Air mattress options

[Mc4by]

I need an air mattress that will be used in a tent, not on a frame.
Does anyone have any recommendations?
So many bad reviews out there.

[TimE]

I recommend you don't use an air mattress.

The cold comes up through them like you wouldn't believe. The worst nights (as in freezing bloody cold) sleep camping I ever had was on an air mattress. Self inflating are far better, and if you sleep with the Mrs I would recommend you stick two singles together, much easier to roll and store than a double in my view.

[threedogs]

X 2 they suck any cold air out of the ground ,making for a very uncomfortable sleep/
First a ground sheet then a self inflater decent sleeping bag and a blanket [woollen]

[BillsGU]

An air mattress is great for in a swimming pool. They are crap to sleep on and you will freeze your butt off - but they are cheap - which is why people buy them.

[jay see]

I beg to differ. We have been using a double height Coleman air mattress for a while and do most of our camping during winter. Correct rated sleeping bag with thermals and we sleep alright. Must admit with the single height ones we used to put something down under the mattress and the Mrs still felt the cold.

[3Patrols]

Hi Mc4by. We use an Exped duomat. queen size and it's great. We went through the air matresses and froze though can be improved if you add some insulation. My suggestion is to look at products that quote an R factor, just like home insulation. Exped and Thermarest both do. Hiking websites are a good source of info. cheers

[Mc4by]

Appreciate the replies everyone.
Money is not my issue, just the correct info.
My research into self inflating mattresses has begun.

[MB]

Appreciate the replies everyone. Money is not my issue, just the correct info. My research into self inflating mattresses has begun.
Correct info :-) : Please don't build an open top Igloo up Mt Stirling-Vic and rely on bubble wrap flooring, seriously :-(

[stevemc181]

Exped Megamat 10 LXW, nothing beats it for comfort and packed size. http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?39419-Camping-Mat-Bed-suggestions&highlight=exped

[Mc4by]

Correct info :-) : Please don't build an open top Igloo up Mt Stirling-Vic and rely on bubble wrap flooring, seriously :-(

Thankfully here in W.A. our winter is just a little cooler than the Victorian summer so I should be o.k. :)

[MB]

Too true mate, we did the Powerlines tracks last year, 3 x Mexicans fly in and borrow gear, best nights camp sleep ever thanks to the kind members here! All bar 'Froggy/Clunk' :-)

[Clunk]

Thankfully here in W.A. our winter is just a little cooler than the Victorian summer so I should be o.k. :)
Single height air mattress still gets cold though...... Self inflators are in my eyes a better option, warmer and more comfy

[Clunk]

Too true mate, we did the Powerlines tracks last year, 3 x Mexicans fly in and borrow gear, best nights camp sleep ever thanks to the kind members here! All bar 'Froggy/Clunk' :-)
Those damn frogs [emoji12]

[MB]

AB and I as kids were eventually spoilt with the V1 Thermarest mats and they were awesome! Only issue was that sleeping bags back then were made of a + material and so were the self inflating + mats :-) I'm sure it was a downhill electron issue but Thermarest have now sorted it out I believe:-)

[threedogs]

if you insist on using an air mattress take one of those army stretchers that are about 250mm
high, not like the others that are about 600mm high, you'll be off the ground......

[Sir Roofy]

if you insist on using an air mattress take one of those army stretchers that are about 250mm
high, not like the others that are about 600mm high, you'll be off the ground......

Going into the Gatta at the end of May We take a tent 2 stretchers 2swags 2sleeping bags -10
its bloody cold at night and we sleep very comfy and warm off the ground
air mattress's aren't worth the money to bulky fiddly with pumps and always seem to go flat during
the night

[Winnie]

Only ever slept on an airbed while camping once, coldest night sleep I've ever had I reckon.

[AB]

Only ever slept on an airbed while camping once, coldest night sleep I've ever had I reckon.

Yeah our first family camping trip on the Murray in April using a double air bed.

LeAh cried all night, wanted to go home and the cold was through to your bones.

Felt like laying on ice sheets.


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[Mc4by]

I am very good at vicarious learning.
No air mattress shall be slept upon....
The link to the self inflators is appreciated stevemc181. (you must be a good bloke as I am also a stevemc...)

[stevemc181]

I am very good at vicarious learning.
No air mattress shall be slept upon....
The link to the self inflators is appreciated stevemc181. (you must be a good bloke as I am also a stevemc...)

Bahahaha! Yep us stevemc's are top blokes! :)

[Covo71]

Appreciate the replies everyone.
Money is not my issue, just the correct info.
My research into self inflating mattresses has begun.

I bought the exped duo10 single first as they are expensive. After a few nights on it I bought the queen. They are the best, worth every cent. You have to sort of take your time inflating and deflating, but not that bad.

[Mc4by]

I bought the exped duo10 single first as they are expensive. After a few nights on it I bought the queen. They are the best, worth every cent. You have to sort of take your time inflating and deflating, but not that bad.

The Exped's are the ones I am looking at getting. Does the queen roll up o.k. after the first unrolling?

[Covo71]

Just don't rush it. I fold it in half and lie down it for a minute or so then start rolling it up. Doesn't take too long. Rolls up the same every time. The roll up size was really important for us. Very comfortable and no cold coming through at all. I have got a 4 and 8 year old. They jump all over them and they are still going strong.
71533
The Exped's are the ones I am looking at getting. Does the queen roll up o.k. after the first unrolling?

[Mc4by]

I bought the exped duo10 single first as they are expensive. After a few nights on it I bought the queen. They are the best, worth every cent. You have to sort of take your time inflating and deflating, but not that bad.

Just wanted to check Covo71, I can't find a queen size, just the duo. Is this the one you bought?

[Covo71]

Just wanted to check Covo71, I can't find a queen size, just the duo. Is this the one you bought?

https://www.snowys.com.au/megamat-10-duo?gclid=CMOZ3PHso9MCFZsDKgodGfoIvA
Not sure if cheaper anywhere else but I think I paid about this much.
May be double. Does for the wife and myself. Kids have a single and a black wolf.

[neilehh]

just a few tips regarding self inflating matresses. the longer you can leave them set up before you sleep on them the better. I find undoing a bung for a few seconds before you sleep on them allows a bit more air in as they keep expanding. they are always better the second night. Just common sense really. you can get some 12cm ones. thicker the better. :sterb032:

[Mc4by]

I have 2 exped mattresses on their way from Snowys.
Tracking shows they are somewhere between the shop and me.
Thanks for the contributions everyone.

[Plasnart]

I have 2 exped mattresses on their way from Snowys.
Tracking shows they are somewhere between the shop and me.
Thanks for the contributions everyone.

Whats your verdict on the expeds Mc4by? Im in the market myself now.

[Mc4by]

Whats your verdict on the expeds Mc4by? Im in the market myself now.

Delivery was very quick to south west W.A.
The mats are not cheap but I am glad I went the extra $$ as they are excellent.
I purchased 2 singles with the joining strap. This gave an extra 30 cm of width over the double. 2 singles are also easier to pack and store.
The instructions say on first inflation give it up to 48 hours as they are packed by machine. I left them open in a spare room for a week.
When we used them we actually had to let some air out again.

So overall, expensive but the price was forgotten the first time we used them.

[Plasnart]

Delivery was very quick to south west W.A.
The mats are not cheap but I am glad I went the extra $$ as they are excellent.
I purchased 2 singles with the joining strap. This gave an extra 30 cm of width over the double. 2 singles are also easier to pack and store.
The instructions say on first inflation give it up to 48 hours as they are packed by machine. I left them open in a spare room for a week.
When we used them we actually had to let some air out again.

So overall, expensive but the price was forgotten the first time we used them.

I watched the video on the snowy website and they use a hand pump to "top up" after self inflation. Did you need to top up or is the self inflation enough?

[Mc4by]

The hand pumps are great and I did use it on one mat 'to see how it worked'
It was also the mat that I had to let some air out of.
If you have a few days to let them self inflate it should be fine, but I had to play with the new toy. :)
If you arrive late at a site the pump would be very useful.

[Plasnart]

Hi guys. I need a new mattress in my rooftop camper and there are a few that take my eye. But firstly, my rooftop camper is a "clam shell" type design, so it hinges at the front (toe end) of the camper and angles up to approx 1m high at the entrance at the back of the vehicle. Here's a pic shown on previous owner's vehicle:

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af27/Plasnart/Photo%201_zpsa4qziazz.jpg (http://s990.photobucket.com/user/Plasnart/media/Photo%201_zpsa4qziazz.jpg.html)

Because of the angled roof I need a mattress that is less than 100mm thick. With an 80mm-thick Clark Rubber foam mattress I used to have, my feet would be touching the roof down at the toe end, so I can't really go for a 100mm-thick mattress as this would exacerbate that problem.

Thanks to Cuppa earlier in this thread, I've also learned what bonded/laminated means and this is definitely what I want. I recently bought an inflatable mattress from BCF and when I laid on it all the air went down to the foot end and bubbled up a couple of inches! Needless to say that went back for a refund and yep, I'm now convinced I need to spend the extra coin for the extra bonded/laminated quality.

Therefore, I'm looking for something bonded/laminated and around the 70-80mm thickness range.

My shortlist consists of these mattresses:

Exped Synmat 7LW (R-value of 4.5) $209.95 at Snowy's.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2017/06/263.jpg

Exped Downmat 7LW (R-value of 5.9) $319.95 at Snowy's.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2017/06/264.jpg

Black Wolf Deluxe Camp Mat (R-value of 5.6) $164.90 at Snowy's.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2017/06/265.jpg

Black Wolf Super Deluxe Camp Mat (R-value of 6.4) $219.90 at Snowy's (same pic online this one just a bit thicker).
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2017/06/265.jpg

From these I think the Black Wolf Deluxe appears very good value at $164.90 for an R-value of 5.6, although my gut feeling is the Exped Downmat 7LW is probably the best mattress out of these options.

Opinions?

Are the Exped mats head and shoulders better than the Black Wolf mats? They are a lot dearer than Black Wolf for similar specs. I've read some negative reviews of the Exped brand in general on a hiking forum (was apparently a well-known problem with Expeds losing their outer/inner bond after a few years meaning they started bulging although according to one person this issue has since been rectified). See comments here: http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=25914

Would love to hear from anyone with a Black Wolf or those who know both brands.

Cheers guys.

[Rock Trol]

I don't know about the Exped but I have a Blackwolf mega deluxe (100mm) thick self inflator and after 5.5 years of use it's still like new. Has been used for heaps of weekend trips and a Simpson trip so it is used regularly over the years.

Not a fan of everything blackwolf but I love that mattress. It's super comfortable so I do recommend BW self inflators.

[Mc4by]

I have the exped 10 and it is excellent. Expensive but no regrets now that I have used it.
Depending on how big you are the 7 should be fine.

[Plasnart]

I have the exped 10 and it is excellent. Expensive but no regrets now that I have used it.
Depending on how big you are the 7 should be fine.

I'm no featherweight Mc4by! But I don't mind a firm mattress. Hmmm decisions decisions.

[stevemc181]

Just a heads up for anyone thinking of buying one. Snowys have the Exped 10LXW Megamats currently on sale for $220 delivered. https://www.snowys.com.au/megamat-10-lxw-camping-mat

[Mc4by]

Just a heads up for anyone thinking of buying one. Snowys have the Exped 10LXW Megamats currently on sale for $220 delivered. https://www.snowys.com.au/megamat-10-lxw-camping-mat

When I got mine they had the same offer. Unfortunately I just happened to live outside the free zone. :(
That is a great price though.

[Plasnart]

Just a heads up for anyone thinking of buying one. Snowys have the Exped 10LXW Megamats currently on sale for $220 delivered. https://www.snowys.com.au/megamat-10-lxw-camping-mat

Legend thanks Steve! At that price I can't refuse. Order placed.

[MudRunnerTD]

I recently purchased 4 Self Inflating mattress from Anaconda when they had a 40% off sale. I got 2 king singles 90mm thick for Naomi and I and 60mm thick for the kids. I slept on my 90mm thick on the other week. it was Insanely Good. So pleased with them. Perfect for touring in the OzTent and pack up perfect. I also took advantage of the 40% off sale and got Sleeping Bags for the family too.

Brand is Denali from Anaconda.

This is the one i purchased for the Adults and is Awesome

https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/sleeping/mats/denali-camper-royale-mat/p/BP90033386

and for the kids

https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/sleeping/mats/denali-camper-ultimate-mat/p/BP90029537

Previously i had the big Dune Mattress but they are a bastard to deflate and pack and pack HUGE. The Denali pack down very very well and i was keen on a Premium mattress as a long term purchase. Very Happy.

[gdb]

Thought I'd chime in. We use the Black wolf deluxe ones in our Black wolf tent (i dont rate the tent by the way). For what they're worth, they are a good piece of kit. Keep an eye out at snowys as they are on sale quiet often. Quick shipping from Adelaide too. Use them all the time.

[Clunk]

Time for new mattresses fo me and the missus, our Dune 4wd seld inflators aren't too great any more, I reckon the foam has seen it's day, so now left with huge amounts of air down by our feet and body now touches the floor. Still just about work OK on stretchers but they're tired after 4 years...... Would have been nice if they had lasted longer but considering I bought then on sale for around $60-70 each, I'm not complaining....... Now to choose ...... Exped or blackwolf, thinking the blackwolf may be better on stretchers than the exped, and exped better in the floor......

Hey Darren, were those Denalis bonded?

[MudRunnerTD]

Time for new mattresses fo me and the missus, our Dune 4wd seld inflators aren't too great any more, I reckon the foam has seen it's day, so now left with huge amounts of air down by our feet and body now touches the floor. Still just about work OK on stretchers but they're tired after 4 years...... Would have been nice if they had lasted longer but considering I bought then on sale for around $60-70 each, I'm not complaining....... Now to choose ...... Exped or blackwolf, thinking the blackwolf may be better on stretchers than the exped, and exped better in the floor......

Hey Darren, were those Denalis bonded?

What does Bonded mean mate? As.in the inside bonded to the cover? I think so. They are nothing like the dune I replaced and much more like the black wolf. Great value

[Plasnart]

Legend thanks Steve! At that price I can't refuse. Order placed.

Always a risk of speaking too soon, but delivery service from Snowy's seems to be excellent. Just tracking my order so far:

Ordered 6 July at 11.40am, connote file lodged at 3.12pm, scanned into Toll Ipec depot (Adelaide) at 6.27pm.
7 July - Scanned into Toll Ipec depot (Melbourne) at 8.23am.

Now just needs to get down to Geelong so I reckon I'll have it Monday. Happy with that if it all pans out.

[MudRunnerTD]

Always a risk of speaking too soon, but delivery service from Snowy's seems to be excellent. Just tracking my order so far:

Ordered 6 July at 11.40am, connote file lodged at 3.12pm, scanned into Toll Ipec depot (Adelaide) at 6.27pm.
7 July - Scanned into Toll Ipec depot (Melbourne) at 8.23am.

Now just needs to get down to Geelong so I reckon I'll have it Monday. Happy with that if it all pans out.

Clearly NOT Australia Post..........

[Plasnart]

Clearly NOT Australia Post..........

No they use Toll Ipec. Would be waiting until next year if it was Australia Post.

[Clunk]

What does Bonded mean mate? As.in the inside bonded to the cover? I think so. They are nothing like the dune I replaced and much more like the black wolf. Great value
Yeah mate, the foam is glued to the cover, will have to give them a looksy when we get home

[Plasnart]

My Exped arrived today! Got an SMS this morning saying it was loaded on the delivery vehicle and leaving Melbourne, then a phone call when it arrived at the depot I nominated to pick it up from. Included in the parcel was a personalised thank you note from Snowy's asking for feedback good or bad and a really comprehensive camping checklist document. Can't knock the price or service I received so Snowy's gets a big thumbs up from me.

Now to let it inflate for a couple of days and then try it out. Probably will do that before 2 days though.

[Sprock]

Clearly NOT Australia Post..........
Ya know what shits me ?! When we used to do a load of parcels/ envelopes etc for Aus Post - Melb to Syd we got 10hrs MAX - Melb - Bris we got 18hrs ( from memory) , yet now if I order something that gets delivered via Aus post it takes a week / weeks to go from Melb to Gippsland.

[Clunk]

Just taken a punt on 2 of these from Snowys - https://www.snowys.com.au/sim-camper-f100-self-inflating-mat will see how they are when they arrive next week.

As much as I would have liked to have got the Exped or Blackwolf, I really couldn't justify or afford to buy them at over $400 for 2

[Stropp]

i got 2 epeds from tentworld in midland, about $380 for both i think from memory.