Sonder Bikes
Sleeping Mats for Camping
Our sleeping mats come in three types: inflatable, self-inflating and foam. Warmth is measured by R-value, and higher is warmer. Cloud Base is a 5cm inflatable for summer trips. Whisper (R-value 2.8, 740g) is an insulated inflatable for three seasons, and Radiant (R-value 7.2, 640g) is our warmest mat for winter. Dozer is a 7.5cm self-inflating mattress for car camping, with Double Dozer for two. The EZ Sleeper foam mat adds warmth under any of them.
Sleeping Mats for Camping
Inflatable sleeping mats are the most packable and portable sleeping mats. As they rely on air to give their comfort, they can be packed down small and are also really lightweight. They also give comfort on pretty much any surface as the air within them smooths out the bumps and roots and other things that want to poke you in the back in the night. However, uninsulated inflatables don't keep you very warm, as air circulates in their chambers, and we've all experienced that sinking feeling if you're unfortunate enough to puncture one.
An insulated inflatable fixes that, with fill inside the chambers. For the smallest pack size, Numo is an uninsulated inflatable.
Self-inflating sleeping mats
Self-inflating sleeping mats (SIMs) have plenty of benefits as they combine the best of foam roll sleeping mats and inflatable sleeping mats.
SIMs are more comfortable than foam mats and insulate better than inflatable mats. However, they're a bit heavier than foam sleeping mats and don't pack down as small as inflatable mats.
Foam folding sleeping mats
Foam folding sleeping mats are the bread and butter of the sleeping mat world. They're lightweight and generally cheaper than their inflatable and self-inflating cousins and are great when used as an extra layer beneath a more substantial sleeping mat. They also can't go pop in the night. However, they can be uncomfortable on hard ground, they don't pack as small and they're not as insulating as other sleeping mat types.
All our sleeping mats are guaranteed with our 3 year Alpine Bond.
Watch: Camping Mats 101
Sleeping mats are part of the Alpkit camping range, alongside tents, sleeping bags and bivvy bags.
Designed by us, direct to you
Our gear goes directly from us to you. We design our sleeping mats here in the UK, and our warehouse team sends them straight to your door, or you can buy them in one of our stores. There are no distributors or retailers in the chain. It's how we keep making high-performing sleeping mats at the best possible value.
Further reading
- Choosing a sleeping mat: complete camping comfort guide
- How to care for your self-inflating sleeping mat
- How to stay warm camping in winter: 5 practical tips
- Sleeping mat R values explained
- The ultimate guide to wild camping
- Winter camping guide: stay warm, safe and well equipped
- How self-inflating sleeping mats work
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Camping Mats for Comfort and Performance
As well as giving you something comfortable to lie on, your sleeping mat provides vital insulation from the cold ground....
What are Sleeping Mat R Values and why do we use them?
The higher the R-value the warmer your sleeping mat will be. R-values are a great indicator to help you find...
How do self-inflating camping mats work?
Self-inflating camping mats use compressible foam insulation and inflate like an airbed without requiring the use of an air pump....
How To Care For Your Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat
When you get a new self-inflating sleeping mat, the first thing you'll probably do is celebrate - hooray! Self-inflating sleeping...
Top Tips for Staying Warm While Winter Camping
To stay warm camping in winter, insulate yourself from the ground, sleep in dry layers, go to bed fed and...
How to Prepare for Winter Camping
As the temperatures drop and the nights shorten, the allure of winter camping becomes increasingly enticing. Venturing into the great...