Hi all, sorry if been done before but I've started getting a bit uncomfortable on my old bed chair and think a SIM could help, so looking for opinions on the one trakker do, or recommendations for others. Ideally within a £30 budget. Ps Ive replaced the bungee underneath with parracord which has helped but got a trip to France next year and was hoping a SIM would improve further without me needing to buy a new bed.
In reply to Post #1
I had a Nash SS4 and replacing the bungee with paracord helped but the real improvement was when I bought a SIM. I've got the Cotswold Helium 3.8 which was recommended on here but I think it's £45. Was money well spent for me though.
I had a Nash SS4 and replacing the bungee with paracord helped but the real improvement was when I bought a SIM. I've got the Cotswold Helium 3.8 which was recommended on here but I think it's £45. Was money well spent for me though.
In reply to Post #2
I've tried several, and by far the best I have had is sold by Costco
I've tried several, and by far the best I have had is sold by Costco
In reply to Post #4
That's what ive got, on Gerry's recommendation. Excellent.
That's what ive got, on Gerry's recommendation. Excellent.
In reply to Post #4
Same as what I have got,it's out of o.p budget though
Same as what I have got,it's out of o.p budget though
Thanks for the recommendation s it is out of budget but I'll take a look Friday see if I can get a good deal.
Search for Andes 5cm Single Self Inflating Camping Mat/Mattress, 195cm x 55cm, Carry Bag Included on Amazon ... Better than the Helium 3.8 and is only £21.99 (I have both) .... The best though is Thermarest if you want to save up a little more
In reply to Post #8
Cheers for that, I'll take a look
Cheers for that, I'll take a look
In reply to Post #8
Excellent mate thanks again just found it on ebay for 19.99 with free delivery.
Excellent mate thanks again just found it on ebay for 19.99 with free delivery.
Tried a self inflating mattress & found the Trakker one to be next to useless as made no iota of difference to comfort compared to without it (even with it inflated extra with a few long breaths). I got rid of it in the end. Much better off with a standard piece of foam TBH or look at a better bedchair with a mattress that is suited to your comfort level (this is where a lot of people go wrong as they look at price, weight, brand, etc without even thinking of how comfortable it will be.)
In reply to Post #11
I would love a new bed chair but unfortunately I'm not currently in a position to get the 1 I want, so just looking at a cheap fix for winter and my French trip. To be fair I have had my current one for 16 years so it's earnt its money
I would love a new bed chair but unfortunately I'm not currently in a position to get the 1 I want, so just looking at a cheap fix for winter and my French trip. To be fair I have had my current one for 16 years so it's earnt its money
I bought two of the Trakker ELS bedchairs when they first come out a standard and compact both of them have sagged in the mid section and trying to tighten the cord section is near on impossible to remove enough of the sag out of the mattress, that being said I was thinking of cutting the cord section out as it will only happen again with new cord and replacing with the elastic bungee cord and using an inflatable mattress but that would probably cost more than buying a new replacement bedchair, I have a decent 5 season bag I just need a reliable comfy chair that will last more than a few years, it's not like the Trakker chairs were cheap any suggestions? sorry to hijack the thread I'm not a heavy weight well I dont think so.
A bedchair with a good quality SIM (at least 5cm) is far more comfortable than any standalone bedchair
In reply to Post #14
I bought an easy camp 3.8 recently to go with my cyprinus sleep system.paid about ,£16 .makes one hell of a difference.
I guess there is better but on a tight budget I'm well impressed
I bought an easy camp 3.8 recently to go with my cyprinus sleep system.paid about ,£16 .makes one hell of a difference.
I guess there is better but on a tight budget I'm well impressed
In reply to Post #14
I bought a 10cm sim which is brilliant. Trouble is I have a Nash ss3 and it won't. fit in with the bags done up. I'm thinking of getting a separate bag and just putting it on top as a cheaper option than a whole new bed chair.
I bought a 10cm sim which is brilliant. Trouble is I have a Nash ss3 and it won't. fit in with the bags done up. I'm thinking of getting a separate bag and just putting it on top as a cheaper option than a whole new bed chair.
In reply to Post #16
Ah too big you see the 3.8 fits in mine lovely and at the end of your session stays in just release the air valve
Ah too big you see the 3.8 fits in mine lovely and at the end of your session stays in just release the air valve
My Thermarest Trail Pro Inflatable Mat is 5cm and folds up inside bedchair with sleeping bag with no problem
In reply to Post #14
A bedchair with a good quality SIM (at least 5cm) is far more comfortable than any standalone bedchair
I've got a real cheapy at the moment and looking to upgrade and up to now have been thinking about the Helium 3.8 but that Andes one looks very good value
Does a Sim need to be at least 5cm especially if it's going to cause problems with transportation.
I'd imagine the Andes will fit inside some but not all bedchairs, what's the pack down size of the Andes in it's carry bag please?
Edit
Just found out.........Drawstring carry bag included (packed size: 57 (22") x 15cm (6"))
A bedchair with a good quality SIM (at least 5cm) is far more comfortable than any standalone bedchair
I've got a real cheapy at the moment and looking to upgrade and up to now have been thinking about the Helium 3.8 but that Andes one looks very good value
Does a Sim need to be at least 5cm especially if it's going to cause problems with transportation.
I'd imagine the Andes will fit inside some but not all bedchairs, what's the pack down size of the Andes in it's carry bag please?
Edit
Just found out.........Drawstring carry bag included (packed size: 57 (22") x 15cm (6"))
In reply to Post #19
I got this one from Go Outdoors.
OEX
Prowl XL Self-Inflating Mat
Really pleased with it, £35
It's not just the extra comfort the mats offer it's also the extra insulation, which makes a big difference.
If I were getting another I'd try the cheaper one below. For that price it's got to be worth a look.
Although the Helium will probably be better quality, is it worth over twice the cost? Probably not.
I got this one from Go Outdoors.
OEX
Prowl XL Self-Inflating Mat
Really pleased with it, £35
It's not just the extra comfort the mats offer it's also the extra insulation, which makes a big difference.
If I were getting another I'd try the cheaper one below. For that price it's got to be worth a look.
Although the Helium will probably be better quality, is it worth over twice the cost? Probably not.
In reply to Post #19
I'd imagine the Andes will fit inside some but not all bedchairs,
My Thermarest Trail Pro in Large is 5cm thick and has the best thermal rating for its thickness on the market and that folds up inside my Whychwood Tactical compact bedchair with sleeping bag and cover with no issues. Ive never tried the Andes in the bedchair but packdown size is similar so dont think you will have a problem.
I'd imagine the Andes will fit inside some but not all bedchairs,
My Thermarest Trail Pro in Large is 5cm thick and has the best thermal rating for its thickness on the market and that folds up inside my Whychwood Tactical compact bedchair with sleeping bag and cover with no issues. Ive never tried the Andes in the bedchair but packdown size is similar so dont think you will have a problem.
In reply to Post #21
The Andes could overtake the Helium as the go to SIM on this forum
The Andes could overtake the Helium as the go to SIM on this forum
In reply to Post #2
I bought one recently in a sale and I'm about to send it back as it's really uncomfortable I fine. What does the paracord do? What diameter did you use and what SIM did you buy to fit it. If it saves me sending it back that would be good
I bought one recently in a sale and I'm about to send it back as it's really uncomfortable I fine. What does the paracord do? What diameter did you use and what SIM did you buy to fit it. If it saves me sending it back that would be good
In reply to Post #22
I bought an Andes for my girlfriends daughter a couple of years ago for when we went camping. She sleeps on the floor with it and says it is very comfortable ... Ive also used it on my bedchair when i have friends staying over they say it is very comfortable .... Its been thrown about ... moved from place to place and used multple times without an issue ,,,,, Another plus is if bought from Amazon the customer service if there was a problem is second to none
I bought an Andes for my girlfriends daughter a couple of years ago for when we went camping. She sleeps on the floor with it and says it is very comfortable ... Ive also used it on my bedchair when i have friends staying over they say it is very comfortable .... Its been thrown about ... moved from place to place and used multple times without an issue ,,,,, Another plus is if bought from Amazon the customer service if there was a problem is second to none
Just be aware that the Andes is nearly twice the weight of the Helium according to the specs
In reply to Post #25
Does the helium fit a Nash wide boy ,and is it suitable for the sleep system
Does the helium fit a Nash wide boy ,and is it suitable for the sleep system
In reply to Post #25
Just be aware that the Andes is nearly twice the weight of the Helium according to the specs
Understandable as the Andes is thicker, longer and wider
Just be aware that the Andes is nearly twice the weight of the Helium according to the specs
Understandable as the Andes is thicker, longer and wider
In reply to Post #8
What makes the Thermarest best mate?
What makes the Thermarest best mate?
In reply to Post #28
They are the original brand, US built, mountaineers use them, The quality of the foam core is apparently unparralled and the Trail Pro version is classed as the most insulating SIM on the market for thickness.
They are the original brand, US built, mountaineers use them, The quality of the foam core is apparently unparralled and the Trail Pro version is classed as the most insulating SIM on the market for thickness.
In reply to Post #29
That will do for me, placing an order to replace the piece of **** from Trakker that goes flat after 5 minutes.
That will do for me, placing an order to replace the piece of **** from Trakker that goes flat after 5 minutes.
In reply to Post #30
There is at least 2 sizes available of the Trail pro ... just double check which one you want (i went for large ... regular size also available) but i also have the even smaller "womans" version i used on my JRC X-Lite Stealth bedchair as was smaller
There is at least 2 sizes available of the Trail pro ... just double check which one you want (i went for large ... regular size also available) but i also have the even smaller "womans" version i used on my JRC X-Lite Stealth bedchair as was smaller
In reply to Post #31
I notice the one you recommend is longer, wider and thicker than the Trakker one
Just hope the seams and valves are better made.
I notice the one you recommend is longer, wider and thicker than the Trakker one
Just hope the seams and valves are better made.
In reply to Post #32
Of course they will be,they are made by a company that specialises in camping equipment.Trakker will have just got the cheapest option,put their name on it and added the carp tax
Of course they will be,they are made by a company that specialises in camping equipment.Trakker will have just got the cheapest option,put their name on it and added the carp tax
In reply to Post #33
Surely not
Surely not
In reply to Post #34
Oh sorry,no they won't have done that.They will have designed it from scratch,sourced all the best materials and fieldtested it for at least two years
Oh sorry,no they won't have done that.They will have designed it from scratch,sourced all the best materials and fieldtested it for at least two years
In reply to Post #35
Anyone who's interested in a Helium or any other SIM that Cotswold Outdoors sells then it's 20% off today using GREENER20
In reply to Post #37
Proper bargain at £40 with that code 👍
Proper bargain at £40 with that code 👍
In reply to Post #38
You can save a tad more if you use a cashback site such as Topcashback or Quidco
You can save a tad more if you use a cashback site such as Topcashback or Quidco
I've used the Trakker and another one purchased at a camping store. Both won't hold air but both together - deflated - give a good night's sleep.
In reply to Post #37
Anyone who's interested in a Helium or any other SIM that Cotswold Outdoors sells then it's 20% off today using GREENER20
thats a bargain and free delivery over £30
Anyone who's interested in a Helium or any other SIM that Cotswold Outdoors sells then it's 20% off today using GREENER20
thats a bargain and free delivery over £30
In reply to Post #41
Bargain, if i had the dosh i would get one.
Bargain, if i had the dosh i would get one.
I use a Nash indulgence with bag over the normal mattress.
Would the helium replace the standard mattress and sit in its place? And then sleeping bag go over the top and slip over each end of the bedchair?
Would the helium replace the standard mattress and sit in its place? And then sleeping bag go over the top and slip over each end of the bedchair?
In reply to Post #43
I sit mine on top of the mattress on my Mk2 flatliter,then zip the bag back on
I sit mine on top of the mattress on my Mk2 flatliter,then zip the bag back on
I won't be using it for a while but I bought the Helium 3.8 in the Black Friday sale. My main reason for buying it is I get sciatica and need extra comfort rather than the extra warmth.
My first impression was that it is very narrow, I couldn't possibly use it in a camping situation but as I've read on here by so many people I assume it's going to be fine on a bedchair.
My main concern is that I left it overnight and it would not self inflate at all, the next day I had to inflate it by blowing into it. I then folded it up, got the air out and then had another go and it doesn't seem to self inflate much, with my previous big and bulky budget SIM you can actually hear the air rushing into it.
I also read that this SIM will self inflate under a sleeping bag, I've not tried it yet but as it struggles without a bag I'd imagine you'd need plenty of puffs to get that to happen.
So have I got a dud or is this normal?
My first impression was that it is very narrow, I couldn't possibly use it in a camping situation but as I've read on here by so many people I assume it's going to be fine on a bedchair.
My main concern is that I left it overnight and it would not self inflate at all, the next day I had to inflate it by blowing into it. I then folded it up, got the air out and then had another go and it doesn't seem to self inflate much, with my previous big and bulky budget SIM you can actually hear the air rushing into it.
I also read that this SIM will self inflate under a sleeping bag, I've not tried it yet but as it struggles without a bag I'd imagine you'd need plenty of puffs to get that to happen.
So have I got a dud or is this normal?
In reply to Post #45
The first time i used my helium i left it several hours and it wouldn't inflate on its own, so had to inflate it myself now after opening the valve while it is still under the sleeping bag i can hear and see it inflate it doesn't fully inflate but its just about right on top of the bedchair.
The first time i used my helium i left it several hours and it wouldn't inflate on its own, so had to inflate it myself now after opening the valve while it is still under the sleeping bag i can hear and see it inflate it doesn't fully inflate but its just about right on top of the bedchair.
In reply to Post #45
I've used a few SIMs over the years from different manufacturers.
All of them have need a few puffs to fill properly. I'd say yours is normal.
I've used a few SIMs over the years from different manufacturers.
All of them have need a few puffs to fill properly. I'd say yours is normal.
In reply to Post #45
Mine was like this at first,I think after a few uses it loosens up so inflates better
Mine was like this at first,I think after a few uses it loosens up so inflates better
Thanks chaps you've put my mind at rest
In reply to Post #49
Need an SIB
Complete bed system Got 4 different bedchairs gathering dust, and not even an SIM can ease my back pain 
Need an SIB
Complete bed system Got 4 different bedchairs gathering dust, and not even an SIM can ease my back pain
In reply to Post #49
the thing is the Helium fits inside the raised edge of the bedchair
as far as inflating goes I found you do not want it fully inflated like an air bed
as it works far better if the air can move around a bit as when I first got mine I thought Mmmm this hasnt come up much ? so I blew it up fully on my bed at home its not as comfy !
then when it was fitted on my bedchair under the sleeping bag I couldnt really get to it to blow in it so let it self inflate for a couple of hours sitting outside in my chair anyway then I closed the valve and it was the most comfy its ever been I use it all the time like that
I think some people dont realise just how much it self inflates an easy way is to try and roll it up then you will see just how much it has or has not self inflated
as I said for max comfort it needs to behave more like a water bed feel and to much inflation it cant do that
the thing is the Helium fits inside the raised edge of the bedchair
as far as inflating goes I found you do not want it fully inflated like an air bed
as it works far better if the air can move around a bit as when I first got mine I thought Mmmm this hasnt come up much ? so I blew it up fully on my bed at home its not as comfy !
then when it was fitted on my bedchair under the sleeping bag I couldnt really get to it to blow in it so let it self inflate for a couple of hours sitting outside in my chair anyway then I closed the valve and it was the most comfy its ever been I use it all the time like that
I think some people dont realise just how much it self inflates an easy way is to try and roll it up then you will see just how much it has or has not self inflated
as I said for max comfort it needs to behave more like a water bed feel and to much inflation it cant do that
Really wish I had seen this thread prior to black friday 
Just purchased the Andes one though from the recommendations on here. Just under 20 notes on the bay
Just purchased the Andes one though from the recommendations on here. Just under 20 notes on the bay
Self inflating mattress it's cool thing. It's innovation and far from everywhere selling. So I advice to buy the inflatable inflatable mattress. Such mattress is much more relaible and will serve longer. Read this review and make sure in my words 
https://jonsguide.org/best-inflatable-mattress-reviews/
https://jonsguide.org/best-inflatable-mattress-reviews/
In reply to Post #53
Sod off.
Sod off.
In reply to Post #8
Only £18.98 for the Andes on their own website.
Only £18.98 for the Andes on their own website.
In reply to Post #55
I used to have an air mattress, it had a relatively short lifespan - only a few years, and with frequent use could last even less. Apart from that, there are some other minuses. When air leaks, it can be difficult to find the place of damage to the surface. It doesn`t withstand heavy loads and active games, I think anyone who has children will understand me. It can easily be accidentally damaged by some sharp object; it`s also dangerous to have some pets near it. And in winter it`s colder to sleep on it than on a regular bed. So I replaced it with a standard https://paydaydeals.com.au/collections/bed-frames one which I like better, especially since I have a cat now.
I used to have an air mattress, it had a relatively short lifespan - only a few years, and with frequent use could last even less. Apart from that, there are some other minuses. When air leaks, it can be difficult to find the place of damage to the surface. It doesn`t withstand heavy loads and active games, I think anyone who has children will understand me. It can easily be accidentally damaged by some sharp object; it`s also dangerous to have some pets near it. And in winter it`s colder to sleep on it than on a regular bed. So I replaced it with a standard https://paydaydeals.com.au/collections/bed-frames one which I like better, especially since I have a cat now.
Reading ALL pages