Gear

 First post on here, so hiya everyone!

 I've been using a roll up foam mattress for years now when wildcamping. But since I'm not getting any younger, but hopefuly wiser, I was thinking of a self-inflating one. 

 Any recommendations or hints? Obviously the lighter and comfier the better. I've been hearing about Thermarest, some people rave about them, any thoughts?

Thanks for any help.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

It's not for everyone but if you can afford it there's the Neoair.

There are many cheaper alternatives though depending on how you sleep, ie on your back, side etc, if your a side sleeper like me go for the thickest you can afford, if you sleep on your back you should be fine with a 3cm thick one, then there's the question of when you'll be using it, just summer, all year. ?

It's a minefield but i'm sure you'll get lots of reccommendations if you stick around a while.

Thermarest Neoair if, as twiglegs says, you can afford it.  But hang on to your foam mattress to put under the Neoair in cold weather. 

Welcome to OM.

welcome along.

i use an alpkit slim airic, does me well, ive used it from early may through to late september and havent been cold yet.

got it for a good price at the outdoors show last year. £25 i think

m.

Hi SL3,

I know exactly what you mean. Personally...I think Thermarests are a wee bit over-priced  and there are plenty of alternatives out there to look at!

Look here - Karrimor Ultralight Full self inflating mat  £9-99 from £50.

Got to be worth a try?

 Thanks everyone, Therma-rest do seem to be the make to go for but they are expensive. Thanks for that link Simon, think I might try the Karrimor.

 I was round my mates this afternoon and he bought a Lichfield one from Argos. We weighed it on his scales , it was about 925 grams. The Karrimor works out a bit cheaper, and weighs a bit less, so I'll give it a whirl. Thanks again.