 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Anticipating a bivi or two this year, but my self inflating alpkit mat has been kicking around a bit too long, and i seem to remember being very uncomfortable/broken/pointless last time i slept on it.
Ive got an alpkit Numo, lightly used, but getting older, and having crap sleep when im at home because of kids has got the fear in me about about waking up to a deflated camping mat at 1 in the morning and not being able to do anything about it other than lie there on the cold dirt for 7 hrs.
Foam mats, those z fold egg box ones? They look more reliable for someone who rarely gets out and places a higher value on their kit just working reliably, than others might.
this seems to be cheap. 2cm thick is a lot more than you got with a regular swiss roll one.
Are they any good? or just more plastic waste?
Ive never used one because they're bulky but I know a few people who prefer them. I am tempted myself.
They're fine. Personally I'd cut it down to torso length and stick something else (rucsac/pannier) under my legs - or sleep in a foetal position). Keep the offcut as a day ride/walk sit mat.
I've given up on air mats - never mind the warranty replacements, there's just too many going to landfill. Fortunately I've got an old skool indestructible rectangular torso length Thermarest SIM which is a good half way house in bulk/comfort/insulation terms.
I used to use these then went to a thermarest and never looked back. Not one of the really light ones tho. Its a prolite. I m on my second in 20 years and thats about the same longevity IME as foam mats ( I have also had a couple of cheapo air mattresses puncture)
I do use a foam footprint under the tent as well for extra protection
I've got one of these https://www.outside.co.uk/camping/camping-gear/camping-sleeping-mats/thermarest-z-lite-sol-limon-silver-regualr.html and if you can get over the price or get a discount, then I find it I like it quite a lot, especially if I don't have to carry it too far. Inflatables are nice, and I have a couple, but this is very easy (no blowing up in the middle of the night.)
Foam mats are pretty reliable. Downsides are bulk (always), and their insulating properties aren't as good as some of the more insulated inflatable mats. Have a think about when and where you're likely to use it, and have a read of this: https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/r-value-explained-i206
The bulk thing isn't necessarily a massive problem, they can easily be strapped to the top of a rack, or under your handlebars.
The "egg box" ones are surprisingly warm, the principle is that unlike a normal mat your sleeping bag can loft into those ~2cm hollows so it's more insulating than the r-number suggests.
Packing and bulk - as above not such a big deal in summer at least. Unless you're a serial over-packer they're light enough to be strapped directly to the bars, or on top of something else, or Caradice style under the saddle rails. In winter it might be more of a faff having to find space for a bulky mat, and a bulky sleeping bag, and a bulky tent.
They still seem to be popular at the sharp end of races, usually cut down to 3/4 or less though which would make them lighter than a lot of inflatable mats.
I've got a z rest. I've had it since a teenager and used it regularly till my mid thirties and only occasionally now. It's quick and easy, light weight and bomb proof. But it's not small to carry.
I've stopped using it though because I feel the cold and it's not warm at all. I used to take an extra blanket to have under me. It gets inside use only nowadays.
TL;DR
If you can sleep comfortably on your back and sleep in woods, try one for its simplicity.
I've got, and have had, a range of mats. I bought one of these Z mats from Sports Direct several years ago. The simplicity is great which lends it to being used for quick stops where you wouldn't want to get out your prized airmat. I've mostly used mine for car camping to go under an Exped airmat for extra comfort. I've bivvied with it once in a wood with a lot of leaf litter so the ground was softish. It was okay, but you need to be a back sleeper to really get on with one. If you're a side sleeper look elsewhere.
I have been watching loads of youtube stuff as I am out of action with an injury and a lot of people are using these types of mats. I guess nothing can go wrong with them. I have never used one, it would be the comfort factor for me.
I'm a side sleeper so no good for me, though I do like the simplicity of them.
Pretty sure lomo do a decent looking one.
Many use them in winter under an inflatable mat.
I use a big ages insulated air core in winter with those cheap slightly insulated foil mats from China underneath.