Thanks for your pointers. Appreciated.

For a lightweight sleeping mat I use the Alpkit kids one. Doesn't come with the "lightweight" price tag and is long enough to go from shoulders to knees, so just need a bag or something under my heels.

Half length thermarest would be my recommendation - reasonable price, packs down to next to nothing, light, and keeps shoulders and hips insulated and cushioned. Have never missed padding from the knees down.

I need 190-200cm or I die.

I asked bikepacking thread about mat earlier, thinking thermarest neoair xlite?

I have an Alpkit Base 180 if you want to borrow one before spending the money. Doubt it's particularly light, or as good, but it was cheap when I got it...

Cheers Andy, I've a mat I could use already but think I'll be upgrading as I want to be both light & comfy (as can be when wild camping)

That's fair enough :)

Do alpkit still make mats? They are all sold out on their site.

I'd prefer inflatable mattress as they can be packed quite small, keep a good gap between you and the floor and can be very comfortable.

I think that's what we're talking about.

Mentats, I think their stuff tends to sell out quite quickly. You can sign up to a newsletter that will let you know when the new stock comes in, but that could mean waiting a couple of months. If you give them a ring they might be able to give you an idea of when their stock is expected.

Love me some fallout

I'm just on my way back from Paris, having stayed in hostels the whole way (because someone who didn't even come in the end insisted we didn't camp). I''ve had a brilliant time and can't wait to do something similar soon. The main things I'd change would be to do fewer miles a day (this time we've done between 80-100 a day roughly) so that you can spend a bit more time investigating the towns/villages etc en route rather than worrying about getting to your destination after dark. The main thing I'd change though would be to do much fewer ridiculous, childish skids with a heavy saddle bag, to avoid the feeling that my right knee is in the process of trying to murder me.

And thanks a lot to everyone in this thread who's offered advice and Tp88 for lending me his saddle bag!

You been skidding with a packed bike? Hardcore. Good that you enjoyed your trip, got any photos?

Nah, just stupid it turns out! Ha ha. I'll post some photos up when I'm at home, such a faff on a phone!

touring and skidding never causes problems

Nailed it.

i feel you:

...
The main thing I'd change though would be to do much fewer ridiculous, childish skids with a heavy saddle bag, to avoid the feeling that my right knee is in the process of trying to murder me.

^ How do you get onto a bike like that?

over the bars x

While we're on the topic, I feel obliged to post this.

Campsite skidz - YouTube

Can't really tell from the camera angle, but it must be about 16-18% down there...

After a few months the Alpkit airlok extra is back in stock with new colours apparently.

https://www.alpkit.com/products/airlok-xtra-dua

l

While we're on the topic, I feel obliged to post this.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSNl9w09ilM"]Campsite
skidz - YouTube[url]

Can't really tell from the camera angle, but it must be about 16-18% down there...

LOL awesome.

You cna tell by the fact you don't even pedal before just skidding. Must be STEEP.