Self inflating mats reliable?

[bigjackbrass]

The only punctures I've had in my old Thermarest have been when I've loaned it to friends to sleep indoors! By current standards it's a bit heavy (bought well before they switched to the lattice style of foam) but excellent quality. More recently, with an eye to a spot of extra comfort, I bought one of the 40th Anniversary Thermarests, deep, plush and an eye-watering shade of yellow.

Along the way I tried a lightweight mat from Decathlon, which I think was called an A100. Rather thin and definitely a few rungs below Thermarest on the quality ladder, nonetheless it was excellent value (about £17, I believe) and did a fine job under my tarp as I crossed Scotland on the TGO Challenge.

With most of the mats you can effect a quick repair using Tenacious Tape, less of a faff than the full kits.

 

[tim_n]

I've had a thermorest and Vango. Both leak. Desperately needed a mat for a weekend, bought a really heavy one from aldi. It too leaks, but at 14st (was 16!) never had any problems on it even so. I find the pure air beds a bit cold. I'm thinking of going back to foam but last time I tried a night it felt a bit thin!

 

[Midnitehound]

I have several inflating mats but my 'go to' that I use all the time is a full length Multimat Summit from the Expedition range. Excellent bit of kit and good value, never had any issues with it. I've never felt any cold coming through and I use it on the ground, on a US Army cot and in my hammock. The bag is fleece lined and can be turned inside out to make a pillow when stuffed. It comes in a mild yellow or olive green. The valve system is excellent and can be slide locked when taking a breath. Inflates and deflates easily, compact when rolled, full protection when unrolled.

http://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/multimat-expedition-summit-25-38-self-inflating-mat-2716 Only £43 here.

http://www.multimat.uk.com/store/products/summit-25-slash-38 £105 here!

I'd buy another in preference to a Thermorest, quality without paying for a name.