Sleeping Mats

Inflatable, Self-Inflating, and Foam Sleeping Mats for Every Type of Camper

The right sleeping mat depends entirely on how you camp. Backpackers and hammock campers need the lightest, most packable mat possible without sacrificing insulation from the ground. Weekend tent campers want a balance of comfort, weight, and pack size that works across a season of trips. Car and van campers are not carrying the mat anywhere, so comfort and thickness take priority over weight. This collection covers all three — led by Exped, with Robens and Highlander alongside for men and women who want reliable ground insulation at a more accessible price point.

Exped Sleeping Mats for Backpacking, Camping and Cold Ground

Exped is the lead brand in this collection and the strongest choice for anyone who takes ground insulation seriously. The Ultra range covers ultralight inflatable mats from R-value 1 through to R-value 10, spanning summer backpacking through to winter camping and cold-ground use. The MegaMat range sits at the comfort end — thick, self-inflating mats for car camping and base camp use where weight is not a constraint. The Dura range sits between the two, offering durable inflatable mats with high R-values for four-season use. The Flex range covers folding foam mats for those who want a simple, puncture-proof option for festival camping, emergency use, or as an undermat beneath an inflatable. Exped also stock pump bags, mat covers, repair kits, and accessories to complete the sleep system. Browse the full Exped range at Wylies to find the right R-value, weight, and size for your camping style.

Robens Sleeping Mats for Weekend Camping and Four-Season Use

Robens covers the weekend camping and four-season end of the collection. The HeatCore range offers high R-value inflatable mats — the HeatCore 5.9R is a strong choice for cold-ground camping and winter use, while the HeatCore 3.8R suits three-season camping across spring, summer, and autumn. The LightCore UL 3.1R covers the ultralight backpacking end of the Robens range. The Iceshield and Polarshield series add self-inflating and foam mat options for campers who want simplicity and durability over pack size. The ZigZag range covers folding foam mats in ultralight and standard versions. Browse the full Robens range at Wylies to compare R-values, mat types, and sizes.

Highlander Sleeping Mats for Budget Camping and Field Use

Highlander covers the practical, budget-friendly end of the collection — self-inflating kip mats in 30mm, 50mm, and 75mm thickness, inflatable NAP-PAK mats including a Primaloft-insulated version and an Arctic R11 option for extreme cold, and foam Z-mats for festival camping, emergency use, and situations where a puncture-proof mat is more important than comfort. The Highlander range is a strong choice for campers who want reliable ground insulation without the cost of a premium inflatable mat. Browse the full Highlander range at Wylies for self-inflating, inflatable, and foam mat options.

Understanding R-Value in Sleeping Mats

R-value measures how well a sleeping mat resists heat transfer from your body to the cold ground beneath you. A higher R-value means better insulation. For UK camping, an R-value of 3 to 4 covers most three-season conditions — spring, summer, and autumn camping on grass and woodland ground. An R-value of 5 or above is worth considering for winter camping, cold ground, snow, or anyone who sleeps cold. An R-value of 1 to 2 suits summer camping in warm conditions where ground insulation is less critical. The R-value of your sleeping mat and sleeping bag work together — a warm bag on a cold mat will still result in a cold night.

Sleeping Mat Questions Answered

What is the difference between an inflatable and a self-inflating sleeping mat?

Inflatable mats are lighter, pack smaller, and generally offer better insulation for their weight — they need to be inflated manually using a pump bag or by mouth. Self-inflating mats use open-cell foam that expands automatically when the valve is opened, but they are heavier and bulkier than inflatable designs of a similar thickness. Self-inflating mats are more puncture-resistant and simpler to use, which makes them a practical choice for car camping and field use.

What R-value sleeping mat do I need for UK camping?

For most UK three-season camping, an R-value of 3 to 4 is the practical starting point. Summer camping on warm ground can work with R-value 1 to 2. Winter camping, cold ground, and anyone who sleeps cold should look at R-value 5 and above. The Exped Ultra and Dura ranges and the Robens HeatCore range cover the higher R-value end of this collection.

How do I choose between a single and a double sleeping mat?

A double sleeping mat is more convenient for couples camping together and avoids the gap between two single mats. Two single mats give more flexibility — each person can choose the R-value and thickness that suits them, and the mats can be used independently on solo trips. Double mats are heavier and bulkier than a single, so they suit car camping more than backpacking.

Can sleeping mats be repaired if punctured?

Yes — most inflatable sleeping mats can be repaired with a patch kit. Exped stock a dedicated mat field repair kit for use on camping trips. Clean the area around the puncture, apply the patch, and allow it to cure fully before inflating. Carrying a repair kit on any trip where you are relying on an inflatable mat is good practice.

Do I need a sleeping mat in summer?

Yes. Even in summer, ground temperature stays significantly colder than air temperature, and a sleeping mat provides both insulation and cushioning from uneven ground. A low R-value summer mat is lighter and more packable than a four-season option, but skipping a mat entirely will result in a cold and uncomfortable night regardless of how warm your sleeping bag is.

Ask Drew About Sleeping Mats at Wylies

Wylies Outdoor World's owner Drew is happy to help with mat selection, R-value advice, or choosing between inflatable, self-inflating, and foam options before you buy. Contact Drew at Wylies before you order.