Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
What's the smallest packed BIG camping mattress !! What's the smallest packed BIG camping mattress !!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon




Like Tree6Likes

Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 12 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
If I go down the camping line. I take an old metal frame army camping bed. Packs small give's you a good night sleep. And your off the ground. Warm climate and you can get away with a fleece bag liner as a sleeping bag. Both easy to pack. That way you have done away with a ground mat, some kind of insulation from the ground and a sleeping bag. All take room.
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 12 Aug 2013
Toyark's Avatar
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: WWW
Posts: 2,341
Smile
For Paulnomad
Ah! Le gizmo!
Dead simple. It's a spare tyre valve I had for my old r1200gs pushed through half of one of those tarp eyelet replacement kits then 'bottom bit' sanded down.
Works a treat . Not the fastest filler on the block but it uses kit I already carry. You just have to hold it against the 'in' open valve bit on the mat.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 12 Aug 2013
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Hey Ted,

the Exped 9 takes about 3-4 minutes to inflate, bout the same to deflate and roll away, the 7 being a bit thinner is a bit quicker. Best nights kip I've had in a tent - I used to use a Thermarest Prolite, then a NeoAir, now the Exped, I wont be going back to Thermarest anytime soon.

The Thermarest NeoAir is the loudest sleeping pad I've ever used - If I am turning over it wakes my buddies up in their tents! - but its also the most compact and lightweight pad around.

The warranty is slightly different for the Exped models, the 7's get a 2 year warranty, the 9's, being a tad thicker material (and a bit heavier) get a 5 year warranty.
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 12 Aug 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
For Paulnomad
Ah! Le gizmo!
Dead simple. It's a spare tyre valve I had for my old r1200gs pushed through half of one of those tarp eyelet replacement kits then 'bottom bit' sanded down.
Works a treat . Not the fastest filler on the block but it uses kit I already carry. You just have to hold it against the 'in' open valve bit on the mat.
I think you're online persona should be 'Inspector Gadget'

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 12 Aug 2013
Toyark's Avatar
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: WWW
Posts: 2,341
Smile
Couldn't 'bear' it !!
but hey, it works and costs peanuts and weighs but a few grams.
Walter should like this!
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 12 Aug 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
I've just bought the NeoAir Camper by Thermarest in XL.

That should be one comfy matress. It's going to be a big pack though. Still, It should be worth it. It cost me £100 delivered.

I was tempted by the Exped but they are a fair bit more cash and I really hate things which take time excessive time to set up or pack up.

Setting up and breaking down camp EVERY DAY for months can get really tiring and anything that adds to that routine will grate on my nerves.

I like to be able to pack up my whole kit in 20 minutes. Pretty much while my water is boiling for my brew

I'll be testing it out at Hagsbank and the Zen Cider Rally
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 14 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: On a RTW ride - currently Asia
Posts: 99
I am a bit of a gear head and experimenter, haved owned an Exped Downmat 7 DLX, a Therm-a-rest Prolite 4, various older T.A.R.s, the original Neoair L, a Neoair All Season L, and now finally the Neoair Xtherm L.

It has an R-value of 5.7 which is equal to the Downmat 7, is thick enough so that you can sleep on your side without touching the ground, and it manages to do so while weighing only 570 grams in the generous L version and being about half packed size. Unlike the original Neoair I don't find it to be significantly louder than the Downmat either.

I use the clever Instaflator system to blow it up in about a minute with no effort, adds 50 grams of weight with minimal size.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 14 Aug 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North East Texas
Posts: 58
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
+1 on the Exped Synmat
No more pumping by hand (unless you really want to!)
I use my Cyclepump which I already have and a this wee gizmo
Excellent Idea!
I will have a modified valve stem next trip.
I bought a 12 volt inflation device but it takes too much room for minimalist packing!
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 27 Sep 2013
MilesofSmiles's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Riverside California
Posts: 78
Quote:
Originally Posted by BryceB View Post
One of the Big Agnes Air Core matresses? They aren't self inflating butbdo pack smaller than thermorests.
+1

The big aggie air core is ten times better than any thermarest on the market. It also comes with its own patch kit. 5 years of ownership, it has never let me down and I get a great sleep.
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 28 Sep 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
Well..

I bought the Thermarest Neoair camper XL..

Holey moley. I've been missing out all these years. Forget all this prolite crap.

I seriously sleep better in my tent than at home now. XL sleeping mat is where it 'IS AT'

And, it packs down to about 1l. Which is the same as my Large Pro-lite !! Go figure as the yanks say...

My only gripe is that it's not self inflating. I recorded that it takes about 20 good breaths to get it nice and full though. Hardly an effort.

So I recommend the Neo Air camper. Fantastic mattress for about £100
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 28 Sep 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 46
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Well..

I bought the Thermarest Neoair camper XL..

Holey moley. I've been missing out all these years. Forget all this prolite crap.

I seriously sleep better in my tent than at home now. XL sleeping mat is where it 'IS AT'

And, it packs down to about 1l. Which is the same as my Large Pro-lite !! Go figure as the yanks say...

My only gripe is that it's not self inflating. I recorded that it takes about 20 good breaths to get it nice and full though. Hardly an effort.

So I recommend the Neo Air camper. Fantastic mattress for about £100
How is it in the cold? I'm used to a Downmat 9 DLX (or whatever the long and wide 9cm one is called), but it doesn't pack down to 1L as yours. Does it keep you warm when it's freezing?
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 28 Sep 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwoUpFront View Post
How is it in the cold? I'm used to a Downmat 9 DLX (or whatever the long and wide 9cm one is called), but it doesn't pack down to 1L as yours. Does it keep you warm when it's freezing?
I haven't tested it in the freezing cold but whole body is off the ground and well supported. It won't be as warm as a down lined mattress but that's what underwear is for
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 28 Sep 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 46
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I haven't tested it in the freezing cold but whole body is off the ground and well supported. It won't be as warm as a down lined mattress but that's what underwear is for
Ok, I will wait till I can try one out. Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 28 Sep 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
I don't think you'd be disappointed. XL mats are my new thing. They make such a difference to a good night sleep. You can roll about etc, not wake up on a stone or with stiff joints. Expeds are way too much faff for me with all that pumping etc.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 28 Sep 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 46
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I don't think you'd be disappointed. XL mats are my new thing. They make such a difference to a good night sleep. You can roll about etc, not wake up on a stone or with stiff joints. Expeds are way too much faff for me with all that pumping etc.
I have a bag and adaptor, so instead of jumping up and down on the, what, 200cl, pump, I can do it quickly. And 9cm is very thick. In fact, I too sleep better on it than I do at home. However, it is overkill in the temperature department for what I do, but it's thick.

It's just that although it packs small for its temperature rating, I would like something that packs smaller, even if it isn't much use in -38 degrees centigrade (!!). I often sleep out in just under freezing, on the coast (windy and moist), so a reasonable amount of insulation is needed.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Camping on the Brazilian Coast wetpanda SOUTH AMERICA 3 30 Dec 2014 21:42
Big Sur From the Top garnaro Ride Tales 5 18 May 2013 07:35
HELP THIS NEWB DREAM BIG. Japan---->Portugal? RTW?!?! theoverman83 Route Planning 9 24 Dec 2012 09:40
Mereenie loop - camping, bikeshops, tire detonation Fredontour Sleep and Eat, Aus - NZ 0 3 Sep 2009 10:56

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 17:10.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top