Camping bed options - pros and cons

woppi

Are the options really just the these?
1. Ground sheet / mat
2. Inflatable mattress
3. Folding bed

What factors should one consider when buying for different situations (hiking, festivals, family camping, etc)?

tphase

woppi wrote: »

Are the options really just the these?
1. Ground sheet / mat
2. Inflatable mattress
3. Folding bed

What factors should one consider when buying for different situations (hiking, festivals, family camping, etc)?

4. Hammock :cool:

Bannasidhe

woppi wrote: »

Are the options really just the these?
1. Ground sheet / mat
2. Inflatable mattress
3. Folding bed

What factors should one consider when buying for different situations (hiking, festivals, family camping, etc)?

I have been wild camping/family camping since 1993 but have never been hiking/festival camping so can't really comment on those situations.

Did the ground sheet/mat option once - never again.

Seeping damp feeling from ground, back broken and tendency to slide off if pitch not completely level. I woke up too many times in the corner of the tent in what can only be described as a pretzel trapped in a sleeping bag position.

Now I do fold up camp beds for the kids and double inflatable mattress (with ground sheets underneath) for adults.

hick

for seasoned campers there are 2 options only in reality

The main things you need to consider are
comfort
warmth (insulation)
and portability (weight)

The 2 options I consider therefore are a (proper) mattress or a hammock
like anything there are bad and good options...cost is usually a factor here

for the mattress I can recommend the neoair. it's very light and compact, depending on what you get 230g - 540g and about the size of nalgene bottle rolled up. It has an insulating layer inside it so you won't get cold. the trick for a comfortable nights sleep is to get up off the ground, ensuring no cold or damp spots. I've camped out in -6 on wet ground and had a thoroughly comfortable nights sleep.

The second is the hammock, again up off the ground and you can get a very comfy nights sleep, of course it assumes that you have something to hang it between. Options are the DD hammock for a very reasonable price and a Hennessy for serious camping. You will still need some class of a mattress though thinner or more simple one than if you are on the ground.

In both instances you should have a ground sheet, just to keep a barrier between you and the damp, people can get carried away with them, mine is a simple green 6x3 green sheet I got from halfords for €6, some guys use a survival bag and others go nuts and pay €100 for a specialist sheet.

all the above is great, but where people regularly fall down is in the sleeping bag. You can get away with a tescos or argos sleeping bag in 2 conditions, 1 is when you get one of those rare nights it doesn't drop below 10 deg and the other is at a festival when you have drank half a slab of bulmers.

You need a good bag, for Ireland it should be rated at least a 3 season and have a comfort rating of at least -3 but preferably -10. I have an alpkit feather down bag which back small (small volley ball) and is very very comfortable, given it's down though you have to keep it dry, another option is a synthetic bag such as the cats meow from the north face, but as with most synthetics they are a bit heavier and don't pack as small.

the trick is not to go on the cheap, good gear will last years and keep you comfortable. my stuff is above takes me out 8-10 times a year all year round from forests to mountain sides and I'm on my 3rd trip to northern europe in 2 weeks time.

Hope this helps
hick

melekalikimaka

i work festivals so camp maybe 10 weeks over summer.
i used double duvets, folded over, on or two, usuallt 10e at festivals, so soft/warm and doubr up as extra blanket if gets chilly

BarryD

Are you carrying your gear or driving to your campsite? Big big difference. If you're driving, you can consider various inflatable mattresses, quilts, pillows whatever. If you're carrying your gear on your back, sin scéal eile.. Needs must and I've slept comfortably on a standard insulated foam mat many times with a half decent sleeping bag, one with a hood is usually more comfy. Make up a pillow from your fleece and some clothes. There are better mats - the Thermarest types and their copies/ clones - these are self inflating. Beware cheap Aldi/Lidl clones of this type, as some models can be far too bulky and heavy to carry in practice.

Pat Mustard

This Exped Synmat is the best mat I've used.

Orion

I use this and love it. Mrs Orion who loves her creature comforts was bought one recently too - she prefers it to the airbed she used to use. It's very comfortable and excellent insulation.