Self-inflating mats?

Ysgrifennodd "Paul" <[email hidden]> mewn neges
newyddion:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

While I know Thermarest are supposed to be the bees' knees, they are
expensive. My research has come up with four alternatives - Alpcom's Airic
at 25ukp for standard type, Gelert at 24.99ukp for standard, Outwell
standard at 25ukp and Argos at 14.99. The Airic and Gelert look pretty
equal, as does the Outwell, while the Argos is narrower and no info on
thickness or weight. Has anyone got and/or used any of these?
TIA for any feedback.
Regards,
Paul.

--
Paul reply-to is valid

I have the wee-airic, which appears to be well built. It only weighs 100g or
so less than the equivelent 3/4 thermarest at a 1/4 of the price. In that
respect it's great. The standard airic is a tad heavier though (a kilo or
so).

Not yet used in anger though. Also have their sleeping bag and a head torch
and i'd definately recommend them generally.

Argos i'd tend to avoid, or be wary of at least, as they tend to change
their camping items from season to season; ProAction 1 anyone? I wouldn't be
surprised if they change the spec of their inflatable mats midseason. But
they have a 16 day return policy, so you can at least get it and check out
the general build quality.

Hopefully will have time to test the wee airic out this easter. I've heard
some good reports about it on other forums too.

T Dave R.

--

What hills have i been up recently?
www.walkeryri.org.uk

In message <[email hidden]>, Paul
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

While I know Thermarest are supposed to be the bees' knees, they are
expensive. My research has come up with four alternatives - Alpcom's
Airic at 25ukp for standard type, Gelert at 24.99ukp for standard,
Outwell standard at 25ukp and Argos at 14.99. The Airic and Gelert look
pretty equal, as does the Outwell, while the Argos is narrower and no
info on thickness or weight. Has anyone got and/or used any of these?
TIA for any feedback.
Regards,
Paul.

Got an Airic last year and used it extensively. Happy with it but a bit
on the heavy side for backpacking.
--
Dennis Foster

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

Ysgrifennodd "Paul" <[email hidden]> mewn neges
newyddion:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

While I know Thermarest are supposed to be the bees' knees, they are
expensive.

I have the wee-airic, which appears to be well built. It only weighs 100g or
so less than the equivelent 3/4 thermarest at a 1/4 of the price. In that
respect it's great. The standard airic is a tad heavier though (a kilo or
so).

A lot depends on the use to which such a mat is to be put. If you're
using some form of transport other than a car then at some stage you
will have to carry your mat and you won't want anything too heavy or
bulky. If bulk and weight aren't a problem (e.g. you're using a car or
putting up a guest at home) then you could do worse than Aldi or Lidl
who occasionally have self-inflating mattresses which are wonderful. I
use one of theirs for car camping, with my Highlander (like Thermarest
but a little bit heavier) mat on top. Despite my well-padded body I
seem to be a bony so and so when trying to sleep in a tent.

My Highlander mat is, as I said, a bit heavier than the equivalent
Thermarest; however it is very comfy and it was cheaper than its
competitor.

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