Finally the message I’ve been looking for 🙌🏽 “No reason to spend a bunch of money if you’re only going out for a night or two”. I feel like so many camping channels insist I spend $200 on a sleeping pad, $400 on a tent and $500+ on the sleeping bag. Paul, you are my kind of camper ⛺️🙏🏼 so glad I found your channel
Now I'm surprised Paul that you haven't mentioned the airbed type that my dad bought for me when I was 8 years old, 59 years ago. Choice of colours (very important) green or blue. It took 3 hours to inflate by mouth (if you include the blackouts through lack of oxygen), was around 5 inches high when inflated, and had an integral pillow inflated separately. I tend not to use it now as each of the separate pockets have fused, and the odour coming from the inflation hole smells of Parmesan cheese and rats urine. An off-putting stink I know, but when inflating it whilst wearing a gas mask, you don't notice it that bad. 😄 Great review as always Paul. Thanks for doing what you do.
I made the mistake of taking one of those old 5" tall airbeds on a camping trip one autumn. I hadn't counted on the fact that with no baffling and it being so tall, there is room for convection currents inside the airbed. I woke up in the middle of the night freezing cold. Thankfully I had a scrappy bit of an old closed cell mat. Once that went underneath, I was both warm and comfy. It must have weighed several kilos, and needed it's own rucksac!!
So comprehensive. I never would have thought to think about the noise a mat could make but you're right those louder ones would drive me insane. That air filling sack is really clever, never seen them before. You really did fill up 17 mins on this topic lol. Well done and thank you for sharing.
I’ve used closed cell when I was younger. Moved into self inflating matts mid 1990s. Had an unfortunate leak with an old thermorest while in Iraq 2003. Found it deflated every morning. Bought last year a trekology UL80 to test the idea of air mats on the cheap. Liked it. Took delivery of a sparkling new Nemo tensor insulated in medium wide only today. But I’m not sure I’ll be using that any time soon. Unless it’s in the garden with the kids which is where I’m typing this from. We’re having our own adventures in our garden for the variety. Keep safe everyone.
When you're a beginner you have to know what's most important. Having a good sleep at night is very important. So buy a good sleeping mat and sleeping bag. It's even more important than the tent!
After years of lower costing mats used for campsites and car camping I've just purchased the exped ul 7 for some trekking adventures. Delighted so far, thanks for the videos.
I’m more of a bushcraft man myself but after my dofe sliver award and these video it has really opened my eyes about different styles of camping I have also subscribed to see what happens next. Your tips and advice where very intuitive so thanks Paul 🙃
I have a thermarest neoair which I got on sale whilst on holiday in florida a few years ago for $30/£20! I love bargains me! Haha another one I use is the foil mat you mentioned. I actually buy those foil car windscreen covers! Just the right size & usually pay £2-£3
I’ve got the sea to summit ultralight insulated and I can’t imagine changing it for anything else. I did a lot of research before getting it. Everyone seems to go for the thermorest but it just doesn’t look that comfortable to me. Mine is up and running in less than a minute using the stuff sack inflator that comes with it, it’s cheaper than thermorest neoair (and wider) and I don’t touch or feel the ground at all. Really comfortable to just sit on as well. Love it.
Great vid again Paul. What I like is that while you buy top quality gear you don’t try and convince everybody it’s the best option for them too. Like you said, if your not out often don’t spend the money on an Xlite etc. I’m currently using an Xlite and a Alpkit Skyhigh 700 all year round and I’m really happy with it. I will be adding a closed cell mat to my set up next winter just incase.
That’s sometimes my combo too. The skyehigh is still in my collection. Great bag. I don’t want to see anyone out of pocket unnecessarily. The things we really need to go camping are different to stuff in my kit list. Thanks for watching
Excellent video again Paul, great advice for those that want to learn more about the kit we own or may want to buy. Great series so far, and a welcome diversion from the doom and gloom surrounding us. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge Paul 👌
That foil blanket is allways part of my pack and just saved my ass from freezing this weekend. There's nothing more versatile at that weight than this cheap foil blanket.
Great video again Paul. Well done. Been looking for decent mat for years and looks like will stick to the Therm-a-rest venture for now. Really comfortable and well made. I am sure you already got one but kept it quite:) can't waiting for your next video. Good luck.
Hi Paul, Another great video. Thank you. I started out with a Karrimor Z Pad. Durable but too uncomfortable, as I'm a side sleeper. I then bought a Vango Ultralite Fill self-inflating pad. Better, but had to over-inflate it a bit to get anywhere near comfortable. Fast-forward a few years and I'm using a Sea to Summit Ether Light XT. Amazing difference. Really love the litte pillow lock velcro tabs too, which stops my Aeros pillow slipping off the sleeping pad, especially when my head is inside the sleeping bag hood.
Hi Paul when I was in the army we used to cut down the sleeping mat as we found as long as you keep your core warm the legs would be fine . Top channel by the way 👍
I went on my first wild camp in years last night.. went to my local woodland.. it rained, and rained and rained some more but i loved it. I used a trekology ul80 for the first time and must say it was very comfortable.
Glad you're still banging out vids for this brilliant series. Keep at it bud...its keeping me sane. I was using a Vango mat but it was freezing. Bought an xtherm instead and it's great. I'm interested in your take on sleeping bags especially value for money, budget and how they affect which pack size you take.
Another great video Paul, thank you I've recently bought the sea to summit ultralight insulated mat, first impressions are good, very comfortable, great inflation system and slightly wider then the thermarest.
Great video, Paul. I think value for money needs to include quality of sleep, as many people I know are interested in camping but get worn down by uncomfortable nights' sleep and ultimately put off by it. I think people who don't camp very often would need the comfort of Exped/Therm-a-rest more than those that are more experienced, though I take your point that saying you need to spend £150 on a good mattress to a beginner will not go down well. Though knowing my own journey through closed-cell foam mattresses, thicker closed-cell foam mattresses, self-inflating mattress, thicker self-inflating mattress and finally an Exped mattress, all in the pursuit of actual comfort and quality of sleep, means that I wish I would have saved the money and just gone straight to Exped. Cheers
Great video! I own both the NeoAir Xlite and the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated pad. I find the sea-to-summit significantly more comfortable. However, it weighs twice as much as the Xlite. So, on trips where I really need to keep the weight down I take the Xlite with me, in all other cases I take the sea-to-summit.
Hello Paul. Great seeing you. I had two Thermorests bubble up when sleeping on them. I had an Exped down filled go mouldy in stuff sack bubbled out at head end🤪 absolute madness. Then I got a very cheap yellow thing. Then I got a free Thermorest, then I got an Exped normal onez which are inflated up against the wall here at home.I loved the Exped Down Fill. Really makes the difference in warmth. From Craig Lee. Good to see you Paul.
Always good to see your vids Paul keep them coming got a lot of RUclips time now. In regards to pads I’ve got the sea to summit comfort plus and love it dearly only draw back I’ve found is it’s pack size but well worth that for a great nights sleep beats my klymit static v hands down on comfort
Cheers Jerry. i think the next few vids will have to come from the garden :). You're one of many that recommends the S2S pads. I must try and get hold of one. Thanks for watching
Great video again Paul. I've got a cheap £25 air matress which is fine for summer, but recently invested in the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated and it's an absolute dream for a side sleeper. Comes with an integrated pump sack bag too. I'm 6' 2" and the regular size is fine.
Great Video! I got myself a Trial Self-Inflating mat from Amazon a few years ago after my girlfriend and I had a terrible couple of nights using a air mattress. It's probably a bit too bulky for hiking but it's perfect for a camping.
I used the Hi-gear self inflatable mats but last time I could feel the ground with my hip as I am a side sleeper. We did a garden camp over Easter and I thought I'd do some experimenting. I doubled up with a cheap roll mat and it made a big difference. My next test is to try a foil windscreen sun visor for insulation under the mat. Great video
Just recently bought two multimat trekker thermals for under our self inflating pads. Using inside the cloud peak 2 and needed to cut them slightly to fit in side by side. Now we have a fully insulated floor inside the tent.
Morning Paul - thanks for maintaining some normality in this surreal world we are living in. I've got a Thermarest Neoair Xtherm. It was a bit noisy and slippery to start with but I have invested in a lightweight protective cover from Enlightened Equipment which has reduced the problem. Great product - warm and lightweight. ATB - Paul
Hello Paul. I have the Thermarest Neo air max and use it most of the time. Now I'm after the updated version with the new valve. It looks very good. Thanks Steve.
Thermarest Prolite Plus Small has been my default for many years. Very happy with it. Seems tougher than neoair or exped but still comfy enough- for me anyway.
The prolite is a very good pad mate. The self inflating pads are a bit more sturdy than the air only pads. A little less comfortable though IMO. Thanks for watching
Paul i love your camping tips on everything to do with wild camping, I just starting out wild camping and was not sure what to buy and after watching many of your video's i purchased a roban starlight 2 and some decent tent pegs, I was looking at the mats and sleeping bags recently and i purchased a small meths burner that you purchased when you first started camping, Thank you for the great content and advise on your youtube channel.
I like Thermarest for their durability/ quality,Nemo for the ingenuity/ comfort,and Klymit for side sleeping.I also like closed cell foam pads under my inflatables for extra strength and insulation.Thanks for the videos.
Great video Paul. I've got 2 Expeds, a Synmat 7M, great pad and the internal pump is a great idea. A little bulky though for a rucksack. I move a lot in my sleep too so I picked up the HL 7 and splashed for the LW version to give me some more room to roll over. Really love both pads and would recommend 👍
Another great video Paul - always packed with useful advice and tips. I use the NeoAir Xlite as i find it really comfy and warm - but it does make quite a bit of noise, as you say. At this time of year i use it conjunction with my Alpkit Skyehigh 900 and the combo is toasty warm.
Thanks for a great video😉 I have Exped downmat tt 9 on my wintertrip. The safest inflatable in my opinion. It has six separate tubes, for punk you can replace the broken tube.
I've used a Thermarest Trail Comfort (Large) for nearly a decade now. I only camp 3-4 times a year, and I don't backpack but I'm still conscious of the space my "mattress" takes up when packing. It's served me well, always stored out of the bag as you say. Looking at these new air mats though I do think when it finally gives up I'll be looking at one of those.
I’ve just bought a Vango trek 3. Very comfortable and feels strong and well made for the price (I paid only £35). A major upgrade in comfort from my old closed cell foam pad but pretty heavy. Kept me very warm on a recent trip
I'm looking at sleeping setups (first time wild camping) Do you think I would need an insulation. Or camping mat layer as well as a self inflating mat?
Definitely an upgrade...but IMO Vango, although great, is no Brad Pitt. Vango is more like, Vin Diesel... Heh What we deserve is a George Cloony! The therma-rest george cloony!!
Yeah, I got a Vango as an upgrade from the closed cell a few years ago and never looked back. Would highly recommend. I am in the market for something new, well ideally lighter and smaller for a longer trip I have planned and I think I will stick with the self inflating just because if it does puncture it is still usable over an air mattress.
In my first year of camping, I had used a closed-cell foam Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite Sleeping Pad and a small drybag as a pillow. I had a bit of trouble sleeping at times. In my second year, I added on top of the closed-cell foam pad a Stoik'D Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad and an actual camp pillow Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium. I had slept like a baby in its mother's arms.
Something I've don't think I've seen covered is how much air to put in an air mattress. Seems like (based on my limited experience) you want to pump them up pretty hard to maximize the air gap between you and the ground rather than inflating them softly for comfort. I think I've been under inflating mine because I was worried about popping it and getting cold as a result. I dunno if that's an idea for a video or something you've experimented with in past. But also, your videos have been super inspirational, so thanks for all the effort you put in!
I opted for the thermarest xlite , mainly due to it being so small for space saving , so far I think it's been money well spent and had plenty comfy night's rest. Cheers for the vid Paul.
Hi Paul, I use a Sea to Summit comfort light insulated. It weighs a hefty 680gm, but it’s the long version and it’s really comfortable. Being a side sleeper I’ve never had a bad night on this pad. The stuff sack also can inflate the pad, which is really handy.
Thank you, sir, so very much for this excellent review giving so much important help to choose a perfect sleeping mat! Wishing you wonderful hiking adventures in future! All the best wishes and greetings from Sweden!
I got a vaude soave self inflating mat but that takes a few good breathes to get going, am looking for something just a little thicker so I can double it up so think I will try one of the air mattress, have seen one with built in foot pump which looks rather handy. Love my snugpack softie elite 4 sleeping bag. I am extremely cold sleeper but always nice and warm in that bag, I always use a cotton liner as its easier to wash the liner rather than the bag. Bought a fleece liner but haven't needed to use it yet.... Happy camping everyone.
Hi Paul. Great vid and advice as ever! I use a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite size regular, like yours with the older ‘classic’ valve. The same Therm-a-Rest pump sack, and a Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol underneath for extra insulation on colder nights, protection from punctures, and as a back-up in case the NeoAir fails. It’s never let me down though 😊 The Z Lite Sol also makes a great seat! Atb, David
Good video, I've been using a duo Exped UL for 2 years. It was expensive but has provided warm comfortable sleep so worth the cash. In the summer I can sleep with a cheap bag or liner. I'd buy again.
I have a Campingaz Quickbed Compact Single bought in Lidl. 15cm thick inflated and very comfortable but very heavy ~1.5 kg. But excellent value for money as I'm a beginner in this field.
Great video Paul... The change of camera angles is extra work but a very nice touch that keeps the video even more interesting! Cheers buddy 👍👍 Edit: I just picked up the Nemo Tensor Alpine myself and like it a lot.
Basic foam works great in summer, especially If you can pick your own camping spot (soft ground). This is the reason I like tarp+bivy, picking the ideal site. I have put in an order for self inflating mats, because I just do not sleep well on air mats. Been using the synmat 7 for years but never really became friends with it. I have a theory that self inflating will be better because I sleep really well on basic foam, tho some more comfort would be appreciated when camping with a bigger tent and the ideal soft bit of ground can’t be had. The one coming is a pro trail, same thickness and weight more or less the same as the synmat 7.
I spent some time deciding what pad to buy, and in the end I went for the Sea to Summit ComfortLight insulated. At 620 grams plus 57 grams for the pump sack, it is not the lightest, but it is certainly not the heaviest. However, it strikes a good balance of comfort, warmth, and durability. And a sale made it cheaper than the Sea to Summit UltraLight insulated, which I had intended to purchase.
I'm using the Sea to Summit Etherlite XT (insulated one). It is the first decent mat I've ever used. I broke out into a cold sweat paying for it but it is extremely comfortable. Just to be on the safe side I use a cheap closed cell foam mat beneath in winter. Prior to this I used an Alpkit Cloudbase. Really it wasn't very good. I was very cold using it one night in May in 2018 and lost faith in it quickly. Great film Paul. Best wishes, Chris
Hi Chris. That's why I got rid of my cloudbase. It was comfortable but as you say it wasn't very warm. I'm getting more and more tempted by the sea to summit pads. Thanks for watching
currently using the Australian Brand "Sea to Summit" Comfort Light Insulated. it is expensive but buy it at the end of season on sale, ready for next year. Have been using it for Bike packing. a real bonus is that the cover bag is used to inflate the mat. very light and is warm.
Finally the message I’ve been looking for 🙌🏽 “No reason to spend a bunch of money if you’re only going out for a night or two”. I feel like so many camping channels insist I spend $200 on a sleeping pad, $400 on a tent and $500+ on the sleeping bag.
Paul, you are my kind of camper ⛺️🙏🏼 so glad I found your channel
I'm not a camping beginner but I'm just happy to see you and your laid back personality on my screen 😊👍
Thanks mate. Hope you liked the video.
So ur like a pro now right
Now I'm surprised Paul that you haven't mentioned the airbed type that my dad bought for me when I was 8 years old, 59 years ago. Choice of colours (very important) green or blue. It took 3 hours to inflate by mouth (if you include the blackouts through lack of oxygen), was around 5 inches high when inflated, and had an integral pillow inflated separately. I tend not to use it now as each of the separate pockets have fused, and the odour coming from the inflation hole smells of Parmesan cheese and rats urine. An off-putting stink I know, but when inflating it whilst wearing a gas mask, you don't notice it that bad. 😄
Great review as always Paul. Thanks for doing what you do.
I made the mistake of taking one of those old 5" tall airbeds on a camping trip one autumn. I hadn't counted on the fact that with no baffling and it being so tall, there is room for convection currents inside the airbed. I woke up in the middle of the night freezing cold. Thankfully I had a scrappy bit of an old closed cell mat. Once that went underneath, I was both warm and comfy. It must have weighed several kilos, and needed it's own rucksac!!
So comprehensive. I never would have thought to think about the noise a mat could make but you're right those louder ones would drive me insane. That air filling sack is really clever, never seen them before. You really did fill up 17 mins on this topic lol. Well done and thank you for sharing.
I’ve used closed cell when I was younger.
Moved into self inflating matts mid 1990s. Had an unfortunate leak with an old thermorest while in Iraq 2003. Found it deflated every morning.
Bought last year a trekology UL80 to test the idea of air mats on the cheap.
Liked it.
Took delivery of a sparkling new Nemo tensor insulated in medium wide only today.
But I’m not sure I’ll be using that any time soon.
Unless it’s in the garden with the kids which is where I’m typing this from.
We’re having our own adventures in our garden for the variety.
Keep safe everyone.
Let me know how you get on with the nemo. I think the garden is our playground for a little while to come so go test it out. Thanks for watching
Love these posts, good honest reviews that suit all budgets. keep them coming👍
Thanks we need more videos like this. As I’m interested in camping. And need to get the right stuff. 🏴👍⛺️
Glad you liked it. Hope you find the series useful
When you're a beginner you have to know what's most important. Having a good sleep at night is very important. So buy a good sleeping mat and sleeping bag. It's even more important than the tent!
excellent reviews and demos...love how you give precise yet easy to understand pros and cons of each style of pads...Bravo !!!
After years of lower costing mats used for campsites and car camping I've just purchased the exped ul 7 for some trekking adventures. Delighted so far, thanks for the videos.
Any chance you will revive this series? Sleeping bag vid would be great! And maybe a cooking equipment guide?
It's good to remember that wild camping is not all about the expensive gear, nice little video for the new budget conscious 👍
Great advice as always Paul. Lets just hope we get to use them sooner rather than later!
Stay safe people!
Lets hope the lockdown isnt extended. Thanks for watching
I’m more of a bushcraft man myself but after my dofe sliver award and these video it has really opened my eyes about different styles of camping I have also subscribed to see what happens next. Your tips and advice where very intuitive so thanks Paul 🙃
Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching and look after yourself my friend.
I have a thermarest neoair which I got on sale whilst on holiday in florida a few years ago for $30/£20!
I love bargains me! Haha another one I use is the foil mat you mentioned. I actually buy those foil car windscreen covers! Just the right size & usually pay £2-£3
I’ve got the sea to summit ultralight insulated and I can’t imagine changing it for anything else. I did a lot of research before getting it. Everyone seems to go for the thermorest but it just doesn’t look that comfortable to me. Mine is up and running in less than a minute using the stuff sack inflator that comes with it, it’s cheaper than thermorest neoair (and wider) and I don’t touch or feel the ground at all. Really comfortable to just sit on as well. Love it.
Lots of shouts for the sea to summit. They do look very comfortable. Thanks for watching
Great to see another vid in this series, keep it up!
Great vid again Paul. What I like is that while you buy top quality gear you don’t try and convince everybody it’s the best option for them too. Like you said, if your not out often don’t spend the money on an Xlite etc.
I’m currently using an Xlite and a Alpkit Skyhigh 700 all year round and I’m really happy with it. I will be adding a closed cell mat to my set up next winter just incase.
That’s sometimes my combo too. The skyehigh is still in my collection. Great bag. I don’t want to see anyone out of pocket unnecessarily. The things we really need to go camping are different to stuff in my kit list. Thanks for watching
Excellent video again Paul, great advice for those that want to learn more about the kit we own or may want to buy. Great series so far, and a welcome diversion from the doom and gloom surrounding us. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge Paul 👌
Thanks buddy. Unfortunately it looks like the garden is my playground for the time being. Take care mate.
@@PaulMessner you too Paul.
That foil blanket is allways part of my pack and just saved my ass from freezing this weekend. There's nothing more versatile at that weight than this cheap foil blanket.
You are absolutely right about the the noisy pats, I have nothing bad to say about the blowup z pat’s they are excellent 👍 greetings from the Yukon 🤗
Boom tingz! Good to have you back with some fresh content to ease the corona boredom.
Boomtingz indeed bro. Sick of being locked away. Glad you liked the vid. Thanks for watching. Laterz
Great video again Paul. Well done. Been looking for decent mat for years and looks like will stick to the Therm-a-rest venture for now. Really comfortable and well made. I am sure you already got one but kept it quite:) can't waiting for your next video. Good luck.
Hi Paul,
Another great video. Thank you.
I started out with a Karrimor Z Pad. Durable but too uncomfortable, as I'm a side sleeper. I then bought a Vango Ultralite Fill self-inflating pad. Better, but had to over-inflate it a bit to get anywhere near comfortable. Fast-forward a few years and I'm using a Sea to Summit Ether Light XT. Amazing difference. Really love the litte pillow lock velcro tabs too, which stops my Aeros pillow slipping off the sleeping pad, especially when my head is inside the sleeping bag hood.
Cracking video as always Paul. Really helpful for a beginner like myself. Keep up the good work.
Hi Paul when I was in the army we used to cut down the sleeping mat as we found as long as you keep your core warm the legs would be fine . Top channel by the way 👍
Excellent review. I’m a complete beginner so I found this information invaluable.
I went on my first wild camp in years last night.. went to my local woodland.. it rained, and rained and rained some more but i loved it. I used a trekology ul80 for the first time and must say it was very comfortable.
Exactly the video I was looking for, thank you 👍
Sea to summit comfort light insulated is what I have. I highly recommend it.
That's the one I have my eye on. Thanks for watching
Nice Video. Paul Messner is unpretentious, helpful, and pleasant to listen to.
very in detail, thank you Paul. Great video!!
Glad you're still banging out vids for this brilliant series. Keep at it bud...its keeping me sane. I was using a Vango mat but it was freezing. Bought an xtherm instead and it's great. I'm interested in your take on sleeping bags especially value for money, budget and how they affect which pack size you take.
Looks like they will all be coming from the garden now though. Thanks for watching
Another great video Paul, thank you
I've recently bought the sea to summit ultralight insulated mat, first impressions are good, very comfortable, great inflation system and slightly wider then the thermarest.
It's the extra width and comfort that appeals to me. Thanks for watching and for the info
Great video, Paul. I think value for money needs to include quality of sleep, as many people I know are interested in camping but get worn down by uncomfortable nights' sleep and ultimately put off by it. I think people who don't camp very often would need the comfort of Exped/Therm-a-rest more than those that are more experienced, though I take your point that saying you need to spend £150 on a good mattress to a beginner will not go down well. Though knowing my own journey through closed-cell foam mattresses, thicker closed-cell foam mattresses, self-inflating mattress, thicker self-inflating mattress and finally an Exped mattress, all in the pursuit of actual comfort and quality of sleep, means that I wish I would have saved the money and just gone straight to Exped. Cheers
Great video! I own both the NeoAir Xlite and the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated pad. I find the sea-to-summit significantly more comfortable. However, it weighs twice as much as the Xlite. So, on trips where I really need to keep the weight down I take the Xlite with me, in all other cases I take the sea-to-summit.
I’ve used a Thermarest Neoair xlight for some time now. Treated me great! First and only pad and havent had any run-ins since!
Great insulation and comfortable. Tougher than they look too. Thanks for watching
Hello Paul. Great seeing you.
I had two Thermorests bubble up when sleeping on them. I had an Exped down filled go mouldy in stuff sack bubbled out at head end🤪 absolute madness. Then I got a very cheap yellow thing. Then I got a free Thermorest, then I got an Exped normal onez which are inflated up against the wall here at home.I loved the Exped Down Fill. Really makes the difference in warmth.
From Craig Lee. Good to see you Paul.
The down pads are super warm Craig. Thanks for watching
Another great video Paul, keep up the good work!
Glad you liked it Dan. Thanks for watching
I love these videos. Thank you.
Always good to see your vids Paul keep them coming got a lot of RUclips time now. In regards to pads I’ve got the sea to summit comfort plus and love it dearly only draw back I’ve found is it’s pack size but well worth that for a great nights sleep beats my klymit static v hands down on comfort
Cheers Jerry. i think the next few vids will have to come from the garden :). You're one of many that recommends the S2S pads. I must try and get hold of one. Thanks for watching
Great video again Paul. I've got a cheap £25 air matress which is fine for summer, but recently invested in the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated and it's an absolute dream for a side sleeper. Comes with an integrated pump sack bag too. I'm 6' 2" and the regular size is fine.
I still want to check out the sea to summit pads. Thanks for watching
Thanks for making it clear for us. I have a good idea what to get now.
Great Video!
I got myself a Trial Self-Inflating mat from Amazon a few years ago after my girlfriend and I had a terrible couple of nights using a air mattress. It's probably a bit too bulky for hiking but it's perfect for a camping.
Because of your video, I now use my z-lite pad atop my 'go-kot', and I works quite well!
I used the Hi-gear self inflatable mats but last time I could feel the ground with my hip as I am a side sleeper. We did a garden camp over Easter and I thought I'd do some experimenting. I doubled up with a cheap roll mat and it made a big difference.
My next test is to try a foil windscreen sun visor for insulation under the mat.
Great video
I am using the Klymit insulated luxe. On the lower price range and 4.4 R-value. Great pad and great video. Really informative thanks
Just recently bought two multimat trekker thermals for under our self inflating pads. Using inside the cloud peak 2 and needed to cut them slightly to fit in side by side. Now we have a fully insulated floor inside the tent.
Morning Paul - thanks for maintaining some normality in this surreal world we are living in. I've got a Thermarest Neoair Xtherm. It was a bit noisy and slippery to start with but I have invested in a lightweight protective cover from Enlightened Equipment which has reduced the problem. Great product - warm and lightweight. ATB - Paul
Great series of videos, thank you Paul.
Hello Paul. I have the Thermarest Neo air max and use it most of the time. Now I'm after the updated version with the new valve. It looks very good. Thanks Steve.
Cheers Steve. I've not seen the new valve yet. I must check the newer stuff out. Thanks for watching
Very informative and objective review, thank you!
Thermarest Prolite Plus Small has been my default for many years. Very happy with it. Seems tougher than neoair or exped but still comfy enough- for me anyway.
The prolite is a very good pad mate. The self inflating pads are a bit more sturdy than the air only pads. A little less comfortable though IMO. Thanks for watching
Paul i love your camping tips on everything to do with wild camping, I just starting out wild camping and was not sure what to buy and after watching many of your video's i purchased a roban starlight 2 and some decent tent pegs, I was looking at the mats and sleeping bags recently and i purchased a small meths burner that you purchased when you first started camping, Thank you for the great content and advise on your youtube channel.
I like Thermarest for their durability/ quality,Nemo for the ingenuity/ comfort,and Klymit for side sleeping.I also like closed cell foam pads under my inflatables for extra strength and insulation.Thanks for the videos.
Cheers Troy. Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a comment. It's much appreciated. Stay safe my friend
Great video Paul. I've got 2 Expeds, a Synmat 7M, great pad and the internal pump is a great idea. A little bulky though for a rucksack. I move a lot in my sleep too so I picked up the HL 7 and splashed for the LW version to give me some more room to roll over. Really love both pads and would recommend 👍
I had the synmat 7 LW with the pump. Great pad but a bit bulky. Thanks for watching Sam
The one with the ridges on the side is a good idea. I bought an inflatable that is comfy and warm but I rolled off it all night. Cheers , Paul
Another great video Paul - always packed with useful advice and tips. I use the NeoAir Xlite as i find it really comfy and warm - but it does make quite a bit of noise, as you say. At this time of year i use it conjunction with my Alpkit Skyehigh 900 and the combo is toasty warm.
It's a perfect combo. I still use my Skyehigh occasionally. Great bag. Thanks for watching
Thanks for a great video😉 I have Exped downmat tt 9 on my wintertrip. The safest inflatable in my opinion. It has six separate tubes, for punk you can replace the broken tube.
Love your videos. Very informative 👏
Great video Paul. Thanks for the info.
I've used a Thermarest Trail Comfort (Large) for nearly a decade now. I only camp 3-4 times a year, and I don't backpack but I'm still conscious of the space my "mattress" takes up when packing. It's served me well, always stored out of the bag as you say. Looking at these new air mats though I do think when it finally gives up I'll be looking at one of those.
I’ve just bought a Vango trek 3. Very comfortable and feels strong and well made for the price (I paid only £35). A major upgrade in comfort from my old closed cell foam pad but pretty heavy. Kept me very warm on a recent trip
I'm looking at sleeping setups (first time wild camping) Do you think I would need an insulation. Or camping mat layer as well as a self inflating mat?
Definitely an upgrade...but IMO Vango, although great, is no Brad Pitt. Vango is more like, Vin Diesel... Heh
What we deserve is a George Cloony! The therma-rest george cloony!!
Yeah, I got a Vango as an upgrade from the closed cell a few years ago and never looked back. Would highly recommend. I am in the market for something new, well ideally lighter and smaller for a longer trip I have planned and I think I will stick with the self inflating just because if it does puncture it is still usable over an air mattress.
In my first year of camping, I had used a closed-cell foam Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite Sleeping Pad and a small drybag as a pillow. I had a bit of trouble sleeping at times. In my second year, I added on top of the closed-cell foam pad a Stoik'D Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad and an actual camp pillow Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium. I had slept like a baby in its mother's arms.
Very helpful. Thank you.
Very helpful! Great review.
Something I've don't think I've seen covered is how much air to put in an air mattress. Seems like (based on my limited experience) you want to pump them up pretty hard to maximize the air gap between you and the ground rather than inflating them softly for comfort. I think I've been under inflating mine because I was worried about popping it and getting cold as a result. I dunno if that's an idea for a video or something you've experimented with in past. But also, your videos have been super inspirational, so thanks for all the effort you put in!
I opted for the thermarest xlite , mainly due to it being so small for space saving , so far I think it's been money well spent and had plenty comfy night's rest. Cheers for the vid Paul.
Cheers Iain. I really like my pad. Very comfortable. Thanks for watching
Hi Paul fantastic video. I am just getting kit together. To get out wild camping. I hope to get out most days.great info thanks for sharing...
Hi Paul, I use a Sea to Summit comfort light insulated. It weighs a hefty 680gm, but it’s the long version and it’s really comfortable. Being a side sleeper I’ve never had a bad night on this pad. The stuff sack also can inflate the pad, which is really handy.
Thanks Jon. That's another vote i've received for the S2S. I need to look into these pads myself. Thanks for watching
Look at the birds how excited they are..lol
Very good, concise video👍🏼
Thank you, sir, so very much for this excellent review giving so much important help to choose a perfect sleeping mat! Wishing you wonderful hiking adventures in future! All the best wishes and greetings from Sweden!
Excellent sleep pad primer! Wish I'd come across this when I was just starting out.
I got a vaude soave self inflating mat but that takes a few good breathes to get going, am looking for something just a little thicker so I can double it up so think I will try one of the air mattress, have seen one with built in foot pump which looks rather handy. Love my snugpack softie elite 4 sleeping bag. I am extremely cold sleeper but always nice and warm in that bag, I always use a cotton liner as its easier to wash the liner rather than the bag. Bought a fleece liner but haven't needed to use it yet....
Happy camping everyone.
I'm thinking about a liner too
Hi Paul. Great vid and advice as ever! I use a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite size regular, like yours with the older ‘classic’ valve. The same Therm-a-Rest pump sack, and a Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol underneath for extra insulation on colder nights, protection from punctures, and as a back-up in case the NeoAir fails. It’s never let me down though 😊 The Z Lite Sol also makes a great seat! Atb, David
Very good in-depth video Paul ,good stuff ,I have the thermarest wv it's great
Thanks mate. Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
well done for 100 thousand subs you deserve it :)
Good video, I've been using a duo Exped UL for 2 years. It was expensive but has provided warm comfortable sleep so worth the cash. In the summer I can sleep with a cheap bag or liner. I'd buy again.
It definitely makes all the difference having a quality sleeping pad. Thanks for watching
Just got the gloves Paul recommend in one of his other vids, Prisms. Well impressed.
Really helpful & no messing about great video 👌
I got one that looks very similar to your Exped. Was £15 from Lidl. Cheap but fine for me. Fab video, very comprehensive. Cheers.
Yeah I use the Klymit static v recon insulated pad. With the quilted sheet in winter and the regular sheet in the summer. It’s been a great product 👍🏻
Heard good things about the Klymit. Thanks for watching
Thanks Paul! Missed some info about foil blanket. Bought similar intended for keeping frost from car windscreen. Haven't used it yet.
The foil mat is mentioned briefly. It does add a bit of extra insulation for very little weight. Thanks for watching
Well done and thank you very informative.
Thanks for watching and stay safe.
I have a Campingaz Quickbed Compact Single bought in Lidl. 15cm thick inflated and very comfortable but very heavy ~1.5 kg. But excellent value for money as I'm a beginner in this field.
Thanks alot, really useful explanation
I love my mondo king xxl for car camping and the see the summit comfort light is my light weight choice
Great video Paul... The change of camera angles is extra work but a very nice touch that keeps the video even more interesting! Cheers buddy 👍👍
Edit: I just picked up the Nemo Tensor Alpine myself and like it a lot.
Thanks Alex. Not everyone is liking the camera switches but I'm still learning when it comes to the editing lark. Thanks for watching
Basic foam works great in summer, especially If you can pick your own camping spot (soft ground). This is the reason I like tarp+bivy, picking the ideal site. I have put in an order for self inflating mats, because I just do not sleep well on air mats. Been using the synmat 7 for years but never really became friends with it. I have a theory that self inflating will be better because I sleep really well on basic foam, tho some more comfort would be appreciated when camping with a bigger tent and the ideal soft bit of ground can’t be had. The one coming is a pro trail, same thickness and weight more or less the same as the synmat 7.
This was a very helpful video
I spent some time deciding what pad to buy, and in the end I went for the Sea to Summit ComfortLight insulated. At 620 grams plus 57 grams for the pump sack, it is not the lightest, but it is certainly not the heaviest. However, it strikes a good balance of comfort, warmth, and durability. And a sale made it cheaper than the Sea to Summit UltraLight insulated, which I had intended to purchase.
Sounds a good bit of kit. Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a comment. It's much appreciated. Stay safe my friend
I'm using the Sea to Summit Etherlite XT (insulated one). It is the first decent mat I've ever used. I broke out into a cold sweat paying for it but it is extremely comfortable. Just to be on the safe side I use a cheap closed cell foam mat beneath in winter. Prior to this I used an Alpkit Cloudbase. Really it wasn't very good. I was very cold using it one night in May in 2018 and lost faith in it quickly. Great film Paul. Best wishes, Chris
Hi Chris. That's why I got rid of my cloudbase. It was comfortable but as you say it wasn't very warm. I'm getting more and more tempted by the sea to summit pads. Thanks for watching
Great video.
I use either an exped synmat 7 or two exped airmat 5.
I'm on the heavier side so two airmats gives me the best support for my back.
I had the synmat 7 LW. Super comfy. Thanks for watching
currently using the Australian Brand "Sea to Summit" Comfort Light Insulated. it is expensive but buy it at the end of season on sale, ready for next year. Have been using it for Bike packing. a real bonus is that the cover bag is used to inflate the mat. very light and is warm.
I've been using a vango trek compact for around 5 years great roll Matt
Vango make some decent gear. Thanks for watching
Great video for a newbe like me Paul. Thank you
I am using Alpkit cloud base mat very light and comfortable got in sale good price
Thanks for a good video Paul
The cloud base is very comfortable. They weren’t the warmest but great with another thin layer underneath
Brilliantly done mate,
Thanks Dan. Like you it's videos from the garden for the time being. Keep em coming mate but most of all look after yourselves.
Being a side sleepers I just purchased a Robens primacore 90. It's comfy only time will tell if I made a good choice. Great work on the Video 👍
I've not seen that one John. I'm guess it's 9cm thick? Should be really comfy. Thanks for watching