Cold war re-enactor kit

[Scott Bentley]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

The rubber Black Beauty is the ONLY CF air mattress worth sleeping on. The green self-inflating air mattress is the ONLY CF air mattress worth carrying. Not the same, and mutually exclusive.

I'll add that 90% of my peers long ditched the self inflator in favour of a Ridge Rest or similar aftermarket sleeping mat. Especially if you're hauling it around on your back. Easy to pack, super light weight and is no worst than the self inflator for comfort.

The only time I ever see the Black Beauties come out of storage anymore are for trips to the Arctic. That is where it truly shines (along with the original Thermos and carrier, not that ridiculous canteen shaped one designed to fit in webbing or a tac vest, both items that you don't use in the high arctic...... I digress). The reality is, these things are getting pretty long in the tooth now. I've still got one, but frankly, it doesn't leave the basement anymore.