Lots of camping in 2026

[Remal]

A little advice.
2025 started motorsport marshalling. I don't have the cash to blow on a camper at the moment but have for many years camped in tents from Le Mans, Goodwood events to F1 at various circuits. So happy to continue at the moment with a tent.

I will be visiting various circuits around the Uk from April until Oct 2026. I have a good tents (inflatable, and terra Nova small tent plus a few backups). Plus all the camping equipment needed I have gathered over the last 30 years of camping.


I'm looking for a good sleeping matt/bed. Comfort is the most important. My thin thermarest matts are not so great now I'm older.
I don't need lightweight and looking on google and YouTube there is such a huge range from cheap to mega pricey. I will pay for comfort and quality. IE something that won't let me down like the various normal flocked cheap airbeds that last about a week.

Any advice on a sleeping mat/bed and reliable place to get one from.

[jodypress]

I've tried many options for sleeping in tents etc. Campbed and SIM etc. Best I've seen is the Decathlon Inflatable Camping Bed Base and a SIM on top.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/inflatable-camping-b...

[monthou]

jodypress said:

I've tried many options for sleeping in tents etc. Campbed and SIM etc. Best I've seen is the Decathlon Inflatable Camping Bed Base and a SIM on top.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/inflatable-camping-b...

These are brilliant. We bought a couple last year (they clip together) and use with a 10cm self-inflating mat on top - I think they'll give us another few years in a tent.

[Remal]

jodypress said:

I've tried many options for sleeping in tents etc. Campbed and SIM etc. Best I've seen is the Decathlon Inflatable Camping Bed Base and a SIM on top.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/inflatable-camping-b...

Bloody good idea. I have a large Thermarest base but being only 2" deep was not as comfy as i wanted. But with this should be great.

Many thanks

[RustyNissanPrairie]

I have a roll of 4 thick polyurethane that i use for car carried camping. I have a length of double sided velcro that i roll it up with before shoving it in a plastic bag.

I sleep really well on it and nothing to break/fail/deflate!

Admittedly it didnt cost me anything as i work in the foam industry but if space/packability isnt a problem then just get a bit of foam.

[TwinKam]

As we've aged, we've moved onwards and, more importantly, upwards from those old red & blue rubber inflatables (that last for ever but you just don't see anymore), to the high pvc inflatables (that never last a season of folding away) to a proper folding camp bed. But the key to getting a good night's sleep is a decent quality, thick SIM on top of that.
We have a Zempire Speedy Double Campbed with a 10cm Zempire Monstamat.
Other makes are available

Edited by TwinKam on Thursday 18th December 07:47

[Chicken Chaser]

10cm SIM gives you a good night sleep. I really like the Berghaus one but it seems they have questionable reliability with the valve.

[Remal]

Chicken Chaser said:

10cm SIM gives you a good night sleep. I really like the Berghaus one but it seems they have questionable reliability with the valve.

I have about 2 Thermarest's which are still very good nick for 15 years old and still hold there air. amazing to see how much the ones I have are nowadays. Will probably use them over the camping base suggested.

[snotrag]

Many, many nights spent camping.

There is not a roll mat, air mattress, or otherwise, that will give you as good a night sleep as simply buying a proper metal frame camp bed.

[Blink982]

Check alpkit, they usually make a thick self inflating mattress for car camping. The comfiest mattress I’ve used is a sea to summit lightweight one suitable for cold climates but for car camping and where weight and bulk isn’t an issue, I’d get the thickest self inflating mattress out there.