Sleeping | Mats

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SLEEPING MAT FOR YOUR ADVENTURE

A good night's sleep is essential after a long day hiking on the trail, and choosing the right sleeping mat can make all the difference. With so many options, shapes, weights and styles available, it's important to understand the key factors to consider when selecting a sleeping mat.

There are two main types of sleeping mats, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs that impact comfort, pack size, durability, and suitability for different conditions:

Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Mats: Made from dense foam with closed cells that trap air, these mats provide basic insulation from the ground. They are lightweight, durable, and waterproof, making them an excellent choice for rough terrain or as an additional layer under an inflatable mat for extra protection, comfort, and warmth. Affordable and easy to use, they are best suited for short trips, rugged environments, or when you need a reliable, puncture-proof option. However, they tend to be less comfortable and bulkier compared to inflatable mats.

Inflatable Sleeping Mats: Offering superior comfort and insulation, inflatable mats pack down compactly and are lightweight, making them ideal for longer hikes where minimizing weight is important. You can manually inflate them to adjust the firmness to your liking. While they provide customizable support and excellent thermal protection, especially in cold weather, they are more delicate and susceptible to punctures and leaks, requiring careful handling. They are also generally more expensive than closed-cell foam mats.

When selecting a sleeping mat, keep in mind these three crucial factors:

Thermal Performance: It's a common misconception that a sleeping bag provides all the insulation you need. When you lay down, the down in your sleeping bag compresses, losing much of its insulating capability. A sleeping mat helps prevent heat loss to the cold ground, which is measured by its R-value — the higher the R-value, the better it insulates. For winter conditions, choose a mat with an R-value of 4.5 or higher, while an R-value of 2 or more should be sufficient for three-season camping.

Shape and Size: Sleeping mats are available in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different needs and preferences. Rectangular mats offer the most space and comfort but are bulkier to pack. Mummy-shaped mats are designed to be lightweight and compact, fitting well with mummy sleeping bags but providing less room to move. Tapered mats strike a balance between space and weight, offering enough room without being too heavy. Some mats also come in wider and longer versions for those needing extra room.

Weight: A lighter sleeping mat can enhance your hiking experience by reducing the load you carry, but it must also provide sufficient insulation and comfort for a good night's sleep. The ideal mat will balance weight, warmth, and comfort based on your specific needs and the conditions you'll face.

WHAT IS R-VALUE?

The R-value is a measurement of thermal resistance, indicating how well the sleeping mat insulates against heat loss. The higher the R-value, the more insulative and suitable the sleeping mat is for colder conditions.

• R-value 1-2: Best for summer or warm climates.
• R-value 3-4: Suitable for summer, spring, autumn, or mild winter use.
• R-value 5+: Great for cold winter conditions and snow camping.

HOW DO I INFLATE A SLEEPING MAT?

There are many ways to inflate a sleeping mat!

If it’s a self-inflating mat just simply open the valve and let the mat self-inflate as the foam extends and draw air in. Once it’s fully inflated (this can take up to 10 minutes) you can top off the pressure with a few breaths to the desired pressure.

For manually inflating mats you can directly inflate the mats by blowing air into the mat through the valve. Alternatively, it's easier and quicker to use one of many different types of inflation bags or pumps. If you are using the Exped Widget pump, simply attach the pump to the inflation valve and let it do its magic. If you are using an inflation bag then attach the bag to the mat’s valve. Open the sack to fill it with air, then roll or compress the sack to push the air into the mat and then repeat until the mat is firm.

CAN YOU REPAIR A SLEEPING MAT PUNCTURE/LEAK?

Of course! We love and encourage repairing old gear, it keeps you using your gear for awesome adventures and stops it from going to landfill, win-win!

The first step is finding the leak. Use soap and water to locate the air leaks, the air released will create tiny bubbles revealing the leak's location. Once you have located the leak and dried off the area, mark the hole with an indicator such as a permanent marker.

Now it’s time to patch the hole, using your repair kit (available at Tom’s Outdoors) follow the instructions provided, apply adhesive if required, and then patch to seal the area.

NEED HELP CHOOSING YOUR NEXT SLEEPING MAT? CONTACT US TODAY

If you have a particular sleeping mat in mind but would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.