Sleeping mat camping allows you to sleep under the stars in comfort and convenience without the hassles associated with tent camping. It's an excellent choice for casual campers who sleep outside once or twice a year and don't want to haul a heavy tent with them. Size, weight, and durability are all factors to consider when selecting the right pad.
The best camping mats combine comfort, durability, and insulation. The mats need to be thick and heavy enough to stop heat from escaping through the bottom, but still light enough to easily pack up.
If you are backpacking during cold weather, insulated pads can be very useful. They prevent heat from escaping through the fabric. Also, they offer additional cushioning that will help you to sleep comfortably.
Some insulated camping pads are very thick (like the Exped MegaMat above), while others are lightweight and thin, like Kelty's Waypoint SI below. Generally, the higher-denier designs are more durable and less likely to spring a leak than their lighter counterparts.
Thicker mats are more comfortable, and thinner ones can be soft, making them a good choice for those who prefer to sleep on their sides or finicky. For that reason, we recommend choosing a sleeping mat that has the cushioning and support you need, which can be found in the more affordable Sea to Summit's Camp Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat above or Kelty's Galactic SI below.
The Camp Self-Inflating Mat measures 1.5-inches thick. This is the thinnest mat in this list, and it's not as firm as some of the others. The mat has an R-value that is comparable to those of the Exped DeepSleep or Comfort Deluxe SI. It's a good choice for budget-minded people who don't mind paying a bit more for a quality camping mat.
Pushing or pulling the plastic valve on the underside of a mattress pad inflates it. This method is more convenient than using a pump, but it can take some practice to get used to. Inflating or deflating them is slow, and they also take up a lot more room than standard pads.
It is important to pack a sleeping pad that's free of any foreign material that may damage or puncture the foam. If you want to avoid the foam breaking down, it's best to wash your sleeping mat immediately after returning home.
Where you store your pad is another consideration. Most of the mats on this list can be stored rolled up in their storage sacks, and it's easier with an air-inflating mattress because you can simply release the air and close the valve. You'll still need to find room to unroll and inflate a large mat such as the Exped MegaMat Duo 10.