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Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

Original poster

SIMs Vs air beds. REALLY??

37 replies

zinglebertbembledank · 31/07/2014 21:10

Please reassure me. I've invested in some pricey SIMs for us, and slightly cheaper for the DCs.

But they seem so thin.

Are they really going to be better than our old airbed?

Just a bit nervous about our first trip with them next week, and I'm tempted to chuck in the air bed as well if there's room.

OP posts:
ObfusKate · 31/07/2014 21:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ColouringInQueen · 31/07/2014 21:12

What ones have you got zingle? We invested in some thermarest ones and they are Fab. They're not very think - maybe 4cm? But I was really impressed with the quality of sleep and even on my side with curvy hips was comfy Smile

MissWimpyDimple · 31/07/2014 21:16

I'm a recent convert too. I'm about to upgrade to an outwell dreamcatcher 7cm. Which ones did you get?

Original poster
zinglebertbembledank · 31/07/2014 21:18

I can't remember exactly which ones they are - bought them ages ago and they're not down from the loft yet.

But I know I got 10cm ones for me and DP.

Good to know you rate them as good for enormo hips Queen!

OP posts:
profpoopsnagle · 31/07/2014 21:20

I have never found air beds very comfy (but then I do like a firm bed) and they can be much colder without blankets etc).

One of the best things about SIMS is that you open the valve, and then open a beer. No pumps, no dragging them to the car for that noisy blowy thing, no let downs in the night....

Having used them for 12 years plus I would never go back.

Original poster
zinglebertbembledank · 31/07/2014 21:23

okay okay, you're talking me round Grin

OP posts:
ObfusKate · 31/07/2014 21:25

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Sherborne · 31/07/2014 21:35

DW raves and raves about our SIM (and I like it as well). It is very thin, but it is like a firm mattress topper, doesn't have the awful lumps and bumps.

We use it for everything now, visiting relatives (even if they offer an air bed), camping, kids sleepovers. It really is so much better than the old air bed.

ColouringInQueen · 31/07/2014 22:12

yes kate soooo much better - none of that at all Smile

Lifestooshorttosleep · 31/07/2014 22:13

I found them surprisingly better than I thought and so much less faffing around than airbeds

ObfusKate · 31/07/2014 22:30

This reply has been deleted

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RelocatorRelocator · 31/07/2014 22:47

I much prefer a SIM to an airbed. I hate airbeds.

Original poster
zinglebertbembledank · 31/07/2014 22:56

must remember to open the valves...

And then, when we pack up, do we, er close them?? or just roll em up?

OP posts:
hillbilly · 31/07/2014 23:02

You can also blow some extra air into a SIM to make it thicker. They should be stored unrolled too. Mine aren't Grin

anotherdayanothersquabble · 31/07/2014 23:09

Which brands do you all have? I am still unconvinced and DS2 gets asthma from the material on the airbeds so we might have to try something else.

MyNameIsInigoMontoya · 31/07/2014 23:11

We got some but I didn't like them at all, sorry... not sure if they are just poor-quality ones (though they weren't cheap!) or what but it just felt hard to me and like I could feel all the bumps in the ground. We now have an airbed which although it's not the best I've tried, is still better (for me at least) than the SIM.

DH would say his SIM was fine... but then frankly he could probably sleep on a rock at the bottom of a waterfall so that's not saying much Grin

evelynj · 31/07/2014 23:16

I got this in xl size & think it's pretty rubbish

www.mountainwarehouse.com/walking/sleeping-bags/air-beds-sleeping-mats/4-length-self-inflating-mat-p2857.aspx?cl=COBALT

DoristheCamel · 31/07/2014 23:17

I also tried and didnt like. Found them narrow and could feel lumps and bumps under them. Ecen in my friends spare room on her £100plus one she swaers is fab - I was not that impressed. Am back to my double height airbed

I put cardboard or roll mats underneath my airbed and an old duvet on top (under a fitted sheet) and its fine. Not cold at all and so comfy.

Original poster
zinglebertbembledank · 31/07/2014 23:34

I could see how narrowness would be a problem.

I guess I'm searching the internet for answers that it can't provide: will we be ok on SIMs? Answer: to be revealed Grin

OP posts:
MissWimpyDimple · 31/07/2014 23:38

On 10cm sims. Yes absolutely you will be fine. On 3cm, well that's not so great.

It's horses for courses really Grin

hz · 01/08/2014 00:13

There is a knack to getting them back in their bags. Undo valve and roll as tightly as possible. Close valve, unroll and roll again, which should squeeze left over air to the end. Open valve, while holding mattress firmly rolled up, then put some weight on it to get rid of the rest of the air then do valve up again. Bingo. Should now fit in stuff sack but if not repeat one more time!

MinimalistMommi · 02/08/2014 14:15

A megamat is both a SIM and an air bed, it's is 10cm of pure comfort, I love mine!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=3g7YuFtAvME

ElPolloDiabolo · 02/08/2014 17:21

Are they any good for the bonking?

A 7.5 Vango, specifically?

GobblersKnob · 02/08/2014 17:23

My sims are only 3cm and they are still 100x more comfy than my airbeds (which are the naice Coleman Comfort no roll together ones).

TheWholeOfTheSpoon · 02/08/2014 17:28

People have sex whilst camping?!!! Shock