Which camping mat

Because the cot sits pretty far off the ground total height is 15 inches , you may hit the sloping walls of a dome-style tent. Weight: 1 lb. R-value: 4. At 1 pound 11 ounces and 6. If you plan to add any backpacking to the mix, the low heft and good compressibility make the Camp a nice crossover option. That said, the Sea to Summit Camp comes up a little short in some key metrics compared to the aforementioned Trailbreak.

The 1. All in all, unless you plan to use your mat for both camping and backpacking, we think the REI is the more well-rounded design at this price point. Type: Self-inflating mat Dimensions: 78 x 30 x 4 in. XL Wide Weight: 5 lbs. R-value: 6 What we like: Fantastic comfort yet surprisingly packable for a self-inflating camping mat.

Plus, you get a large and flat surface for sleeping, as well as two options for storage a stuff sack and larger duffel bag , toggles to connect two Roamers together, and the use of recycled, bluesign-approved fabrics. Like the Exped DeepSleep above, where the Roamer stands out from the competition is its surprisingly small packed size. At just 10 x 16 inches, it beats out the DeepSleep 8 x 26 in. This can make a significant difference for hauling in the back of a vehicle, especially for families and groups needing to bring along multiple mats and other bulky gear tent, stove, chairs, cooler, etc.

However, you do pay a sizable premium for that improved compressibility, and we prefer to save with the the options above. But if you plan to connect two pads or simply like the premium feature set, the Roamer is an intriguing alternative. See the Nemo Roamer. Type: Air bed Dimensions: 78 x 60 x 18 in. Queen Weight: 14 lbs. What we like: Budget-priced air bed.

While no air bed has a perfect track record, the SupportRest has a lot of leak-free nights to its name. The top fabric of the bed is soft and will hold sheets in place, and the Double High compresses down to a reasonable size for storage or transport.

And if you prefer the tall, double-high style, the Coleman is more convenient. But if your air bed mostly will be used at home and only taken camping on occasion, the Coleman SupportRest is a solid option at a considerable discount. Type: Self-inflating mat Dimensions: 72 x 25 x 4 in. This pad is generously cushioned at 4 inches great for side sleepers , has a respectable R-value of 6. We also like the knitted polyester face fabric that offers a plush and supple next-to-skin feel, and packed size is pretty reasonable too—for a self-inflating design, that is.

The Comfort Deluxe does compress a bit smaller, but many campers will be more concerned with thickness and roominess than packed size. Type: Air mat Dimensions: 80 x 30 x 4. What we like: A well-rounded design at a reasonable price. Comfort is case in point. This air mat has all the features we look for in a quality sleeping pad: a thick 4. Simply attach the bag to the valve, open it up, roll the top a couple times to seal it closed, and use your weight to press down—the whole process takes only a couple minutes.

Why do we have the Kelty Tru. Comfort ranked here? Simply put, this pad is a jack of all trades but master of none. The aforementioned Nemo Quasar 3D boasts a similar build with horizontal baffling but weighs over 2 pounds less and packs down noticeably smaller we also like the raised baffle at the head end to keep your pillow in place.

However, the Kelty has a larger sleeping platform 4 in. We rank the Nemo higher because of its added appeal for backcountry outings, but the Kelty nevertheless is a well-rounded build at a reasonable price.

See the Kelty Tru. Type: Air mat Dimensions: 77 x 25 x 3. LW Weight: 2 lbs. For situations where warmth and packed size are priorities—such as setting up base camp on a mountaineering or ski touring trip—the DownMat is hard to beat. Despite a long track record and plenty of happy customers us included , the DownMat ends up near the bottom of our list because of its narrow appeal.

We leave it behind on 3-season camping adventures, and at 2 pounds 9. Exped does make a lighter version of the DownMat, the HL Winter, but that pad seriously compromises in durability with a denier shell. Type: Self-inflating mat Dimensions: 77 x 25 x 3 in.

The LuxuryMap from Therm-a-Rest is another solid self-inflating camping mat. Within the Therm-a-Rest lineup, the LuxuryMap is a decent value, but we think there are better options on the market. See the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap. Type: Self-inflating mat Dimensions: 76 x 26 x 2. What we like: Cheap, decently comfortable, and durable. For casual campers that sleep outside once or twice a summer, the Coleman Camp Pad is a durable and very affordable option. The by inch sleeping space equals that of the long-size pads above and is plenty roomy for spreading out.

Self-Inflating Mats Therm-a-Rest released the first self-inflating mattress in the early s, and the same basic design has soldiered on for years. The interior of these mattresses is filled with an open-cell foam that expands and fills with air when you open the valve hence the name "self-inflating". For camping when comfort is more important than weight and packed size, self-inflating mattresses are our favorites.

Air Mattresses As the name implies, an air mattress is filled almost entirely with air. Inflating these mats requires you to either blow air through a valve or use a pump. What you gain is weight savings: at a given thickness, an air mat might weigh half or even less than a comparable self-inflating mattress. Moreover, air mattresses are the most compressible pad option. Even insulated models with synthetic or down-fill bonded to the interior can be rolled into a compact size, which makes storage and transport very easy.

This is great for backpacking, but overall comfort does fall short compared with a self-inflating pad. Air mats lack the squishy and supportive feel that you get with foam. Foam Pads Your classic sleeping mat is made of closed-cell foam. They are very thin less than 1 inch vs. With plenty of sleeping space in your camping tent , you may have the luxury to decide between a traditional sleeping mattress or a full-on blow up air bed. So which one should you choose?

The main benefit of an air bed is it gets you further off the ground for easier in and out a cot can do the same. Further, the large size is great for couples, families, or if you just like to spread out.

In terms of comfort, however, we give the standard sleeping mat the upside, particularly those that have foam in the construction. The combination of an air bed, mattress pad, and quilt is pretty hard to beat.

We love cots because they get you high off the ground, and they can double as a couch for hanging out during the day. Comfort-wise, they usually fall in the mid-range.

The most important consideration is whether you can transport the cot and fit it inside your tent. Most cots only fold in half, so they are extremely large the ComfortSmart measures 40 x 30 x 5.

And inside your tent, the tall height of the cot may run into the sloped walls. But if you have the space and are willing to haul it around, a cot can be a great choice for camping.

In the same way buying your mattress at home is a personal decision, not everyone will agree on which camping mattress type is best. The good news is that most quality mattresses are in fact quite comfortable. We give the edge to self-inflating pads for the cushy but supportive foam that makes them a little more comfortable to us, but back sleepers, side sleepers, and even stomach sleepers should be happy with most of the models that made out list.

Back sleepers—depending on personal preferences—can get away with a thinner pad. This model also comes included with a stuff sack and an emergency repair kit. Suitable for seriously cold weather use, the Aerostat Down 7. This down-filled sleeping mat is constructed with innovative, durable technology, making it ideal for long-term expeditions. The custom valve is used for both inflation and deflation, and the supplied stuff sack doubles as a handy pump. On the market at fantastic value for money, the Multimat Camper 8 Mat is a closed-cell foam roll mat providing additional warmth and cushioning.

Protecting you from the hard ground, this mat is ideal for your summer camping trip. Weighing just g and rolling up to six inches, this model can be packed up and carried with ease. The vertical side fabric panels do not bend under pressure, meaning less air needs to be pumped for fast, easy inflation. Combining lightweight fabric and sound insulation, Sea to Summit's Ether Light Insulated Mat is a 10cm thick mat with an impressively low weight.

Large air pockets are created by looped TFU baffles, connected by the Air Sprung Cell dot weld pattern, making for a night of extra comfortable sleep. This mat's extra height allows you to sink deeper into the mat without touching the cold ground.

Turning the cold hard ground into a warm, soft bed, the Thermarest NeoAir Venture Sleeping Mat is one of the best self-inflating mats on the market. Packing up small enough to fit in your pack, this mat is remarkably light. The newly designed carry bag is designed for easy packing and transportation. Providing a flat and level top to the bed, the vertical walls of the mattress display super-soft stretch fabric providing a perfect sleep surface.

Are you thinking about buying a camping mat and testing it out? IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later?

Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Coffee Coffee capsule machines Espresso machines Coffee pods Coffee grinders Bean to cup coffee machine Filter coffee machine Cafetieres. Bathroom Bathroom scales Electric toothbrushes Bath towels Bath mats. Mattresses Mattresses Mattress buying guide Mattress toppers. Duvets Summer duvets Winter duvets Duvet buying guide. Home fragrances Essential oil diffusers Winter and Christmas candles Scented candles Non-toxic candles Reed diffusers.

Power tools Pressure washers Grass trimmers Hedge trimmers Cordless drills. Maternity Pregnancy pillows Maternity and feeding bras Maternity gym-wear Maternity jeans Maternity dresses. Gifts Baby shower gifts Gifts for new siblings Gifts for newborns Gifts for 1-year-olds Gifts for 2-year-olds Gifts for 3-year-olds Gifts for 4-year-olds Gifts for 5-year-olds Gifts for 6-year-olds Gifts for 7-year-olds Gifts for 8-year-olds.

Outdoor dining Camping cooking essentials Picnic baskets Picnic rugs Picnic bags Camping stoves Reusable water bottles. Women's swimwear Swimwear for larger busts Swimsuits Sustainable swimwear Bikinis.

Maternity Maternity dresses Maternity and feeding bras Maternity jeans Maternity gym-wear. Beauty Subscription boxes Make-up brushes Tweezers Make-up brush cleaners Teeth-whitening kits Home gel nail kits Online beauty retailers.

Skincare Anti-ageing serums Skincare for teens Face creams for sensitive skin Night creams Exfoliating toners Hand creams Sheet masks Face masks Anti-ageing eye masks Tinted moisturisers Cruelty-free skincare products Anti-ageing day cream Anti-ageing night cream Face cleansers Eye creams Retinol products Face mists Lip balms. Organic Organic make-up Organic moisturisers Organic skincare.