Thermarest - sleeping pad for camping

[ConstitutionHill]

Hi, has anyone got any advice for me please. I want a sleeping pad for camping and this brand is supposed to be the best but they are expensive and so many different types.

I don't need for example, the most ultra-light but I do want it to pack down small AND be comfy to sleep on in moderate camping situations- so not arctic conditions but occasionally close to zero centigrade.

Thanks in advance.

For basic things when camping, a lot of the time if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.

Thermarest is one of the best because so many people have tried it and found it to be the best.

I understand you not wanting to pay a lot of money so try looking on Facebook Marketplace or eBay etc.

How often will you use it? How drunk do you intend to go to bed? I’ve slept on a Thermarest before and they’re genuinely really good, so would recommend if you camp a lot and are going to get your value out of it.

We have Decathlon’s self-inflating sleeping pad, and I really rate it as a fairly budget option, especially as we always have proper pillows and cover it with a plushy cover for coziness. I like my creature comforts but I am also mostly a festival camper, and usually exhausted by sleep time.

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/self-inflating-camping-mattress-ultim-comfort-double-136-cm-2-person/_/R-p-329980

@TheSandgroper I'm willing to pay the money for a good product that will last. There's just so many different types of Thermarest sleep pads! I can't decide which one.

I doubt if I will be that drunk when using it. It would get festival use but I'm hoping to do some bike packing in the near future. So I would always be pretty tired.

Thermarest used to be the only brand in self inflating mats, and the term is still used to describe anything of that type. Eg. A decathlon thermarest.

(bit like hoover and vacuums, you’ll hear people say a Shark hoover).

Firstly, work out what matters size wise. Both packed, and in use. I like a wriggle. Lightweight mats are narrow. It makes them smaller and lighter for packing. I like leisure width not expedition width.
Packed sizes vary hugely, and that’s where your cost comes in. If you’re ok with average size your price for the same comfort comes down.
Thicker the mat the more comfortable.
Self inflating and similar have foam in them, keeps you warmer that just air ones. There’s a type of air ones with lots of small chambers that do a good job at being warmer than old school airbeds but more comfortable than foam mats. Thermarest Neo air being an example of the type.

r factors tell you how warm they are and are good for comparing.

Decathlon tend to have good kit and easy to read specifications.

Get some size brackets sorted to narrow down your choices. Don’t fixate on thermarest. Alp kit, Vango, decathlon all do decent stuff for leisure rather than mountain climbing.

@ScaryM0nster- that is sooo helpful. Thanks. 🙏

We have a double decathlon inflatable one and it is super comfy though think it is a version that needs a pump. No good for bike packing though. We recently got the kids some thing like this: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/trekking-folding-foam-mattress-mt500-insulating-195-x-55-cm-1-person/_/R-p-306340
Different brand but same style and it was actually really comfy. My DP said he wished he had one rather than the thermarest

I’ve just bought a Big Agnes Divide mat. I’m a side sleeper and all the many (so so many) reviews said it was good for that.

I’ve got the older version of the neoair. I’m a side sleeper, I find it really comfortable and it doesn’t crinkle like my partners sea to summit one. I try and use it with a bit of roof membrane underneath or a cellular mat. But I’ve had it years (and touch wood) no punctures yet!. However, it’s bloody freezing in any temp below 6/7 degrees and I wish I’d spent a bit extra and got the winter version.

I also bought a cheap winter one from Amazon for when I’m camping with the dog. It’s not as thick/comfortable or light/ packable, but for a quarter of the price it’s pretty good. Robust and much warmer!

Thanks so much for all of this input.

Alpkit do good alternative outdoor gear to the big brands. I have a "Dirtbag" sleeping mat, and no complaints.