Choose the right sleeping mat: What types are there and which one to choose?

A quality sleeping mat means the difference between a comfortable sleep and a sleepless night in the field. How to choose the right type based on insulation, durability and conditions of use? In this article, we will compare foam, self-inflating and inflatable models and help you find the optimal option for service, outdoor and extreme conditions.

Sleeping mats have been with us for more than half a century, although hardcore Czech tramps initially despised them. Perhaps they found them too "princess-oriented". However, excellent insulation properties, low water absorption and increased comfort have gradually made their way to this group of users. Today, we can no longer imagine a proper multi-day trek without a sleeping mat. But how do we choose a sleeping mat that meets our needs?

We distinguish 3 basic types of outdoor mats: foam, self-inflating and inflatable. Photo: Rigad

Since their introduction in 1966 by the British brand Karrimor, sleeping mats have come a long way. Materials have changed and various variants have been added. However, their primary purpose is still to protect the sleeper from external influences, insulate from below and provide relative comfort (however, we cannot completely expect to sleep as comfortably as in bed at home).

Three basic types of sleeping mats

Choosing the right sleeping mat is influenced by various factors, including durability, weight and insulation properties. The three basic types are foam, self-inflating and inflatable sleeping mats. Each type has its own specific advantages and is designed for different conditions. If you are looking for a model for long-term use in the field, for example for military training or a mountain expedition, the right type of sleeping mat plays a key role.

Foam sleeping mats: durability and light weight

Advantages:

• Relatively low price.

• Relatively decent durability.

• Non-absorbent materials.

• Light weight.

Disadvantages:

• Lower comfort.

• Worse insulation properties.

• Bulkier packaging.

The advantage of the Z-Lite™ Therm-a-Rest® foam mat is durability, light weight and universal use. Photo: Rigad

When Karrimor launched its iconic Karrimat model, it was exactly this type of sleeping mat. Compared to standard soft foam, which was invented earlier, the sleeping mat has one big advantage – non-absorbent pores. Thanks to this, it does not “suck” water from the ground, which would be quite impractical for sleeping outdoors and the subsequent transport of the sleeping mat.

A foam sleeping mat is ideal for quick movements, military operations and simple camping. It provides basic insulation and is practically indestructible. You can pack it for simple trips with a weekend sleepover, whether you are going to sleep in a hut or in the open. In the latter case, we would only recommend sleeping on a foam sleeping pad in the summer due to its weaker insulation.

Bulky packing is not very practical for long treks and multi-day events that require compact and functionally packed equipment. A foam sleeping mat rolled up into a cylinder is the first thing you'll likely notice on a backpacker's back. More practical are foldable versions, such as the widely used Z-Lite.

Self-inflating sleeping mats: a compromise between insulation and durability

Advantages:

• Higher comfort.

• High thermal insulation thanks to air chambers.

• Easy to handle – it inflates itself after opening the valve.

• More comfortable than foam sleeping mats, yet storable.

Disadvantages:

• Heavier weight than foam sleeping mats.

• Lower mechanical resistance – it can be punctured.

Self-inflating and inflatable mats provide higher thermal comfort. Photo: Rigad

Self-inflating sleeping mats promise slightly higher thermal comfort and better insulation properties. This type is great for trekking, mountain hiking and longer stays in nature. Their advantage is that they are easy to use – as the name suggests, they inflate themselves after releasing the valve and then you only need to inflate them with a few breaths. So you don't have to work so hard before going to sleep.

Compared to foam sleeping mats, self-inflating sleeping mats are a bit heavier and more susceptible to damage. If your foam sleeping pad is damaged by a sharp object, it remains usable. This is often not the case with self-inflating models. Fortunately, there are sleeping pad repair kits that allow you to avoid throwing away a damaged sleeping mat.

Inflatable sleeping mats: maximum comfort

Advantages:

• The highest possible comfort and great insulation.

• Compact dimensions when packed – ideal for minimalists.

• Excellent for winter camping and extreme conditions.

Disadvantages:

• Higher price and risk of puncture damage.

• Need to inflate – using a pump is recommended.

The very highest level of comfort that you can experience in nature if you don't want to drag a real mattress on your back (or you don't travel with a campervan). Inflatable sleeping mats provide excellent insulation and, when inflated, create a comfortable, thick layer under you on which you will sleep well. Despite their size, they are very compact when packed, so they fit nicely in a backpack.

The Insulated Static V™ Klymit® inflatable mattress enables a comfortable sleep thanks to the patented shape of the ribbing of the chambers. Photo: Rigad

As with self-inflating sleeping mats, there is a higher risk of damage and another disadvantage (which will be amply compensated by the aforementioned comfort) is the relatively higher price. Finally, you need to consider regular inflation, which can be simplified with a hand or foot pump, but on the other hand, this pump will take up more space in your backpack.

What to consider when choosing a sleeping mat?

In addition to the specific type, when choosing a sleeping mat, you also need to pay attention to other factors, which we will talk about in the following lines.

Weight and packability

The weight of a sleeping mat is crucial, especially for hikers, climbers and soldiers who need lightweight and compact equipment. Ultralight models reduce the load, but often at the expense of durability.

Both values, i.e. weight and packability, affect the convenience of transport. However, certain compromises must be made with weight - low weight can in some cases of "no-name brands" also mean ripped-off material. But that won't happen to you with the quality sleeping mats of established brands that you can find at Rigad.

The Z-Lite™ Therm-a-Rest® foam mat is suitable not only for outdoor and easy camping, but for a wide range of activities. It is a popular type of mat at shooting ranges or during military exercises. Photo: Rigad

Thermal insulation or R-value

The R-value, also known as R-coefficient, indicates the quality of thermal insulation of a particular sleeping mat. The higher the R-value, the better the sleeping mat can thermally insulate the sleeper from the ground. And thermal insulation is, as we have already said, one of the main reasons why we buy sleeping mats.

The R-number usually has a value between R1 and R6, but a thicker sleeping pad does not necessarily mean a higher number. The material and the air layer play a role here. We will talk about the R-values ​​suitable for various specific conditions later in the article in the section on recommended models.

Special features and functions

Modern sleeping mats can have anti-slip properties, different air pocket designs or reinforced edges for greater stability. For long treks, it is worth investing in these features.

There are also sleeping mats with an integrated cushion that are ergonomically shaped, or ultralight models for those who want to break records in extremely low weights on their hikes.

Recommended types of sleeping mats by activity

Choose a specific sleeping mat model primarily based on the activities you enjoy or plan to do. So which sleeping mat should you choose based on your activity?

Treat yourself to quality insulation and comfort at every event! Photo: Rigad

Sleeping mats for camping

For camping or summer trips to nature for one or two nights, basic foam models will suffice, where you don't need to pay much attention to compactness and low weight, or any miraculous insulation properties. The R1-R2 value will be more than enough.

Kombat UK® Military Roll Mat sleeping mat – A simple low-cost model from our offer is ideal for exactly such purposes. In addition, it is versatile and can be used for exercise. The khaki color ensures greater inconspicuousness in the field.

Recommended product

Kombat UK® Military Roll Mat

€ 18,5In stock

View detail

Sleeping mats for trekking and mountaineering

For trekking and mountaineering (outside winter conditions), a sleeping mat that is lightweight, compact, but also durable will be useful. A foam sleeping mat could be equipped with a reflective aluminum layer for better insulation for these purposes; basic self-inflating sleeping mats also provide good insulation. The R-number value in this case could range from approximately R2 to R5.

Snugpak® Antarctic sleeping mat – a sleeping mat with a great price-quality ratio. It insulates well (it has Softie insulation taken from Snugpak sleeping bags) and is breathable at the same time, so it wicks condensed moisture away from the body well.

Sleeping mats for winter conditions

It is not worth compromising on winter equipment, not even in terms of weight. Therefore, it is possible to expect that a winter sleeping mat will be a little heavier. On the other hand, it will insulate better. And these are the highest models in terms of price and functionality. The R-value here should be at least R4.

Klymit® Insulated Static V™ inflatable sleeping mat – this sleeping mat for year-round use provides excellent insulation and a comfortable element in various conditions. It uses Klymalite insulation, a lightweight, compressible and durable insulating material that slows down the transfer of cold air from the ground. The advantage is that despite all this, it remains lightweight and compact, although you have to expect a slightly higher price.

Recommended product

Klymit® Insulated Static V™ Sleeping Pad

€ 124,6In stock

View detail

Sleeping mats for light traveling

If you are going ultralight and are not going into completely demanding conditions, then of course you choose the lightest sleeping pads possible. The magic limit for ultralight tourists is 7kg for the entire backpack. Including the sleeping mat. Since ultralight enthusiasts usually travel in the summer or in the months around summer, the R-value will not be a big deal for them.

Klymit® Insulated V Ultralite SL inflatable sleeping mat – orange – an ultralight alternative to the previously mentioned sleeping mat is a great accessory for light traveling. In addition, it is also suitable for camping in cold environments, so it is a truly top-notch model with which you will not have to make many compromises.

In conclusion

We hope that this article has made choosing your new sleeping mat a little easier, although as with other product categories, the range is so wide that it is often difficult to navigate. However, if you specify your needs and the activities you plan to do with the selected sleeping mat, then your options will be significantly narrowed down.