Do you want to enjoy restful sleep on the go? Then a sleeping mat is always a good choice when camping and hiking. It effectively protects you from cold ground and sharp stones. Combined with a cozy down sleeping bag, a high-quality sleeping mat guarantees you an exceptional sleeping experience.
Who is a sleeping mat suitable for?
Sleeping mats are especially suitable for camping and longer hikes. Anyone who likes to wake up relaxed, refreshed, and without back pain should definitely have an outdoor sleeping mat in their luggage.
What should I look for when buying a sleeping mat?
Before buying, you should carefully check a few points. Only then can you find the mat that really suits you and your intended use among the many options. Ready?
1. Size
To lie comfortably and stretch out, you should choose a mat in the right size. If you’re unsure, simply fold a wool blanket to the corresponding dimensions.
2. Insulation performance
Before you choose a sleeping mat, think about when and for what you want to use it. Do you only want to use it in summer? Then insulation performance is of secondary importance.
If you also want to spend nights outdoors in colder conditions, you should definitely use a thermal mat designed for year-round use with a high R-value.
3. Weight and pack size
Weight and pack size are important factors when choosing the right mat. Our foam and thermal mats are ultralight and, thanks to their small pack size, fit easily into your backpack.
Our sleep miracle weighs just 580 g including dry bag, with a packed size of 12 × 25 cm. After all, on long hikes every gram counts and you don’t need any extra ballast.
4. Material quality
We carry a range of robust sleeping mats. Our lightweight, foldable IXPE foam mat is mainly suitable for summer and as an additional mat in winter.
For maximum sustainability, the ultralight thermal mat is made from 20D recycled ripstop. With our high-quality synthetic down mats you are perfectly protected even at sub-zero temperatures.
What is the R-value of a sleeping mat?
The R-value indicates the insulating performance. The higher this value, the better the mat protects you from ground cold. The material used, the filling and the different air chambers all play an important role. Our 750 g thermal mat has an R-value of 2.9 and, thanks to its high-pile microfibre insulation, offers you cosy sleeping comfort even at an outside temperature of -5 °C.
What is the difference between a foam mat and a thermal sleeping mat?
A sleeping mat in the conventional sense is a foam camping mat that you simply roll out. These mats are particularly robust and do not lose their insulating power even if damaged. However, foam mats do not offer the same comfort as a thermal sleeping mat. Inflatable thermal mats have a higher R-value and, thanks to their microfibre or synthetic down filling, protect you optimally from ground cold. These mats can be adjusted individually in firmness and are significantly thicker than a “normal” foam mat.
How do you attach an insulating mat to the backpack?
If you choose an ultralight thermal mat, you can easily stow it in your backpack thanks to its small pack size. A foam mat is too bulky for that. You can simply strap it in front of the bottom compartment or attach it to the side of your backpack with compression straps.
Are sleeping pads suitable for sleeping in a hammock?
Sleeping mats are only partially suitable for use in a hammock, as they tend to slip out of place too easily.
How do I best store a sleeping mat?
A foam sleeping mat only needs a warm, dry place. Once dry, it can be stored rolled or folded until its next use. Thermal mats should also be stored warm and dry, but with the valve open and in an unrolled state so the core doesn’t get compressed and any residual moisture can escape.
Can I patch a sleeping pad?
A sleeping mat has to withstand quite a bit – and sometimes it can lose air. With a repair kit consisting of fabric glue and airtight patches, you can seal the hole in no time.
Can sleeping mats be washed?
You should only clean a sleeping mat by hand. Use a sponge and a mild cleaning agent (e.g. dish soap). Afterwards, the mat must be allowed to dry thoroughly.
Where can I buy a sleeping mat?
You’ll find dreamlike sleeping pads in our online shop and on Amazon.