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New to the bivvying world and just starting to buy some kit.
Has anyone got either of the above two sleep mats? Pros and cons please
Thanks
Anyone?
Give it some time lad...
Not got either but do have similar products from rival brands.
Air beds are more comfy as they have more cushioning, say 2-3". But they can puncture so durability is a potential issue.
If weight is more important than comfort then get the lighter sleeping mat.
One thing I found is that if you tend to sleep on your side then the Airo type is not as comfy as Numo type.
HTH
By the way Alpkit are a great company to deal with. Very competitive pricing and fab customer support with no bullsh*t
Alpkit stuff is great (and good price too).
Decided on alpkit as already have a few of their products and cant fault them, numo it is then, thanks.
Pop over to this thread load of info and people who never there stuff....
I've got an Airo and I'm very happy with it, although it's my first self-inflating one so I can't properly compare it with anything other than a Karrimat. My GF's got a Thermarest though and there doesn't appear to be much between them so I don't think you're losing anything with Alpkit.
No idea about the Numo though, is it heavier or lighter? The Airo is about as light/thin as I'd want to go without it being too close to a Karrimat though. Only you know how much weight/space you're happy with for something heavier.
I was gonna get a numo but found a better looking one for less on Amaazon - have the link at home and can post it up if I remember.
OK when I say "better looking" I mean "better spec":
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pacific-Outdoor-Equipment-Thermo-Regular/dp/B000VUUCXY/ref=pd_cp_sg_0
Have you ordered one yet Al? I'd be interested in [i]actual[/i] weight vs the Numo. Alpkit are usually pretty accurate with their advertising.
Am close druid.
Can anyone else suggest anything better?
For bivvy use, balloon bed every time. For all it's oddities, I love it. Nothing comes close for value, comfort, pack size and warmth.
Al/Druidh: I've got the POE one. The weight is true (mat only).
Used it for a year and found it pretty good. Took a lot of getting used to after using ultralite thermarest for years.
I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a full length comfy mat. Takes 90secs to inflate and 2mins to deflate, roll and shove back in bag.
ElShalimo - good feedback, thanks. If I might trouble you a little more, what size of pack does it roll down to, and what did you mean by
(That's what I use)Took a lot of getting used to after using ultralite thermarest for years.
Druidh - pack size is approx 27 long x 12 cm diameter ... Rough guess looking at it without a tape. I'm sure you'll get official figures on the web somewhere
It took some adjustment, say 2 or 3 trips as there are individual chambers not one flat surface. But if you roll on ya side it still supports you whereas a thermarest doesn't
Its more durable than it appears having camped on crappy ground in the Dolomites. The slight insulation helps too
Thanks again.
You're a star!
Also I went from a 3/4 TAR to a full length which improved comfort too.
Only downside is that it narrows at the head end which can lead to head rolling off if you don't lay your clothes into a good pillow. Nowt is foolproof to me!
Fools can be so ingenious