vwGTImkv
Windsor
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Which design is better?
http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/767136 or http://www.rei.com/product/708520
I've been using an air mattress but I've always hated how much room it took up in the tent. I don't mind the hard ground since my bed is VERY firm. I just need some padding from the sticks and stones.
E R T W
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rhondavid
Birmingham, Al
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I was not able to get in to see this product.
I love my Thermarest mat. Light weight, provides sufficient cushion and helps retain heat in winter and keeps you cool in the summer.
Thermarest mat
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windriderjr
Massachusetts
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It looks like you are trying to pick between closed-cell mattresses.
I use the thermarest version but only for winter camping under a self-inflating pad. it provides better insulation than the self-inflating pad alone especially if the self-inflating pad springs a leak.
Thermarest puts out a great product and I bought it simply because of brand loyalty, not any deep comparisons.
for 3-season camping, I just use the self-inflating pad. Unfortunately, self-inflating pads are a bit more expensive than closed-cell pads.
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dobbler98
Ohio
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Thermarest is still the best. High quality, durable, comfortable. Mine is now 18 years old and still like new after literally a thousand uses.
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vwGTImkv
Windsor
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Thank-You for the advice. I will probably lean towards the ThermRest pad. Just going to wait a few more weeks to see if it'll go on sale.
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rhondavid
Birmingham, Al
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Have you compared price with Campmor?
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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IMO there is nothing like a thermarest foam air mattress
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Not yet camped in Hawaii, 4 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories.
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Vapor_Trails
Yucaipa, CA
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Joined: 09/29/2004
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vwGTImkv wrote:Which design is better?
http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/767136 or http://www.rei.com/product/708520
I've been using an air mattress but I've always hated how much room it took up in the tent. I don't mind the hard ground since my bed is VERY firm. I just need some padding from the sticks and stones.
I don't blame you. I hate air mattresses. We have a nice Coleman Flocktop thing that sure looked good in the store. But, the practicallity of it...Useless. I've never slept on a self-inflating pad, like Therma-a-Rest (I bet they're nice!), but I have slept on various foam pads, dirt, rocks and of course, tree boughs. The older I get, the more I like my XL cot and 3" mattress pad. With my oversized sleeping bag I'm as comfy as I am in my travel trailer. That setup is for car camping only, though.
After many years away from it, I'm gonna dig out my old backpacking gear and do a couple of overnighters this summer. But, I know I'll need to get/replace of couple of things. Including a sleeping pad.
I learned about Alps Mountaineering here on the forum. If REI carries their line, it's probably pretty decent quality. I like that they make pads that are 30" wide to accomodate big guys. Most pads are 20-25" and that's just not enough for many of us to get a good night's sleep. I haven't found another manufacturer that sells larger backpacking pads besides Alps. The local sporting goods stores sure don't have anything big enough. Except REI, but the nearest one to me is about 50 miles away.
Let us know what you end up with and how it works out.
68 Me & DW
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Hiker3
Florida
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Joined: 01/21/2007
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I vote for Thermarest. Durable and high quality. Packs easily.
Livin Lite Quicksilver 8.0 (Folding Tent Camper) only 900 lbs!
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Paddle on the crow
MN
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We had our thermarest pads for about 2 years before I learned from a Co-worker that you are suppose to store them inflated with the valve open. (If you store them rolled up they will take longer to inflate due to the memory.) I keep ours along the back of our closet, and have noticed a considerable differnce. They inflate much faster and I can get It firmed-up in one breath.
Just thought I would pass this along in case some of you didn't know this.
POTC
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