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Looking for recomendations for some new mats, want something reasonable thick to soak up the bumps not too fussed about the weight and compactness
I have a Vango thermarest which I've had for over ten years and its still very good. I think Alpkit do a similar product. Much better than foam cell for comfort and worth the cash IMHO
The 10cm thick vango comfort mats are excellent. Huge pack size but extremely comfortable.
Ive a Vango double - 6cm thick, but it's designed to fold over a double....as comfy as bed at home. But it is 2kg +, not for bike packing...
Alpkit Dozer. Just got two and seem good and comfy. Decent price. Car camping only.
Had quite a few Alpkit ones, most have been replacements for faulty ones. Won't be buying anymore. Going to buy a spare and will be looking at what Decathlon have, I think they have the Vango ones.
My Vango is good. 7.5cm. It replaced an Outwell that failed at the valve after very little use.
Alpkit Dozers here.
Skandia double here - pretty good, insulation is good but 14 nights was a bit too long for my back. It also is car only, pretty big and heavy.
Going to try a Quecha airbed this year - they have a few that look tough enough to be worth trying again as in general I found airbeds more comfy - when they worked properly.
We have two Exped Megamats. Ridiculously expensive but ridiculously comfortable, to the point that family who come to stay at our house would rather sleep on the mats than in the spare bed. Definitely for car camping only though!
Vango 7.5cm was the longest-serving one I've had and it was super comfortable. Used for a regular workaway bed as well as camping. Actually preferred it to our regular bed mattress. Also tried couple of XL Grand Canyons (from large online retailer), used side by side (fitted sheet covered both) , equally comfortable but they only lasted a few years before needing repair (delaminated around the valve, stilll looking for a repair option)
I like it firm and springy.
As with most things if you want lighter and/or more compact then expect to pay more but if the car's taking the strain then for summer only then any of the cheaper non-insulated ones will do. If it's going to be nippy then something like the Expeds with internal insulation will be better in the long run.
Alipkit Dozer. Though mine ripped quite badly so on the second on. Think it was more kids sleepover nonsense so probably not Alpkits fault.
Got a thick Vango double mattress job and that's pretty comfy. Can't remember if it's 7.5 or 10cm thick. Does take up loads of space so car camping only. Also got some thinner Decathlon one's that I like because you can get an extra long one. They're pretty good and don't take up too much space.