Roll mat or camp bed?

dmrevis

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Planning for an up coming wild camping trip to Loch Fyne area in April the SW Wales in June. I bought a decent sounding sleeping baf rated to 3c (extreme -12c). I was going to also get a roll mat or sleeping mat (the foam ones) buti just spotted a camp bed in local Halfords for only 9.99. Seems a better deal as you are off the ground and on a bed. Its similar in price to a basic roll mat and it was compact and not that heavy when in its case. Opinions from more experienced campers welcome.
 
dmrevis said:
Planning for an up coming wild camping trip to Loch Fyne area in April the SW Wales in June. I bought a decent sounding sleeping baf rated to 3c (extreme -12c). I was going to also get a roll mat or sleeping mat (the foam ones) buti just spotted a camp bed in local Halfords for only 9.99. Seems a better deal as you are off the ground and on a bed. Its similar in price to a basic roll mat and it was compact and not that heavy when in its case. Opinions from more experienced campers welcome.
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Therm-a-rest if you can afford one. Had ours for years cost a lot but if you are tight on space-idea.

We have ours for when we go biking and camping.

The problem with campbed as you describe is the cold come up from underneath, so you'll still need something under your sleeping bag.


She writes this as she is counting down the minutes until the weekend starts, as she is off down to the New Forest (we taking the bikes) in her fully heated motorhome with a fixed super cumfy double bed in it.
 
Thanks for the advice. We only go camping once or maybe twice a year so dont want to spend too much. Wasnt aware that even with a camp bed youd need something under sleeping bag, thats just more equiptment to carry. I thought it would be one or the other.
 
Thermarest Trail Lite are the best. They self-inflate and weigh only 1220g Ideal for any kind of treaking or camping. They are pricey but if you buy the best you only buy once.
 
You've been given good advice - Therma-Rest are the best.

Another option you might want to consider if you're not back-packing is an airbed plus foam mat. These can be quite comfy but I'd recommend an insulating mat too - just as I would with a camp bed.
 
Therma rest. Or a memory foam matress if you have payload.
 
Thanks for all the advice. Therm-a-rest are too expensive. I understand the logic of paying more but I just dont camp enough to justify the extra expense. I'm still debating between the camp bed or just a mat. Would i def need a mat ontop of the camp bed? If so i'll just leave the bed and get a mat. I've found an Army Surplus store which sells military ones and from my few years in the TA i know these are pretty good.
edited to add: according to information from locals its about a 1/2 mile walk to the camp site i want to stay at in wales so cant be too loaded down as i'll also have all my fishing gear to carry.
 
camp bed

Camp bed every time. I've got two, Canvas one { Can't remember where I got it} is best for warmer weather as it allows better air circulation, polyester {Argos catalog} for cooler Scottish climate. I don't feel the need for bed roll under me but if your "cauld riffted" it may be cosier. Glencoe 3 weeks ago -5 overnight.:p
 
So you reckon id be ok just on the canvas bed without the mat. Using scotland this april and then south wales in june.
 
I'd probably go for the polyester one as it's a bit lighter for carrying, it's also has four legs and gives more support. I don't think it ever gets so hot in Britain to worry about over heating. :)
 
Air beds are great until they burst. I used to use a big double one and one night camping in the Orkney Islands in October (it was freezing as well) it flipping burst in the middle of the night so not only was I wide awake, freezing and cold but I couldnt get back to sleep cos of the hard floor.

Would like to think I would go camping again some day but its errr doubtful.

BD
 
I love it there in Orkney, been twice. Had a fantastic night in Kirkwall at some pub where a band called The Tribe played for about 3 hours. Brilliant!

We took a trip on a little plane that took people to the outlying Islands. People were getting on and asking to be dropped off at places. It was like a bus. I think it only cost about £30.

Its just a pity it takes so long to get there.
 
yes my last trip cost about £300 even though i camped wild. You have to drive as you need all the gear and that adds up with fuel and ferry tickets etc. Where do you usually stay?
 
The two times we went, the first time we went from Gills bay right at the top of Scotland and the second time was on the way back from Shetland both times in a VW camper and a tent. We stopped on the campsite at Kirkwall and Stromness and also did loads of wild camping pretty much all over.
 
insulation

try putting an emergancy blanket (foil sheet) under you saw some yesterday 99p store 2 for 99p cheap solution but wont last forever
 
are you backpackin' or campin' by car?
the first get a kip roll from army/navy stores if the latter get a camp bed dont matter what type/weight coz ya can leave in car.you say your ex-ta did you not sleep on the ground on a kip roll? was you comfort enough ?if not then obv. you ought look at mattress/camp bed:)but if your backpackin ' you need keep weight down
 
I think we did sleep out once on a mat but i was on soft grass so cant quite remember. I'd say from all the replies i'll go for a roll mat. Thanks to all who gave their input.
 
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