Inflatable mattress?

[Martinjmpr]

Looking for alternatives to sleeping in the vehicle or sleeping on the ground.

Has anyone tried one of those large, inflatable mattresses that they sell at outdoor stores? They often have a built in 12v air pump to pump them up. Some are quite tall.

Wondering if anyone has tried one and what their experiences are, i.e., ease of use, durability when camping (that is, ability to set up/take down daily without undue wear, etc.)

The vehicle sleeping thing just doesn't seem to work with 2 people in a vehicle the size of my 4runner. Even my extra-cab Taco was too small to be comfortable. I'm thinking a medium sized tent and a decent mattress might be a good alternative. Don't like sleeping on the ground but a nice mattress could make the difference. A cot is also a possibility but I've spent enough time sleeping in cots to know it's not a preferred way to sleep.

Thanks in advance for any input/ideas.

[huskyfargo]

I have a Kelty doubledown for sale. I only used it once, then I got a RTT.

[Salue]

I used to do the air mattress but it would get really cold. I've since switched to a roll a cot with a sleeping pad on top; best setup yet!

[jim65wagon]

We used an air mattress a few years ago. It worked quite well. Then we had to use it as a spare bed for overnight company and the cat took a liking to it. Our next camping trip surprised us with a rude awakening of waking up at 2:00 AM with the ribs of the truck bed pressing painfully into our backs. Had to air that sucker up twice to get through the night.....after that trip we ran out and bought cots and a ground tent. Slumberjack makes comfy cots. I like it better than the air mattress.

[mbuckner]

I use a Coleman 4-N-1 air mattress; lay a sleeping bag on top of the mattress then I use another
sleeping bag to cover up ....

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colem...d=10080&brand=

[98roamer]

We've used an airbed set for 16years and we've had many morning flat on the ground. Due to my wife's shoulder issues we remain with the airbed. It can get cold so we use a wool blanket as a mattress cover with full set of sheets and down comforter covers. But over time (3-5), air will need to be added, especially during fall camping when the nights get cold. I hate waking up with the half deflated hammock affect but it does force us to cuddle.

We have a portable 12v air pump just in case the built-in unit or batteries dies. The built-in unit doesn't fill it firm enough for us which requires a me to top it off manually ending in a buzz.

Storage, protect the airbed. Most of our failures were caused during storage or transport.


(Save the old ones for a PFD during house boat trips. )

[DylanT]

I like airbeds and there are some decent double ones around for about $60. But you can get screwed if they get a hole in em.

[off-roader]

You guys haven't heard of Thermarest?

I use two of the 3" thick full length models which are plenty cush and I've NEVER had them deflate on me once inflated. Being average weight (170lbs) I usually don't inflate it fully so it feels much softer.

I also built an in vehicle sleeping platform that sits above the wheel wells and then folds out towards the front when I fold the rear split seat forward and flat. With this setup I get nearly 7'x4' worth of sleeping area.

Also, being in the vehicle you're less apt to suffer from wind chill and if cold does becomes a problem you can always start the engine for a bit and run your heater. Usually I end up over heated at night with my 15* bag but based on your resting blood circulation & fat/natural insulation ratio your mileage may vary on the temp factor.

[Squatchout]

Air beds can be comfortable in mild weather. When it gets cool they get cold fast. Makes my old bones ache. I have a couple of backpacking weight Thermarests but the best thing I have ever found is this in the XL size on a cot. Still fine without the cot and it's warm. Self inflating and easy to put away.
http://www.rei.com/product/778152/re...-inflating-pad

3.5" pad on my cot.


Want more comfort than this? Probably better off to stay home. These pads really are that comfortable!

[mesha]

thermarest dream time is hard to beat. 3 inches of self inflating foam filled pad with a 1 inch memory foam pad on top of that and then all wrapped in a washable microfleece cover. The best nights sleep available outdoors in my opinion. http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-re...amtime/product

I have many other pads, but this is my favorite.