Did you know your sleeping bag is only as good as the mattress you’re lying on? Without something to insulate you from the ground, all the goose down in the world won’t be able to keep you warm on the underside. Choose a mattress based on the temperatures you most often camp in.

Inflation

Foam-filled mats are self-inflating, drawing air in when they are unrolled. Synthetic- and down-filled mats will come with an inflation sack to ensure moisture from your breath doesn’t get inside. Air-filled models are inflated by blowing into them.

Shape and size

Most mats come in short, regular/medium and large. They may be tapered to save weight and bulk and to make it easier to lay two mats side by side. Short tapered models are perfect for summer camping, while winter models should be full length.

Valves

Valves control airflow in and out of the mat. Some mattresses have two valves: one to inflate and the other to deflate.

Fill

What’s inside a mat is the biggest determiner of its R-value. The warmest mattresses have high-density open-cell foam, thermal heat-reflective linings and down or synthetic insulation that slows convective heat loss into the ground. Air-filled mats are less warm, but they’re lighter. 

Storage 

Store the mat in a cool, dry place, unrolled and with the valve open.

Fabrics and finishes

Fabrics are patterned and coated to provide grip so the user doesn’t slide off during the night. They have DWR coatings for water resistance.

Thickness

Generally speaking, the thicker a mattress, the warmer it will be.

R-value

A sleeping mat’s R-value (resistance value) measures its effectiveness at resisting heat loss. The higher the R-value, the warmer the mattress. 

The international standard ASTM F3340-18 ensures all mattresses are tested in the same way to achieve consistent R-values across brands. This helps consumers to compare and judge the warmth of a mattress. 

Here’s a basic guide to mattress R-values: 

R1–R2: For summer use when temperatures are warm day and night

R2–R4: Suitable for three-season use, including when there is a mild ground frost

R4–R6: All-season use, including when there is a heavy ground frost

R6+: Below-freezing air temperatures day and night, with cold to frozen ground

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft $629.99 (reg wide)

This mat provides car camping comfort in the backcountry. It has a soft-touch stretch-knit baselayer-like fabric (75D on the bottom, 50D on top), ContourCore Matrix construction for cushioning and support and heat-reflecting ThermaCapture technology for warmth. Side rails help prevent roll-off and it has a TwinLock valve system and pump sack for quick inflation and deflation. Dimensions 66x185cm, 11.7cm thick R-value 4.7 Weight 850g. www.ampro.co.nz

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT $599.99 (reg)

A mat offering high warmth to weight with reflective ThermaCapture technology that traps radiant heat. It has a durable 70D nylon base and weight-reducing 30D fabric on top. There’s a quick inflation/deflation WingLock valve, pump sack and repair kit. Dimensions 51x183cm, 7.62cm thick R-value 7.3 Weight 440g. www.ampro.co.nz

Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated $549.99 (reg)

A lightweight, recycled nylon air mat with two layers of heat-reflective film insulation. O-Beam construction minimises weight and provides stability and comfort. There’s a single-port dual-function valve and an inflation sack. Dimensions 51x183cm, 9cm thick R-value 4.3 Weight 397g.
www.gearshop.co.nz

Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated $479.99 (reg)

Updated for 2025 with improved dual layers of heat-reflective film insulation. It packs down smaller and offers greater warmth than previous models. It has supportive I-Beam construction and a cushioned, quilted top in a durable double ripstop fabric. Inflation sack included. Dimensions 51x183cm, 9cm thick R–value 4.8 Weight 510g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro $419.99 (reg)

A self-inflating mat for those wanting comfort and packability. It uses StrataCore foam – a continuous layer of thermal foam nestled between alternating ridges of air and foam – wrapped in a soft-touch stretch knit fabric. There’s a WingLock valve for quick inflation/deflation. Dimensions 51x183cm, 7.6cm thick R-value 4.4 Weight 850g. www.ampro.co.nz

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT $549.99 (reg)

An all-year, ultralight mat with ThermaCapture technology and low-bulk, durable Triangular Core Matrix construction to minimise convective heat loss and weight. Improved internal construction reduces noise, WingLock valve ensures quick inflation and deflation. Dimensions 51x183cm, 7.62cm thick R-value 4.5 Weight 370g. www.ampro.co.nz

Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated ASC $399.99 (reg)

This is Sea to Summit’s warmest sleeping mat. It has a dual layer of heat-reflective Thermal Core insulation that prevents internal air movement. There’s a 30D top fabric and 40D bottom, quick-inflate and deflate Xpress valve, stuff sack with integrated pump sack, and a PillowLock system. Dimensions 55x183cm, 10cm thick R-value 7.4 Weight 560g. www.southernapproach.co.nz

Exped ULTRA 7R Mummy $369.99 (med)

A year-around mat with responsibly sourced down insulation. It has a recycled 20D ripstop face fabric and fatter side chambers to prevent roll-off. Comfort cradle air chambers run head-to-toe to support the body fully. Schnozzel pump bag included. Dimensions 52x183cm, 9cm thick R-value 7.1 Weight 495g. www.bivouac.co.nz

Rab Ionosphere 5 $329.95 (reg)

A mat with 100% recycled post-consumer synthetic insulation that maintains performance even when wet. A reflective lining within the insulation reduces radiant heat loss. It has oversized outer chambers to prevent roll-off and a pumpsack. Dimensions 51x183cm, 8cm thick R-value 4.8 Weight 550g. www.outfitters.co.nz 

Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 $299.95 (reg)

A tapered, weight-saving mummy-shaped mat with two layers of Rab’s heat-reflective TILT (reduces radiant heat loss) and offset air chambers that trap heat within the construction. Inflation sack and repair kit included. Dimensions 51x183cm, 8cm thick R-value 4.3 Weight 370g. www.outfitters.co.nz

Therm-a-Rest ZLite SOL $159.99 (reg)

A compact accordion-style mat made from virtually indestructible closed-cell foam with heat-trapping dimples and reflective ThermaCapture coating. Use alone or layer with another pad to protect against punctures and increase warmth. Dimensions 51x183cm, 2cm thick R-value 2.0 Weight 410g. www.ampro.co.nz

Therm-a-Rest Trail ProLite $349.99 (reg)

This self-inflating mat offers light weight and packability. It uses US-sourced StrataCore foam – a continuous layer of thermal foam nestled between alternating ridges of air and foam. It has 75D nylon fabric and a WingLock valve for quick inflation/deflation. Dimensions 51x183cm, 5cm thick R-value 3.8 Weight 680g. www.ampro.co.nz

Sea to Summit Pursuit Plus SI $329.99 (reg)

A self-inflating mat with Delta Coring that removes 40% of the foam to reduce weight and bulk. It has bluesign-approved fabrics, a single Xpel valve for inflation/deflation and with a fine-tune button, weight-efficient contour shape and a side-loading stuff sack. Dimensions 56x183cm, 7.5cm thick R-value 4.1 Weight 805g. www.southernapproach.co.nz

Exped ULTRA 5R $299.99 (med)

An insulated mat for year-round use or for cold sleepers in three seasons. It uses synthetic insulation welded to the top and bottom of the air chambers. Comfort cradle air chambers run head-to-toe to support the body fully. Schnozzel pump bag included. Dimensions 52x183cm, 7cm thick R-value 4.8 Weight 585g. www.bivouac.co.nz