What is it?
Vango Comfort 10 Single Self Inflating Mattress (SIM) RRP: £70.00
Stockists
Expect to pay: from £54.99 – £70.00
Features
- 10cm insulating foam – Exceptionally comfortable and warm
- Carry bag constructed from soft, comfortable brushed fabric, allowing use as pillow.
- Easy operation valve – Quick inflation and deflation, securely locking when not in use
- Cyclone Valve – Allowing fast and easy inflation and deflation
- Repair kit included
- Materials used within the sleep mat meet and exceed the European REACH standard, ensuring safe use and peace of mind
- Carry bag and securing straps included
The Verdict
I’m a recent convert to Self Inflating Mats (SIMs) and for the past couple of years I’ve been using the double Outwell Dreamboat SIM, which is great, but I often camp alone so I was keen to get my hands on a single SIM.
With a dodgy back and hips, I need a good amount of padding when I’m camping otherwise I wake up stiff. With a depth of 10cm, the Comfort 10 SIM looked more than capable of delivering on its promise of a comfortable night under canvas.
Thanks to the gorgeous spring weather, I’ve already camped several times this year using the Comfort 10 SIM and I absolutely love it. In fact, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Not only does it self inflate with exceptional ease (see my tips below for fully inflating a SIM), but it has kept me warm when camping in cold weather and it has enough padding to ensure I don’t wake up feeling stiff and achey.
I should say, that as long as I lie on my back that is. I am usually a side sleeper at home, but tend to find after a few hours asleep on my side when using any SIM on the floor, I end up with pain in my hips – I can eliminate this problem by using a SIM on top of a folding camp bed, which is generally how I use my SIM for longer camping trips and when I camp in a larger tent.
SIMs are so versatile, and the thickness of the padding in this one great, and it’s also excellent at insulating me from the cold when used directly on the floor. I also love the fact it inflates quickly and with such ease.
If you’re looking to invest in a good quality SIM, then the Vango Comfort 10 really is worth considering.
Tips on inflating a thick SIM
The first time I used a SIM I was a bit baffled as to why after half an hour with the air intake open it was still only 50% or so inflated. I’ve since learned that the trick is to open the valve and leave for a few minutes. Next, close the value, then start to slowly roll the SIM back up towards the bottom end (furthest away from the valve) up to about half way down, or as far as you can go.
This forces the air through the foam and you’ll find the bottom half of the SIM will be full of air and much bigger and firmer. Then, unroll the section you’ve started to roll and open the valve again, you’ll hear the air whoosh through this time, filling up the rest of the SIM. Repeat that process until your SIM is at full thickness.
If you can, it’s also worth storing your SIM flat which will make it more efficient at filling with air next time you use it.
Pros
- Superb comfort levels
- Quick and easy to inflate and deflate
- No noticeable loss of air during use
- Excellent insulation, my back wasn’t cold at all when camping with overnight temperatures of 2°
- Lovely subtle colour with matching carry bag
- Option to choose the wider Grande version if you prefer a bit more space
Cons
- Too large and heavy for backpacking/wild camping use
- Still not quite padded enough for total side sleeping comfort, but not far off
DISCLOSURE | Thank you to Vango who sent the featured product for us to test. We were not paid to write this review
