How to Choose a Sleeping Mat
Wondering how to choose a sleeping mat for your next camping trip? This guide covers everything you need to pick the perfect mat for comfort, warmth, and adventure-ready performance.
In SHORT…
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What type of sleeping mat suits your adventure? Discover when to choose between air mats, self-inflating mats, or foam mats based on weight, insulation, and comfort needs.
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How do you know which mat will keep you warm? Learn how to use R-values and insulation types to match your sleeping mat to the climate and terrain you’ll face.
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Which sleeping mat features should you prioritise? Find out how shape, inflation systems, materials, and sleeping styles all play a role in selecting the ideal mat for restful nights outdoors.
When most people think of staying warm whilst camping, their thoughts almost immediately skip to a sleeping bag. This is a key factor, but even the warmest sleeping bag will be useless if used in conjunction with a poor sleeping mat, or worse, no mat at all. All that lovely heat your body is producing and your bag is working so hard to trap will simply get lost through the cold ground. Okay, so let’s assume I’ve convinced you a mat is an important piece of kit — which do you choose? In this article, we’ll explore how to choose a sleeping mat for your camping adventure, so that you can stay warm and comfortable all night long.
Where are you going? What should I look for in a sleeping mat?
Much like a sleeping bag, the mat you opt for will largely depend on where, when and how you plan to use it. I can hear the sarcasm already “well I’m going to sleep on it, obviously!”.
Let’s say you’re camping in a large cotton tent in a campsite near the coast — your primary concern will be comfort and the least concerning factor will be weight and pack size. Exped’s Megamat would be perfect for you.
However, if you’ll be sleeping at Everest Camp 3, you’ll want something warm, packable and reliable — something like the NEMO Equipment Tensor Alpine.
The different options
There are three main types of sleeping mat:
- Self-inflating mats
- Air mats
- And foam.
Self-inflating mats:
Are typically around a few centimetres thick (however there are anomalies such as Exped’s Megamat), insulated mostly with foam and have a clever valve that sucks in air to fill the gaps around the foam. They were incredibly popular a few years ago, however, air mats have now pretty much become king for backpacking and hiking (we’ll get to this).
The benefit of a self-inflating mat is that if it happens to get punctured, that aforementioned foam will still provide some insulation and comfort; unlike an air mat.
Air mats:
Are filled almost entirely with air, tend to be thicker than self-inflating mats (again, there are anomalies). They quite often have some form of reflective material inside the mat to reflect heat and trap warmth.
They are ultra-lightweight packable and pretty comfortable. Thanks to their lightweight, packable nature, they’ve all but replaced self-inflating mats for backpacking.
The downside is that if they deflate for whatever reason, they’re useless. Most do include a repair kit, though, so just remember to take this with you. They’re noisier than self-inflating mats too.
Foam mats:
Are reliable, simple and just work. They’re cheaper than inflatable mats and can’t be punctured, however, they’re not as comfortable or packable. Quite often they’re used in conjunction with an inflatable mat in particularly hostile environments where getting a puncture could be a disaster. If you’re on a budget or would rather purchase something that you don’t ever have to worry about at the expense of some comfort, foam mats are for you.
But how do you know which is warmest?
Most sleeping mats’ ability to insulate is represented as R, followed by a number, this is called the R-value
R1 will have very little insulation and is suitable for warmer climates, building all the way up to R4 (all-season use) and R6 (extreme temps). Some manufacturers will make life easy for you and also include a temperature rating.
Best Mat Shape:
Sleeping mats come in various shapes and sizes.
Tapered mat:
Thanks to their ‘mummy’ shape, these mats are lighter and more packable than their rectangular counterparts. It probably goes without saying that these are easier to roll off, though. When sleeping next to someone else also using a tapered mat, a ‘top and tail’ approach means they take up less space than a rectangular mat.
Rectangular mat:
A popular choice for a reason! Their weight and pack size isn’t vastly different to a tapered mat but you’ve got a bit more wriggle room. The downside is that trying to squeeze two of these side-by-side in some lightweight two-person tents will be a struggle.
Long and/or wide mat:
Many manufacturers now offer long and/or wide versions of their standard rectangular mats. Perfect if you’re on the larger side or just fancy a bit more space.
Trekitt’s Top Tips for buying a sleeping mat
Look for Easy Inflation and Deflation
Some sleeping mats have specialised valves that simplify inflation and deflation, helping you set up and pack down quickly. For example, one-way inflation valves prevent air from escaping as you inflate, allowing you to reach the desired firmness with minimal hassle. Dual-valve designs, with one for inflation and one for deflation, help you deflate the mat faster, which is especially helpful in cold or damp conditions when you want to pack up quickly. Consider mats with easy, intuitive valve systems, like Therm-a-Rest’s WingLock™ or Exped’s FlatValve™, which streamline the process.
Consider Your Sleeping Position
Side sleepers often experience more pressure on their hips and shoulders, so a thicker mat (around 2.5 inches or more) provides additional cushioning and helps distribute weight. Some side sleepers prefer air mats for their higher thickness and cushioning capacity. In contrast, back sleepers often find slightly thinner mats sufficient for comfort and support as their weight is more evenly spread out. For stomach sleepers, mats that are firm but not too thick are ideal, helping avoid uncomfortable pressure on the lower back. Testing the mat thickness based on your sleep position can help you choose the most comfortable option for your needs.
Mind the Mat Weight
If you’re backpacking, consider ultralight mats made with specialised materials that keep the weight down without sacrificing comfort. Air mats are typically the lightest, often weighing under a pound and packing down to a small size, which is ideal for backpacking. For car camping, weight is less of a concern, so you can opt for thicker, more luxurious mats, which provide excellent insulation and comfort but are bulkier and heavier. Weigh your priorities carefully: lighter mats are more convenient for travel, but heavier mats may provide more restful sleep.
Know Your Material Preferences
Most mats are crafted from synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester, often with added coatings for abrasion resistance and waterproofing. Some mats include ripstop coatings, which are beneficial for rugged or rocky terrains as they’re more resistant to tears and punctures. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coatings are common and help improve durability and prevent moisture buildup. Check if the mat’s material suits your camping environment, as this affects longevity and comfort. Remember that air mats are more susceptible to punctures, so a durable outer material is essential for longevity.
Test Before You Buy
Whenever possible, visit a store to try out the mat. Lie down to ensure the mat comfortably supports your shoulders, hips, and lower back. A trial can reveal whether the mat is wide enough for you to move around comfortably or too narrow, potentially causing discomfort. Testing also helps identify if certain materials or designs are noisier, which can affect your sleep quality. A quick in-store test will clarify whether a mat is right for you, making it well worth the effort.
Think About Noise
Some air mats produce a crinkling or squeaky noise when you move, often due to lightweight materials or reflective layers used to retain warmth. If you’re a light sleeper, these sounds can disrupt your rest, especially if you turn frequently while asleep. Look for mats labelled as “quiet” or those using softer fabrics designed to reduce noise. Foam mats tend to be the quietest option, followed by some self-inflating models. Consider a quiet sleeping mat or plan to add a thin foam layer to soften the sound and enhance insulation.
Consider a Mat with a Repair Kit
Air mats are more prone to punctures, so a repair kit is a valuable addition. Many brands include a repair kit with their mats, containing patches and adhesive to fix small holes. Check if your chosen mat includes a kit or if the manufacturer offers one separately. Brands offer specialised repair kits for their mats, which help address any damage in remote areas. Always carry the repair kit when heading out on extended or challenging trips.
Women-Specific Sleeping Mats
Women’s sleeping mats are often designed with slightly shorter lengths and increased insulation, particularly around the torso and feet, where women tend to feel the cold more acutely. Women-specific mats target these areas with extra warmth, allowing for more efficient insulation without additional bulk. Despite the added insulation, these mats usually maintain a weight and pack size similar to unisex mats.
Check for Compatibility with Your Tent
Some tents, especially ultralight or two-person ones, have narrow interiors that may not fit larger rectangular mats side-by-side. If space is a concern, double-check the interior floor dimensions of your tent and consider tapered or mummy-shaped mats. These shapes are handy if you share the tent, as tapered mats can fit together more comfortably.
Layering for Extra Warmth
In colder conditions, layering a foam mat underneath your inflatable or self-inflating mat can significantly enhance insulation by adding another thermal barrier against the cold ground. This setup provides extra warmth and gives you the security of a backup mat in case the inflatable one gets punctured. A closed-cell foam mat is lightweight, affordable, and pairs well with an air or self-inflating mat.
We hope you enjoyed reading our guide to How to Choose a Sleeping Mat. As always, if any of the above is unclear or you need some more help, you can email us [email protected] or give us a call 01432 263 335.
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