What to consider when buying a new sleeping mat

When looking to buy a new sleeping mat the first things most people look at are the weight, pack size and R Value - which are all important aspects of a sleeping mat.

But what else should you consider when choosing a new sleeping mat?

Once you've narrowed down to the weight and warmth range you need there are other key features which make some mats stand out from the rest.

Comfort

Comfort is king - a bad night sleep is going to ruin your trip so getting a mat which is comfortable is one of the most important aspects.

Now we all sleep differently and will find comfort in different mats - but some key features will provide most people with a good night sleep.

In Sea to summit  air mats, Air Sprung Cells offer noticeably more stability and support than baffled designs. They also significantly reduce pressure points on hips and shoulders for side sleepers.

In self inflating mats, Air Light and Air Frame construction provide hybrid air-filled, foam- supported sleep surfaces for a comfortable and quiet sleep.

Shape and sleeping area

A narrow tapered mat is going to provide a weight and bulk reduction - but what are you loosing? 

You don't have a "sleep position", you have MANY sleep positions. People move around in their sleep... a lot. So having space to move is going to give you a great night sleep.

Sea to Summit mats are the widest in their class. The shape keeps support where you need it whilst removing where you don't - giving you comfort and room to move without weighing you down.

Inflation and deflation

Setting up camp and packing away can be time consuming and stressful - but with our Air mats we keep things simple.

Integrated into the stuffsack of every Air Sprung Cell mat is the Airstream Pumpsack. A single breath fills the inflator bag, with 3-4 breaths being all you need to inflate a mat. This coupled with the XPRESS Valve makes inflation and deflation a doddle.

For self inflating mats the XPEL multi-purpose valve makes inflation and pressure adjustment super quick. When deflating, flip the valve to prevent air from re-entering the mat, ensuring a tighter roll and smaller packed size.

Durability and lifespan

If you are investing in a quality sleeping mat - you need to be confident that you aren't going to end up sleeping on the ground after your mat deflates.

At Sea to Summit we use lightweight yet durable materials to ensure our mats are going to stand up to tough terrains and a lifetime of use.

All of our gear is covered by a lifetime warranty and is Tested by Australia.

There are few landscapes more extreme, diverse or remote than Australia. Born from these rugged terrains, Sea to Summit has spent 35 years designing and testing gear to withstand the toughest conditions—here and anywhere on the planet.

Whether your adventure is extreme or laid back, you can trust our gear that’s been proven in Australia’s harshest environments.