Foam Sleeping Mats

Foam Camping Mattresses

Sleeping mats give both comfort and insulation, which are essential for a good night's sleep while camping. While it may appear that the primary function of sleeping mats is to create a comfortable resting surface, the ability to keep you warm throughout the night is frequently more vital. Sleeping mats may feel as though they are losing air as the outside temperature changes, so check and adjust the firmness before going to bed. Breath moisture can become trapped within, resulting in performance concerns as well as bacterial and mould issues. Avoid moisture buildup by using a hand pump and storing your sleeping mat unrolled with the valve(s) open. When you move around on some sleeping mats, they make a loud crinkly noise that you or your tent mates may find annoying. This is just one more reason to come into our store and check out some sleeping mats.

Sleeping mats, such as those made by Swag Foam Mattress, combine open-cell foam insulation and air. The foam expands and air is pulled in automatically when the valve(s) are opened. Some are designed specifically for backpacking and can be folded and rolled lengthwise to fit into your pack. Others are designed for automobile camping and can be folded instead of rolled up. Self-inflating sleeping mats are available in a variety of warmth, size, and price.

Closed-Cell Foam Camping Mats: These basic backpacking and camping mats are comprised of dense foam that is filled with little closed air cells. In a Z shape, they're typically folded or rolled up. They're lightweight, inexpensive, and durable, and they provide consistent insulation in all weather. There's no need to worry about punctures or leaks. When placed under other types of pads, they're great for insulating and preventing punctures. Only these pads are safe to carry on the outside of your luggage. They can be used as camp sit pads as well. The drawback is that they are less comfortable. They have a substantial appearance and are hard and robust.

Where will you be sleeping?

When choosing a new sleeping mat, the warmth of your entire sleep system is the most crucial factor to consider (discussed below). It's also a good idea to think about what you're going to do with it: If your size and weight aren't an issue, you can choose a thicker, larger mattress for sleeping comfort when automobile camping. They're usually less expensive than their lighter counterparts.

Self-inflating pads are usually advised for automobile camping. (Large inflated air mattresses are another option if you don't want to use a sleeping bag and prefer to use regular sheets and blankets.) These mattresses, however, are very heavy and thick, and they may be weak in insulation, so examine the product specs carefully. The use of a pump is required for proper inflation.

Hiking

Backpackers (or those touring by bike, canoe, or kayak) may want to consider self-inflating or air pads, which come in a variety of thicknesses, durability, insulating value, and weight. Optional chair kits turn your self-inflating or air pad into a comfy backrest-equipped seat. This may be a lightweight luxury for backpackers.

Backpacking

In minimalist backpacking, low weight and a small packed size take precedence over all other considerations. An ultralight air pad is probably your best bet. Full-length insulated air pads are now available for less than a pound. Make careful to examine the packaging sizes of your pad options when you're in the store and factor that into your decision.

Thru-hiking

In this case, light weight is essential, but long-term durability is also critical. Closed-cell foam pads are your best bet. Many thru-hikers utilise a "short" or "3/4 length" foam cushion to conserve weight (you can lay your empty pack or extra clothing under your feet for a bit of insulation if needed).

Winter camping

An insulated, high R-value air pad is appropriate for chilly air temperatures. Snow camping involves the use of additional insulation. Because R-value is cumulative, consider using a closed-cell foam pad beneath a moderate or high R-value insulated air pad or self-inflating pad. The closed-cell foam pad insulates the inflated pad while also protecting it from punctures and other damage. It also serves as a fallback in case the inflatable pad is broken beyond repair.

The sleeping mat's warmth:

R-Value and Insulation: Because you lose body heat to the cold ground beneath you, a sleeping mat's insulation is essential for a good night's sleep. To compensate for this, sleeping mats use a variety of materials and construction techniques to reduce heat loss. A sleeping mat's R-value is a measurement of how well it resists heat transmission through it (hence the "R"). The R-value of a pad indicates how well it will insulate you from chilly surfaces. The R-values of sleeping mats range from less than 2 (barely insulated) to 5.5 or more (very well insulated). Manufacturers now use a standardized method to test sleeping mats for R-values, so you can compare this important metric between any two pads, independent of brand, model, or type.

Key facts:

More insulation equals a higher number. The R-value scale is simple: a pad with an R-value of 2.0 is twice as warm as one with an R-value of 1.0.

Simply add the R-values of the piled sleeping pads to get the overall insulation. Many factors, such as humidity, wind, type of shelter, ground conditions, clothing, and personal preferences, have always caused your real-world warmth and comfort to differ from the tested temperature levels. Your sleep system, however, is the most important factor to consider. Three basic components make up a sleep system: The sleeping bag, the sleeping pad, and the sleeper's clothing are the first three items on the list. If you use a less-insulated sleeping mat in cooler temperatures, your sleeping bag may not be warm enough. It's vital to remember that the test rating for a sleeping bag is based on a person wearing long underwear and socks and sleeping on an insulated pad with an R-value of around 5.5. (Accurate measurements require keeping those variables consistent throughout all tested bags.)

Backpacking pads are ideal for ultralight backpacking, although they are more pricey. You can lose weight by opting for a mummy or tapered design, which has less volume and packs more compactly. Short-length closed-cell foam pads are also light in weight. A two-person lightweight sleeping mat might save ounces if you're hiking with a buddy. At the very least, your shoulders and hips should be able to rest on a pad. Regular (72-inch long) and long (78-inch long) cushions can insulate your legs and feet, which will come in handy on chilly fall and winter journeys. A short or 3/4-length pad (typically 47 or 48 inches) is lighter and easier to pack (you can put folded clothing or your pack under your legs and feet for some insulation).

A standard width of 20 inches is available on almost every pad. If you're tall or like to roll around a lot, a width of 25 or 30 inches could be preferable (but consider the size of your tent to ensure you can fit two wider pads side by side). Although you can obtain a broad pad that is of "normal" length in some styles, the "long" version of a pad often defaults to being wider as well. Larger side baffles, referred to as "rails," on certain pads cradle you and keep you from rolling off as you turn during sleep. These are very appealing to children.

Some sleeping mats contain a high-volume inflation valve as well as a deflation valve, allowing for faster air movement in and out. Larger "neck" apertures on some modern sleeping mats enable faster inflation with fewer breaths. Separate inflating chambers or layers in pads can provide peace of mind since if one layer fails, the other will still provide cushioning.

Surfaces of Sleeping Mats:

Look for a sleeping mat with a textured or brushed-fabric surface if you're a restless sleeper. This prevents you and your sleeping bag from slipping off in the middle of the night. It's also possible that it'll be quieter. Hand pumps: If you don't enjoy squandering breath after a long hike, search for a pad with an integrated hand pump or buy a bag-style hand pump that folds up compact and weighs only a few ounces (sold separately). Backpacking with patch kits is a smart idea. Check to see if they're included with the pad or if they're available separately. Before you leave home, make sure you know how to patch a puncture in case you need to do it in the dark.

Why shop with Outback Equipment?

• We’re Australian owned and operated – Based right here in the south of Brisbane. If you ever need help with an order or a product, you can call straight through to our friendly local team.
• Plenty of payment options – You can pay via PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, zipMoney, Afterpay, and direct deposit – whichever is most convenient for you.
• Delivered to your door – You don’t have to worry about darting across town to grab your order. We deliver your goods straight to your door to save you time and energy.

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