Quoted message said:A post here suggested they self inflate and
then you seal them?
Yes, that's right. I take the Thermarest out of its bag and let it
self-inflate then I blow it up (just a little bit, to make it slightly
firmer) and turn the valve to seal it.
Quoted message said:How do they compare with about 100mm of cushion
foam? Which is about the thickness my old bones feel comfortable in.
I can't say I've ever camped on 10cm of foam but I know I wouldn't
like to carry it! I have the Thermarest 3/4 length Ultralite which is
heavier than my (cheapo) campamat but so much more comfortable. Some
people find the Ultralite too thin and, to be honest, it would be nice
to have a thicker matress but I can usually find a flat-ish, rock-free
patch of ground on which to pitch my tent and am not prepared to carry
the extra weight of a thicker mattress.
I've heard good comfort reports of the Thermarest copies (eg from
Argos and several other places) and I would recommend that, if you are
car camping, you buy yourself a thick, cheap self-inflating mattress
and put it on top of your Karrimat. Also (for car camping) take a
couple of pillows and a blanket as well as the sleeping bag. I do
like to be snuggly when I've got the car with me!
Judith