Buying a sleeping mat – everything you need to know

Comparing different sleeping mats

There are basically two different types of sleeping mats: foam and inflatable. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The following overview shows how they differ.

Foam mats

Insulated foam mats are lightweight, but have a comparatively large packing size. In addition, they provide very little cushioning. If you want to be as light as possible, they’re a good choice. You can also use it as a backing for an inflatable mattress to increase the insulation. As a backing, foam mats also protect inflatable sleeping mats from sharp objects.

If the mattress has a silver side, this is meant to face your body and conducts radiated heat back.

Self-inflating sleeping mats

Open the valve, wait, done. Self-inflating air mattresses take about ten minutes to fill with air. There are differences depending on the model; the desired hardness – and thus the fill level – also play a role. They are available in different insulation strengths and sizes.

Advantages: good insulation, high comfort, robust, insulate even when damaged

Disadvantages: usually heavier than foam or thermal mats

Thermal mats

Inflatable thermal mats are the highest quality sleeping mats. They consist of different layers that provide good insulation and are available with down or microfibre filling. The air chambers are arranged so that you can lie on them as comfortably as possible – on your stomach, back or side. Most thermal mats come with a pump bag that you can use to easily inflate the mat. This allows for less moisture to get into the mat compared with using your mouth to inflate it. Moisture reduces insulation and can lead to mould.

Advantages: lightweight, very good insulation, small pack size, comfortable

Disadvantages: comparatively expensive, some models rustle when moving

Air mattresses

Inflatable mattresses without insulation are inexpensive and lightweight. But because they offer no insulation, they’re only suitable for warm weather or for bus camping. Transa does not carry such models.

R-value for sleeping mats

A very important parameter for sleeping mats is the R-value – what does it indicate? The value defines the insulating performance of the material. The following applies: the higher the R-value, the better the mat insulates. The R-value is linear, so a mat with an R-value of four insulates twice as much as one with a value of two. If you combine two mats, for example a foam mat and an inflatable sleeping mat, you can add the R values together and use the new value.

The following table shows you which R-value you should choose for differing temperatures.

Always consider your sleeping mat as a sleeping system together with the sleeping bag. Both must be suitable for the same conditions to make it a comfortable night. If the sleeping bag is suitable for winter but your sleeping mat only has an R-value of 2, then you’ll probably still be freezing. Conversely, a sleeping mat with an R-value of five keeps you warm from below in winter, but if you don’t have a sufficiently insulated sleeping bag, you’ll still get cold.

Choosing the right size sleeping mat

A short, narrow sleeping mat usually weighs slightly less than a longer or wider one, but wider mats are typically more comfortable. So if you want to be as light as possible on your adventure, you’ll probably make a different decision than if weight doesn’t matter. When buying a sleeping mat, keep in mind that if several people are sleeping in a tent, there should be enough space so that the sleeping mats do not overlap. There are also wide mats for two people.

Storing sleeping mats correctly

Let your sleeping mat dry completely. Then you can roll it up and store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

Self-inflating sleeping mats should be stored flat with the valve open; this keeps the foam in the mat in its original form. If it stays compressed over a long period of time, it will expands less well or absorb less air – making it less comfortable and less insulating.

Repairing a sleeping mat

If your inflatable sleeping mat loses air, it’s important to find the hole. First check whether any air is leaking from the closure. Keep in mind that the air in the mat expands when it’s hot and loses volume when it is cold. This makes it feel as if air escaped, when in fact only the air temperature changed.

If you can’t see the hole directly, soapy water will help you find it: apply some to the mat using a damp cloth. It will begin foaming at the hole due to the outflowing air. Mark the spot and let the mat dry. Now you can carry out the repairs. Many sleeping mats come with a repair kit. Just like a bike tube, you can drip glue onto and around the hole. This usually needs to dry for a while. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s information. Then patch it up. Gaffa/duct/electrical tape can also help with small holes.

Tips for warm and comfortable camping

It’s essential that you combine the right sleeping bag with the right sleeping mat. Both have to match each other and the temperature. A sleeping mat for cold temperatures does not compensate for a summer sleeping bag and vice versa. If the night outside does get colder than expected, these tips can help:

• Warm up before you enter the sleeping bag. If you’re cold, do some jumping jacks or frog jumps. Your body will warm up the sleeping bag.

• If you feel cold from the ground: put dry clothes under the sleeping mat. Rain gear, tarp or pack bags are particularly suitable because they do not absorb any condensation. The clothes insulate a little. It also helps to pitch the tent on dry leaves or dry moss. The coldness of the ground then penetrates less directly to you.

• If you’re feeling cold from above: put dry clothes over your sleeping bag.

• An inflatable pillow doesn’t take up much space, but can make your night a lot more comfortable. A curled-up jumper might be enough if you don’t want to carry anything extra.