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BUYING GUIDES
Sleeping Mat Guide | How to Choose the Best Sleeping Mat
Your sleeping mat is just as important as your sleeping bag.
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep outdoors, your sleeping mat is just as important as your sleeping bag. A quality sleeping mat keeps you insulated from the ground, makes your night more comfortable, and can even let you carry a lighter sleeping bag without sacrificing warmth. Feeling strong and ready for a big day ahead or recovering after a long route requires good sleep, and a sleeping mat is essential for that. Suddenly, even the most remote and inaccessible camp can be made to feel comfortable.
Sleeping Mats We Offer & Who They’re Best For
Our range of sleeping mats includes everything from lightweight air mats ideal for alpine bivvies and fast-moving trips, to durable self-inflating mats perfect for year round use. This guide breaks down the different types of sleeping mats, helping you understand the pros and cons of each construction.
We’ll also look at key technical features such as the mats R-value, which indicates a mat’s thermal resistance and is crucial for selecting the right mat for colder conditions.
Whether weight, pack size, or maximum insulation is your priority, this guide will help you make the right choice for your activity and environment.
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Hoverstat Synthetic 7.0 Mat
Lightweight with synthetic insulation that gives great comfort with a low pack size.
Ideal For: Mountaineering
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Aerostat Down 7.0 Mat
Down filled giving exceptional insulation and comfort with a small pack size.
Ideal For: Expedition/Polar
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Hoverstat 7.0 Mat
Lightweight and comfortable with a small pack size for less severe conditions and minimalist trips.
Ideal For: Hiking/Trekking
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Mirrostat 7.0 Mat
Stable and comfortable mat with a tiny pack size and low weight.
Ideal For: Lightweight trips
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Glacier 5.0 Mat
Thick, comfortable, and insulated self-inflating mat.
Ideal For: Camping
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sleeping Mat
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Type of Sleeping Mat
There are 4 main types of sleeping mat, each with their own characteristics. Depending on what you choose, there will be advantages and disadvantages. For example, an uninsulated inflatable mat has a very small pack size, perfect for fast and light adventures, but it isn’t as warm as other types.
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R-value
The R-value is a measure of a sleeping mat’s insulation and its ability to resist heat loss to the ground. The higher the R-value, the warmer the mat will be.
When choosing a mat, consider the temperatures you'll be camping in—lower R-values (around 1–2) are best for warm summer nights, while higher R-values (4 and above) are ideal for cold weather or winter camping. For three-season use, an R-value around 2–4 usually provides a good balance of warmth and weight.
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Length & Width
We offer a range of sizes in some of our mats, regular, long, and wide. This means you can find the perfect size for you.
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Weight & Packability
When choosing a sleeping mat, you need to consider the trade-off between a mat's warmth and its weight and pack size. It’s a trade-off you have to balance in combination with your sleeping bag to ensure you’re warm enough but not carrying too much weight.
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Get some sleep, tomorrow is a big day.
A good night's sleep thanks to the right sleeping mat could be the difference between reaching your objective the next day or backing off.
