Insulated Hammock V

I've got a hammock one from them that works incredibly well. I have different brand ground sleeping ones, but it never hurts to have a spare. Even if it only ends up usable in the Summer, that's when friends are borrowing gear, anyway. I think I'm going to get a couple of these to go with my loaner gear.

My car camp pad is an exped mega mat, wonderful. Saw a cheaper version at Scheels by Lightspeed? Dense foam with air and it holds well. For backpacking, I need lightweight and use a Klymit5, love it, but 3 nights on it I’m wanting a hotel.

I use rhe Klymit insulated pad - excellent!

Lonnnng ago when I was a kid a few pieces of thick cardboard made great insulation but not super comfortable. Now days I think the cardboard with something like a yoga mat or a folded Cargo Blanket on top would work well. Now, I use a Klymit (the red one) insulated inflatable pad and it is very warm and comfortable. It is not cheap though - around $80 US.

I use a cheaper blow-up Klymit with some reflectix r21 over the top. Super light and cost effective. My blow-up pillow has an elastic strap, which i use to keep them together at the head, and at the toe, I just use a piece of paracord. I've done this for years and never felt the need for a $200 + sleep mat.

Until I was almost 30 I really only needed something for the insulation as opposed to cushioning so I agree with everyone that said your kids will be fine on cheaper/simpler solutions. I often slept in a sleeping bag on top of an extra comforter blanket. I also agree with the full on air mattress sentiment if you’re car camping and not concerned with packing and space. I’ve never done this but know people that that do. I keep my gear small (as I like to motorcycle camp) so if you want something that doesn’t take up a lot of room have a look at the brand klymit; their cheapest inflatable sleeping pads are $50 but are as comfortable as some high end brands that can cost @ $200.