A camping mat can make a big difference to your comfort when sleeping outdoors. By providing cushioning and insulation from the ground, it helps you stay comfortable and warm throughout the night. From lightweight foam mats to self-inflating and air-filled designs, there are lots of options to choose from. This guide explains the different types of camping mat and the key features to consider when choosing the best option for your camping trip. Browse our camping mats to explore the range.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a camping mat, it's important to think about how and where you'll be camping. Factors like size, warmth, comfort, and portability can all affect how well you sleep outdoors. Here are some of the key features to consider before choosing a camping mat.
Size
Camping mats are available in a range of sizes to suit different sleeping arrangements. Single mats are designed for one person, while double mats provide enough space for two. It's also worth considering the length and width of a mat to ensure it provides enough room to stretch out and sleep comfortably.
Warmth
A camping mat helps insulate you from the cold ground, making it a vital part of your sleeping setup. Thicker mats often provide greater insulation, but the materials and construction can also affect how warm it feels. For colder conditions, look for a mat designed to provide better insulation and reduce heat loss.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important factors when choosing a camping mat. Thicker mats generally provide more cushioning from uneven ground and can help improve sleep quality. If comfort is a priority, or you suffer from back pain, consider choosing a thicker mat with extra padding and support.
Portability
If you're travelling light, portability is an important consideration. Lightweight mats are easier to carry, while compact pack sizes take up less room in your camping gear. Air-filled mats typically pack down smaller than foam mats, making them a popular choice for backpacking and festival camping.
Ease of Setup
Some camping mats are quicker to set up than others. Closed-cell foam mats can simply be unrolled and used straight away, while self-inflating mats expand automatically when their valve is opened. Air mats typically require manual inflation but often provide the best balance of comfort and packability.
Types of Camping Mat
From lightweight foam mats for backpacking to self-inflating mats and air beds for extra comfort, each type of camping mat is designed with a different use in mind. Factors like comfort, warmth, portability, and ease of setup can all influence which option is best for your trip. Here's a closer look at the different types of camping mat and their key benefits.
Self-Inflating Camping Mats
Self-inflating camping mats combine foam insulation with air-filled cushioning to provide a comfortable night's sleep outdoors. When the valve is opened, the foam expands and draws in air, making them quick and easy to set up. Available in a range of sizes and thicknesses, they're a popular all-round choice for campers looking for a balance of comfort, warmth, and portability.
Benefits
- Quick and easy to set up
- Comfortable cushioning and support
- Good insulation from the cold ground
- Available in a range of sizes and thicknesses
- Packs down smaller than traditional foam mats
Foam Roll Mats
Foam roll mats are made from closed-cell foam and are one of the simplest and most lightweight sleeping options for camping. Unlike self-inflating and air-filled mats, they don't require any inflation, making them quick to set up and highly reliable. Their lightweight design makes them particularly popular for hiking, backpacking, and wild camping.
Benefits
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Ideal for hiking, backpacking, and wild camping
- No inflation required
- Durable and hardwearing construction
- Provides insulation from the cold ground
- Can be attached to the outside of a backpack
Ultralight Inflatable Mats
Ultralight inflatable mats are designed for campers who want maximum comfort with minimal pack weight. When deflated, they pack down into a compact size that can easily fit inside a backpack, making them ideal for hiking and festival camping. Despite their lightweight design, their air-filled construction provides cushioning and support for a comfortable night's sleep.
Benefits
- Lightweight and compact to carry
- Packs down small for easy storage
- Ideal for hiking, backpacking, and festivals
- Comfortable cushioning and support
- Available in a range of sizes
Inflatable Mattresses
Inflatable mattresses are designed for campers who prioritise comfort and support. Thicker than most camping mats, they provide a cushioned sleeping surface that's ideal for longer trips and family camping. Available in a range of sizes, they're a popular choice for campers looking for a more comfortable night's sleep without the bulk of a traditional air bed.
Benefits
- Excellent comfort and insulation
- Thicker cushioning than most camping mats
- Suitable for longer camping trips
- Available in single and double sizes
- Packs down smaller than an air bed
Air Beds
Air beds are designed to provide a comfortable sleeping surface that's similar to a bed at home. Larger and thicker than most camping mats, they offer plenty of cushioning and support, making them a popular choice for family camping and longer stays. Available in single and double sizes, they're ideal for campers who prioritise comfort over portability.
Benefits
- Excellent comfort and support
- Thick, cushioned sleeping surface
- Suitable for family camping and longer trips
- Available in single and double sizes
- Provides good insulation from the ground
Choosing the Right Camping Mat
The best camping mat for your trip depends on your priorities. If you're hiking or backpacking, a lightweight foam roll mat or ultralight inflatable mat is often the best choice. For a balance of comfort, warmth, and portability, a self-inflating mat is a great all-round option, while an inflatable mattress or air bed is ideal for campers who prioritise comfort.
By considering factors such as size, warmth, comfort, portability, and ease of setup, you can find a camping mat that suits your camping style and helps you enjoy a better night's sleep outdoors. Browse our camping mats to explore the range or read our Compare Our Camping Mats guide to compare size, thickness, ease of setup, and key features side by side.
