Gear

Sleeping mats: a guide to the best sleep in nature

Buying a sleeping mat for hiking or camping? Here is my guide to the four types and to weight, comfort and packing, so you sleep well outdoors.

Camino King · 5 February 2022 · updated 1 November 2022 · 3 min read

A sleeping mat can become your faithful partner when you head out to experience new adventures. There are many good reasons to use one. Most often it is because you have to sleep somewhere you do not have your own bed, and situations can quickly arise where a sleeping mat becomes essential for a good night’s sleep.

Sleeping mats now come in an incredible number of forms, from the completely classic foam mat to the self-inflating one. If you are buying the right sleeping mat, read along here.

Different types of sleeping mat

There are many things to look for, but the most essential is of course a mat you can get a good night’s sleep on. What suits people’s needs varies a lot. I always rate low weight highly myself, because the mat usually has to go in the backpack. Here are the four most common types.

1. Classic foam mat

The classic sleeping mat is the same as a foam mat. It is often cheap, weighs a little and is easy to bring on the move. Most people have tried bringing one to a school camp or a good old-fashioned shelter trip. There are now many mats that beat the classic on several counts, but it is still sturdy and reliable.

2. Lightweight egg-crate mat

A lightweight mat comes in several forms, including the so-called egg-crate mat. It can be folded so it takes up almost no space, and it can sit against your back in a large backpack. It is also nice to sit on and therefore ideal for a hike.

3. Inflatable sleeping mat

Inflatable sleeping mats have gradually become more lightweight than they were at first, and easier to inflate. They often give a more comfortable and softer sleep, but they take up more space, are a bit more expensive and can be more of a hassle to pack away when you are on the move.

4. Self-inflating sleeping mat

Some sleeping mats can inflate themselves, hence the name. They are incredibly clever and in many cases give a really good night’s sleep, without you having to stand and blow them up. Note that some manage it entirely without power, while others can be connected to a power outlet.

The best sleeping mat

There is no definitive answer to what the best sleeping mat is. Price, weight, comfort and size are things I rate highly. On top of that it should be easy to pack away, since I am often on the move and do not know what lies ahead. That is why I think the best sleeping mat is the one that gives the least hassle.

Air mattresses and gear for the trip

Some sleeping mats fall under the air mattress category. If you want a truly comfortable mat, you will find them here. Whether you are looking for a thick mat for home or a light one for the backpack, it is about matching the type to your needs. I hope you find a sleeping mat so you can sleep soundly and well on your next journey.

Our recommendations

Budget choice Light egg-crate or foam mat Sturdy, cheap and almost weightless. Nothing can puncture it, and it is nice to sit on during a break. My choice when it needs to be simple.

Inflatable sleeping mat Gives the softest sleep. Good if comfort matters most and you can live with a little more packing time.

Self-inflating sleeping mat The easy middle ground. Inflates itself and gives good comfort without much fuss.

Accessory Repair kit Cheap insurance for inflatable mats. A small hole does not have to ruin your night's sleep.

Frequently asked questions

What types of sleeping mat are there?

There are four main types. The classic foam mat, the light egg-crate mat, the inflatable sleeping mat and the self-inflating sleeping mat. Each type has its strengths, and the best choice depends on where and how you will be sleeping.

Which sleeping mat is best for hiking?

For hiking I rate low weight and small packed size highly, because the mat has to go in the backpack. A light egg-crate mat takes up almost nothing and can sit against your back in the backpack, and it is also nice to sit on along the way.

What should I look for in a sleeping mat?

Price, weight, comfort and size are what I rate highest. On top of that it should be easy to pack away when you are on the move. For me the best sleeping mat is the one that gives the least hassle and still a good night's sleep.

Self-inflating or inflatable sleeping mat?

A self-inflating mat inflates itself and is easy to get ready. An inflatable mat often gives a softer sleep, but it takes up more space, is a bit more expensive and can be more of a hassle to pack away. Newer models of both types have become lighter than before.

Can you repair a sleeping mat?

Yes. For inflatable and self-inflating mats there are repair kits, so a small hole does not have to mean a new mat. It is a good idea to bring one if you are on the move a lot.

Camino King

The walker who never stopped

Michael walked his first Camino in 2016 and has kept going ever since. He writes about the routes, the gear and everything that makes a long walking day good. If it is here, it has been walked, worn or weighed.

Published 5 February 2022 · Updated 1 November 2022 The story behind Camino King