20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rough, Tough, and Tumble, July 26, 2009
This review is from: Aerobed Endura Inflatable Bed (Kitchen)
Earlier this month we purchased 2 Coleman air mattresses from Target. After less than a few days of use, one of them sprang a leak around the clip designed to hold down the sheet (which we did not use). The other "worked", but needed refilling every night. Unacceptable if you ask me. Coleman did replace the leaking one, and once it arrived we returned both of them to Target for a refund.
I grew up with the Coleman brand of products as a kid, so I trusted them. But after this experience, and later reading dozens of reviews to the contrary, I now understand the Coleman of today is not my father's Coleman. I should have done my research first, but I naively trusted the strength of an old brand.
So I embarked on an extensive research expedition. You see, I come from the breed of stock where when I buy something, I plan to pass it onto to my children's children. Okay, probably unrealistic, but a worthy goal nonetheless.
The conclusion of my research resulted in what I consider the wise decision to invest in 3 of these for my 3 boys ages 10, 8, and 6. I say "invest" because these are NOT cheap, and after purchasing a total of 5 (I purchased 2 more later), this cost more than the entire tent - all to hold air.
We took the boys camping last weekend and from the first time you unroll the air mattress you quickly appreciate that this is no ordinary air mattress. You know right away these will last a lifetime if properly cared for. We camped for 3 days, 2 nights - and the air mattresses never need refilling, nor did they feel different the last day compared to the first. Now that's what I'm talking about!
Regarding their size, they definitely are a generous "twin". For home use I'm sure that's greatly appreciated. However, when camping in an 8-man tent, they take up quite a bit of room that you only have room for 5-men. So be careful and consider the size of your tent. The bags are relatively heavy, so not advisable for back camping.
One feature I consider revolutionary is the fill valve - all you have to do is twist it to open or close. No fumbling removing the pump nozzle and quickly putting the plug in the hole before loosing air. Never again - and the feature works magnificently.
Lastly, each mattress comes with a rechargeable air pump. The purchase price alone is worth the price of the air pump. It's quiet, powerful, and holds a great charge (we used one pump to fill 3 mattresses, then deflate all 3 of them 3 days later). You can recharge it with an AC adapter, or via your cigarette lighter in your car. The only option I wish Aerobed would offer is the ability to order this with/without an air pump - because I now have 5 air pumps! I may sell the extras on eBay.
Yes, I now have 5. After our successful test run, I purchased 2 more for the wife and I. If this isn't testament to my belief in these air mattresses, I don't know what is. It is an investment, but one that I believe will replay year after year of leak-free camping.
Lastly, and most importantly, these things are tough! Visit the Aerobed website and watch the promo video where they have a horse walking and trotting on these. I figured if full-grown horses can do this to a mattress, I knew they could handle my rough, tough, and tumble boys.
If you're looking for an air mattress that I believe will last a very long time, handle anything thrown at it, and you can afford the extra room in a tent and have the money - I believe these are a wise investment.
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