What do you sleep on

[Tom van Brits]

Made up my mind, will be getting an ATG stretcher
Where do I get this self inflatable mattress which I want to put on it then?
I don't even know what it is and how something can inflate itself - I am not blonde, I am grey

All outdoor shops sells the self-inflating mattresses. Due South, Cape Union Mart, Hiker's Paradise, and Outdoor Adventures. There's quite a range available too. I found that if I went too thick on the mattress it tended to make me roll around if I was not lying exactly in the center. But those are the cheaper ones. The more classy one, like the klymit Static V (or something like that) is actually shaped to prevent this, but is more costly. I bought a plain comfort version that works perfectly.

Now just to find a proper inflatable pillow. The ones I found so far makes my head roll off  And makes a crackling noise like a papsak 

Great stuff, thanks for the advice .........and I will try to steer clear of the 'papsak pillow'!

[ClimbingTurtle]

OK - I checked both my ATG's last night - the blue one (100kg) has a thinner fabric than the black one (140kg) - they both have the same number of poles and legs...

I also use a First Ascent iself-inflating mattress - but I will upgrade to the Klymit Static V shortly - it's about a quarter of the size, and not a huge price difference!

OomD - Pap-sak pillow - the secret is to only inflate it about 2/3 - that way you create the indentation that stops the rolling...... Cunning..... 

[OomD]

Anything inflatable means that you are going to wake up in the early hours, flat on the ground. It is a matter of time.

That is exactly why I place my self-inflatable on top of my stretcher, never on the ground. I've had my fair share of punctures before 

[OomD]

...
OomD - Pap-sak pillow - the secret is to only inflate it about 2/3 - that way you create the indentation that stops the rolling...... Cunning..... 

Yep. Too hard and my head rolls off. Too soft and it crackles as my head turns. Maybe it's just because I have an el' cheapo one. 

[hornet3]

Anything inflatable means that you are going to wake up in the early hours, flat on the ground. It is a matter of time.

That is exactly why I place my self-inflatable on top of my stretcher, never on the ground. I've had my fair share of punctures before 

That's why I use the blue foam mat - to avoid punctures and having to pack a stretcher with poles etc - then I can pack a 3 man tent and have more space. I use the Oz tent - very nice.

[Dorsland]

The one and only, Klymit Static V.
Folded, it's the size of a can of Coke 

Where to buy? Price?

[ClimbingTurtle]

Saw them at Cape Union Mart last week - about R950 IIRC? Not cheap, but then the FA version is about R700 anyway....

[Sláinte Mhaith]

Both Beachtosand and I have been camping for a while (pre biking days) and enjoy our comfort, especially when it comes to sleeping. Stretchers, electric blankets (for winter etc.), marque tent .....

Have dug out our Campmaster 3man tent but the burning question that we need answered is:

as bikers what do you take along to sleep on and in. I guess sleeping bags, blow up pillows - but what else

Your options for mattresses.

Self inflating mattress:
Very easy and quick to use. Just open the valve and throw it in your tent with a few more breaths before going to sleep. No additional pumps required. Foam give heat insulation for colder camping. Pack size is still biggish. Thin and not very comfortable especially if you sleep on your side.

Standard inflatable mattress:
The blue or cream ones that are about 150mm thick when inflated. Takes a while to inflate and you also need to carry a pump. Sleeps very comfortable. You need additional protection for cold camping (ground radiation from below). You have the option of using one double bed mattress for two people (will probably take less space incl pump than 2 self inflating ones)

ATG Stretcher:
Compact and no issues with punctures. Off the ground in case your tent gets wet inside or whatever. Not quick to assemble but not a long process either. Also needs more insulation in cold climates. Presume some don't find them that comfortable and combine it with a self inflating mattress (also for cold weather camping)

Klymit V:
Still want to try it but know it is basically a thin inflatable mattress. Thus you probably don't need a pump as it is small enough to inflate by mouth. Guess not as comfortable as a standard inflatable but it looks thicker than a self inflating one. As mentioned very small to pack.



As for pillows:

Plain blue inflatable from Outdoor Warehouse worked fine for me. Just don't over inflate.

Have used my half filled hydration backpack with clothing over it as an effective pillow.

Standard memory foam pillow cut in half works great for me. Compress and roll to fairly small size similar to a self inflating mattress.

[Dewd]

...
OomD - Pap-sak pillow - the secret is to only inflate it about 2/3 - that way you create the indentation that stops the rolling...... Cunning..... 

Yep. Too hard and my head rolls off. Too soft and it crackles as my head turns. Maybe it's just because I have an el' cheapo one. 

Al old hiker once told me that for a pillow, all you take with you is a pillow case and stuff any spare clothes / fleece jacket in.  Also doubles up as a dirty washing bag.  Worked well for me when I did the Otter Trail.

[OomD]

...
OomD - Pap-sak pillow - the secret is to only inflate it about 2/3 - that way you create the indentation that stops the rolling...... Cunning..... 

Yep. Too hard and my head rolls off. Too soft and it crackles as my head turns. Maybe it's just because I have an el' cheapo one. 

Al old hiker once told me that for a pillow, all you take with you is a pillow case and stuff any spare clothes / fleece jacket in.  Also doubles up as a dirty washing bag.  Worked well for me when I did the Otter Trail.

Brilliant idea!

[Tom van Brits]

...
OomD - Pap-sak pillow - the secret is to only inflate it about 2/3 - that way you create the indentation that stops the rolling...... Cunning..... 

Yep. Too hard and my head rolls off. Too soft and it crackles as my head turns. Maybe it's just because I have an el' cheapo one. 

Al old hiker once told me that for a pillow, all you take with you is a pillow case and stuff any spare clothes / fleece jacket in.  Also doubles up as a dirty washing bag.  Worked well for me when I did the Otter Trail.

Brilliant idea!

It is a brilliant idea to work as a pillow (stuffed with a fleece or so) but definitely not with dirty clothes-especially after a looong sweaty day!

[Morph]

...
OomD - Pap-sak pillow - the secret is to only inflate it about 2/3 - that way you create the indentation that stops the rolling...... Cunning..... 

Yep. Too hard and my head rolls off. Too soft and it crackles as my head turns. Maybe it's just because I have an el' cheapo one. 

Al old hiker once told me that for a pillow, all you take with you is a pillow case and stuff any spare clothes / fleece jacket in.  Also doubles up as a dirty washing bag.  Worked well for me when I did the Otter Trail.

Brilliant idea!

It is a brilliant idea to work as a pillow (stuffed with a fleece or so) but definitely not with dirty clothes-especially after a looong sweaty day!

Why not....then you just pass out quicker and sleep faster?!

[Vis Arend]

Klymit V:
Still want to try it but know it is basically a thin inflatable mattress. Thus you probably don't need a pump as it is small enough to inflate by mouth. Guess not as comfortable as a standard inflatable but it looks thicker than a self inflating one. As mentioned very small to pack.

About ten huffs and puffs and you good to go, no need for a pump.  Don't let the size fool you, tThese little thin inflatable mattresses are magic.   They are very comfi.     Bought my two at Cape Union at R900 a piece.  Had them for almost two years and no problems so far.     

[Tom van Brits]

Klymit V:
Still want to try it but know it is basically a thin inflatable mattress. Thus you probably don't need a pump as it is small enough to inflate by mouth. Guess not as comfortable as a standard inflatable but it looks thicker than a self inflating one. As mentioned very small to pack.

About ten huffs and puffs and you good to go, no need for a pump.  Don't let the size fool you, tThese little thin inflatable mattresses are magic.   They are very comfi.     Bought my two at Cape Union at R900 a piece.  Had them for almost two years and no problems so far.     

I still want to see if that is comfy for our 'fatties' and 'heavies', but the ATG stretcher with self-inflatable sounds like a winner

[alanB]

Can also vouch for the Klymit Static V 

Packs small, nice and light weight to carry, and its very comfortable - always sleep well on it.

Something to remember about that stretcher.  In cold weather you get very cold from air circulating beneath you.  On a recent ride one of the guys had one of those stretchers and he complained of freezing in the night and not being able to sleep.  Can be solved if you now carry extra blankets, other mattresses etc, but then you start needing a trailer just for your sleeping stuff?

I've camped in winter (like the ride I mentioned above) with my Static V without getting cold, and that's with a super thin Packlite sleeping bag. 

Plus if you really want to, you can buy the thermal version - a bit more bulky and pricey, but basically the same thing.

As someone else said above, the Static V folds up into a package the size of small cycling water bottle!

Worth the money IMO 

As far as a pillow goes, I've used one of those First Ascent inflatable pillows for years, also folds up nice and small is light to carry and I find it very comfortable because you can inflate to just the right size to suite your neck.  Only issue I have is if you are having a restless night, then it does tend to scoot about a bit as you roll over the bottom tends to be a tad slippery.

[esterhd]

Iam using the stretcher and inflatable, which is very comfortabe, for my lean and mean 120kgs. For me the First Ascent self inflating pillow is the winning choice.

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[Tom van Brits]

Iam using the stretcher and inflatable, which is very comfortabe, for my lean and mean 120kgs. For me the First Ascent self inflating pillow is the winning choice.

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Yes OomD already gave me this advice, all our petite people should be comfy with this combo!

[Sláinte Mhaith]

Klymit V:
Still want to try it but know it is basically a thin inflatable mattress. Thus you probably don't need a pump as it is small enough to inflate by mouth. Guess not as comfortable as a standard inflatable but it looks thicker than a self inflating one. As mentioned very small to pack.

About ten huffs and puffs and you good to go, no need for a pump.  Don't let the size fool you, tThese little thin inflatable mattresses are magic.   They are very comfi.     Bought my two at Cape Union at R900 a piece.  Had them for almost two years and no problems so far.     

Seen two at Cape Union Mart in Menlyn yesterday, but they are now R1400 in the shop.
Just thick enough so that your hip bones don't touch the ground when you lie on your side.

[ClimbingTurtle]

Klymit V:
Still want to try it but know it is basically a thin inflatable mattress. Thus you probably don't need a pump as it is small enough to inflate by mouth. Guess not as comfortable as a standard inflatable but it looks thicker than a self inflating one. As mentioned very small to pack.

About ten huffs and puffs and you good to go, no need for a pump.  Don't let the size fool you, tThese little thin inflatable mattresses are magic.   They are very comfi.     Bought my two at Cape Union at R900 a piece.  Had them for almost two years and no problems so far.     

Seen two at Cape Union Mart in Menlyn yesterday, but they are now R1400 in the shop.
Just thick enough so that your hip bones don't touch the ground when you lie on your side.

You odo get various versions - some are 30mm thick, some up to 50mm - depending on your level of Anorexia..... 

[4xFord]

Sorry to revive this old thread, I want something to sleep on for a distant camping trip. I like the ATG stretcher but it's expensive at this time.
I want to use a similar setup to what has been mentioned before, ATG with self inflating mattress.
Are their any cheaper alternatives? Any advise on where to buy?

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