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Jimb1978



Member Since: 05 Sep 2012
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 804

England 2002 Defender 110 Td5 Black LE Java Black
What should we sleep on?
I have just sold our roof tent in favour of oztents and need a little advice on good sleeping systems. As a younger man I used a roll out carry mat and a fleece for a pillow but I cannot see that solution pleasing my wife!
I don't want the hassle of blowing up an air bed as I still want to set up camp quickly.

What options are there, what do others prefer and why?
Post #279871 5th Nov 2013 9:25pm
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theorangebandit



Member Since: 03 Jun 2013
Location: Stowmarket
Posts: 862

Popular among fishers I believe is an umberella style bed and im a big fan of them too swift deployed and de-Deployed (i like making up words)
http://www.charliesdirect.co.uk/outwell-po...e-camp-bed

That site also stocks other beds but that on in link folds out then back down again
Post #279884 5th Nov 2013 9:49pm
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Charliefox



Member Since: 03 Oct 2013
Location: County Durham
Posts: 56

United Kingdom 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS DCPU Corris Grey
I've used US Army cot beds for years. They were £20 each for genuine surplus items that were new. Compact, fast to set up, cheap to buy, incredibly sturdy. Plenty of space underneath for storage, unlike a "sleep on the floor system".

I use a thermarest on top of the cot for padding and thermal insulation.

Air beds are easily punctured and usually at 3am, sleeping on the floor puts you in a draught and is rarely comfortable.

I've used cots in most environments and found them to be the best solution for my needs. Chris
Post #279895 5th Nov 2013 10:08pm
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JWL



Member Since: 26 Oct 2011
Location: Hereford
Posts: 3443

England 2002 Defender 110 Td5 SW Coniston Green
Have a look at the folding campbeds such as found in Go-Outdoors and the like, personally I'd steer clear of the aluminium ones, they soon become wobbly and feel unstable. I have some for me and the boys when we camp and the wriggling of teenagers have tested a number of different types. The best "value for money" one I have come across is a Hi-Gear one(from Go-outdoors of all places) and what makes this one stand out is that all the folding joints are metal whereas a couple of others have plastic joints such as found on folding camp chairs, one of which gave way on a 10 day camping trip this summer. I know the metal ones are heavier but fold up into their bags and take up a little less space than most of the more comfy camp chairs. I don't think I've paid more than £25 for any of the ones I've bought, sometimes worth keeping an eye on fleabay and pick some up from someone who has been informed by their other half that they are never going under a nylon sheet on holiday ever again.........hotel or divorce, bargains to be had Whistle

Here's the one I would say is worth looking at, gone up in price since I bought one but that was 4 years ago Rolling Eyes

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/folding-campbe...tAodFwoAeg
Post #279898 5th Nov 2013 10:18pm
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Leenorthants



Member Since: 08 Sep 2013
Location: Silverstone(ish)
Posts: 856

United Kingdom 
G
We use self inflating beds in our oztent, even when my missus was pregnant and had a great nights sleep!
Post #279902 5th Nov 2013 10:34pm
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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8578

United Kingdom 
If you are looking at camp beds then have a look at the Oztent range.

Yes they are more expensive then some of the others mentioned, however they are rated at 150kg which is larger then the others. They also weigh in at 10-12 kg which is about twice as much as some of the lightweight ones.


Thermarest are a good self inflating ones, but can be a bit awkward if your knees are not in the best of condition.

The Coleman double height air bed are comfortable but take some blowing up.

Just remember the old saying, one blanket underneath is worth two on top.


Brendan
Post #279908 5th Nov 2013 10:46pm
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couplands



Member Since: 31 Aug 2011
Location: Peak District & Cornwall
Posts: 1826

United Kingdom 2001 Defender 90 Td5 HT Oslo Blue
When I asked the same question I went for folding camp beds. However, they were uncomfortable as you tend to roll onto the side rails which are very hard.

We picked up a couple of self inflating air beds (around 30mm thick) and they are very comfortable indeed. Came from Aldi for £9.99 each I think.

Try and borrow your chosen system and see how it works for you.

Cheers

Simon
Post #279914 5th Nov 2013 11:03pm
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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8578

United Kingdom 
Simon makes sense about borrowing some gear and trying them.

Since you are in Huddersfield, if you want to try out some Oztent stretchers get yourself across to Halifax.



Brendan
Post #279918 5th Nov 2013 11:09pm
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party monkey



Member Since: 31 Dec 2010
Location: Oxon.
Posts: 1311

England 2005 Defender 110 Td5 XS CSW Cairns Blue
We've experimented with self inflating mats ranging from a thin Vango trek jobbie (may as well lay on tin foil), to a 5-6cm Costco special (that my son uses and puts the vango underneath) up to my 10cm'ish Outwell .... well... the old man needs his comfort right ??

Quick to set up and pack away, although, the thicker they are, naturally, the more of a pig they are to roll up tightly and indeed take up more room

Was going to take a look at the Quechua bed in a box idea, next time I'm near Decathlon in Reading but it looks a bit too much of a faff......

A good suggestion to try different stuff out, particularly if Brendan's inviting you for a sleepover Mr. Green Jon - 110 td5 [sold]. Currently Defenderless.
Post #279924 5th Nov 2013 11:35pm
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Tiger



Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Wales
Posts: 2265

2004 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Java Black
How quick?

I love camping but a decent bed is the only thing that can spoil it.

After much experimentation I reckon I made the ultimate bed for our last year camping holiday.

We user a INTEX double height air bed but one that was 2 clipped together.

I added thick Velcro to stop the airbeds sliding on top of rack other

I then made a headboard out of 12mm ply and covered it. This is attached via a webbing strap. I hate pillows falling off the top of a bed.

For the top layer I add a memory foam topper and then normal sheets.

Result - a proper height, as comfy as home bed.

Takes about 15mins to put up though
Post #279929 5th Nov 2013 11:56pm
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VeeTee



Member Since: 06 Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1512

Netherlands 
We started with very expensive (200 € each) self inflating mats, but after a couple of times use sold them and bought a pair of good folding beds. Used these for some years but now changed to an decent height Intex electrical inflating airbed. This is really comfortable. I added matting underneath to protect both the airbed and the Oz-ten floor from punctures, also helps with insulation from the cold ground. Does not take longer to setup than unpacking and setting up the folding beds.
This is how things change as one gets older, I think ... Laughing Cheers, Vincent
1959 Polynorm 1/4 Ton Trailer, Olive Drab Green (sold)
1970 M416 Military Trailer (Camping Trailer Conversion), Epsom Green (sold)
1975 Series III 88 V6, Light Green (sadly sold)
1996 Defender 110 CSW 300 Tdi, Epsom Green (sold)
2000 Freelander 1 TD4 3-drs, Silver (sold)
2006 Freelander 1 TD4 5-drs Facelift Automatic, Tonga Green (sold)

MySite
Post #279942 6th Nov 2013 7:17am
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yobbie



Member Since: 15 Nov 2010
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 711

United Kingdom 1999 Defender 90 Td5 Heritage LE Bronze Green
What oz tent do you have? We found a couple on holiday had an oz tent & oz beds, but the beds were too long to fit in so they had to use sides and front panel so they could use them!
Any news on my jet tent yet Brendan??
Post #279946 6th Nov 2013 7:45am
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VeeTee



Member Since: 06 Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1512

Netherlands 
We have a Oz RV4.


Click image to enlarge
 Cheers, Vincent
1959 Polynorm 1/4 Ton Trailer, Olive Drab Green (sold)
1970 M416 Military Trailer (Camping Trailer Conversion), Epsom Green (sold)
1975 Series III 88 V6, Light Green (sadly sold)
1996 Defender 110 CSW 300 Tdi, Epsom Green (sold)
2000 Freelander 1 TD4 3-drs, Silver (sold)
2006 Freelander 1 TD4 5-drs Facelift Automatic, Tonga Green (sold)

MySite
Post #279947 6th Nov 2013 7:51am
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strang



Member Since: 16 May 2012
Location: Happy Valley
Posts: 1362

United Kingdom 2009 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Galway Green
Have you had any thoughts about running an event like you did up at Trek Overland again Brendan? to give folks an idea of what is available out there? Euro-Leafing to infinity and beyond.....
Post #280014 6th Nov 2013 12:42pm
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Jimb1978



Member Since: 05 Sep 2012
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 804

England 2002 Defender 110 Td5 Black LE Java Black
thanks for all the suggestions. I have one military cot bed in the garage loft somewhere. How do they compare with the oztent ones? I noticed when i tried to set it up that it was quite difficult to stretch the ends into position. It is brand new however and i guess the fabric will stretch slightly over time.

The one concern i have with the cot beds is damage to the tent floor.

I will be paying you a visit very soon Brendan to discuss my Oztent requirements Thumbs Up
Post #280016 6th Nov 2013 12:54pm
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