What separates your body and the ground is often the most overlooked component of a hiker’s sleeping system. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best sleeping mats for hiking so a good night’s sleep on the trail isn’t in doubt.

 

Getting a good night’s sleep on a hiking trip is as vital as packing the right gear and knowing where you’re going. A bad sleep on the other hand can totally ruin your trip!

That’s why it’s crucial to include comfortable sleeping gear on your overnight hike packing list.

Of course, a sleeping bag will be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s not enough on its own.

A sleeping bag provides very little insulation between your body and the ground, and your body weight will only squish that layer further. This can result in your body quickly losing heat to the ground, particularly in winter.

A good sleeping mat or pad protects you from losing body heat while also enhancing comfort by putting a layer between you and the hard, or sometimes bumpy and rough ground. In other words, a good sleeping bag and a great sleeping mat are like Batman and Robin — they work together to keep you safe.

If you’re also looking for sleeping bags, make sure to check out our best sleeping bags in Australia guide.

With that in mind, here’s a thorough guide to the best sleeping mats in Australia and also how to choose them.

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Things to Consider While Buying a Sleeping Mat for Hiking

There are several key factors to consider before buying a sleeping pad for hiking, including R-value, type of sleeping mat, weight and size, and level of comfort.

 

1. R-value

R-value is an indicator of a sleeping mat’s thermal resistance. It suggests how well the mat will insulate the sleeper from the ground and, consequently, how comfortable it’ll be in colder temperatures.

R-values below 5 are not recommended for winter camping as they won’t provide enough insulation. R-values below 3 are more suitable for summer, while 3-4 are good for spring and autumn. If you’re camping in proper alpine conditions, you’d be best finding a sleeping mat with an R-value of 6 or above.

 

2. Type of Sleeping Mat

There are three main types of sleeping mats to choose between, all with their own pros and cons.

  • Air mats – although mostly filled with air, these mats often use reflective technology and insulation to help increase warmth. They need to be fully inflated by the user, but pack up super small and light
  • Closed-cell foam mats – these mats don’t require any inflation as they’re made of dense foam that folds up easily with tiny closed air cells inside to help increase insulation
  • Self-inflating mats – these mats are a combo of both air and open-cell foam insulation. When they’re unrolled and the valve is opened, they begin to self-inflate, but you’ll need to add a few breaths to completely inflate them

 

3. Comfort

The main comfort factors to consider while buying a sleeping pad are thickness and size.

Thicker foam sleeping mats are better at preventing the user from feeling debris and touching the ground, creating enough isolation from the ground for comfortable sleep. A thickness of 4-5cm is good for the average sleeper, while those who sleep on their side might need something thicker, around 6-8cm.

Additionally, relatively narrow mats that are less than 50cm in width can be a little uncomfortable as you’ll need to sleep with your arms crossed or close to your body. The standard width of a sleeping mat is 50-60cm, so sleeping mats wider than 60cm are considered wide or double.

 

4. Weight and Size

Finally, before purchasing a sleeping mat, you’ll need to consider the total weight and packed size of the mat. The thicker and more heavily insulated your mat, the heavier it will be and the more space it will take up in your bag, even when packed down.

It’s important to consider how far you plan to carry your mat and whether there’s space enough in your pack for it to easily fit.

 

Best Sleeping Mats for Hiking in Australia

 

1. Thermarest Z-Lite Sol 3 Season Foam Hiking Mat

 

Type of mat: Closed cell foam mat
Weight: 410g
R-value: 2.0
Width: 51cm
Length: 183cm
Thickness: 2cm

Reasons to buy:

  • Not too expensive
  • Super lightweight
  • Extra durable

Reasons to avoid:

  • Unsuitable for cold weather unless paired with another mat

Price:  $99.95

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The Thermarest Z-Lite Sol 3 Season Foam Hiking Mat is a great choice for hikers who count every single gram.

This sleeping mat is super lightweight clocking in at just 410g. The mat is made from closed-cell foam and is soft and comfortable to lie on, however with an R-value of 2.0, it’s only good for use in warm weather. 

Alternatively, it can be paired with a second sleeping mat, to provide extra protection and warmth during the colder months. 

It’s comes in at 2cm thick and can be easily folded up and strapped to the outside of a backpack.

The ThermaCapture coating captures radiant heat and reflects it back to your body, helping increase the overall warmth of the mat by 15%. Make sure to use the mat reflective side up!

The proprietary foam used is softer on the top side of the mat for comfort and denser at the bottom for durability. 

Not only is the Thermarest Z-Lite Sol 3 Season Foam Hiking Mat one of the lightest sleeping mats on the market, it’s almost indestructible, so there’s no need to worry about accidentally puncturing it on a stick or rock in the night. 

2. Nemo Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad

 

Type of mat: Closed cell foam mat
Weight: 415g
R-value: 2.0
Temperature rating: -7 to 2C
Width: 13cm
Length: 51cm
Thickness: 2.286cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Added plush comfort
  • Keeps warm
  • Lightweight
  • Folding panel

Reasons to avoid:

  • Low insulation
  • Doesn’t completely isolate from rocks and roots

Price: $89.95 (RRP $99.95)

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The Nemo Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad is a good way to add extra comfort to your camping gear without adding much bulk.

This ultralight sleeping pad features hexagonal nodes that are moulded with dual-density Axiotomic foam. As a result, there are special Hypnoelastic zones that add more plush comfort and keep a balance between comfort and support. 

Another big benefit is that this sleeping pad reflects heat and keeps the sleeper slightly warmer at night. It provides 15% more heat-trapping space than usual with a metalized thermal film layer that helps reflect heat back on the body.

This backpacking sleeping pad is best used in summer. For colder weather however, its R-value of 2.0 isn’t warm enough, unless paired with an additional mat.

The pad is ultralight at just 415g, and is easily transportable thanks to the folding panel design. You can just fold it along pre-marked lines and can easily strap it to the outside of their packs.

For overall comfort, it’s recommended to put the Nemo Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad on a smooth and reasonably level surface. This mat isn’t thick enough to  prevent sleepers from feeling rocks and roots through the mat (but you won’t have to worry about them puncturing it – this thing is durable!).

3. Sea to Summit Ultralight SI Sleeping Mat (Large) 

 

 

Type of mat: Self-inflating mat
Weight: 720g
R-value: 2.6
Width: 64cm
Length: 198cm
Thickness: 2.54cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Easily inflated and deflated
  • Anti-slip prints help prevent everything from slipping
  • Comes in a variety of shapes and lengths

Reasons to avoid:

  • Heavier than some other lightweight sleeping mats

Price: $143.95 (RRP $159.99)

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The Sea to Summit Ultralight SI Sleeping Mat hits the middle ground between comfort, light weightedness, and packability. 

The sleeping mat uses a combination of PU foam and Delta Core-V tech, which ultimately allows for 20% less foam to be used throughout, lowering the weight of the mat. Small sections of foam are taken away from less crucial areas, while body contact areas like the shoulders, hips, and feet are the most supported and warm. 

Another of the Ultralight SI’s advantages is the Liquid-Extruded TPU lamination process. It ensures an even and durable bond of the air cells material to the external surface. Compared to the more widespread roll-to-roll lamination, this approach lowers the risk of delamination and makes the mat more long-lasting. 

With all these advanced benefits, it’s not surprising that this mat weighs 720g, almost twice as much as some other ultralight options.

The sleeping mat comes with its own stuff sack, and the mat needs to be quite well deflated to fit it inside. However, the multi-function valve system which is found on all Sea to Summit sleeping mats, allows Explorers to easily deflate and roll up the mat without fighting re-inflation. 

The mat also features anti-slip silicone prints on both sides, helping prevent your sleeping bag and pillow from slipping on the mat, and the mat from slipping on the floor of the tent. 

When the Sea to Summit Ultralight SI Sleeping Mat is unrolled, the mat creates a vacuum and inflates itself by pulling in air. The multi-function valve allows for quick inflation and hassle-free deflation. There’s also an option to make small adjustments to the pad’s stiffness by removing a bit of air at a time.

The large version of the sleeping mat is relatively heavy compared to other lightweight mats, however, there are shorter, smaller, and lighter versions available, right down to the X-Small mat that weighs just 395g. 

4. Nemo Tensor Insulated Ultralight Sleeping Pad

 

Type of mat: Air mat
Weight: 410g
R-value: 4.2
Width: 51cm
Length: 183cm
Thickness: 7.62cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Signature Spaceframe baffle construction
  • Lightweight
  • Relatively high R-value
  • Good thickness

Reason to avoid:

  • Not super durable
  • Prone to air leaks
  • On the expensive side

Price: $269.95 (RRP $299.95)

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The Nemo Tensor Insulated Ultralight Sleeping Pad is one of the most comfortable sleeping mats on the market. It’s built on Nemo’s proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction that provides supportive comfort without increasing the pad’s weight. 

The Spaceframe construction relies on low-stretch, die-cut trusses that eliminate springiness and provide stabilty and a more even weight distribution. 

As for insulation, there’s an internal ultra-thin film layer to help reduce convection currents within the mat, and the insulated version of the Tensor includes two additional layers of suspended Thermal Mirror™ metallized film to increase insulation while also reducing noise made by the mat.

The Nemo Tensor Insulated Ultralight Sleeping Pad has an R-value of 4.2, the highest on our list so far, and is better equipped for use in colder weather conditions than some other options. 

This sleeping pad is built with 100% bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester fabric, however there have been reports that the Tensor sleeping pad is prone to air leaks, even after a handful of uses, bringing into question the mat’s durability. 

Luckily, the Nemo Tensor sleeping pad comes with a repair kit, allowing you to fix any rips or punctures if need be. The overall packaging includes Velcro straps, a Vortex pump sack, a drawstring bag to store the mat, and the repair kit.

This sleeping pad also comes in a ranges of lengths, shapes, and the option of insulated or non-insulated, depending on whether you need a warmer or lighter version. 

5. Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat (Regular)

 

Type of mat: Air mat
Weight: 490g
R-value: 3.2
Width: 55cm
Length: 183cm
Thickness: 10cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Good thickness
  • Resistant to slipping
  • Easy to deflate and pack
  • Quite light
  • Comes in a range of shapes and lengths

Reasons to avoid:

  • Not suitable for use in winter
  • On the expensive side

Price: $269.95 (RRP $299.99)

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The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat provides a plush sleeping experience thanks to its 10cm thickness.

The sleeping mat uses Air Sprung Cells instead of the more popular tubes and baffles. These cells better absorb the pressure from the sleeper’s body and conform to both the body’s contours and movement, without compromising the other cells, resulting in a better night’s sleep. This design also has large air chambers on the sides to help prevent the mat from collapsing when you roll near the edge.

The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat has an anti-slip grip that helps keeps you and your pillow in place all night long.

When it comes to warmth, the mat has two types of insulation; Thermolite insulation, which prevents convective heat loss and Exkin Platinum® insulation, which reflects radiant heat back to the body. Despite this technology, it’s not suitable for winter hikes in cold climates, as the R-value of 3.2 isn’t quite warm enough.

The anti-microbial treatment helps prevent mould growth on the inside of the mat, which can occur from moisture in the air breathed into the mat. The sleeping mat stuff sack that doubles as an air pump helps with this too!

The sleeping mat features 30D/40D face fabric which is lighter and quieter (v useful when you’re after a good night’s sleep!). Paired with Sea to Summit’s liquid-extruded lamination the mat becomes very durable and reliable. The mat will last for years if taken care of properly.

6. Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Lightweight Sleeping Mat

 

 

Type of mat: Air mat
Weight: 567g
R-value: 4.4
Width: 58cm
Length: 183cm
Thickness: 6cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Supportive and comfortable
  • Design helps make better use of your sleeping bag
  • Packs down small

Reasons to avoid:

  • Not recommended for use in winter

Price: $174.95 (RRP $214.95)

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The Klymit Insulated Static has an R-value of 4.4, one of the highest on our list, however it’s still recommended to pair it with a second mat if you plan on using it in extreme cold conditions.

The unique and patented V-shaped baffle design helps deliver a comfy sleep no matter which sleeping position you prefer, through consistent support across the mat. Additionally, the side rails help give you a better sleep by centring you onto the mat and preventing air movement, even if you toss and turn all night long.

The Klymalite Synthetic insulation used is not only lightweight, but compressible and durable. It also slows air transfer between the pad’s top and bottom halves to significantly improve the mat’s thermal performance. 

The Deep Weld Patterning (those deep V-shaped divets) creates expansion zones within the mat, giving your sleeping bag space to fully loft beneath you rather than becoming squished under a flat mat surface. 

The Insulated Static V sleeping mat weighs in at 567g, around the middle range when it comes to sleeping mat weight. Despite this, the sleeping mat packs up nice and small and should be able to fit into the drink bottle sleeve on most hiking packs. Nice!

7. Big Agnes Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad

 

 

Type of mat: Air mat
Weight: 510g
R-value: 1.4
Width: 50.8cm
Length: 182.88cm
Thickness: 8.25cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Affordable
  • Antimicrobial treatment
  • Decent thickness

Reasons to avoid:

  • Only suitable for warm weather
  • Vertical baffles are less comfortable
  • Slippery fabric

Price: $89.95 (RRP $99.95)

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The Big Agnes Air Core Ultra Sleeping Mat is one of the more affordable options on the market while still offering a good level of comfort and support.

The Air Core Ultra Sleeping Mat comes with antimicrobial treatment that helps keep the inside of the mat free of bacteria and more resistant to mould. 

The mat is quite thick, measuring 8.255cm, which is good for side sleepers as you’ll be less likely to feel the ground beneath you. The thickness also provides extra insulation from the cold ground.

However, the Air Core Ultra Sleeping Mat is not the best choice for use in cold temperatures, with an R-value of 1.4, it’s really only suitable for summer camping.

The Air Core Ultra Sleeping Mat weighs 510g, which is around the mid-range for sleeping mat weight, however this is not offset by better insulation.

The sleeping mat features vertical baffles, which are usually less comfortable than horizontal ones as your body weight isn’t evenly distributed when sleeping on your side, which can be uncomfortable. However, the larger baffles on the side help keep you cradled in the middle of the mat. 

The outer fabric of the Air Core Ultra Sleeping Mat is also quite slippery. This can make it challenging to stay still and may cause the sleeper to slide off the mat during the night.

The sleeping mat comes with a replacement valve, a storage sack, and a repair kit.

Although not the most comfortable or warmest sleeping mat on the list, the Big Agnes Air Core Ultra is one of the most affordable.

8. Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Sleeping Mat (Rectangular Large)

 

 

Type of mat: Air mat
Weight: 1050g
R-value: 6.2
Width: 64cm
Length: 201cm
Thickness: 10cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • All-season comfort
  • High insulation
  • Antimicrobial treatment
  • Comfortable for side sleepers
  • Increased thickness

Reasons to avoid:

  • Heavy
  • Very expensive
  • Unnecessary weight for use in warm months

Price: $386.95 (RRP $429.99)

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Sea to Summit’s Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated sleeping mat is the first sleeping mat on our list that provides all-season comfort. Its high R-value of 6.2 and 10.16cm thickness make it resistant to almost all cold weather conditions. If you’re hitting the alpine, you should consider this mat!

Thanks to the extra height created by the looped TPU baffles that connect the top and bottom fabric layers and help create larger pockets of air, and use of XT Air Sprung Cells, this mat is extremely comfortable and stable. Even side sleepers can let their hips sink deeper into the mat without touching the ground.

This sleeping mat also features Sea to Summit’s Pillow Lock system, Airstream Pump and multi-function valve. The pump helps with quick and easy inflation, while the Pillow Lock system allows you to lock your pillow in place so it doesn’t move around during the night. The high flow-rate valve allows for easy deflation and fine tuning to your own comfort. 

One drawback of the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Sleeping Mat is its weight. At 1050g, it’s one of the heaviest sleeping mats on our list, so although it can be used in all four seasons, if you don’t necessarily need the additional protection, a lighter option could be better for use in warmer months. It does come in a few different shapes and sizes, so a slightly smaller and lighter version is available.

The Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated sleeping mat is also one of the most expensive sleeping mats on our list, but this is to be expected with its cold-weather protection and all-around comfort.

The mat comes with a stuff sack that doubles as an air pump, a spare valve insert, and a repair kit. 

9. Thermarest NeoAir XLite Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad (Regular)

 

Type of mat: Air mat
Weight: 360g
R-value: 4.2
Width: 51cm
Length: 183cm
Thickness: 6.4cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Ultralight weight
  • Quick inflation
  • Advanced technology to protect warmth
  • Comfortable

Reason to avoid:

  • Relatively loud crinkling
  • Very expensive

Price: $389.95 (RRP $469.95)

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Thermarest’s NeoAir XLite Ultralight Insulated sleeping pad is a good choice for buyers who want an ultralight, insulated sleeping mat that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.

It’s one of the lightest and most compact sleeping mats on the market, packing down to just 23cm x 10cm. This is mainly the result of non-bulky synthetic fill, which also provides a good warmth-to-weight ratio.

The sleeping mat employs a strong body heat protection technique. Patent-pending ThermaCapture technology reflects radiant heat back to the body, while the Triangular Core Matrix construction helps prevent convective heat loss. 

This sleeping mat is also super quick to inflate and put to use, thanks to the high-performance WingLock valve which has a larger opening, helping inflate the mat three times faster.

The horizontal baffles create a stable and flat sleeping surface, dampening bounce quite well and helping the sleeper feel more comfortable compared to vertical baffles. 

One drawback is that this sleeping pad is a bit noisy. The crinkling sounds can wake you up, so this mat is unsuitable for those who shift sleeping positions often.

The NeoAir XLite Ultralight Insulated sleeping pad isn’t as affordable as other sleeping mats on the list with a similar R-value, but it has the best R-value for its weight. 

10. Thermarest NeoAir XTherm Lightweight Insulated Sleeping Pad (Regular)

 

12 Best Sleeping Mats for Hiking in Australia in 2022, SODP

Type of mat: Air mat
Weight: 470g
R-value: 6.9
Width: 51cm
Length: 183cm
Thickness: 6.4cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Very warm
  • High isolation from debris
  • High insulation

Reasons to avoid:

  • Very expensive
  • Relatively narrow bottom half
  • Slippery fabric

Price: $449.95 (RRP $558.95)

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The Thermarest NeoAir XTherm is one of the lightest and warmest insulated backpacking sleeping mats on the market. It’s made with a high R-value rating of 6.9, meaning it can be used in winter and even alpine conditions.

Owing to its extremely high warmth-to-weight ratio, this pad is very popular among mountaineers who need to keep their carrying weight down yet protect themselves from the cold. 

The NeoAir XTherm also packs down super small, around the size of a drink bottle, so is easily packed for any adventure. 

This sleeping pad uses reflective ThermaCapture technology to reflect radiant heat back to the body, while the Triangular Core Matrix style construction, essentially two layers of triangular baffles, stacked to help stabilise the mat and minimise heat loss. 

It’s worth noting that the bottom half of this mat is relatively narrow, creating some issues with the fit and some people might feel like their legs are falling off the edge of the pad.

The fabric is also quite slippery, which can be a problem if you’re going to use it on a tent floor or other slippery surfaces.

With a cost of $449, the Thermarest NeoAir XTherm Lightweight Insulated sleeping pad is certainly on the expensive side, so if you don’t need the additional warmth offered by the high R-value, a more affordable sleeping mat may be the best option.

This sleeping pad comes with a pump sack, repair kit, and stuff sack.

11. Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad (Insulated Regular)

 

12 Best Sleeping Mats for Hiking in Australia in 2022, SODP

 

Type of mat: Air mat
Weight: 690g
R-value: 2.6
Width: 51cm
Length: 183cm
Thickness: 8.89cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Comfortable baffles
  • Built-in pillow baffle
  • Relatively affordable
  • Customised inflation control
  • Use of sustainable materials

Reasons to avoid:

  • Heavy (bad weight-to-warmth ratio)
  • Not suitable for winter camping

Price: $169.95 ($ 189.95)

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The Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad strikes the right balance between price and comfort, however doesn’t provide enough warmth for winter camping. 

The first advantage of this sleeping pad is its lateral baffles. Generally, these are more comfortable than vertical baffles and prevent the pad’s sides from curling up during the night.

Another important comfort factor is the large in-built pillow baffle at the head of the pad that helps support your pillow (or if you forget to pack yours, it’ll do the trick!).

The Astro features the Laylow™ multi-functional and micro-adjustable valve, allowing you to adjust how much air is in the mat to suit your comfort. 

The use of Primaloft synthetic insulation creates a powerful barrier against the cold ground and the 8.8cm thickness provides enough height from the ground so that even side sleepers can get a comfortable night’s sleep. 

The Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad weighs 690g, making it one of the heavier sleeping mats on our list and not ideal for ultralight weight Explorers.

This sleeping pad comes in a range of sizes and the choice of insulated or non-insulated.

12. Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI Insulated Sleeping Mat (Rectangular Wide)

 

Type of mat: Self-inflating mat
Weight: 1220g
R-value: 4.3
Width: 64cm
Length: 183cm
Thickness: 7.5cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Durable
  • Extra comfortable
  • 3-4 season use

Reason to avoid:

  • Very heavy

Price: $152.95 (RRP $169.99)

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Sea to Summit’s Camp Plus SI Insulated Sleeping Mat (Rectangular Wide) is a great choice for those that prioritise warmth and comfort over weight. With an R-value of 4.3, this sleeping mat is well-insulated and can be used in almost all seasons.

This comfortable mat has a shell fabric made of abrasion-resistant 75D polyester, which makes it durable even under heavy outdoor use. The robust shell material is resistant to wear and tear.

The mat has a thickness of 7.5cm, enough for nearly everyone to sleep comfortably on their side and still have some cushioning. The Delta Coring technology used allows for 40% reduction of foam in areas of the mat that don’t require it, reducing the weight, without compromising comfort. 

The multifunctional flat valve allows you to choose how much to inflate the mat. The deflation process is also quick and easy, as the valve has a one-way flow design.

The only drawback of this mat is its weight, as it’s one of the heaviest on our list. It’s still able to be carried in a hiking pack due to its easy packability, but the mat isn’t a good choice for ultralight backpackers who are counting every gram. 

However, the range of shapes and lengths allows you to choose a slightly lighter version. The regular mummy-shaped version of the mat weighs in at 880g, shaving off 340g from the wide version. 

This sleeping mat comes with a repair kit.

Special Mention: Ultralon Eva Closed Cell Foam Hiking Mat

 

Type of mat: Closed cell foam mat
Weight: 320g
Width: 50cm
Length: 185cm
Thickness: 1cm

Reasons to buy: 

  • Affordable alternative
  • Easily packable
  • Lightweight
  • Protective against moisture

Reason to avoid:

  • Thinner than other sleeping mats on the list
  • Quite bulky

Price: $38.95 (RRP $39.95)

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If you’re just getting into hiking and don’t want to invest too much money upfront, the Ultralon EVA Closed Cell Foam sleeping mat is a good starting point.

Although not the most high-tech, warm, or comfortable mat on the market, it is extremely affordable and does the job, so long as you’re not sleeping in cold conditions,.

This closed-cell foam mat is 50cm wide and 185cm long, which makes it large enough for most people. It weighs only 320g, so it’s easy to carry around. It’s also roll-up friendly — just strap it to the outside of your hiking pack and you’re good to go.

This sleeping mat protects sleepers from moisture and temperature changes, though at just 1cm think this mat is far and away the thinnest on the list and comes with some obvious comfort trade offs.

The mats are made from Polyethylene or Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate copolymers – materials that have a closed-cell structure. The cellular structure of the mats makes them firm, so they don’t bottom out when you lie on them.

The Ultralon EVA mat is strong and durable (you won’t have to worry about a leak in the night) so you can use them for a long time with minimal wear and tear.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sleeping Mats

1. Are sleeping mats comfortable?

Some sleeping mats are more comfortable than others

Thickness is important for comfort, as it determines whether the sleeper will touch the ground and how much of their body heat will be lost. The thicker the mat, the more comfortable it is, but also, the heavier and bulkier it may become to carry.

2. What’s the most comfortable sleeping mat for hiking?

The Nemo Tensor Insulated Ultralight Sleeping Pad is one of the most comfortable sleeping mats on our list due to the proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction that provides supportive comfort without increasing the pad’s weight.

3. Which is the best sleeping mat for side sleepers?

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Sleeping Mat has looped TPU baffles on the surface, creating larger pockets of air between the pad’s top and bottom. As a result, this creates more room for side sleepers, letting the hips sink deeper without touching the ground underneath.

4. Which is the most lightweight sleeping mat?

Ultralon Eva Closed Cell Foam Hiking Mat is the only item on the list that weighs less than 350g due to its non-bulky design. It’s an excellent pick for buyers looking for a minimalist and ultralight piece of equipment that’s easy to roll up and store away.

Final Thoughts on Sleeping Mats

When it comes to sleeping mats, everyone has their own preferred choice depending on the other parts of their sleeping system, destination climate, budget, and personal preferences.

Hiking gear, however, is not limited to sleeping mats. There’s a wide range of other things that come into play, including:

The more you’re equipped with the right hiking gear, the more enjoyable your hike will be.

 

Feature image thanks to Alton Goods – Follow on Instagram @alton_goods