air mats

How To Choose The Right Sleeping Mat Selecting the ideal sleeping mat for your camping adventures may appear straightforward, but the reality is that the market offers an extensive range of options. Such a simple piece of kit comes with countless variations in shape, size, design, and constructions. Navigating through the range of choices can be quite challenging but this guide will break down the types of sleeping mat and all the considerations to take, so you can choose the right mat for you! Click To Jump To; TYPES OF SLEEPING MAT– Learn about the three main variations of sleeping mat’s and the benefits and drawbacks to them all. MAIN CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING A SLEEPING MAT SLEEPING MAT WARMTH– Find out about R-Value and insulation of sleeping mats. SLEEPING MAT SHAPE AND COMFORT SLEEPING MAT PACKSIZE AND WEIGHT– We’ll look at different shapes, sizes, thicknesses and types of sleeping mat’s and what scenarios they’re best for.  YOUR SLEEPING SYSTEM– We’ll look at how your sleeping mat, sleeping bag and clothing play a part in overall warmth and comfort. ADDITIONAL SLEEPING MAT CONSIDERATIONS THE VALUE OF SLEEPING MATS– Learn where the value lies in sleeping mats and what you should expect to pay for different uses.  THE FINAL OVERVIEW AND COMPARISON OF THE DIFFERENT VARIATIONS OF SLEEPING MATS.  Why Do I Need A Sleeping Mat? There are two primary reasons: comfort and warmth Comfort Sleeping directly on the ground can be uncomfortable, especially if the terrain is rocky or uneven. A sleeping mat provides cushioning and support, helping to prevent pressure points and improve overall comfort. This can lead to better quality sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed! Warmth In nearly every camping scenario, the ground tends to be colder than your body. As you lie down, heat transfers from your body to the ground through conduction. Your sleeping bag alone fails to keep you warm because the fill beneath your body compresses, expelling all the insulating air. Consequently, your sleeping mat becomes the only thing keeping you warm from below.   Types Of Sleeping Mat There are three basic types of pads and all have their pro’s and cons; air, self-inflating and closed-cell foam. We will go through the benefits and drawbacks to them all. Closed-Cell Foam Camping Mats What Are They? These are the most basic backpacking and camping pads and consist of dense foam packed with small closed air cells. Typically, they are rolled up or folded into a Z-shape for storage and transport. Pros They’re lightweight, inexpensive, durable and offer consistent insulation in all conditions. You don’t need to worry about punctures or leaks. They also work great underneath other types of pads to improve insulation and prevent punctures. These are the only pads that can be carried on the outside of your pack without fear of damage. They can also double as sit pads in camp.   Cons They’re relatively stiff and firm so sleeping on them is uncomfortable compared to the other options we’ll go through. They’re also bulky, which means they don’t usually fit inside a rucksack and have to be carried on the outside. Air Pads What Are They? Air pads are available in a huge range of designs, ranging from lightweight options perfect for backpacking to extra thick models suitable for glamping. Nowadays, many air pads incorporate insulation and/or reflective materials to enhance heat retention. Additionally, numerous air pads offer alternative inflation methods, allowing users to save their breath! Pros Air pads offer exceptional comfort and are lightweight, making them the most space efficient when packed. Adjusting the firmness of the mattress is easily done by manually releasing or adding air. Designs and intended purposes vary significantly so make sure to read the intended use on our reviewed Air Mats. you also need to ensure that the air pad you select has an appropriate R value for your expected conditions. This is something we will cover later in this guide! Cons Air pads typically become pricier as they become lighter and more compact. The biggest con has to be the risk of punctures or tears. It’s possible to conduct easy field repairs though with the use of a puncture patch kit.  Air pads can feel as though they’re losing air due to fluctuations in the outside temperature, so it’s advisable to check and adjust the firmness just before going to sleep. Accumulated moisture from breathing can become trapped inside, potentially leading to performance degradation or issues with bacteria and mold. Using a hand pump can mitigate moisture buildup, as can storing the pad unrolled with the valve(s) open. A lot of Air Pads do come with other inflation options so this won’t be a problem. Some air pads make a rustling sound when shifting positions, which can be annoying to both yourself and tent mates. They also can feel unstable when moving between sleeping positions. Self Inflating Mat (SIM) What Are They? They typically consist of an inner foam core, usually made of open cell foam, encased in a durable outer shell. When the valve is opened, the foam expands, drawing air into the mat and causing it to inflate automatically. These mats come in various sizes, thicknesses, and shapes to suit different preferences and needs. Some are designed for backpacking and are lightweight and compact, while others are more luxurious and suitable for car camping. They are a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts due to their convenience, comfort, and insulation properties. Pros They provide great comfort and are relatively space efficient while offering great insulation due to normally having high R-Values. Plus, you can customize their firmness by inflating or deflating them. Typically, they boast greater durability compared to air pads. They’re extremely stable when moving between sleeping positions. Their easy setup and packing along with versatility, makes them a popular choice among campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Cons They’re heavier and more expensive than simple foam pads, and not as compact as air pads when packed. There’s also the potential