Understanding Sleeping Mats
What will give you the best night's sleep when out adventuring, camping, or hiking! A sleeping mat provides two vital benefits: cushioning and insulation. Cushioning might seem like a mat's most useful function, but often, more importantly, is the ability to insulate your body from cold surfaces.
Consider:
• How much cushioning (thickness) you require in order to be comfortable• What length you would prefer
• A mats weight and pack-ability and how quickly it inflates/can be inflated
TYPES OF SLEEPING MATS
What is an Air Mattress?
Also known as an Air Bed these are typically used for car-camping and family-orientated camping trips, due to the fact they are renowned for being a comfortable option. These are much thicker than foam mats and are as close to real beds as you can get, and are usually compatible with regular-sized sheets.
Pros:
• Extremely comfortable• Quick and easy to inflate with a portable electric pump
• Suitable for car or boat camping
Cons:
• Relatively heavy and bulky• Lack insulation– best for mild conditions only
• Pump required for proper inflation
• Can be punctured or ripped
What is a Camping Air Mat?
These mats use air for cushioning with some models integrating insulation and even reflective materials to increase warmth. These are generally manually inflated; some models include an external hand pump.Pros:
• Comfortable and lightweight• Backpacking compatible
• Insulated model can be used year-round
Cons:
• Heavier than simple foam mats• Can be punctured or ripped – however, field repairs aren’t difficult
What are Foam Mats?
These basic backpacking pads include dense foam filled with tiny closed air pockets.Pros:
• Lightweight and compact• Durable with excellent insulation
• Won’t absorb water
Cons:
• Can be less comfortable• Relatively stiff and firm – tend to be bulky
What are Self Inflating Mats?
Pros:
• Comfortable andcompact• Offer excellent insulation
• Ability to adjust the firmness
Cons:
• Heavier than simple foam mats
• Can be punctured ripped – field repairs aren’t difficult
UNDERSTANDING R-VALUE
Insulation is measured according to its capacity to resist (‘R’) heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better you can expect it to insulate against cold surfaces. 1.0 = minimally insulated to 9.5 = well insulated. Thicker matsgenerally offer higher R-values.The Best Sleeping Mat By
Car Camping, Boat Camping
In situations like these where size is not necessarily a limiting factor, you are able to opt for the slightly thicker, more luxurious sleeping comfort.Backpacking
Should always consider the trade-off between weight and comfort.Minimalist Backpacking, long-distance hiking
For these types of activities you want to seek out the lightest more compact mat possible. Low weight and reduced pack size usually override all other factors.
NOTE: some mats are designed to be ultra-lite in order to meet the needs of minimalist backpacking.
Winter Camping
Camping on the now requires a great deal more insulation. For maximum heat retention, we suggest the use of two mats: an inflatable air pad on top of a closed air cell foam pad. The foam pad adds insulation and offers insurance in case the inflatable mat gets punctured.Complete Outdoors
Specialising in giving YOU the best experience when out exploring. Specialist camping, tramping, outdoor, ski & snow store. Based in Christchurch offering a wide range of quality outdoor brands & products.
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