 2 trips and bring my bed than sleep on one of them ;D Rob

[neptune]

a Queen size inflatable mattress will take up less space than one self inflating mattress.

[Lindy]

I mean the smaller thinner inflating mats from camping stores that roll up - not the larger self inflating matresses from Big W and the like.

[TroopySteve]

My wife and I have used Thermarests over quite a few years. For camping when bushwalking we use them all the time. They are really warm, and do cushion quite a bit. You can also get a 3/4 length one which saves more space, as your feet don't necessarily need a mattress.

However, for long trips out of the back of the Troopcarrier we have gone to a 4inch thick Coleman self inflator...very comfy, but too big and bulky for a canoe.

Thermarets are the "Roll Royce" fo lightwieght camping, and priced like it too.

[bugman]

Lindy,

My partner Leanne and I bought two thermarests before we backpacked around the world for a year. Still have them and use them whenever lightweight little room camping is a necessity.

They're better than the ground but you've got to realize they're only 1 inch thick even with a little air blow in. If i lay on my side I can get sore hips on hard ground.

Having said that there is nothing better for what they are designed to do. We have the 3/4 length versions because like Steve said. Your feet don't need a matress.

We combine them with two good quality stuff sleeping bags rated to zero degrees that can zip together and a ready made bed is your.

Bugman

[Brettrick]

Lindy,

If you need any more convincing, I agree with Troopysteve and Bugman - the 3/4 length Thermarests are the go. They pack down nice and small, but give you excellent insulation and (I reckon) a good soft bed. (Bugman, your hips must be getting too big! ;))

Seriously, they're not an innersprung mattress - but I used to be an infantryman and loved mine to bits. It's still going strong after 11 years of hard use.

Cheers,

BRETTRICK

[mackmauler]

Lindy,

(I reckon) a good soft bed. (Bugman, your hips must be getting too big! ;))



Looks like we are all in the same bed so to speak, I too am speaking from experience of the 3/4 length thermarest, I must be "too big" allover, I can't seem to fit on it and what does fit on it won't sleep on it :P
Rob

[Fisherman02]

hey is a thermarest like a foam matress about 3cm thick? I might have one!

[Lindy]

Hi Everyone

Thanks for your input! Much appreciated!

Mackmauler - I agree 2 trips for comfortable sleeping is not too high a price to pay - but the other half - well? - he disagrees ;) :)

TroopySteve, bugman, amd Brettrick - The thermarests sound like the go. I'll check them out. Thanks. ;D

Fisherman 02 - I think they are inflatable or partly rather than foam. Taa anyway! :)

As for hips I'll let you know RE: the thermarest after I have given it a go!! ;) ;D

Thanks Again,

Lindy

[Derek Bullock]

Lindy

Did you ever check out the Thermarest Mattresses. This site has quite an extensive range of them on display.

http://www.rangercamping.com.au/Ranger_Abeds/Thermarest.htm

Cheers.


Derek

[mackmauler]

Derek, I checked that site out, the luxury thermarest comes with a price tag of $649, Whata ya reckon Derek, is that value.

cheers Rob

[Derek Bullock]

Hey Rob

Depends what value you put on comfort mate. Me, I use a cheap old air mattress myself.

Derek