Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia




Like Tree4Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 25 Dec 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Trencin, Slovakia
Posts: 7
Thermarests are great, but if you're looking for packabilty some of the newer camping inflatables are about half the size of a thermarest, warm, and comforatble. Not much room for rolling around tho.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 2 Feb 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 57
Thermarest; mutts nuts.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2 Feb 2006
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
I use to use thermarest but now have a EXPED down air mattress, its an inflatable matress that is filled with 700 fill goose down and really keeps the cold out for frosty nights, in summer it means a muchlighter sleeping bag is needed and it is more comfy than thermarest. packs up smallish 12" x 5" the open size is 178x52x7cm. they do a larger model 198x66x9cm. It comes in a padded waterproof stuff sack that also incorporates a pump to inflate the mat as well as being usable as a pillow when stuffed with clothing. the chambers contain baffles to hold air and down in place so it keeps its shape when lay on and is about 3 times warmer than comparable mats. weight 810 grams. really good bit of kit. cost about £80.00 UK.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 7 Mar 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 35
Theres a small company here in the UK thats selling some good (much much cheaper) versions of thermarests. All good quality, but you can pick up a 3/4 length one for £15.

they also have some nice looking sleeping bags

check them out at http://www.alpkit.com
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 28 Jun 2010
stephen.stallebrass's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
Exped Downmat 7DLX

Forget the thermarest the exped mats are the bees knees! I got one at Ripley 2010 after a terrible first nights sleep on a thermarest trail lite.

They have excellent insulation but the comfort factor is what sold me. They are relatively expensive but I'll easily get my monies worth out of it. And how much is a good nights sleep worth?

The current/new models now have a great little built in pump and the stuff sack doubles as a pillow. Furthermore, it all packs down very small. If these factors are important to you don't waste your time buying and trying others like I did just go straight for the exped - you won't regret it.

xXx
__________________
www.AdventureVagabond.com Mongolia & Siberia 2012: Adventure Moto Madness
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 7 Aug 2018
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Really old thread, but can anyone tell me how the Exped down mat is in hot weather? I imagine the down does really good in the cold, but would it make sleeping in hot weather uncomfortable?
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 7 Aug 2018
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
I camped this weekend on my exped downmat, in our UK heatwave (it was still 30c at 6pm), fine no problems, its not a fabric that you get sweaty on (well I don't anyway), its not a plasticy finish, nor is it heavily flocked.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 14 Aug 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobo View Post
As I get older its less fun to sleep on the hard ground. I've looked at the self-inflatable sleeping pads and, though expensive, they seem to be getting more sophisticated.
Would something like this work for my better than 200 pound, middle-aged self?
Currently, I carry a comfortable but heavy air mattress.
Way late on this reply. I'm 68 with many years of back problems, but I still want to bike camp. I got a Thermarest Mondoking 4" think pad a few months ago. It's almost as nice as my mattress at home. For its size it doesn't weigh very much. I pack it into a waterproof duffel and it is so deceptive because it looks large but it feels so light. Anyway it took care of my back problems on the trail.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 28 Aug 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Stamford, CT
Posts: 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobo View Post
The Big Agnes stuff looks well made and comfy but only 20" wide. I roll around too much for something that narrow. Otherwise I would be very interested.
BTW: Have you visited Barber Motorsports yet? I spent most of a day there strolling among the greatest bikes ever made.
The Big Agnes Q-Core comes in a 25” width with larger tubes on the side which assist in keeping you centered. I’ve been a Thermorest user for 25+ years. But, I recently switched to the Q-Core. It is way more comfortable and packs in about 1/4 of the space. I sleep the entire night without waking on it. They are expensive, but for me, well worth it.

If you go that route, be sure to get the inflation bag which saves you from passing out when filling it! It works well. Also, they squeak a bit when you move. I’m gpoong to try putting a Coolmax rectangular sleeve over it to see if it quiets it (and to be able to comfortably sleep on it on warm nights with no sleeping bag.
__________________
Mike
Stamford, CT
www.happycameladv.com

Current Rides
- 2018 Ural Gear Up (the Happy Camel)
- 2017 KTM 350 EXC-F (the Cougar)
- 2014 BMW F800GS (the Goat)
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 17 Sep 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
Left-field sleeping pad idea

I've been using the Exotogg for a while now (full disclosure - I developed it). At the launch weekend at the Overland Event recently we were camping, and my airbed decided to give up the ghost on the first night. Although it's primary purpose is as a thermoregulating vest, I designed it to be adaptable and multi-use; so I laid it out flat and used that as a sleeping pad. It worked fine and saved my back. The next night it was used as a pillow, which also worked well.
It inflates with about 4 breaths, weighs 12 oz (340g) and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. Give it a try if you're looking to stay comfortable whilst packing light. https://exotogg.com
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 3 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 8
Sleeping gear

Had thermarest sleeping pad for long time agree with all are now trying there ultralite cots jury’s still out but seems better on old bones
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 10 Apr 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tonytrumpet View Post
I've been using the Exotogg for a while now (full disclosure - I developed it). At the launch weekend at the Overland Event recently we were camping, and my airbed decided to give up the ghost on the first night. Although it's primary purpose is as a thermoregulating vest, I designed it to be adaptable and multi-use; so I laid it out flat and used that as a sleeping pad. It worked fine and saved my back. The next night it was used as a pillow, which also worked well.
It inflates with about 4 breaths, weighs 12 oz (340g) and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. Give it a try if you're looking to stay comfortable whilst packing light. https://exotogg.com
Can I even quote my own message?? Anyway, here's a recent webbikeworld review that explains the Exotogg concept better than I could: https://www.webbikeworld.com/exotogg...ll-of-promise/
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 13 Apr 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: CT
Posts: 5
Sleeping pad

I used the Klymit static V ( $48 from Amazon) on my Appalachian thru hike and was quite impressed with it. It is lightweight and packs down really small. The V-shaped air chambers spread your weight well and I used it without fail for most nights of the 5 month trip. I also used a superlight foam yoga mat under the pad for added insulation and to protect the pad from being holed.
I may be throwing a spanner in the works here, but I remember a lot of hikers using that distinctly orange thermarest pad and complaining of the noise that the thing would make when they moved around on it.
I recommend going into a outfitter to try out a few different pads and see what best suits your body type.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 11 Apr 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 15
Thermarest?

I don't know... I got a leak in my Thermarest, Damn thing was only 40 years old. Guess I'll buy another one.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 11 Apr 2020
GPZ GPZ is online now
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 74
No don't. Get a synthetic 9cm Exped. I've done years of unsupported long distance trekking and I would quite happily sleep on that instead of my own bed - it's that good.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:41.