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By: Andrew Forrest - July 2023
When camping, nothing ruins your sleep more than being cold and uncomfortable. The solution is the warmth and comfort provided by a sleeping mat. There are 4 main types of sleeping mats but many factors to consider in choosing your perfect one.
Be it after a hike in the UK countryside, by the side of your car on a campsite or even at a festival, nothing ruins your sleep more than being cold and uncomfortable. But, what if there was a way to help ensure a good night's sleep while camping?
Step in sleeping mats, which should be an essential part of your camping set-up providing you with warmth and comfort to aid with that good night's sleep.
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So if you don't know your self-inflating from your R-values, then read on as we've got your back (and backside) covered! Our comprehensive guide to the Best Sleeping Mats of 2024 is here to help you make an informed decision and transform your camping experience.
When it comes to sleeping mats, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Sleeping mats are also known as sleeping pads or camping mats and
different mats cater to various needs, preferences, and budgets. A sleeping mat suitable for a hike needs to be lightweight
and packable, whereas if you do not need to carry it and have a very roomy tent, you can go for a larger comfier mat/airbed.
So whether you are camping whilst multi-day backpacking, after a hike in the UK countryside, by the side of your car on a campsite or even at a festival, we've compiled a list of the top sleeping mats for 2024 in the UK across several categories, making it easy for you to find the best sleeping mat for all your camping adventures.
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| Features | 4.5
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| Construction | 4.5
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.0
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Specs:
| 4.5 |
| 370g (Regular) |
| 51cm (Regular) |
| 183cm (Regular) |
| 7.6cm |
| 23cm x 10cm (Regular) |
| 30D rip HT Nylon |
| Nylon, Polyurethane |
| Pump sack, stuff sack and repair kit |
Features:
Pros:
Cons:
Description:
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad is a lightweight mat that doesn't compromise on warmth and comfort. It packs down to the size of a 1-litre water bottle, so easily fits in your rucksack.
The new version has been increased to 3 inches thick, so this along with a horizontal baffled structure provides great comfort and support.
The ThermaCature technology and Triangular Core Matrix construction help radiate body heat and reduce convective heat losses resulting in an impressive R-value of 4.5 for a mat that weighs only 370g.
My main issue (well for me anyway) with the previous version was the noise it made - squeaking and creaking away during the night. This new version with improved internal construction claims to reduce the noise by 83% from the previous version. The noise has been much reduced but I'm not sure it sounds like 83% less - but it's far better now than it was. There are quieter mats out there.
If it is used on a foam mat, which I often took, that reduced the noise much further, as the mat is no longer rubbing against the floor of the tent.
The WingLock Valve allows for fast one-way inflation and rapid deflation but still allows you to make micro-adjustments.
If you move around a lot in your sleep, consider getting the wide or large versions as they are 25% wider at 25 inches wide.
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| Features | 4.0
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.0
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.0
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Specs:
| 2.3 |
| 250g (Regular) |
| 51cm (Regular) |
| 183cm (Regular) |
| 6.4cm |
| 15cm x 9cm (Regular) |
| 15D Nylon |
| Nylon, Polyurethane |
| Pump sack, stuff sack and repair kit |
Features:
Pros:
Cons:
Description:
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is a very lightweight mat that is great for summer or warmer spring and autumn hikes. It weighs in at a meagre 250g and packs down to 6-inch by 3.5-inch - you'll hardly notice you have it with you.
The new version has been increased to 3 inches thick, so this along with a horizontal baffled structure provides great comfort and support.
The Triangular Core Matrix construction provides a comfy sleep, although with it being so light the thickness is only 2.5 inches, so may not suit a heavier person.
With an R-value of 2.3, it is best used in the summer or on the warmer spring and autumn days and is certainly not suitable for winter use.
Its main downside is its durability, which is a function of its being so light. 15D nylon isn't the most durable, so always make sure you have your repair kit with you. Putting it on a Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite or a Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad will help prevent punctures and also add more to its warmth, albeit at the cost of carrying that round as well.
It can also be a little noisy compared to others, but I find this with all the NeoAirs and have gotten used to it.
The WingLock valve makes inflation and deflation relatively easy.
Overall, if you are into having and taking the lightest gear with you on your hikes, then this is for you.
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| Features | 4.0
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.5
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Specs:
| 6.2 |
| 720g (Regular) |
| 55cm (Regular) |
| 183cm (Regular) |
| 10cm |
| 17.5cm x 24cm (Regular) |
| 30D/40D Nylon |
| Nylon, Polyurethane |
| Stuff sack with integrated pump, repair kit and pillow lock |
Features:
Pros:
Cons:
Description:
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme is a highly insulated and warm mat, providing excellent comfort for those cooler and winter hikes and yet still comes in at a reasonable 720g.
The Thermolite insulation provides lightweight warmth and lofts up inside the Air Sprung Cells, to prevent convective heat loss from your body and creates a sleeping mat with an R-value of 6.2, so suitable for those colder days and winter walks.
The women's specific version is narrower at the shoulders and wider between hips and knees and has a slightly higher R-value of 6.3. It also comes in slightly lighter at 685g.
With it being 4 inches thick and having the Air Sprung Cells, it provides exceptional comfort and support - not quite airbed or mattress comfort, but getting there.
The anti-microbial treatment that gets added to the TPU lamination helps prevent internal mould growth, which can be an issue with camping mats.
It comes with a stuff sack, which doubles as a pump, a repair kit with six self-adhesive patches and a spare valve insert.
Overall, a great sleeping mat for those winter walks or if you just like being warm in your sleeping bag.
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| Features | 4.0
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 3.5
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.5
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Specs:
| 1.3 |
| 454g |
| 58cm |
| 183cm |
| 6cm |
| 20cm x 8cm |
| 30D top / 75D bottom Polyester |
| Stuff sack and patch |
Features:
Pros:
Cons:
Description:
The Klymit Static V2 Sleeping pad is a good value, lightweight mat that is great for those summer hikes or taking to a festival.
It took only 10 breaths to inflate it and packs down to a very small 3-inch by 8-inch, to easily fit inside your rucksack.
The new mat is 12% lighter than the previous version, with the upper material being thinner, but still retaining the more durable 75D underside.
Having an R-value of 1.3, it is really meant for summer use, but I did find the side rails kept you more central, which meant your sleeping bag was more wrapped around you, so this did feel like it provided more warmth.
Whilst comfy, if you are heavier, you may prefer a thickness of 3 inches plus, rather than the 2.5 inches this provides to stop any bottoming out.
Overall, a great value summer sleeping mat.
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| Features | 3.5
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| Construction | 3.5
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| Comfort | 3.0
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| Performance | 3.5
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| Value | 5.0
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Specs:
| 1.8 |
| 550g |
| 58cm |
| 188cm |
| 5cm |
| 26.5cm x 16.5cm |
| 40D Nylon with TPU coating |
| Carry bag and 2 repair patches |
Features:
Pros:
Cons:
Description:
TThe TRINORDIC Ultralight Inflatable Camping Mat with Pillow is a great budget option, ideal for those summer hikes or taking to a festival.
It took only 12 breaths to inflate it and packs down to 10.5 inches by 6.5 inches to fit inside your rucksack.
It comes with a 2-year guarantee.
At only 2 inches high, it doesn't provide the greatest amount of comfort and isn't suited to heavier people who may bottom out, but for a cheap and cheerful option it is fine.
With an R-value of 1.8, it is really suited only for summer use.
A little more comfort and warmth could be added if you took along and put a foam roll mat under it, to help prevent any punctures and also provide a little more comfort and an extra bit of warmth.
Overall, a great budget option for summer hiking or using at festivals.
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| Features | 4.0
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.5
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Specs:
| Not stated |
| 8.45Kg (double air bed) |
| 137cm (double air bed) |
| 195cm (double air bed) |
| 46cm (before pillow) |
| 0.4mm PVC underside and 0.2mm flocked on top |
| Puncture repair patches and carry bag included |
Features:
Pros:
Cons:
Description:
The Active Era Comfort Plus Airbed is a very comfortable, good-value choice for car camping or using at home. At 8.5Kg, it is not something you would want in your rucksack.
If you have electricity on the campsite, the integrated electric pump can fully inflate in just under 5 minutes and electric deflation takes about 3 minutes. You can manually inflate and deflate if electricity is not available.
I have been using my air bed now for about 5 years and have had no issues at all with it. The new ones do I believe come with a 12 month warranty, which can be upped to 2 years if you register on their website within 7 days of purchase.
Whilst not the same level of comfort as I have from my own mattress, the air bed does provide something that is now getting pretty close. Whilst no R-value is stated, as you are sleeping so far off the ground, I have always felt warm whilst using it. The earliest I have used it is in March and the latest has been September.
The only winter use it has had is if I've had guests round at home and have run out of beds - they've all commented on how comfy the sleep was.
Overall, an excellent air bed that provides comfort and warmth for car camping.
When you are in your tent, or maybe just under the stars, nothing ruins your sleep more than being uncomfortable and cold.
Sleeping mats are designed to provide comfort, some support and cushioning over uneven ground.
Sleeping mats also insulate your sleeping bag from the cold ground, which conducts heat away from your body quicker than heat lost through the air.
If the ground is damp, a sleeping mat also raises you off the ground, helping you to keep your sleeping bag dry.
There are various types of sleeping mats available that provide varying amounts of comfort and insulation.
Understanding the different types of sleeping mats available is essential to finding the perfect mat for your needs. Durability has often been an issue with sleeping mats, as over the years materials have got thinner at the expense of durability, but any punctures can usually be repaired quickly and on the go.
Inflation methods have changed over the years as well. There are self-inflating mats and for air-filled ones, there are your lungs (lighter mats only require about 30 breaths), pumps, pump sack or pump bags and some have built-in pumps.
Each type of mat offers different features and benefits that cater to various preferences, requirements, needs and budgets. You may sometimes see the sleeping mats referred to as sleeping pads, but this is more of an American term for what we in the UK know as a sleeping mat.
There are 4 main types of sleeping mats, which are all set out below.
Self-inflating sleeping mats, also known as inflatable mats or SIMS, offer convenience and comfort by automatically inflating with air when the valve is opened. They are filled with compressible open-cell foam, that contains very small air pockets that pull in air when the valve is opened and self-inflate. They are a popular choice for hikers and backpackers.
Pros:
Cons:
Air-filled sleeping mats are generally thicker than self-inflating mats and can have additional insulation built in. They are a popular choice for hikers and backpackers.
Therm-a-Rest air-filled sleeping mat
Pros:
Cons:
Foam sleeping mats are known for their durability and insulation properties and once upon a time, these were the only things you would see on overnight camps after a day's hiking.
Whilst these were previously rolls, foam mats now do come in folding versions that take up less space.
Foam roll sleeping mats
Whilst I mainly use my self-inflating mat now, I often still take my foam mat as well tied to the outside of my rucksack. You can sit on it outside of the tent, knowing full well it cannot be punctured, and at night I put it under my self-inflating mat for additional warmth, comfort and to stop punctures. My selection of foam mats is probably now around 20 years old!
Pros:
Cons:
Air beds are the traditional inflatable mattress that many people have in their houses and get out when more guests are sleeping over than beds available. Many people now use them for camping if they want that 'bed from home' comfort experience.
Active Era air bed
If you have power where you are camping, many of the larger air beds actually have built-in pumps. You simply pull out the wire, plug in and set it to inflate. A few minutes later, you have a fully inflated air bed. The pumps often can also be set to deflate, which then sucks all the air out, leaving the air bed ready to roll up and pack away.
Electric inflation and deflation on air bed
Pros:
Cons:
Selecting the perfect sleeping mat for your needs involves considering a variety of factors.
You need to prioritise how important the various factors that are set out below are and then you can decide which mat is best for you. For example, one deciding factor might be weight - if you are looking for a sleeping mat to take on a hike for an overnight camp, an air bed is probably out because they are too heavy.
Size comparison - air bed to lightweight self-inflating mat
When choosing a camping mat, consider the type of camping you will be doing, the size of your tent and whether you will be carrying the camping mat.
When choosing a sleeping mat, the key things to consider are the comfort and support it will give you, the warmth and insulation provided/r-value, mat size and shape/pack size and ease of inflation/deflation. These factors can help you find a mat that provides the right balance of comfort, warmth, and durability for your camping adventures.
A comfortable and supportive sleeping mat is essential for a good night's sleep, as it provides cushioning and insulation that can impact your sleep.
Your camping mat needs to be thick enough so that you are not bottoming out on the ground when you are lying on it.
Warmth and insulation play a crucial role in choosing the right sleeping mat, especially if you are camping in colder conditions. A sleeping bag paired with a camping mat can provide a level of warmth and insulation that cannot be achieved with a sleeping bag alone.
You could as I mentioned above combine a foam mat with either a self-inflating or air-filled mat to further increase the insulation, helping to keep you even warmer.
If space in your backpack is an issue, having a warmer, more insulated sleeping mat may allow you to take a more lightweight sleeping bag, thus potentially reducing the overall volume the two of them take up in your rucksack. This one is a bit of trial and error until you find the right combination.
R-values are a measurement of thermal resistance, which indicates a material's ability to insulate. So in terms of sleeping mats, they are an indication of how well your sleeping mat will stop heat loss from occurring.
Historically manufacturers often did not include R-values, but self-rated the sleeping mats and used different methods for their testing. In 2020, this changed and a new industry standard was introduced, which has been adopted by most brands.
Basically, the higher the R-value, the more your mat resists heat loss and therefore provides you with better insulation from the ground. So if you are out in cold weather or are a cold sleeper, choose a higher R-Value.
Other factors such as clothes you are wearing, ground temperature, sleeping bag and the tent you are in affect how warm you feel, but as a general guide as to what R-value to choose:
If you take a lightweight foam roll sleeping mat attached to the outside of your rucksack, which I often do, as well as being useful to
sit on outside the tent as it won't puncture, you can put it under your air sleeping mat to help prevent it from puncturing and also increase
the warmth. Here the R-values simply add together.
So a foam mat with an R-Value of 1, and an air sleeping mat with an R-Value of 3.5, will create a combined R-Value of 4.5.
If you are hiking and carrying your sleeping mat, weight will be a key consideration.
The lighter your rucksack, the more comfortable your hike will be. But there will always be a trade-off between weight and the materials used, so a very light mat, may not be as warm, comfortable or supportive as some of the heavier mats that are available.
The thicker materials tend to be more durable, but also heavier.
When selecting a camping mat, consider the dimensions of the camping mat packed and unpacked.
You need to consider the packed dimensions to ensure it will fit in your backpack. If you are not hiking, and simply car camping, packed size probably doesn't need to be a consideration. You also need to consider the unpacked dimensions of the sleeping mat to ensure it fits in the sleeping area of your tent.
Your hips and shoulders are the biggest pressure points for sleeping mats, so you need to ensure your mat gives your comfort in these areas.
Side sleepers are generally ok with standard-width mats, but often need more depth.
Back sleepers tend to prefer a wider mat to stop their arms from falling off it. Many mats come in a wide option.
There are some women-specific sleeping mats and also some ¾ length mats, that provide the comfort and insulation where it's needed the most, whilst cutting down on weight and pack size.
Some sleeping mats are mummy shaped. Whilst this does save weight and reduce pack size, from personal experience, they are very easy to fall off.
The ease of inflation and deflation is an important factor to consider when choosing a sleeping mat, as it impacts the convenience of using the mat. Additional factors such as valve type and mat size should be taken into account when assessing the ease of inflation and deflation.
Air beds require an air pump, or sometimes a power supply if there is a built-in integrated pump.
It is very important to remember with any sleeping mat that has air in it, that the volume of air will adjust with the ambient temperature.
If it warms up outside, the sleeping mat will inflate further as air expands when heated. If it gets colder outside, the air will contract, and the sleeping mat will deflate a little. So, don't fully inflate your sleeping mat if it is going to get warmer or it may pop! You also need to remember that it will be a lot warmer in your tent with the sun on it than it is outside your tent.
At night, as temperatures cool, you may want to top up your sleeping mat with a little extra air.
Proper care and maintenance of your sleeping mat can ensure its longevity and keep it in optimal condition for many camping trips to come.
Your sleeping mat will probably come with a repair kit (except for foam mats) - so keep it safe.
Before using it on your first camping trip, inflate the mat. For a self-inflating mat, simply unroll the mat so it lies flat on a surface. It will take longer to inflate the first time as any foam will have been compressed in the manufacture for shipping.
This will allow you to check there are no issues with it before you set off. Leave your camping mat for about an hour before deflating.
After using the mat, if it is dirty, clean it with a damp cloth. If it's damp after using it, air dry it before putting it away.
Before storing, inspect your mat for any signs of wear or leaks.
Store your camping mat in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight. Ideally, if you can, store your mat flat and uncompressed with the valve open. Storing it this way also helps to prevent a build-up of moisture inside the mat from you blowing into it!
Various accessories are available for your sleeping mat to add to your camping gear.
These include:
In conclusion, selecting the perfect sleeping mat for your needs requires considering a variety of factors such as comfort, warmth, insulation, size, and ease of inflation and deflation.
With our comprehensive guide to the best sleeping mats of 2024 and a better understanding of the different types of mats available, you are now well-equipped to make an informed decision and transform your camping experience.
Happy hiking, camping and sleeping!
July 2023
