The Different Types of Sleeping Mats

There are 4 main types of sleeping mat, each with their own characteristics. Which one you choose will depend on what you're doing and where you're going.

Insulated Inflatable Mats

These mats offer the greatest performance across most metrics. Often the warmest option, they are very light, exceptionally comfortable, and pack up very small. Their limitations are their relatively high price and the risk of puncture (though this is often much less of an issue than many people expect). For cold-weather camping, for weight conscious users, or for those to whom comfort is key, this is the best sleeping mat option available.

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Self-Inflating Mats

These are a veteran and iconic product. They use foam to pull air into them ("self-inflating"), and then a little air is used to top them up and increase the pressure. Self-inflating mats are significantly more comfortable than closed-cell foam mats; they are warmer and weigh only a little more. They are easy to use and pretty durable, and pack up much smaller than a foam mat too. However, self-inflating mats can puncture and lack the real intense warmth and comfort of an insulated mat. They are a good all-round option for many campers, but are no longer the highest-performing option available.

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Uninsulated Inflatable Mats

These mats are incredibly lightweight and relatively comfortable. However, they offer minimal insulation and are highly susceptible to punctures. They are a good choice when low weight is essential, especially in situations where mat failure isn’t catastrophic, such as during certain adventure races or mountain marathons. Our team often prefers these mats, but it’s important to exercise extra caution when using them, as a puncture would leave you with no barrier between you and the ground.

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Closed-Cell Foam Mats

These are a classic benchmark product recognised by hikers and mountaineers across many generations. They provide an extremely durable and relatively inexpensive option which is crampon-proof, lightweight, and completely idiot proof. But they aren't the most comfortable.  As well as lacking comfort, they don’t fold up very small and don't provide much insulation. Foam mats remain a common sight strapped to the packs of alpinists on big routes, and we would recommend them for many alpine bivvys, or in scenarios where mat failure is likely and would result in serious consequences.

Choosing the right sleeping mat is just as important as having the right sleeping bag. With the right mat, even the harshest bivvy can be a more enjoyable experience.