Why Do You Need a Mat?
If a sleeping bag is your comforter, then a mat literally serves as your mattress.
Even inside a tent, the ground is just a single layer of fabric away, so the hardness and cold can be quite uncomfortable when you're trying to sleep.
No matter how flat a spot you choose or how many twigs and stones you clear away, those tiny bumps can still be bothersome once you lie down.
Mats can also alleviate not only the coldness of the ground in spring and autumn but also the heat of the sandy beach in summer.
Types of Mats
There are three main types of mats.
Price Comfort Compactness
Foam mat ◎ △ △
Air mat 〇 〇 ◎
Inflatable mat △ ◎ 〇
The cheapest option is foam mats. For compact storage, there are air-inflated mats. If comfort is a priority, inflatable mats combine the sleeping comfort of an air mat with the firm support of a foam mat by inflating them with air.
Each type has its pros and cons, so it's best to decide based on your budget and by trying them out in person.
Recommended Mat Comparison
If you prioritize cost performance
WAISE Aluminum Leisure Mat Roll M
When I started camping, this was the only kind of product available.
All backpackers and riders used to strap these to their bags.
In fact, I still use it today.
Its structure is as simple as it gets, with few components that can break, so I expect it to continue serving me well.
BUNDOK Aluminum Roll Mat Size M/L/LL Thickness 8mm Sheet
This product is from BUNDOK, which focuses on cost-effective products mainly sold online.
Sleeping with the silver side facing your body reflects body heat and keeps you warm.
It's sufficient if you only camp 2-3 nights a year, and only in the summer.
BUNDOK Folding Mat 60×180cm Blue BD-513B 10mm thick
While the previous two items roll up for storage, this one folds up accordion-style.
This is surprisingly convenient, freeing you from the stress of it unrolling when you use it or not rolling up properly when you put it away.
It has protrusions on the surface, supporting the body at points, so you're less likely to feel sticky from sweat even when lying directly on it.
If you prioritize sleeping comfort
CAPTAIN STAG Camping Air Mat Inflating
This is an inflatable mat with excellent sleeping comfort.
You open the valve, and it automatically inflates with air, then you blow into it to finish filling it.
It's made of urethane and has an air layer, making it warm.
Coleman Air Mat Camper Inflator Mat High Peak
This is an extra-thick mat, up to 10cm thick. Truly like a bed.
It has a check valve at the air intake, making both setup and storage smooth.
Additionally, the storage bag can be used as a pump, so it inflates in no time.
YAMAZEN Camper's Collection Pillow-Attached Inflatable Mat (5cm thick) Double
This mat allows two people to sleep side-by-side and comes with a pillow, making it perfect for couples or families.
The surface fabric is suede-like and feels pleasant to the touch, making it comfortable to lie on directly.
It's a product you'll want to use not just for camping, but also for a quick nap in the living room.
If you prioritize compactness
Lukasu Camping Air Mat
This product inflates with air.
Instead of blowing into it, there's a pump attached at the pillow end that you operate with your hands or feet.
It becomes very compact when stored, making it ideal when you want to pack light.
KINGOODS Camping Air Mat [Foot Pump Type・2020 Latest Evolutionary Version]
Weighing a mere 0.55kg, this incredibly lightweight product is advantageous for foot travel where weight is critical.
It features buttons on the side, allowing you to connect multiple mats for family use.
DTOETKD Air Mat Camping Mat [2020 Latest Foot Pump Type Wide and Thick]
This air mat is wider than others, with an actual width of approximately 62cm.
It can be used comfortably even by people with larger builds.
It inflates in 1-2 minutes, which is easier to set up than expected.
It also comes with a pillow, allowing for a good night's sleep even in the unfamiliar environment of the outdoors.
Air Mat [2020 Latest with Sponge Pillow, Concave Design]
This product includes a low-rebound cushion in the pillow section, allowing you to rest as comfortably as you would at home.
It offers a high-quality solution for the pillow, which you might usually forego to save space.
Of course, being an air type, it's compact when stored.
Camp Mat Alternatives
For your first camping trip, if you don't have all the gear yet, you could bring your futon from home.
This makes it easier to sleep even in a different environment.
Also, although they are less common now, using a sponge mat that you might have used in your bathroom at home is also a good idea.
It provides excellent insulation and is thicker than outdoor foam mats, so you won't feel the bumps of the ground.
Winter Camping Mats
If I'm using it in winter, I choose an inflatable mat.
Air mats are useless if the air layer gets cold, and foam mats lack sufficient thickness.
Therefore, I believe an inflatable mat is the best choice, as it combines the best of both worlds: the urethane construction helps mitigate the initial coldness upon use, and once warmed up, the air-filled design offers excellent insulation.
The only drawback is that it's a bit pricey...
Additionally, when indicating the standard value for insulation, there's an "R-value"; the higher this number, the better the insulation.
The foam materials I mentioned earlier have an R-value of about 0.25 to 0.5.
If you're in a snowy area where temperatures drop below 0°C, you'll need an R-value of 4, and for a snow-free winter, 3 to 4 is sufficient.
