self inflating air mattress

Hi, Have 2 Thermarest large mattresses, have had them about 15 years , used them extensively, in the first 5 years but only pull them out about once a year now,
Always work well, look as good as new,
I store them out flat under a bed,
They were a bit dearer , $160.00 each then , not sure of prices now.but well worth the money,
Cheers Des.

Graeme,

We've got an Oztrail self-inflating double mattress, and it's very comfortable. About 100mm thick, but feels much thicker. If you're rolling it up every morning, it's a real pain to pack. Really need 2 to roll it firmly, though with practice one person might do it easily.

Been suggested on here before that 2 singles would be a better solution, and I'd tend to agree. We've got a couple of singles, and the thicker one is as comfortable as the double.

Won't comment on those air beds, too cold & uncomfortable.

Bob

I have Thermarests for bushwalking but a couple of the mid-size 4wd mats from Anaconda for car camping. We had a double but it was an absolute pain to roll up. Two larger singles work much better for us. I have stitched up a quilt cover with a sleeve on the base to act as a sheet set and keep the mats together. To be honest we rarely use the sleeve as the mats usually stay together okay without it. The modified quilt cover/sheet set works really well along with a down quilt. We never take the sleeping bags car camping anymore.

Cheers,

Mark

Exped Megamat 10, expensive at close to $300 but some of the best money I've ever spent on camping gear. Unlike other self inflaters I've had, it actually does self inflate, but just in case, it comes with a hand pump to top off if needed.

It has one way inflate and deflate valves which makes deflating and rolling up nice and easy, and when rolled up its about 25cm in diameter which is pretty good for a mattress that inflates to 100mm, and best of all it actually fits back into the bag when rolled up.

I've carted mine around the Pilbara and down the Canning Stock Route and have slept like a log all the way.

You tube video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GioeLw9jfHk

Black Wolf have a range - they are brilliant - around $180-$200 depending on model chosen.

Had mine about 8 years with no problems and they do self inflate properly.

http://www.blackwolf.com.au/category/Mats/4

Regardless of which brand, two singles are much easier to roll up and to stow in your vehicle
Blackwolf Mega Deluxe mats have a Velcro joining strip to couple two mattresses together

Those cheap 4WD mats are very comfortable but quite bulky when rolled up

Just don't expect to get out of any half decent single for less than $150, so forget about the cheapies at Kathmandu etc. Not only are you wasting your money, you will be let down- normally at the worst possible time. They spring leaks too easily.
I have a small, thin Thermarest as I do multi day bushwalking and it has to fit in my backpack with everything else. It probably doesn't even inflate to 50mm, yet it keeps me warm down to -3C (that's so far) and I can't feel any sticks or stones I may have under my groundsheet/tent floor. Amazing how it seems to smooth out the ground.
If it's a good one, you don't need 100mm thick ones, try them before you leave a shop, put something underneath them like a tent peg or pole to simulate rough ground.
If you sleep on your side you may need 50mm though.
I'm impressed with the Black Wolf I bought for my son as well.
Make sure you use a ground sheet though to protect against sharp stones and burrs

Thermarest or Xped X 2 singles.

You'll get a better nights sleep out of either of these two at half the the thickness of your typical Oztrail type 100mm mattress.