The Shangri-La is exceptionally easy to inflate and deflate, and this is one of its major strengths. The Cyclone ‘flip-valve’ as seen on the Comfort 10 Double is a joy to use. Simply flip it around to the correct airflow direction required. Inflation happens automatically, and deflation can be achieved in a couple of minutes by the old “roll and kneel” manoeuvre. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Both camping mats and camping SIMs can also be used on top of a camp bed or ‘cot’ (as the Americans say) for more of a bed-like experience. This also helps stop the heat escape problem which lying on the ground can incur. For inflating, remove the cap and make sure the valve is in the ‘inflate position’. Unroll the mattress and it will automatically let air rush in and will self inflate. Spot the top-selling author in that previous sentence! We recommend an R-Value of 3 or higher for 3-season use, and 5 or higher if you will be lying on the ground in winter too.

One good feature of the Ultim is that both the single and the double SIMs in the range come with clips which enable you to join up multiple SIMs into an enormous bed. Perfect to practice your gymnastic routine on after a few beers!Reasons to buy: Double height and super stable, it’s mains operated though so you’ll need to be camping with an EHU (electric hookup) The Outwell Dreamboat double provides a decent 7.5cm of padding with a slightly larger than average width for greater comfort. After inflation, just screw the valve cap in and hey presto, it’s ready to lie on! Berghaus Air 10 In Use The KingCamp Deluxe Double SIM comes in two great covers a delicious electric blue or a gorgeous grey/anthracite mix. It uses a novel ‘wave-like’ top surface layer to provide a tactile 150D surface to lie on and hold your sleeping bag in position. Dimensions are solid at 200 x 76 x 15cm for the ‘Grande’ size which is slightly wider than a conventional single – we appreciate Vango’s dedication in constantly supplying 200cm (6ft7) length mattresses instead of cutting cost by reducing too much.

Weighing only 2kg in large size (196 x 64 x 11cm) and 2.5kg in XXL (203 x 76 x 11cm), this is a surprisingly lightweight product which has greatly impressed us. It is more less than half the weight of the Vango Shangri-La for example. Personally I would plump for the XL if you find you have a choice of sizes – it just gives that extra bit of surface area for a nice sprawl when sleeping, and for not much extra weight.This style of camp bed is becoming more common, and that’s because they provide exceptional levels of both warmth and comfort, though they don’t fold down as small as traditional camp beds, so you’ll need plenty of space! It’s pricey, but it means no more waking up on a partially deflated bed. Also do bear in mind that you need to be camping with an EHU as it’s mains operated. So it it comfortable? We can give this a resounding thumbs up – it is by far the comfiest double SIM we’ve tested for the money, and while it may seem expensive, this is up there with the best air mattresses but without the stress of punctures or requiring pumps. The most comfortable and luxurious single self-inflating mat from Zempire, the Monstamat Single provides a home-from-home feel on any camping trip. A 10cm self-inflating mat luxuriously coated in soft stretch fabric provides instant comfort. A 150D Polyester base provides durability and resilience against the hard ground, whilst the internal cross-core foam allows for fast inflation and ultimate comfort.

However a low R-Value (<2) could mean you end up getting cold in the night. Inflatable air mattresses which are essentially big air balloons which you sleep on have notoriously low R-values and are no good at all for sleeping on in winter or autumn.At Camping Secrets we often like to highlight niche products we uncover which accomplish a task in a clever way, whilst maintaining quality and value. The 3rd generation IForrest Sleeping Pad accomplishes this task extremely successfully. Whether it’s a super comfy air mattress or something altogether more luxurious you’re looking for, we’ve rounded up some of the best luxury camp bed options for a comfortable night under canvas. It is a true 4-season sleeping pad with an R-Value of 6.8. This provides excellent insulation between you and the floor for effective winter-use. Outwell’s two-person Posadas folding campbed. Padded soft mesh cushions increase airflow keeping you cooler in the heat. While the high-strength frame offers comfortable support from top to toe. Opening and folding in seconds, it comes ready for use in its own compact carry bag. Inflation is simple and obviously doesn’t require a pump. Simply undo the valve and the air will gush in with full inflation after 5-10 minutes. At this point tighten up the valve and you are ready to climb on board. Inflated size for the Ultim is 200 x 136 x 8cm which is enough for most people under 6ft 6 inches in height. The Ultim In Use

The comfort of the MondoKing is exceptionally good. I lay down on it for a few minutes to ‘test it out’ and found myself dropping off surprisingly rapidly – that wasn’t the plan, but it’s testament to the cushioning on offer. Thermarest use a ‘Stratacore’ construction to achieve this which combines a continuous layer of thermal foam with alternating ridges of air and foam. It works very well. Measuring 198 x 130 x 7.5cm, the Deluxe offers a sufficient length of 6ft 6” which should be ample for most of the adult population of the world – apart from Sultan Kosen perhaps. For those that don’t know, he’s the current world’s tallest man! Operation is simple. The Berghaus uses a rotatable ‘flip valve’ with a protective sealed cap to secure in place. When the flip valve is is one position air can get in but not escape (i.e. use when inflating). In the other orientation, air can escape but not get in – use for deflating. With Vango goods you are are always assured of decent quality fabrics and components, and the company have extensive experience in the inflatable arena with their tents and sofas. There’s no doubt that the Kip Highrise is an absolutely blissful in terms of the luxury it offers and actually it offers good value at the pricepoint we’ve seen for this year.

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Vango offer a 2 year warranty on all their gear and that gives peace of mind when buying a self inflating mattress. If there are any issues with the valve or unexpected deflations in the night then they will unhesitatingly repair or replace your treasured SIM.