I am thinking of ordering the the Alpkit Wee Airic mat, just wanted to know if anyone had any experience of this product, & views, as i dont want to spend my pounds, to find out that i need to re-sell it on ebay.

I think you'll find a few people on here quite like it. For 15 squid and 500 grams you cant really go wrong (and its comfier than either of my thermarests).

Good- much comfier than a karrimat, much cheaper than a thermarest, fairly light and small.

Bad- Although the current ones have been "toughened up" apparently, my old one is not as durable as a thermarest. Thermarests have a rugged layer on the bottom that is quite reassuring. Also the Alpkit valves are not as high quality as thermarest ones. Take care of it and it'll last though.

Ive got one, despite being able to get heavily discounted thermarests. You're more likely to end up binning a wee-airic due to breakage than eBaying due to uselessness. That said, im buying a second one, I think they (and much of Alpkit's stuff) is wicked for the price.

It's a decent little sleeping mat.

It's cheaper than a Thermarest, but likewise will probably not be as durable.

it's about a third or a quarter of the price of the equivelent thermarest, so i plumped for the airic.

I've had a couple of nights sleep on it so far, and there were no obvious drawbacks.

Ive only used my wee airic about 3 or 4 times now, but im impressed (its my first self inflater). So much more comfortable than a closed cell mat, I always had problems sleeping on those. Much, much smaller size aswell, its perfectly packable, A bit slippy, but thats not too much of a problem on level ground. Havent had a puncture or a problem yet, so im yet to find out hor durable they are. Only slight prob ive had so far is that after 2 nights it kinda lost its "self inflating" ability and now has to be blown up (only a few lungfuls of air). Not much of a prob (only a very slight inconvenience)and I think the newer version improves on this too. So far then, thumbs up, especially for £15

"A bit slippy, but thats not too much of a problem on level ground...Only slight prob ive had so far is that after 2 nights it kinda lost its "self inflating" ability and now has to be blown up (only a few lungfuls of air)"

But Thermarests are exactly the same in these aspects.

The most important aspect is, will I spend the night with my hips digging into the ground, or will it be able to cope my tiny 15st frame moving around on it when its time for bed. Coz when it comes to bed, I need my sleep.

One other question, what size does it really pack down to once you have used it, can you get it back into original size,or is it like one of those products that never gets as small as it was when you took it out of its original wrapping. We all know what i mean on this one.

JJ -> never tried the Trest, so I only have closed cell foam to compare it to :)

Salopianman, im about 12stone and I dont have a problem, but im sure alpkit would be happy to upgrade or take back the airic if its not right for you (anyone done this? im just going on their generally excellent customer service).

After a few packs mine still fits fine in its stuffsack, but I keep mine unrolled with the valve open in the back of my cupboard.

Never had a problem getting T-A-Rs or Airics back in.

Well its sold to me. i think its £15 that will be well spent. unlike the rest of it. Or so my wife keeps telling me. Only problem is how do i get in in the house without her knowing, i cant use" no its not New i have had it ages". Any ideas..LOL

Get her addicted to camping and fell walking and she'll be a kit freak too :)
Problem solved.

I have more Chance of Shrewsbury Town FC winning the European Cup winners cup, then getting a pair of walking boots on her.

Oh you don't need boots - get her some twinkly go-faster shoes like I have ;o)
She'll be doing big mountain traverses before you know it.
Or maybe not.
Some people just don't 'get it'.

I reckon if you get out on a good day, you don't walk/bike/climb until exhaustion point, and you have a laugh, most people should be swayed towards getting outside.
Unfortunately the British climate just doesn't do us any favours most of the time!