Here’s how to find a mattress that is comfortable, light and within your budget.
Fills There’s a number of fills – high-density open-cell foam, down, synthetic and plain air – which are wrapped in a waterproof nylon or polyester shell. Antimicrobial treatments will prevent fungal and bacterial growth inside the mat, caused by moist breath (from inflating the mattress). Foam-filled sleeping mats are die-cut or horizontally cored to reduce their weight. Fabrics and finishes Fabrics are patterned and coated to provide grip so the user doesn’t slide off during the night. They have a durable water repellant (DWR) coating to provide water-resistance. Valve Controls airflow in and out of the mat. Some mattresses have two valves; one used to inflate and the other to deflate. Thickness Thickness correlates directly to warmth (measured as an R-value) – the thicker a mattress, the warmer it will be. Shape and size Most mats come in short, regular (or medium) and large sizes. They can be tapered to save weight, bulk and to make laying two mats side-by-side easier. Shorter, tapered models are perfect for summer camping. Winter models are full-length and likely to be insulated. Prices vary depending on size. Inflation Many mats are self-inflating – drawing air in as the mat regains its unfolding shape. They only require a few puffs at the end to reach the desired firmness. Synthetic and down filled mats often require a pump to ensure moisture from your breath doesn’t cause mould to grow inside. Air-filled models only need your lungs to inflate. Storage Store the mat in a cool, dry place, unrolled, with the valve open. R-value Usually between 2 and 7, R-values are an important measure for sleeping mats; the higher the number, the greater the mat’s ability to keep you warm. To be truly thermo-neutral (no reduction of core temperature) at 0° on the ground, the R-value should be at least 5.






















