Wild Camping Winter Comfort | Sleeping Pads and Mats | R Value
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Outdoors Inspiration, Outdoor Essentials - Shamus McCaffery, shares his views and options on a variety of sleeping mats and pads that he uses for wild camping. He explains the R value of thermal resistance and the pros and cons of each mat in turn. An in depth look at the Thermarest NeoAir XTherm / XTherm Max and Therm-a-Rest ProLite / ProLite Plus series along with the Exped Downmat 7. With nearly four decades of wild camping experience, he gives his advice on being a responsible wild camper while accompanied by ever faithful canine companion, Petra the Dartmoor German Shepherd.
How are you not presenting on TV? You’re great at it 👍
Hi Rob, thank you 😊 That’s such a compliment- very much appreciated 😊👍🐶
Great info. Thank you very much
Very informative
Amazing growth on this channel and it's easy to see why - loads of useful information and advice with a healthy dollop of humility, and of course PetraCam! Would love to see your thoughts on getting around Dartmoor Shamus, especially any hikes or quick overnighters that could be done by public transport. Cheers!
Thank you, that's much appreciated 😊 That is a very good idea 👍 I've set a reminder to prompt me about that because it's really good idea, thank you 🐶
Great stuff. Hopefully we’ll find out more about your Antarctic adventures at some point!
Maybe one day 😊👍 and thank you 🙏🏻
Hi Shamus. When you mentioned about the down mat and the fact you became too lazy and started blowing it up..... well I nearly leapt out of my chair because I’ve got the same mat and I do exactly the same thing 🤔😂 I won’t feel half as guilty the next time I blow it up now that I know I’m not alone...ATB, Mark 😁👍🏻
Haha - And now you’ve said it, I feel vindicated 🤣😂🤣 All that ‘flapping hands’ thing just gets tedious doesn’t it 🐶👍🐾
It does indeed Shamus.... but the consequences are every puff I blow the price I paid for it rattles around in me head 😳🙄😂
I use the sea to summit camp plus self-inflating foam sleeping mat r4.3 and the Savotta FDF Sleeping Pad r2 ( Military ) so I have a r2 or r4.3 or r6.3 . Yes it's large and heavy but I'm 60+ plus, old school Gorilla proof all the way. Also I don't have a money for ultralight gear So I go slow It's okay 50 years experience it's still working! Just get out there and enjoy be safe life is short. Check out the Karrimor SF Sabre 45 Backpack system It's amazing I love that pack
I used to have a SF Sabre 75. A real load carrier 👍
isolation is air, all isolation, so i have a soluble mattress, in winter i put a small polyethyleen yoga mat under it, thats all, warm and cosy. Although that X max look promising
Thank you 😊 I'm sure it adds comfort too 👍
Thank you, I have enjoyed this video. Very informative :)
Thank you, much appreciated 👍😊🐶
Great video Shamus! I really enjoy your style and the way you explain things clearly 👍
Thank you ever so much 😊 I really appreciate that 👍🐶
Great video Shamus, as always.
Thanks very much Marty 😊👍🐶
Great presentation style and very informative, a lot of education points thrown in which is super. Easy to see why your channel is growing at such a pace, keep up the good work.
Thank you 😊 and stay safe 👍😊🐶
Cheers mate! This has saved me buying another matt, I'm going to give pairing my current one with a closed cell foam one a go 🤟🏼
Great news, I hope that works well for you. It will probably improve comfort for the night, as well warmth 😊👍
These vids are awesome mate. Why have you stopped doing them?
Good video. Very informative and helpful. Thank you.
Good video. Noone seems to ask about using high r value in summer, off you would get too hot? Will 1 high r value pads work all year round?
Great informative vid again delivered in your own unique style. I have the Thermarest neoair xtherm max and love it.
Thank you 😊 - I like the max too - comfy isn't it 👍
Thanks Shamus another interesting video. I wonder if one day you can talk about how you store your kit...once dry can tents be left rolled up? How can you keep kit orderly without using lots of space? I have bought a Sea to Summit ether light XT mat currently back in its box, is it alright to store it like that possibly for long periods? 🤔
Hi Caroline, my tents and mats certainly stay rolled once they are thoroughly aired and dried. However, in the first instance it's always worthwhile following the manufacturers instructions. One exception is down equipment, this should be left stored open to prevent damage to the insulation. I think you're absolutely right, it should be a point of discussion on kit - it's not all about the using; cleaning and storage is important too 👍. My tents are alway hung in a warm dry environment after a wild camp, usually for a couple of days before storage. 🐶😊
Haven’t seen you in a while, I hope you’re well.
I have the Xtherm Max Long because I wanted only one mat not a winter and summer mat.....The Xtherm Max is the BOMB....I LOVE IT!!!! Thank you for sharing that the Rvalues add together....good to know....Cheers
Thank you Lori 😊 The Xtherm is a superb mat, the price tag is a bit drawback but at least you. An sleep well 👍🐾
Great Vid - I am in the market for.a new mat. Currently using the OEX Traverse but it's very bulky. Mats are like a minefield so thanks for the informative video. ATB Andy.
Thank you Andy - There is so much choice out there 👍😊🐶
Shamus and Petra, Great video content and very well edited. I use a closed cell foam mat with my Thermarest NeoAir. I place the closed foam mat on top of the NeoAir as I feel that the foam on top of it dampens the bounciness of the air! Any thoughts from you in case I am missing something!! I appreciate your channel efforts so keep up the top class work. Tom
That's interesting Tom - I think the CCF / NeoAir is an ideal combination. Oddly enough, that story I mentioned about the Antarctic sleep system - some laid the CCF above the mattress because either way the CCF would insulate them. I was just talking with a pal of mine who rightly points out that having the CCF under your NeoAir will help protect it from the ground as well. But I like the idea of dampening - in particular it dampens the 'crinkling' as well 👍
Best mat review and explanation yet, brilliant. R6.9 for this Queenslander in Scotland. Thanks mate.
Thank you Dave, I appreciate that 😊👍🐶
Thanks Shamus, every video is packed full of info, fabulous, especially Petra,!
Thanks again John 😊👍🐶
Great video and Beautiful nature. Thank you Very Much 😊🤗😅
Thank you 😊 Very much appreciated 👍
Great 👍 very informative
Great video. I'm hoping to take my son wild camping in 2021. Just need to get a small tent to use. We go camping alot with a family tent.
Fantastic 😊 I think my son first went camping at 6 months old, but his first wild camp was when he was 8 I think - Young people absolutely love the adventure of a night under the stars don't they 😊👍🐶
Have you come across any inflaitable pads , max 500 gm and at least 40 denier(dog claw resistant) can be 3/4 length
The XTherm is sub 500g (430) 70D bottom layer and 30D top - So far pretty dog proof, Petra is in contact with mine quite regularly without mishap 👍 Now I've said that out loud, I just know it will go wrong 😂
Great video.....When you showed the short and long orange Thermarests I thought you were going to say the wee one was for Petra. I'm currently trying to find a suitable small(ish) mat for my dog who is about Petra's size.
Funnily enough, I tried that one for her - I may try again - She didn’t like sleeping on it 😂
How noisy/crinkly is the Xtherm MAX? I returned the normal one because it was so loud & I can sleep through a lot!
Hi Amanda - in terms of noise, I haven't noticed a difference between the two to be honest 😊
Hi Shamus thankyou for this helpful video, I am looking to get my first sleep pad very soon. At the minute I have a very cheap blue thin mat, due to being new to wild camping and not knowing much about the kit. I had my first solo camp only last weekend on South Ayrshire coast and enjoyed it very much :) ATB to you all.
Thank you, Nigel - I would start with what you have and go from there, mate 👍 I was fine on a thin foam mat until glossy magazines and the internet subverted me and convinced me there was another way 😂 - Best if luck and I hope you enjoy every minute of your wild camps 👍
Another superb and informative video Shamus, thank you.
I’m hoping you will be doing a rucksack feature too as I’m in the market for a new one & the variation in sizes & features is mind-boggling.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you 😊 I will do something on rucksacks. To be fair, I'm not the person to go to for rucksack information because I have rucksacks that fit, so I don't look around - I sort of go with what I know, which may not suit other people.. I've had Crux AK rucksacks for years now and I'm a bit choosey with other brands 😂
Very informative Shamus. I just got a exped down very happy with it up to now.
Take care
ATB-Phill 🙏
Thank Phil - I should hasten to add that the one that went 'pop' was over ten years old and very well used 👍 - They are very comfortable 😊🐶
Great vid. Great info. I have two of the Xtherms and they are magic. Seriously impressive bits of kit.
Thank you Dominic - They really are good aren't they 😊👍🐶
Great video, thanks for this. I recently used some wooden flooring underlay (reflective, light and packable and it rolls up very small) that I had spare as an extra layer under my exped mat which worked well. It was only around - 2 degrees but it seemed to add a little extra warmth so it doesn't need to cost the earth like you said!
Have you done any videos/content on trekking pillows at all as I would like your take on these if possible. Eg what do you use etc etc. I have been camping since I was young so about 25 years and have never found the right sleep system pillow yet. I am a very fussy sleeper unless I've had a beer or two.
Thanks for watching. That sounds like a good insulating material, thanks for the tip 👍😊🐶
Great video. Absolutely spot on saying you may sleep hot or cold.
I can get away with a low r value and a silver foil mat.
That said, I recently purchased an insulated mat (Kymit) and what a difference!
Thank you, it seems like such a cop-out on my part to say 'it's a personal thing etc' - but it's so true - I could sleep all night on the smallest of mats 20 years ago - but today, it's a different matter all together 😂😊👍
I've been meaning to do a video like this from the standpoint of being a tight get with no money but wants to get out. Just recently I've had the chance to get some real bargains on sale from Winfield's - an outdoor goods warehouse in Haslingden near Accrington; There have also been some great buys on e-Bay recently too. Weight is not a great concern to me really, as my bike takes the strain and my trailer for the long journeys or tours over 500 miles or so. Thanks to Covid I have missed another - Colne to cologne was on my list as was a trip right across the Silk Road trail to China. I have to keep fit and camping in the meantime - even in tier 3. good video subbed.
Hi Mark - Thank you for both taking the time to comment and to view the video. There are some bargains to be had out there, it's a matter of being patient isn't it 👍 Good luck with your adventures and keep us posted 😊
Excellent and informative video! Thank you and keep it up!
Thank you, that’s very much appreciated 😊
Another great video. Loving watching the channel grow Shamus. Keep up the good work sir.
Hi Lee, thank you. It could grow without people like you to support it 👍 Thank you 😊
New to your channel and really enjoyed this review.I have subscribed and will look at the rest of your vids.love Petra she is such a good dog 👍👍
Thank you, Mark 😊 That really is very much appreciated 👍🐶🐶
Brilliant Shamus, good information, concisely put with a pinch of humour, thank you.
Hi Mike, good morning and thank you 😊
Closed cell foam? Fine in my hammock in the summer. Nice and light
Thanks Jarred 👍😊🐶
Really loving the regular content Shamus. I swear when I stumbled on your channel about a month ago you had 400 subscribers and now that's almost tripled - great indication of the quality content you're putting out, really appreciate it.
Thank you 😊 Thats very kind of you to say so. The subscriptions have gone well, which is very rewarding and gives me confidence to produce more. 👍😊
Is there such a condition as Mat envy? Another enjoyable video. Thanks. Ian
Haha 😂 I suspect there is and after suffering with it for many years, I've now overcompensated - thanks for watching, Ian 😊
Another excellent video and good timing Shamus, as I have just ordered a Sea to Summit Etherlight Insulated mat.
Thank you, Michael - They look like beautiful mats and very highly spoke of 👍😊
Big Agnes for me. Best money I've ever spent to ensure comfort. I sleep better in a tent on this than I do at home Comfort, no sqeaks and non slip
I've ever tried one, Pete. Thanks for that, because reviewing my collection it seems that Im a ThermARest fan - I suspect they take a huge proportion of the market share. I'll have look at the BA mats and try one some time. Thank you 😊 👍
Where were you to get signal?😂. Great video as always👍
Thanks David, there's more signal than you would think on the moor 👍😂
Very informative video. Thanks
Thank you, John 😊 That’s very much appreciated.
Great video, thanks for the comparison of the mats 😊
Thank you, Stuart. 😊👍🐾
Wouldn't it be great if there was a 'hire a mat' service so you could try them first!
I have tried a lot of mats below £50 and still don't sleep properly ever, I have a rubbish back so currently use a mountain equipment self inflating and hi gear self inflating on top of one another but they have a tendency to slide, I'm thinking of trying that stuff you put on trays to stop plates sliding, between them. If I car camp I also sometimes use a piece of foam.
Great video though and really informative, Petra was like the princess and the pea on all those sleep mats 😁
Oh Suzie, I wish there was a ‘try before you buy’ on all the camping gear. It would save a lot of shenanigans 😂 Something that folk do to their mats is mix a little McNett silicon seam seal with smidge of white spirit (to the consistency of very thick olive oil) and use a brush or your finger to smear lines across the base of a mat - it may take a fair few hours to cure. I’ve tried it with one of my mats and think it’s wishful thinking, but it may work to stop two mats sliding down you did it in the base of one?
** This comes with a warning that I don’t want you to permanently mark a mat and find it doesn’t work, so don’t try it on my account 😊🐶🐾😊
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 thank you, I will investigate that 😁 maybe I should start a company hiring out camping gear 🤔
Another awesome video..... year's ago I bought a bed roll? It was a wierd thing like a thick polythene bag and inside was a thick foam mattress and a sleeping bag All locked in place.....I could actually sleep and did do in the open without a tent....oh happy memories
Sounds fascinating, Steve 👍 I’m sure Isla would find it comfy too 😊
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 there was only enough room for me 😂😂
Really informative Seamus.
Thank you 😊 👍🐶
Just discovered your channel and finding it excellent. Very useful content, presented succinctly and in a very neutral style. Last week on a family camping trip, my wife borrowed my thermarest pro trail and was impressed until I told her how much it cost. A mistake I won’t be repeating 😂 (have a serious amount of camping kit from almost 40 years as a scout plus nice gear I’ve built up for fly tying and fishing - if she knew how much it all cost, I’m not sure we’d still be married.)
Anyway, great channel, keep up the good work.
Spot on Shamus, as always a cracking video. I think you have de mystified the R value for a lot of folks including myself. I use a Vango Trek which I think has an R value of 4 which is ideal for me and in my opinion excellent value for money as it cost me only £35.00. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge 👍🏻😊
Hi Shane and good evening. Thank you 😊 that's very much appreciated. Vango make some really bomb-proof and warm mats don't they 👍
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 they do indeed Shamus, initially I was considering a Sea to Summit purely based on pack size and of course TH-cam reviews but at £140 I decided it was a bit steep for me as I have only returned to camping this year after a 43 year gap. So much to learn and I have to say I’m finding your channel very useful for learning and inspirational. Cheers again 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Again learning a lot of stuff from you videos although this time around I knew a bit about the subject, our very own camper Justin Outdoors from Canada did a video on the subject, should check him out he is pretty much like you, he is humble, precise and very knowledgeable. Cheers
I used inflatable mattress and it developed mold after 3 trips, so would suggest using any sort of pump instead of breath
That's really interesting 😊 What sort of environment was that in?
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 this summer low temp was 10 degree Celsius during night and I only used it 3 times and I had started noticing black spots on the inside (material is a little bit transparent so it is visible)
Another superb video. You present it so well, and give your humble, unbiased view. I loved the opening, and also with Petra lying there in the sun looking so sweet!
Thank you Peter 😊👍🐶
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 more of your stories please to help us while away these gloomy days!
To compliment Shamus's excellent video introduction, here is my review of the Thermarest ProLite Apex, the most insulating self inflating pad currently on the market and a great illustration of the points he makes about fitting the R value of your pad to the season you plan to use it : @t
Your channel is super useful, thank you! - Planning on doing a wild camp on Dartmoor in September with my brother, something out of our comfort zone! - Do you by any chance have an area of Dartmoor you'd recommend for beginners? :)
Petra at the end... Princess and the pea!
Haha 😂 Her registered name is Princessa 😂
Good information mate 👌👌
Hi Matt 😊 Thank you 👍🐶
Downmat UL is awesome.
They got rid of the hand pump thing and cut the weight tremendously from the Downmat 9.
Great video shamus, I know exactly where this spot is in dartmoor you’ve pitched on, as I’ve used it a few times myself lol. Great spot and nice little car park right next to it .
Yep thanks for good video
Thanks, Stephen 😊👍🐶
Hey Shamus, thanks for the video and the work you put into your channel; I love it. I wonder if I could ask a question please, I have a Thermarest Z lite Sol mattress and on top of that I intend to place my red and blue lilo thing, like the one you referred to in the video. What R value to reckon this would equate to? Or to put it another way, what seasons could I use that combo in? Thanks again and love to Petra!
Hi Karen
I honestly couldn’t say what your R rating would be with that combination to be fair - but it sounds comfortable
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 , very comfy!!
👋👋👀
Great stuff Shamus
I've been looking at the trekology UL80 twinned with a foil blanket.
I think I may take the plunge soon 👍
I'm really enjoying your videos, keep em coming 👍👍
Thank you 😊 I assume you'll be out over winter? 👍
@@outdoorsinspiration9284
Of course 😀 I try to get out once a month ish 👍
@@lifeontherocks7441 I have the ul80 and it's super comfortable and worth the money, also use the trekology pillow. I had an issue with the pillow and trekology replaced it no questions asked and even gave me some cooling towels as a free gift. Amazing customer service. I'm looking to add something to increase the r as it's not the best for colder weather. Comfort wise it's perfect.
@@breakbystealth perfect
I may take the plunge but can't decide weather to save up for an xtherm.
Cheers Lee
@@lifeontherocks7441 there are plenty of reviews on the ul80. I'm sure Trev from @summitornothing has done one and I'm sure Paul messner has also done one. I watched a fair few before getting mine .
Awesome video! Love the idea of radiator backing as an addition to an existing mat too. Do you happen to know or have any idea what the R value of radiator backing would be?
Thanks Darren 😊 I have no idea whatsoever in that respect. I would imagine that it wouldn’t be very much, but when coupled with a prolite I found it very effective f👍
Many thanks for the response. Much appreciated. I have the sea to summit ether XT mat which has an r rating of 3.2. Was wondering if the addition of radiator backing may get me in the region of a r4 rating for winter use. I will do some more investigation 👍
To be honest, I just gave it a spin one winter, I used the stuff to back up the prolite 3 short in the Lakes and Dartmoor in snow and was delighted with the improvement - but scientific it isn’t 😊👍
I think it’s a great idea and will give it a try. Very cheap too so will make a sit mat with what’s left over as well 😀👍
Nice information and channel.
Hi and thank you 😊 👍
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 👍
Thanks again
Thanks for watching, Gavin. A true gent 😊👍😊
Excellent
Thank you, Kevin 😊
I know you said you’re going to cover off sleeping bags in the future but I need to purchase one within the next 2 weeks. I am thinking about the Rab Solar 3, as an all season bag. Although won’t be out in the cold of winter. Any thoughts ?
Ooh, now that's tough 😊 As you can see, I tend to relate to equipment from my own experiences. Sleeping bags are difficult because there are so many variables: type of sleeper, fit required, location, environment etc. Looking at the specification I wouldn't think of a 0 C rated bag as 4 season - then many others would. But then you say that you won't be out in the cold. I would definitely try the fit first and make sure you are comfortable as first priority. As a synthetic bag I would also want to ensure that it compressed satisfactorily to fist with the rest of your gear 👍
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 hmmm some good thoughts there Shamus, and I take onboard your points, whatever I get does need to compress as need to get all of my gear into a 48 litre pack. Will also consider the temp as I do tend to feel the cold. Hmmm back to the drawing board lol.
@@michaeldesouza4911 - Have look at it, but I would suspect that the sizing would be big(ish) for a 48L - It's one of the fundamental problems with sleeping bags isn't it.
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 so, appreciating the numerous variables, if it was you with a budget of up to £150. What would you buy tomorrow ? With the consideration of warmth and packing into a 48/50 litre pack ?
@@michaeldesouza4911 - I would look here:
alpkit.com/collections/sleeping-bags/products/skyehigh-500
They make good quality gear at an attainable price 👍 It's warmer, it's down and nearly 300g lighter than the bag that you were looking at. They are a good roomy size - If it doesn't fit then the synthetic bag probably wouldn't either.
Please don't go for this on my say-so though, you really must judge things based on what is presented to you. But this is my honest answer, If I had to go for a dependable design with that budget I wouldn't hesitate with Alpkit 😊
Hi mate where was this filmed on Dartmoor looks like a lovely spot to wild camp. Keep up the good videos 👍👍
Hello, Jack - It's just out of sight on the Pork Hill side of Little Staple. There's a lovely pitch by a small stream - but the main path back to pork hill runs right past it 👍😊
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 Thanks man, think I’ll go have a wonder around there sometime soon. On a side note would you ever consider doing a wild camp with subscribers when all is safe to do so again! 👍
@@jackdyer4494 - Absolutely Jack 👍 But we have to get this 'thing' under control 😊🐶👍
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 Brilliant and yeah sooner the better anyway keep safe and well, keep doing what your doing on here absolutely smashing it!! 👍👏🏼
@@jackdyer4494 Thank you 😊
were is this place on dartmoor looks a fab spot
Hello Jane it's a little tinners' girt on the Merrivale side of Pork Hill car park 😊👍
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 thank you for getting back to me will go check it out
@@janerichardson7553 - Just below Little Staple 👍
What tent is that?
Hi Tom - that's an OEX Racoon 2.1 - There was periodic rain while making the video - so this tent is a doddle to put up and has two vestibules allowing light in either side for the purposes of an evening making a video.
@@outdoorsinspiration9284 I commented too early and saw the name later. Recommend it as a budget tent? I've just bought a Fjallraven Abisko Lite 1 as I needed to upgrade after a catastrophic failure on my Helm 2 in the North Yorkshire dales on Saturday. Do you have any experience with the Abisko?
I stumbled on your channel this morning and have already subscribed, it's very interesting to hear the opinions of somebody that seems to be very experienced that doesn't just push people towards the latest, most expensive stuff.
Thank you for subscribing, that’s very much appreciated 😊 There are many entrenched views on outdoor gear, I know mine are - but I know they only apply to me, so I just tell folk how it is for me. I managed to get the Rakoon 2.1 for just over £70 - so I would say it’s excellent value for a budget tent - My views on it are here on this video:
th-cam.com/video/NjLMC9M7vdo/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again and all the best 😊
Thanks Shamus for another no nonsense ‘this is what I do’ video. Personally I put down an ‘old school’ foam roll mat on the bottom and then I have an Alpkit Cloudbase (R = 2 to 2.5) on top. The only problem l personally find is that I move around a lot at night and tend to slide off it! 😂😂 I loved the ‘Dit’ from down south and I thought for a moment you were going to tell us for added warmth you had a Husky from the sled team in your bag! 😂 Looking forward you the next video. Keep up the excellent work. ATVB Graham
I'm sorry to say those dogs were particularly stinky 😂 They never came indoors, let alone in a tent. Are you sliding off your mat, or are the two mats sliding?
I’m sliding as the Snugpak sleeping bag has a very shiny outer and the Cloudbase is like an EGGBOX! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 I’m so pleased I got to experience the Dogs at Rothera in early 1993 before they had to be removed as they weren’t a native species. The highlight was being taken up around the mountains on the sled!
@@sidestickflyer - I seem to remember one of that lads taking you some folks up the ramp to Reptile Ridge while I was skiing with the captain 😂 Small world
A great cheap way to increase the R-value is to have a space blanket under your mat to stop the body heat in the air in the mat leaching into the ground... works the same as the radiator backing and you can buy them in multipacks for as little as 50p each.
Good point and they take up very little space too 👍🐶😊