Inflatable Sleeping Pads & Camping Air Mattresses

Why choose an inflatable sleeping pad?

The inflatable sleeping pad offers the best comfort-to-pack-size ratio: deflated, it fits in the palm of your hand, and inflated, it provides the thickness that insulates you from the ground and cushions uneven terrain. It's the choice of hikers who want a good night's sleep without weighing down the backpack, whether on trek or on a multi-day wild camping trip.

Insulation and night-time comfort

The quality of a sleeping pad comes down to its insulation (its ability to block the cold rising from the ground) and its thickness. A well-insulated model holds onto your body heat - essential on chilly nights, since even a good sleeping bag isn't enough if the ground is draining your warmth. Thickness, meanwhile, is what makes for comfort, especially if you sleep on your side.

Weight, packed size and inflation

Light and compact, an inflatable sleeping pad tucks neatly into a corner of your backpack. You can inflate it by mouth or, better still, with an inflation sack that keeps moisture out of the mat. A non-return valve holds the air in while you inflate it and allows for quick deflation when it's time to pack up. To explore other types of trekking and camping sleeping pads, consider the more hard-wearing foam mat or the simpler self-inflating mat.

Durability and care

An inflatable sleeping pad needs a little looking after: avoid sharp or prickly surfaces, carry a repair kit, and dry it out before packing it away. Looked after properly, it'll see you through many seasons on the trail.