Choosing Gear - Sleeping Mat

CHOOSING YOUR SLEEPING MAT:
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Sleeping mat provide two vital benefits:cushioning and insulation. Cushioning might seem like a mats 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

Air Mattresses
These are typically used for car-camping and family orientated camping trips,due to the fact they are renown 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 

Air Mats
These mat’s 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 scan be used year round

Cons: 

        • Heavier than simple foam mats

• Can be punctured or ripped – however, field repairs aren’t difficult

Foam Mats:
These are basic backpacking pads include dense foam filled with tiny closed air pockets.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact

• Durable withexcellent insulation

• Won’t absorbwater 

Cons:

• Can be lesscomfortable

• Relatively stiffand firm – tend to be bulky 

Self-Inflating Mats

Pros:

• Comfortable andcompact

• Offer excellentinsulation

• Ability toadjust firmness

Cons:

• Heavier thansimple foam mats

• Can be puncturedor ripped – field repairs aren’t difficult 

UNDERSTANDING R-VALUE
Insulation is measured according to its capacity to resist (‘R’) heat flow. Thehigher the R-value, the better you can expect it to insulate against coldsurfaces. 1.0 = minimally insulated to 9.5 = well insulated. Thicker matsgenerally offer higher R-values.

THE BEST SLEEPING MAT BY APPLICATION

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 thes 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. 

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