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 )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 i would prefer to do 2 trips and bring my bed than sleep on one of them 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
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.

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!!

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/Rang...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