Jenny replied:

My husband and I have bought the self inflating Carribee 4 WD mats. They are bulky but you get a wonderful nights sleep and that is the most importantthing to us. They are 198cm long x 80 cm wide and are 10 cm thick when unrolled. If you have the space you should seriously consider them. Absolutely luxurious!!!

Joe replied:

As always, the answer starts with "It depends . . ". My wife is firmly of the opinion that the best camp beds are to be found in building with "Hilton" on the front, but in reality that is not what we are about !

As far as we are concerned the best nights sleep is to be found using a self inflating mattress on top of an air bed. This allows us to sleep together and the thin self inflator provides insulation from the cold air in the air bed.

However, the kids sleep on camp stretchers with similar self inflating mattresses on top of them.

Being a "big" bloke (I am 193cm and 97kg) I cant find a camp stretcher that comfortably accommodates me, even for those weekend fishing trips when I leave my wife behind. The stretchers do have the space advanrage and ease of erection on their side though, so if you are closer to the "average" in terms of size and weight I would say use a stretcher. But if you want to share accommodation (and you never know eh ? nudge, nudge ) then the air bed topped with a thin self inflater is the best.

Whatever you do, dont stint on it as sleepless or restless nights will ruin a holiday.

Have fun

Joe

Andrew replied:

I have the Termarest Campmate. They cost about $200 but well worth it. Compact, light and very comfortable. Be wary of cheaper brands.

Andrew

Robert replied:

David,
I use a self inflating mattress and believe it to be the most comfortable. Good luck!

Clint replied:

Dave,

I use a therma-rest camprest self inflating mattress. It costs around $230 but it is the next best thing to your bed at home!

Allan replied:

David, I purchased a double self inflating matress approx 2.5 years ago. I was a cheap one made in China for The great outdoors Co. It no longer self inflates in a reasonable time (maybe after 2 days it might). It will end up in the rubbish after the end of this season. Stick to a good quality brand and be prepared to pay the money.
Regards
Allan