In reply to Post #28
Had a look at that and seen them in GoOutdoors. I was looking at them for a camping trip. I believe you need to be very,,very careful with mat selection especially for winter use, some do not have the insulating properties and transfer the cold very well
Had a look at that and seen them in GoOutdoors. I was looking at them for a camping trip. I believe you need to be very,,very careful with mat selection especially for winter use, some do not have the insulating properties and transfer the cold very well
In reply to Post #1
I know it has been asked, but do you have a groundsheet down?
What are you setting your bivvy up on?
Rock hard earth is nasty, it does get cold. You want the longest grass you can find, even an extra layer of rushes helps.
This winter I have been out to -6⁰ in an All Season sleeping bag on either a Chub Flatbed or a Solar bedchair, with no problems other than slightly cold feet.
I have put 2 groundsheets down and my spare unhooking mat rod holdall, bags etc go under the bedchair.
I have tried a SIM, (years ago) and just couldn't get comfortable with it on the bedchair, yet on the ground it was fine.
I know it has been asked, but do you have a groundsheet down?
What are you setting your bivvy up on?
Rock hard earth is nasty, it does get cold. You want the longest grass you can find, even an extra layer of rushes helps.
This winter I have been out to -6⁰ in an All Season sleeping bag on either a Chub Flatbed or a Solar bedchair, with no problems other than slightly cold feet.
I have put 2 groundsheets down and my spare unhooking mat rod holdall, bags etc go under the bedchair.
I have tried a SIM, (years ago) and just couldn't get comfortable with it on the bedchair, yet on the ground it was fine.
In reply to Post #32
I was using a SIM many years ago and a few others decided to get one and most hated it.
The problem is they over inflate it, it needs to be about 1/4 to 1/3 full of air so you settle into it rather than laying on top of a wobbly air bubble.
That's why I recommend a 3/4 length mat.
I was using a SIM many years ago and a few others decided to get one and most hated it.
The problem is they over inflate it, it needs to be about 1/4 to 1/3 full of air so you settle into it rather than laying on top of a wobbly air bubble.
That's why I recommend a 3/4 length mat.
In reply to Post #1
Hi Ian, I had a similar issue last winter so I bought a thermal matt, one with silver lining on it from Decathlon and it cost about £20.00.i placed it under my fitted sleeping bag and now my back isn't cold anymore. Hope this helps. 👍
Hi Ian, I had a similar issue last winter so I bought a thermal matt, one with silver lining on it from Decathlon and it cost about £20.00.i placed it under my fitted sleeping bag and now my back isn't cold anymore. Hope this helps. 👍
If your bed is comfortable and no need to improve on it, just get a heavy wool blanket and double it over on top off the bedchair and put the sleeping bag on top. I have done that for years and right through Winter.
As well as SIM's though, foam mats are good too to insulate from the cold coming through the bottom of a bedchair and far more durable than a SIM.
The blanket is also more useful than a SIM or a foam mat as on a cool evening or cold day, you can wrap it round yourself to keep warm as you watch the Sun go down.
These days, I occasionally use a SIM if I have too but only if I have had an uncomfortable first night or two. I have an Helium 3.8 but much rather prefer a Dutch Army thermarest. Its a full length size but the British Army one and I think it is made by the same contractor is the same and only 3/4 length. 120 cm.
As well as SIM's though, foam mats are good too to insulate from the cold coming through the bottom of a bedchair and far more durable than a SIM.
The blanket is also more useful than a SIM or a foam mat as on a cool evening or cold day, you can wrap it round yourself to keep warm as you watch the Sun go down.
These days, I occasionally use a SIM if I have too but only if I have had an uncomfortable first night or two. I have an Helium 3.8 but much rather prefer a Dutch Army thermarest. Its a full length size but the British Army one and I think it is made by the same contractor is the same and only 3/4 length. 120 cm.
In reply to Post #28
In reply to Post #27
I have an old therma rest mat, but any half decent 3/4 length mat should do fine.
This one looks good and gets good reviews on amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Peak-Compact-Self-Inflating-Green/dp/B08964H3M9/ref=asc_df_B08964H3M9/?918789699585
Thanks Dave. Funnily enough I had that in the fishing wish list on Amazon
In reply to Post #27
I have an old therma rest mat, but any half decent 3/4 length mat should do fine.
This one looks good and gets good reviews on amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Peak-Compact-Self-Inflating-Green/dp/B08964H3M9/ref=asc_df_B08964H3M9/?918789699585
Thanks Dave. Funnily enough I had that in the fishing wish list on Amazon
In reply to Post #27
Horses for courses innit Cam......I blow mine up and then lie on it before deflating it to how I want it........ perfect comfort and insulation.......
Horses for courses innit Cam......I blow mine up and then lie on it before deflating it to how I want it........ perfect comfort and insulation.......
For fishing I'd recommend a Multimat ,it's a SIM,open the valve ,til the air inside warms up,coupla puffs to inflate to your preferred firmness..
I put the multimat inside my sleeping bag,makes a big difference..
For wild camping,either Tarp or Small tent,Thermarest adventure,coupled with a roll up foam ,silver reflector mat..its the only way you'll keep warm ,directly on the deck in a tarp or bathtub in a tent..
Always use a footprint or groundsheet ,regardless..
I put the multimat inside my sleeping bag,makes a big difference..
For wild camping,either Tarp or Small tent,Thermarest adventure,coupled with a roll up foam ,silver reflector mat..its the only way you'll keep warm ,directly on the deck in a tarp or bathtub in a tent..
Always use a footprint or groundsheet ,regardless..