SIM recommendations

[Ganymedemoon]

So camping is the way forward with our family with plans for longer camping holidays. But I have to sort out the sleeping situation! I absolutely hate air beds as I feel too much movement. Probably not enough room in car for a camping bed so I'm looking for a SIM. We had a cheap one but I slept so badly on it. I have been recommended outwell dream catcher 10cm which is an option but would love to hear from others with more camping experience than myself and any other recommendations. Willing to pay a reasonable amount as I love my sleep!!

We used separate single air beds, so the only movement was our own.

We have the Decathlon SIM (ultimate comfort 7cm self inflating camping bed) which I have found to be as comfortable as sleeping on my bed at home. You can clip two together as well to make a double. Only downside is that they don't roll up small but if transport isn't an issue, I'd really recommend them. They make good mattresses for sleep overs at home too.

I've got an Exped Megamat Max LXW - 15cm and a bit wider/deeper than normal. It's so warm and comfortable.

I have given up on SIMs, we have had cheap ones and expensive ones which have all leaked after 18 months or so and we look after our kit. Currently using Oxford roll up mattresses, not inflatable and quite bulky but very comfortable and slightly more expensive than our most expensive SIMs

I am perfectly happy on a 7.5Cm SIM, it depends how firm you like your mat. With a few puffs of top up air I don’t feel the floor. If I wanted a soft squashy mat I would probably try for a 10Cm SIM.

They are quite bulky rolled up, though.

Can you get to a good camping display shop and try some out?

I do much prefer a SIM (even a 2.5Cm one) to a blow up bed. Much warmer (insulated from the ground) and they don’t give me backache like a blow up does.

Vango and Outwell and Decathlon are reputable, along with the premium Thermarest / Exped brands.

In 12 years I have only had one leak, and that was a Lidl one, after about 3 years.

The berghaus air 10 double SIM is great. It's often on sale. Although me and my DH have one each!