Perhaps a carp fishing bed. A pal of mine had one which I borrowed for a double overnighter at RAF Fairford Air Tattoo and it was fantastic.
Hi all,
I've a couple of nights camping coming up with the family (2+2).
I would like to get some camp beds to make the experience more enjoyable, and think that the old blue flocked airbeds are not the way to go.
Space is a non issue as we'll be in a 5m bell tent.
The TZer in me says I need an Army Surplus camping cot ... But it seems like a minefield.
So ... Any helpful comments on the best value solution or is anyone selling a couple?
Thanks
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Perhaps a carp fishing bed. A pal of mine had one which I borrowed for a double overnighter at RAF Fairford Air Tattoo and it was fantastic.
I stack two flock double airbeds, and then line the top flock airbed with a feather down duvet in a cotton cover, and then sleep on top of that, with another feather down duvet on top of us, when the missus and I camp. Plus we take our feather pillows. All makes it supremely comfortable.
Sleeping on top of a one flock airbed with a sleeping bag and camping pillow is absolutely miserable and uncomfortable.
I actually like sleeping on an airbed - always sorts my bad back out.
One thing I would say is prioritise decent pillows. Makes a world of difference.
Camped and used airbeds for years.
Went over to a camp bed with a SIM on top .....total game changer would never go back to an airbed.
Self-inflating mattress, that’s what we use for camping now. If you get a good thick one (10+cm) they are very comfortable but do take up quite a lot of space when rolled up though.
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Used airbeds for years and this year no more, I just don't get on with them. Last years Latitude was hard work, this year I need to kip.
Started with an all singing all dancing double which was about 18" high and then cheapo singles.
I am now close to purchasing the a Kampa Dream, they seem to get good write ups.
Will keep you posted
Pitch
Kampa Dream may just be the answer I came here to find.
<£50 and look to fit the bill.
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I find the Alpkit Dirtbag an absolute pleasure to sleep on.
First get yourself a decent pad: Thermarest are probably among the best around. However they only work if you have something reasonably smooth underneath (a stone or branch will nullify their comfort)
I suggest adding one of those cots if you have the room. It also makes it easier to get up or down, the ground is quite low nowadays
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
Thanks all.
I think I am sorted. I took the plunge on a couple of hi gear camping beds (the higher one) which I got a deal on (2 for £70).
I wanted to spend more, but couldn't justify it...
I've got a couple of SIMs which I'll use as toppers.
The children can go on inflatables. I went for singles so that they didn't argue over space.
Turns out the best SIM/sleeping solution is an Edped Megamat for those who really want to throw money at the problem.
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I’ve used an Exped Downmat for about 20 years, expensive but really good mats. The only pain is inflating them but it’s only a few minutes. I’m on my second, the first one got into the bright sun while I was taking down a tent, the mat was still inflated, the air expanded and popped the baffles inside.
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that’s a perfect set up and will fit in a bell tent easily 👍 (we have a camping business with 40 bell tents and when we camp we do camp bed + self inflating mat).
Cotton canvas bell tents are quite cold compared to polyester tents with an inner, so bear that in mind when adding sleeping bags.
It gets light ridiculously early in the summer and there is no blackout lining on bell tents like you get in a modern air tent so I would definitely suggest taking eye masks if you want to lie in at all.
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An excellent point. I actually went for a grey canvas to try to help with that. But eye masks are probably a good shout.
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I've upgraded the kit for this summer's festivals as this year I'll be accompanied by our 17 year-old who needs plenty of good quality rest between spells on her feet.
A two-bedroom blackout tent with headroom to stand up was a must, along with proper camping cots (we chose Naturehike which are similar in form to the military camp beds I used as a youngster but lighter, more compact and easier to assemble). We'll pop a Thermarest pad on top.
Despite the blackout feature we'll also have a couple of small rechargeable USB fans in the arsenal.
And a proper cage platform trolley with puncture proof tyres to cart it all around in.
Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH