http://www.cleverscampcamp.com/camping-mattress-coleman/
Camping Christmas List?
I’m asking for my own camping gear this year for Christmas (I usually borrow my parents) I have used their beige Coleman air mattress and it’s a piece of crap (have to reinflate it every night…) I’m looking for a new air mattress as well as a good sleeping bag. Any suggestions? Or any products/companies I should stay away from?
If you want a big fattie mattress, I think one is probably just as good as another. If you want a backpacking one, get a ThermaRest, no contest. They have a lot of different ones, I think including for just women but also different sizes and a backpacking friendly one. You can get a self-inflating one, or a closed cell foam one (Compact ridge rest, Z rest? something like that it looks like yoga mat, and it has traction and accordian folds instead of rolling.)
Sleeping bag info:
I have a Sierra Designs bag from the Flex series and I love it! They are quilted with slightly elastic thread around the circumference of the bag, so they are stretchy…like stretch jeans. They kind of hug you but they are still plenty roomy. So nice for side sleeping!
Synthetic fill is always my recommendation because down is so touchy. It will have a lot of different trade names but it is all polyester. Basically it is various kinds of quilt batting. Down is more expensive than comparable synthetics, they require dry cleaning, and if you get it wet out in the field, you won’t necessarily ruin it, but it is worthless until you dry it out which means you could be dangerously cold. Nonetheless, down fill is lighter weight and compressible.
I wouldn’t worry so much about weight or fill if you are car camping. Just get the warmest one that you need for your budget. As far as brands, I’m sure a Coleman or whatever is fine. My SD bag is from my backpacking days and is still very serviceable. If you are getting a true backpacking bag…you get what you pay for but there are some good bargains out there. Try the High Peak Line of gear. They make EXCELLENT bags, and they are little known but still reasonable. I have also had two different packs from this brand and one was in amazing shape even after I backed over it with the car. hahah!
http://www.highpeakusa.org/
I can tell you that Slumberjack makes relatively low end bags for the money and in my experience their zippers don’t work very well. But they are cheap, offer lots of temps and styles, and they seem to run warm if you can keep them zipped.
Re temp rating, if you camp year round, you will really benefit from having at least two bags. One just cannot be the end all-be all for every climate. Get a summer one, even if it is just a hostel bag or a silk or fleece bag liner, and then a 0 deg, 20 deg or 30 deg. Use them both independently in their season, and both together in the winter. If you do this, you need to make sure that they are the same shape (rectangular vs mummy) and make sure the zippers are on the same side. Late night pee trips will be a lot easier this way. In addition, I have a 10 dollar cheapo down throw blanket that I have used a million ways with my other gear. You can throw it in the mix to help you stay warm. It make a great shoulder, butt, or foot specific helper and also a pillow. It is also snuggly around the campsite, and I have even paired it up with my rain jacket to work just like a down parka! I didn’t mind having this down piece because I was not totally relying on this to keep me safe, just comfortable. And it was cheap, only weighed a few ounces, and it fit in a gallon ziplock bag. So…easy to stuff in a pack.
They also make bivy sacks that are excellent for adding even more warmth to a sleeping bag, and they can protect your bag from getting wet. This is great if you go shelterless on a clear night, so your bag isn’t covered in dew by morning.
Have a great time making your list!
Coleman Wrap N Roll Airbed System
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Coleman Big Game Sleeping Bag with Pillow $92.01 The Coleman(r) Mountain Lodge king-sized sleeping bag is designed to fit users up to 6-ft 2-in tall and features FiberLock(tm) technology to prevent the insulation from shifting, increasing durability. Size-lbs of DuPont Hollofil(r) 808 fill insulation combines with a ThermoLock(tm) system that reduces heat loss through the zipper to keep you warmer…. |
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Coleman 7514 Aerobed Dual Comofort Sleep Basic King $117.50 Aerobed dual comofort sleep basic king… |
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TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Cot (85x 40) $114.37 A huge 85″x40″ camping cot built just as rugged as it is oversized, touting a 600 pound weight capacity with patented steel leg construction. Hassle free set-up is quick and easy, but we include detailed setup instructions with photos just to be thorough. A carry bag is included for convenient storage – folding down to 42″x12″x7″. Use the Outfitter XXL for camping, hunting, indoor use and more. Do… |
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TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot Pad (84x 38x 3, 9 lbs) $129.99 This huge 84″x38″ camping pad was designed and built with two things in mind, first as a great compliment to any 85″x40″ cot and second as the most comfortable ground pad you’ve ever slept on. No more tossing and turning and sliding off your pad because this is designed large enough that even your oversized sleeping bag won’t hang over the sides. A secret pocket allows you to store your wallet, ke… |
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Texsport Steel Collapsible Cot $25.99 FEATURES 72 x 24 x 6.5 h: 1 Sturdy metal frame and 4 spring steel legs: 2 Removable O.D. canvas cover: 3 Raised head for comfort: 4 Canvas carry/storage bag: 5… |
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Coleman 12-Volt DC QuickPump $15.26 12V DC Quick Pump, Fast Inflation & Deflation Of Inflatable Products, New Ergonomic Design, For Use With Coleman Double Lock Valve, Boston Valve & Pinch Valve, Coleman Double Lock Valve & Pinch Valve Adapters Included…. |
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Intex Pillow Rest Twin Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump $36.94 Luxurious Intex Twin Raised Air Bed self – inflates in under 2 minutes flat! A genuine slice of heaven for all the comforts of home! This rises to a full 18 1/2″h. for the feeling of sleeping on a “real bed” without compromising easy transport. An excess supply means you sleepwalk into savings! Built-in Fast Fill electric pump inflates / deflates quickly; Easily adjusts for more or less firmness; … |
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Coleman 120V Electric Quick Pump $15.26 Coleman 120V Quick Pump is a universal filling station for mattresses, tires and more! Pump up just about anything with this 120V Quickpump from Coleman! Inflates a queen airbed in under 60 seconds! Comes with adapters for Boston valves, pinch valves or even Coleman double-lock valves. Includes a wall plug and cigarette lighter plug to power up! Order Today! Coleman 120V Quick Pump… |
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Intex Classic Downy Queen Airbed with 2 Pillows and Double Quick Hand Pump $26.26 Ideal for home, travel and camping. Durable, waterproof flocking with a luxurious sleeping surface. Designed for comfort and support. Comes with two I-beam pillows and double quick air pump. Folds compact for storage…. |
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Intex Classic Downy Full Airbed $19.23 Classic Downy Air Bed – Royal Blue Full SizeManufacture ID: 68758EWith plush flocking on the top this airbed gives a more luxurious sleeping surface and helps keep bedding from slipping. Flocking cleans easily and is waterproofed for camping use. Wave beam construction for a uniform sleeping surface. Crafted with cozy flocked tops and heavy gauge vinyl that is durable and easy to maintain. Feature… |