Although it packs down to a good size, for a bit more money you can get a much smaller inflatable mat.

Because there's no foam inside to fight against, deflating this mat is easy, and it can be rolled away in a couple of minutes, though the valve is a bit smaller than some so this is not the quickest mat to deflate. The Flux 3 has an R-value of 3, which means that it provides insulation suitable for 3 seasons, meaning it’s suitable to use most of the year but not in temperatures below freezing. If you are after a good starter sleeping mat or are hiking on a budget then the Adventure Air Mat from Multimat is a contender.The xlite comes in a range of sizes, with models available to suit taller, shorter and wider campers.

Considering the Airo's thinness, the packed size seems relatively bulky - indeed it's the biggest of the models on test when rolled away. Shorter self-inflating mats (around 1200mm long) are quite common today and I see them as a viable option. This makes it a good choice for multi-day hikes, when you don’t want to add too much weight to your backpack but also need a comfy mat to ensure you’re well rested on your adventures.That's exactly as long as our reviewer; anyone significantly over 6 feet would want a size Large, while for shorter users it's good to know that some weight can be saved by opting for a Small. The iceshield also stood on test for its great quality – the outer fabric is tough yet comfortable and the mat keeps its shape once inflated and feels like it’ll withstand years of sleeping under the stars. On a snowy bivvy during the Beast From the East, where minus-double-figures night time temperatures were exacerbated by a considerable wind chill, the NEOAir Xtherm gave our reviewer a warm and comfortable night's sleep - and at just over 450g you can't argue with that. Summer camping trips are still on the cards (we’re optimistic) – and aside from a cozy tent, the best way to get a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors is by kipping on a warm and comfortable camping mat.

The in/out valves are robust and very simple in use, a clever design consisting of layers of stoppers: it can either be closed, opened (one way) for inflation, or fully opened for quick deflation. It's worth pointing out that the pump bag that comes with this mat weighs 55g, which will nudge your overall weight just over 500g all-in. Extra long and wide, this design will make you feel like you’ve got plenty of space to stretch out, and a handy inflatable pillow (so you’ll never forget to bring one again) also helps to make this mat a treat to sleep on. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Given its floppy feel the warmth on offer is perhaps something of a surprise, an R-value of 5 making this the third-best-insulating model on review.The best of the rival models are both considerably warmer and a lot lighter, and for cold weather campers who are especially keen on counting grams both will be a major consideration.

So when your body wants to warm up the grooves will help you warm up quicker and it’s the same effect when you want to cool down.They could have made the pack size a bit smaller but other than that it’s a great all-round, hence why it’s our number 2. The original was a great mat for 3-4 season backpacking, except for its infamous crisp-packet crinkly noise. The idea is that they offer support in whatever orientation you sleep, while the ruffled 'side rails' are said to help keep you centred on the mat.