Big Pack Ultralite

Advantages: self inflating!!!
Disadvantages: damn expensive

...Ultralite Therm-a-rest Quite possibly the lightest and most compact self-inflating mattress in the world. Made with nonslip Staytek fabric on the sleeping surface, with damp and dirt resistant durable nylon on the underside. OK well theres the sales pitch, so on with the review.... The full length ultralite gives a warm and comfortable nights sleep when used in conjunction with a good sleeping bag. Many people advocate using the 3/4 length and substituting the shorter length with clothing or other softish materials. However I don't usually carry enough clothes to do that. This may be an option if you are 6 feet tall or less, but for anyone over that, I'd suggest the full length version. The anti-slip treatment works very well and will keep all but the most restless insomniac in place. The firmness of the mat can be adjusted by... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Cosier than my own bed
Disadvantages: None

...It was around 11pm, here i was in the middle of nowhere. (Actually i was in a wood just up the road from my house). It was ice cold, we'd just finished unpacking everything for out camping advnture tomorrow and decided to go to sleep. Id brought a new sleeping bag only 2 days before, A Big Pack Alpentine. I unravelled it and lay it down on the floor. Then climbed in, and that was when it hit me. This is no ordinary sleeping bag. It fits around you perfectly without any gaps, its so warm you wouldnt beleive it and the pillow is softer than the ones on my own bed. Thats why I now sleep in on one every night at home. My friends think its rather stupid and to be fair to them sleeping in a sleeping bag every night when you have a perfectly good bed next to you is rather bemusing but i just love it. If you choose to buy it then whetever you... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: ultra comfort without a bed
Disadvantages: punctures

...Sleeping on the ground is never going to be quite the same as a comfy bed but as a frequent camper and trekker the Therm-a-Rest Ultralite is the only choice for me. I have spent nights on cheap foam roll mats but if you are spending anything more than a few days on the ground, you'll find foam mats become as thin as paper in no time. The great thing about the Ultralite is that it is exactly what it says it is - light - and also takes up surprisingly little space. A good night's rest means a lot to me when I'm walking all day long and if you are about to go travelling or just off for a week's relaxation, then this really is worth it. It's not that cheap, when you compare it to a basic mat that you can pick up for about £7, but the Thermarest will last you for years if you look after it. Punctures can be a problem especially if you are in... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful