Anyone got any recommendation? I've borrowed thermarests in the past and they are good. Are there any cheaper alternatives that are anywhere near as good?

Alpkit are apparently worth a look 🙂

Alpkit (I've got a Regular Airic) or Decathlon (my misses has one of the luxury models – bit heavy but uber comfy)

Depends if you using them lots or in heat thermarest cant be beat. my thermarest full length has been on the go for 5 years or so my alpkit wee arrics x 2 lasted 8 days. Before failing completely in milford sound . Reckon they were no good in heat in my panniers..glue de bonded. Refunded no bother. bought kathmandu 3/4s in queenstown. they have been far superior and lasted to cape reinga and oz too

The Vango jobbies are good and mucho cheapness.

Yeah I reckon if your life depended on the mat I'd go Thermarest, if you're doing the odd bike/beer/bivvy trip then Alpkit, I put a hole in one of my wee airics (barbed wire fence) and didn't have the patch kit with me, slept on it still and while I didn't have the best nights sleep I was still ok.

cheers all. It's for the summer holiday in fancy french campsites, so no need to be too fancy. I might even get a battery powered pump for the aerobed 😉

Ah, then I would definately recommend a Fat Airic, much much more comfortable than any airbed I've ever slept on.

Aye sam the thermarest design is comfier – more supportive. Than any air bed ive used as well as being easier to use. Concept is highly recomended and alpkit do tell me they have improved . Its once bitten twice shy for me. Other alpkit products are ace though namely gourdon 🙂 he makes a great kit carrier for bivying and doubles up as a pillow !

+1 for Vango.