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As you make your bed, so you must sleep. That is why your choice of sleeping pad should be carefully considered. The worst thing you can do is buy a bad one and wake up the next day feeling exhausted after a hard night’s sleep. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, we’ve put together everything you need to know about sleeping mats.
A good night’s sleep thanks to your sleeping pad
If you have ever slept in the wilderness without a sleeping pad, you know how essential it is. Just as critical as a good sleeping bag. Nobody wants to wake up the next morning with a sore neck and bruises.
A good sleeping pad will keep you more comfortable and better protected from the cold and wet. They also provide a protective layer between your sleeping bag and the ground.
Types of insulation mats
Just as there are different types of sleeping bag, there are also different types of sleeping pad. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose between different types. A rough distinction is made between foam mats and inflatable mats. Here’s a quick overview.
The classic: foam mattresses
Many of us remember them from our youth: the foam mattress. The classic camping item brings back childhood memories. Tent camp, camping with your parents or a party at the lake. The foam mattress is ideal. Sometimes it also serves as emergency equipment. It is also relatively cheap, sturdy and uncomplicated. Sharp stones or the spikes of crampons cannot harm it. Models with 3D structures, such as nubs or grooves, improve thermal performance by creating insulating cavities.
Aluminum sleeping mats provide even better insulation. They are also a classic. The aluminum coating on the foam insulates body heat and prevents the cold ground from rising. Ideally, you put the aluminum mattress under or on top of the foam mattress. This gives you double protection.
The super comfortable ones: Inflatable sleeping mats
What is lighter than air? Exactly. Which is why air mattresses are so popular. You blow it up or pump it up, close the valve, and you’re done. A pump bag, such as the Exped pump bag, is recommended for inflation. Some manufacturers have developed systems built into the sleeping bag that make it easy to inflate without getting out of breath. The air in the bag provides optimal pressure equalisation. Backache and pressure sores are a thing of the past.
The higher the quality of your air mattress, the better it insulates and the more durable it is. For example, heat-reflecting insulation means you won’t freeze if you’re spending the night outdoors. Inflatable sleeping mats are also compact, easy to pack away and lightweight.
By the way: If you are using lightweight inflatable mats on solid ground, you can also pack them in a bivouac bag.
High-end inflatable sleeping pads that can withstand sub-zero temperatures can also be filled with down or high-quality synthetic fibres, for example from Mountain Equipment. Mountain Equipment’s Aerostat Down is Down Codex® certified and warms down to -40 °C.
The practical option: self-inflating mattresses
Self-inflating sleeping pads are a practical alternative to inflatable sleeping pads. The outer layer is airtight. To inflate the pad, simply open a valve. When you are ready to move on to the next summit, deflate the pad and close the valve.
Inflatable sleeping mats are also lightweight, easy to pack and simple to use. Ideal for your next trekking trip. Manufacturers such as Therm-A-Rest, Exped and Sea to Summit make self-inflating foam pads. Some are up to 10 centimetres thick. Very comfortable.
Sleeping mats for campers
There are camping mats that are more than 10 centimeters thick and feel like a mattress. Of course, these mats are not as compact when packed, but they are very comfortable and quick to set up.
Insulation mats: What does the R-value mean?
Maybe you noticed the R-value while browsing the outdoor section, but you don’t know what it means?
The R-value of a sleeping mat is a measure of a material’s resistance to heat transfer. The higher the number, the better the mat insulates. A sleeping mat with an R-value of 1 is suitable for three seasons, with warm nights up to +7 degrees. A mat with an R value of 3 is suitable for all four seasons and for cooler nights down to around -5 degrees. And an R value of 6, the maximum, is perfect for long winter treks with nights down to -25 degrees. Another clue is the thickness of the mat. The thicker the mat, the higher the R-value.
HOW DO I STORE MY ISOMAT?
Inflatable sleeping mats are also best stored inflated. Inflatable mats without foam can be rolled up or compressed. You only need to be careful with down pads: They should not be compressed. It is best to store them rolled up with the valve open. Under no circumstances should the mattress be stored in the sun.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR ISO MAT
If the mat is very dirty, it is easy to clean. It is advisable to wipe the mat. Make sure it dries well.
How to repair the insulation mat?
Does your mattress have small tears? Or is it no longer completely sealed? The material of the sleeping mat can be damaged on the way. No need to panic.
You can repair minor damage yourself with a repair kit. Tape or mend any leaks. If you are unsure, or if the damage is more serious, take it to a specialist.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO SLEEP WELL?
Not only should your body be soft and comfortable when camping and bivouacking, your head also needs a soft base. Inflatable pillows are perfect for this.
They are also available as seat cushions. So you don’t have to drink your coffee on the hard, wet ground. In our Online Shop you’ll find a great selection.
Is camping your passion? Browse our blog:
→ Sleeping-Bags: Everything you need to know
→ Spend the night under the stars? The bivouac guide
→ Grayl GeoPress: We tested the filter bottle
Photos Copyright: Exped, MSR & Therm-A-Rest