There are two kinds of camping mattresses. Thermorest and everything else. Spend the money for the real thing and accept no imitations. Like women and like French champaqne nothing else is just as good. Thermorest has a number of models ranging from one 2 1/2" thick and 25" wide (the Camp Rest) and great if you're car camping down to some less opulent but much lighter for the backpackers. I have an ultralight model that's 1 1/2" thick and 25' wide (I hate to roll off the mattress!). By the way I also prefer the full length models as opposed to the 2/3 length ones. Colin Fletcher (The Compleat Walker, bible of backpacking) said he generally didn't mention brand names but he excepted Thermorest because, as he said, if the brand was discontinued someone would pick it up. He also weighed underpants before buying them. He may have been obsessive compulsive.
Colin Fletcher (The Compleat Walker, bible of backpacking) said he generally didn't mention brand names but he excepted Thermorest because, as he said, if the brand was discontinued someone would pick it up. He also weighed underpants before buying them. He may have been obsessive compulsive.
Didn't he also take the tags off of his tea bags to save weight? I second Therm-a-Rest, although most of my backpacking was done using a 1/2" thick closed foam pad. I was much younger then.
Colin Fletcher (The Compleat Walker, bible of backpacking) said he generally didn't mention brand names but he excepted Thermorest because, as he said, if the brand was discontinued someone would pick it up. He also weighed underpants before buying them. He may have been obsessive compulsive.
Didn't he also take the tags off of his tea bags to save weight? I second Therm-a-Rest, although most of my backpacking was done using a 1/2" thick closed foam pad. I was much younger then.
Most of us backpackers are a little weight obsessive....lol. Hubby even cut off half his toothbrush handle cos it saved 1.5 ounces on his back
1993 Minnie Winnie
Class C 24'
Chevy 350
Usually pulling one of my toys
For true luxury, I carry a 3/4 closed cell blue foam pad, and put my thermarest on top of it. (I'll leave my stove and fuel at home and just eat cold food to offset the weight if I'm packing alone.) The foam pad blocks nearly all the cold from the ground, especially in those early spring/late fall months, while the thermarest gives me the cushiony comfort. A good night's sleep! It's worth the extra weight, IMO.
I don't get the weigh-everything thing myself. I pack an SLR camera, book (sometimes, it's a hardcover), dog food for the dog too small to carry her own food, and other misc stuff. What's five pounds if it's the difference between having a good trip or a great trip? It means stronger legs and that I have to work out even harder in the gym before a killer trip. So I have no idea what my underwear weighs!
Dh, our 2 year old German Shepherd, 15 yr old Beagle/Spaniel and me.
Exploring every National Park (and Monument) in USA, Canada, Mexico & beyond.
3 well-used backpacking tents.
2008 Itasca Impulse, 24'
I did just get a self-inflator (Sportsman's Guide el-cheapo brand, not the "good one' - I'm a cheap SOB!), but it's bulky when rolled for my uses - motorcycle road trips and camping. Once I get my bike modded for a single-wheel trailer, I can carry bulkier gear.
So, I use the air mattress to save bulk and weight. It has worked well for me. A couple tips though - use a closed cell pad under it (I have a GI surplus pad cut to four feet)- this protects the AM from punture by ground trash.
Also - don't wear a belt to bed - I punctured one doing this!
Three - always carry a repair kit!
Kamper_Kelly wrote: Another vote for Thermarest. We had Campmor brand ones but, they only lasted 2 years.
Also, they are supposed to be stored flat with the valved CLOSED (so moisture doesn't get in).
Actually, they should be stored with the valve "Open" so they can "breath" and let moisture out. When they self-inflate they suck in air, (wich includes moisture). And you defiantly wouldn't want to trap in the moisture, that would lead to a potential for mildew.
Being the small size, simple lung power works - and it helps never having smoked! ;-)
Sometimes, on a road trip, I'll use my SLIME electric pump to inflate it while I put up the tent. Takes the same time either way.
The weight isn't the real issue, but size is. The air mattress folds flat to about 10 inches square and a couple inches thick. Fits in the tailbag with the minitent and mummybag The self-inflator rolled is 24"X8" - quite a package on the back of the bike!
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