Blow-up mattresses transfer cold through their hollow tubes from the ground to the "sleeper", so that's out. Cots cannot be adjusted for firmness, are bulky and will require cover replacement over time. Memory foam pads get pretty flat pretty fast and will absorb moisture, a drawback in my opinion. There are knockoff brands that mimic the ThermaRest brand, I've seen them at REI and Sports Authority. I know someone who has a couple and they work ok. While they cost about half as much, of course they're not as good (I've examined them) and don't carry a lifetime warranty. If you're going to camp only occasionally, they may be a cost-effective solution. If you're a Certified Camping Phreak like I am, "suck it up" and shell out the $70-80 for the ThermaRest 77 X 25 pads and another $8.00 for the nylon bag.

yes

This is what we ended up with.

http://www.rei.com/product/722785

Hopefully, it will be worth it. We plan on several trips this summer/fall.

Thanks for your input.

Trish

I always use two big waterproof canvas inflatables, I like to be comfortable, plus I am quite thin and weak and find it difficult to inflate these huge things. Thankfully normally there are plenty of strong guys to come to my rescue.
I love camping and have met so many nice people whilst eating my jam sandwiches. Nightimes can be a bit boring for a single girl on her own.

I have a caravan myself Miss Babs. Could you try an electric pump of some sort?
Iimagine there is a device that will fit the task.

what kind of jam do you like,and do you make your own?

Thank you for your advice Patsy. I really must get myself an electric pump instead of relying on the strong guys.

Yes, I do make my own jam actually. I'm currently making a batch of sausage jam, sweet sausage of course, It's truly scrumptcious on muffins.

We must swap recipes sometime?

Trish, you did great! You sucked it up and spent the dough. Although 3.5" is way more thickness than I would ever want or need, the construction quality (REI doesn't sell junk) is apparent, and best of all, since it's not a hollow inflatable, it won't be a chilly heat sink on the ground. And your back will thank you! Nice going!

"Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten"

I use Coleman air matresses. No problems with cold but don't camp in extreme cold. Would recommend them. I tried the self inflating and found them not as comfortable.

I blowup mattress works for me, I lay an insulated sleeping bag down on it to insulate my bottom. It's amazing how you can cover up and still be cold.

Blow-up mattresses transfer cold through their hollow tubes from the ground to the "sleeper", so you'll always be cold. It's effectively a "heat sink".

We just got back from our, first in several years, camp out we slept in the back of the truck with a canopy over us. We put a piece of plywood on first then 2 layers of carpet,left over from remodeling, then our memory foam then a matress pad then a few wool blankets. We never felt the cold, but as we are both getting artheritis we did feel the hard. We are trying to decide if we would ever get back to camping or not. I did not like the crowded campground and Hubby did not like getting up with me twice to go potty in the middle of the night. He had to return to work the next day he didn't think he would but....
I will always enjoy camping, but next time we hit the far out there woods! Where his @#$% cell phone can't reach us!

When we're going camping we're always sleeping in a tent and an air bed it makes us comfortable.

Here is a link that might be useful: Yellowstone RV Park

We bought a 16' Sunline TT. Tent camping just didn't get it.