Cheap £12+ memory foam/inflatable mat review.

[dwardo]

Hi All,

Quick review of the Mat that has been doing the rounds lately. The Trail deluxe. http://www.tesco.com/direct/deluxe-5cm-single-self-inflating-camping-mat/500-8098.prd?skuId=500-8098

I was out this weekend for our Christmas woods dinner. Roast and all the trimmings so decided to ground dwell for the first time in years and test this Mat.

I have had lots of Mats over the years and tend to kill them in very little time. Thermarest, Multi-mat as well as some of the cheaper Mountain equipment type clones. To be honest its usually my fault they end up ruined. So wanting to head back to the floor in the colder months and just for something different I needed a new Mat. I had in mind an Exped down job but I just cant justify the money this side of Christmas. Then I came across these Mats and for £12 ish it was worth a punt. Wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised.

Location for the night.

So first of "pack size", yep it takes up a whole pack Well half of my little 45 anyway. I could have strapped it to the outside but I had my arrows and some tools lashed on so there was little room.

Out the pack you can see its pretty long. Scandi forest Axe for comparison.

Inflated its nice and thick. So much so that even sat up in the middle of the mat I could not feel any contact with the floor. Yes the thin spruce layer helps but its mostly to keep the damp away and there is nothing like waking to the smell of spruce.

Inside a standard issue gortex bag.

First night sleep wasn't great to be honest but only due to my bad back. The mat performed brilliant keeping me warm and comfortable.

Second night was far better especially after sorting out a few dips in the floor under me. Great nights sleep and its a long night at this time of year.


So in conclusion its well made, very comfortable, very warm and VERY cheap. Almost disposable cheap.
Downside, its LARGE and relatively heavy but it was always going to be.

 

[Philster]

It's £15 now - obviously your review has boosted sales Looks a good size, how wide is it?

 

[Laurence Milton]

They've been mentioned on one thread or another recently before......as you say, disposable cheap, but they work............

 

[dwardo]

It's £15 now - obviously your review has boosted sales Looks a good size, how wide is it?

Price seems to fluctuate constantly. Have a Google about. Tesco was the first place I found but didn't buy mine from there but cannot find the same site I used. Let's say 12-15 squid.

Kit is all still packed but will sort it all tomorrow and get a weight, width and length.

 

[dwardo]

They've been mentioned on one thread or another recently before......as you say, disposable cheap, but they work............

Did you field test yours yet? Yeah for the money can't complain. Especially as I don't ground dwell that often and will likely put an ember hole in it at one point or my other favourite is a whittling knife...

 

[sum1quiet]

Probably this site, seen this before: http://www.thisisitstores.co.uk/self-inflating-roll-mat-black-green-all.html

 

[Laurence Milton]

Price seems to fluctuate constantly. Have a Google about. Tesco was the first place I found but didn't buy mine from there but cannot find the same site I used. Let's say 12-15 squid.

Kit is all still packed but will sort it all tomorrow and get a weight, width and length.

THIS IS IT Stores...........are a little cheaper. Yup wot sum1quiet says...............

 

[Trotsky]

Nice review, I think this might be just the job for the missus. I notice Amazon have them in and one with a built in pillow also by Trail.

 

[dwardo]

The one with the pillow looks cool. Although i imagine its an even bigger pack size. I would hope the pillow can be adjusted independently of the main bed.

Let us know what its like if you purchase.

Occurred to me that this lot might have helped me sleep. Turkey was in the oven

 

[Trotsky]

The one with the pillow looks cool. Although i imagine its an even bigger pack size. I would hope the pillow can be adjusted independently of the main bed.

Let us know what its like if you purchase.

Occurred to me that this lot might have helped me sleep. Turkey was in the oven

It looks like there's another valve on the pillow section so it's possible. I'm ordering one for the missus for xmas, she's a nesh one so anything that keeps her from the cold ground is good! I'll be sure to share thoughts on it post xmas.

 

[Laurence Milton]

I have used one of these for a while. Are available as single or doubles. With or without pillows attached, separate inflation. 2 thickness' and the thinner works well. So the thicker should be even better?

I am 100 kg, and lying on my hip, it won't touch the hard ground with the thinner pad.

ThisisIt stores online......prices from around £8

 

[The Cumbrian]

53cm wide according to the blurb.

 

[Trotsky]

Well xmas is over, I gave my other half the sleep mat with attached pillow and she's pleased as punch. When inflated you can sit on it and not feel the ground through it, it rolls up quite small and seems reasonably robust. The pillow indeed inflates separately, myself I don't care for the in built pillow as it just doesn't feel right under your head but, at least you know it's not going to move like a separate pillow.
I'd say it was definitely worth the £17 + postage I paid and I would definitely get myself one if I didn't already have a Finnish sleep mat.

 

[Wihglah]

Just ordered one.

(although I got it on Amazon)

 

[Laurence Milton]

Did you field test yours yet? Yeah for the money can't complain. Especially as I don't ground dwell that often and will likely put an ember hole in it at one point or my other favourite is a whittling knife...

Six months later, sorry........but yes. Mine is the thinnest one (2.5 cm, 5cm, 10cm available. I'm 100kg, and it was absolutely fine. When it goes I will try a 5cm one?)

 

[Laurence Milton]

have now also acquired a Trail 10 cm SIM.....not really compact enough for back packing, but oh so comfortable and will self inflate enough NOT to require oral topping up! About £25.............