Sleeping mats
You’ve just woken up from a bitterly cold and uncomfortable night’s sleep. It felt like every stone and stick had been strategically placed to jab you in the ribs just as you were finally managing to drift off. That darn sleeping bag didn’t seem to make a shred of difference in keeping you warm. And now you need to roll up that bulky foam pad and strap it back onto your pack. Welcome to the world of sleeping mats. What you’d think should be a rudimentary outdoor purchasing decision—buy something soft and spongy—turns out to be anything but.
If there’s one thing you need when spending multiple days outdoors, it’s a good night’s sleep. A high-quality sleeping bag is an essential first piece of your overnight outdoor kit. A close second is the right sleeping mat. You can still go cheap and have a good night’s sleep (we explain how later), however this guide will ensure you select the right mat for your conditions.
There are four essential criteria you should consider when buying a new mat: price; weight; comfort; and warmth. Three of these four are straight-forward to explain and understand.
PRICE
Price is the easiest to cover, as it’s generally a function of the other three criteria. Here’s the deal: If you want something super light, super comfy and super insulating,
