Can you sleep on your side okay or is it not too comfy?

Considering one for summer but as a (mainly) side sleeper can't help thinking it might not be a good idea.

Used mine for the first time on the WRT. Didn't work too well on a stone floor, probably needs some grass under you to help. I didn't take the bulb pump so was restricted to breath pressure. I found it a bit narrow and I think side sleeping would compress it too much. Maybe with the bulb I could have pumped it up harder so it was ok......

they ain't great for side sleeping really. I have one that I've only used a couple of times as found it not so comfy.

i could lend it if you'd like to try one?

s8tannorm wrote:Can you sleep on your side okay or is it not too comfy?

Considering one for summer but as a (mainly) side sleeper can't help thinking it might not be a good idea.

Seeing as you're coming from a Exped fluff-filled mat, you might find it a bit uncomfy. My suggested approach would be to have a couple of bivvy's without a mat first, then buy the x-lite and it'll feel wonderful

Serious response: I find I can get into one position on the side which is OK for sleeping, but you have to be quite precise if on hard ground. Soft ground less of an issue, though I did sleep 7 hours with it on a concrete floor after the Cairngorms Loop, so if you're tired enough...

Does anyone leave the bulb pump behind, is it essential?

I don't take the bulb pump - extra weight, innit.

http://www.klymit.com/index.php/product ... -zone.html
How about this stu, looks like it might fit the bill?

Ian wrote:I don't take the bulb pump - extra weight, innit.

And bulk, it's not far off the size of the mat! I must try it and see if it helps add more pressure than breath alone which might improve matters!

http://www.klymit.com/index.php/product ... -zone.html
How about this stu, looks like it might fit the bill?

Aye, I'd seen that Ben. I like the look of it but no one in the UK has them, I could get one from Europe but it would cost about £85 ... I can pick up an X-lite for under £50 but obviously if I never use it, it would be £50 wasted.

Aye, all very valid points

I've got one of those tiny tiny ones. I've only used it once, you can get a bit comfy on it. but not very.

I'll report back again in a couple of weeks if you can wait that long

I bought an x-wave via the classifieds and used it on the WRT.

Have to say I was very impressed, I'm generally a front sleeper or side sleeper, rarely back, and was comfortable on the wooden raised deck in Clun castle. Was even better on the grassy lawn of the pub the following night (and I'd only had a couple of drinks).

I took the pump, it's pretty tiny, less than a quarter of the size of the mat when rolled up, plus it squashes down a bit. You can get the mat nice an firm with it which must help especially if you do sleep on your side.

On my side, at 5 10 I find I can get my knees onto the mat which helps with warmth and comfort.

What about a balloon bed from http://www.balloonbed.com/ they look pretty cool.

i used the smaller klymit xlite on the welsh ride this year and found if I stuffed it into my bivi bag I could sleep on my side on it. I think it helps if you are on soft ground such as sand or grass. I inflated without the additional bulb thingy. I think it would be back only on harder ground.

jpw247 wrote:What about a balloon bed from http://www.balloonbed.com/ they look pretty cool.

BANG

With Mats isnt the best solution either:

a) take something comfy, get a good nights sleep, and compromise on the weight/packsize
b) leave the mat at home, pick your spot carfully and sleep on the floor. Ride lighter and sleep the minumum you need

A lightweight mat seems like the worst of both worlds

Chew wrote:With Mats isnt the best solution either:

a) take something comfy, get a good nights sleep, and compromise on the weight/packsize
b) leave the mat at home, pick your spot carfully and sleep on the floor. Ride lighter and sleep the minumum you need

A lightweight mat seems like the worst of both worlds

I recently picked up a Karrimor x lite inflatable mat (good luck getting one but they do appear on ebay) which at 300g and fairly small pack size I'm really pleased with as a light weight option. Won't be any good in the winter as uninsulated but I think it's the perfect trade off.