Big Pack Lite 20

Advantages: Very Light, Very Comfortable
Disadvantages: Hard to get back in its stuff sac

...This was my second thermarest pad that i purchased after amazing usage of the first one. It is increadly light and very very small meaning that it can be packed inside your rucksack along with your sleeping bag, not lashed to the outside of your pack. The pad is very very durable and is not very prone to holes and if i ever do get one i have the free repair kit included in the stuff sac. The pad is exceptionally comfortable and provides an excellent nights sleep for anyone who finds those annyoying foam things a nightmare. The pad is a little pricey at £65 but i call it an investment as it provides so many more hours of rest that the closed cell mats. Once youve gone thermarest, you never go back.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Light and strong
Disadvantages: not cheap

...One part of either a backpacking or cycling camping trip is that at night it gets dark and if you’re away from city lights it can get incredibly dark. Some say it can be romantic, the dark night with stars shimmering away, the stars that you never really see in built up areas. But it also means you cannot see where you are going. Camp sites can be full of trip hazards (guy lines from tents for example) so a reliable torch is a must. So what torch do I use? My preferred torch for camping is one from the MagLite range of torches the model being the MagLite 2-C Cell Flashlight, I chose this because it is not too big and heavy (that is counter productive when space and weight are at a premium), also for me I want a torch that can give out a good light (this used to be very important when making my way back to the tent after a couple... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Reasonable Price
Disadvantages: Rather large if backpacking

...Last summer I embarked on a 100 mile highland hike, carrying my equipment in a 75ltre capacity rucksack. We aimed to complete the expedition in 5 days. I felt that my current carry-mat was unsuitable as it was farily large and made from foam. I was recommended a thermarest by my friends, and tried theres before purchasing my own. I was impressed by the thermarest brand. They make really good quality equipment. I was faced with the choice of whether to go for the "ProLite" mattress from the "fast and light series" or the "Expedition" from "the trek and travel" series. I decided, that as I was on a student budet to go for the "Expedition". I bought the full length version as I am around 6ft. Perhaps going for regular would have been more advantageuous but if you really want to save on weight and size- chose "Prolite... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful