Why do I need a mat?
If a sleeping bag is like a futon, then a mat literally serves the role of a mattress.
Even inside a tent, the ground is only a thin layer of fabric beneath, so the hardness and coldness can be quite bothersome when trying to sleep.
No matter how flat a spot you choose and how carefully you remove twigs and stones, when you actually try to lie down, you'll find yourself bothered by small bumps and uneven surfaces.
It can 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 material ◎ △ △
Air ○ ○ ◎
Inflatable △ ◎ 〇
The cheapest option is the foam material, and the air-filled type is compact for storage. If you're looking for a comfortable sleeping experience, you can inflate it to get the feel of an air mattress, while the inflatable type combines the supportive feel of foam with the comfort of an air mattress.
Each has its pros and cons, so it's best to decide based on your budget and by actually trying them out.
Recommended Mat Comparison
If you're looking for the best value for money, this is the one.
WAISE Aluminum Leisure Mat Roll M
When I started camping, these were the only products available.
Backpackers and motorcyclists alike all had these strapped to their bags.
Actually, I'm still using it regularly.
Its structure is incredibly simple with very few elements that could break, so we expect it to continue working hard.
BUNDOK Aluminum Roll Mat, Sizes M/L/LL, 8mm Thickness, Sheet
This product is from BUNDOK, a company that primarily sells cost-effective products online.
Sleeping with the silver side facing your body will reflect your body heat and keep you warm.
It's perfectly adequate if you only use it for 2-3 nights a year, and only during the summer.
BUNDOK Folding Mat 60 x 180cm Blue BD-513B 10mm thick
While the previous two items are stored by rolling them up, this one is folded up.
This is surprisingly convenient, as it frees you from the stress of things like the item not unfolding properly when you use it, or not rolling up neatly when you put it away.
The surface has protrusions that support the body at multiple points, so even if you sleep directly on it, it's less likely to feel sticky from sweat.
If you're choosing based on sleeping comfort, this is the one.
Captain Stag Camping Air Mattress (Inflatable)
This is an inflatable product that offers superior sleeping comfort.
When you open the valve, air automatically enters, and finally you blow into it.
In addition to being made of urethane, it has an air layer, making it warm.
Coleman Air Mattress Camper Inflator Mat High Peak
This is an extra-thick mattress, up to 10 cm thick. It's practically a bed.
The air intake has a check valve, allowing for smooth deployment and storage.
Also, the storage bag can be used as a pump, so it inflates in no time.
YAMAZEN Camper's Collection Inflatable Mat with Pillow (5cm thick) Double
It's big enough for two people to sleep side-by-side, and it even comes with pillows. It's perfect for couples or parents and children.
The surface fabric has a suede-like texture that feels nice against the skin, making it comfortable to lie down on.
This is a product you'll want to use not only for camping, but also for a short nap in your living room.
If compactness is your priority, this is the one.
Air mattress for camping, Lukasu
This product is inflated with air.
Instead of blowing air into it with your mouth, there's a pump attached to the bedside, and you inflate it with your hands or feet.
It becomes very compact when stored, making it perfect for when you want to travel light.
Air Mattress for Camping [Foot-operated, 2020 Latest Upgraded Version] KINGOODS
Weighing only 0.55 kg, this product is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for walking where weight is a critical factor.
Since it has buttons on the side, you can connect multiple units together, making it suitable for family use.
Air Mattress Camping Mat DTOETKD [2020 Latest Model, Foot-operated, Wide and Thick]
This product is relatively wide for an air mattress, with an actual width of approximately 62 cm.
It can be used safely even by people with a larger build.
It only takes 1-2 minutes to inflate, which is easier than you might imagine.
It even comes with a pillow, so you can get a good night's sleep even in an unfamiliar outdoor environment.
Air mattress [2020 latest version with sponge pillow and concave design]
This product features a memory foam cushion in the pillow section, allowing you to rest as if you were sleeping at home.
This product solves the problem of not needing a pillow, something I always had to give up on in order to pack light, to a high standard.
Of course, since it's air-filled, it's also compact when stored.
camping mat substitute
If you're going camping for the first time and don't have all the necessary equipment yet, you can simply bring the bedding you use at home.
This makes it relatively easy to fall asleep even when the environment changes.
Also, although you don't see them much anymore, using a sponge mat that you used to have in your bathtub at home is a good idea.
Not only does it provide excellent insulation, but it's also thicker than typical outdoor foam mats, so you won't notice any unevenness in the ground.
Winter camping mat
If I were going to use it in winter, I would choose an inflatable one.
Air-type heaters become useless once the air layer cools down, and foam heaters are not thick enough.
Therefore, I believe the best choice is an inflatable type, which combines the advantages of both: the urethane material provides insulation to protect against the coldness immediately after use, and the air-filled insulation provides warmth once it warms up.
The only drawback is that it's a bit pricey...
Furthermore, there is something called the "R-value" that represents the standard value for thermal insulation, and the higher this value, the better the thermal insulation.
The foam material I mentioned earlier is about 0.25 to 0.5.
In snowy regions, if the temperature drops below 0°C, the temperature will be 4, while in winters without snow, it will be around 3-4.
