I got the most basic pad working trail crew in 2008 o 09 and still have it today. Its rips & holes from cactus, ice axes, ski edges, and been slammed in a trunk a few times.
Still works like a champ.
It was $15.
I use a king size air mattress from Decathlon. It's pretty comfy. But it has no insulation. So when I camp in colder areas I bring along my Therm-a-rest Trail Lite and put it on top. It's all a bit excessive and bulky, but it's comfortable and doable with the rest of my pack.
With that said, I'm looking for a better double width, insulated sleeping pad or air mattress that would pack down smaller.
Do the kids really need such a sleeping pad? Why not just some closed cell foam mats (e.g. Nemo Switchback or cheap clone) for them?
I also wouldn’t be too sure that the Megamat is a cure-all. The girlfriend and I once had to sleep on some big inflatable guestbed mat thing which was horrible (especially with two people). To this day the most comfortable mat I know for me is the Therm A Rest Trail Lite since it has a flat surface (no ridges), is firm, doesn’t bounce, has a nice textured surface and makes no noises. Even though it’s “only” 3.8cm in thickness.
Thermarest still makes them? I have also seen knockoffs even in non specialty stores.
I have an older Thermarest Trail Lite and Trail pro. The only difference to the classic mats is a few cutouts to make them pack smaller. I adore my Trail Pro. Very comfy, good R value, thicker than the traditional pads, packs reasonably small for it's comfort.
Have never needed to use their warranty. My Trail Lite is 10+ years, and is now my loaner pad for random people, or I bring it for my dog, and still in excellent shape. Meanwhile a friend who is neurotic about gear care has gone through 2 of the air pads in that time.
I did buy both of mine as clearance items, but maybe take a look at the Trail Scout? It looks like their most classic -and cheapest - version.
Bigger than we need tent, two extra large thermarest deluxe pads with a 3” tempurpedic (queen size) topper. Regular sheets and pillows. I have figured out that if my wife is super comfortable, we go camping more often!! It takes up a lot of space, but feels totally worth it.
getdownheavy
