Is it worth buying an airbed?

I'm going camping in a couple of weeks on the bike and, having never done this before, I wondered if it's worth getting an airbed.

I know it's going to be far more comfortable than the foam mat I have but how small will an inflatable fold down? Will it tuck away easily on the bike or is it likely to be a pain?

YES!!!! GET THE AIRBED!!!! Your body will love you for it - your bones will love you for it!! you will actually be able to sleep!!

I take a double when I go to rallies or camp haha - just roll it up and stick it on the bike if its a single one - my double i fold flat so it fits onto the top of the pilly seat or on top of a rack then you can pack other stuff on top of it..

Just make sure you put it inside a nice thick plastic bag type thing - to A. keep it waterproof and B. make sure nothing puts a hole in it!

[yorkie_chris]

No, they're bloody freezing. Get a thermarest or just take 2 of those foam matts.

Freezing?? hmmm I'm usually too ****ed to notice if its cold??

I have known people take those foam memory toppers too lol.

Make sure you have a really really good sleeping bag - get the best grading etc you can afford

[DarrenSV650S]

Yeh deffo take one. Foam mats are useless and don't have pillows


And airbeds are easier to store too

Mmm just get pished so you cant feel you're body?

Naaa I don't use them, but the foam mats are good and don't take up much room!

[Stu]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

No, they're bloody freezing. Get a thermarest or just take 2 of those foam matts.

Really? I didn't know they were colder than a thermarest. Surely the air in an airbed would insulate you from the ground the same or better than the insulation of a thermarest and unless the thermarest has anything but air in it it's not going to pack very small. Or do thermarests have a source of heating?
My full size single airbed packs small but I have to carry a huge pump to inflate it with

Originally Posted by Sally

Mmm just get pished so you cant feel you're body?

+1

Ive got one of those pumps with the batteries in - like you say, takes up more room than the airbed and its heavier!! lol

Who are you camping with - if theres a few of you, just make sure one of you has a pump - no point everyone taking one. And better still, if they take one, you dont have to !! more room for beer!!

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Stu

Really? I didn't know they were colder than a thermarest. Surely the air in an airbed would insulate you from the ground the same or better than the insulation of a thermarest and unless the thermarest has anything but air in it it's not going to pack very small. Or do thermarests have a source of heating?
My full size single airbed packs small but I have to carry a huge pump to inflate it with

My theory is the big volume in air bed allows circulation of air to cold ground... whereas thermarest does not allow this circulation. Either way I notice difference if I try and sleep in a tent sober