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Sleeping | Mats

Sleeping | Mats

Anyone who's ever slept outdoors before will know how important a high-quality sleeping mat really is. It can mean the difference between an uncomfortable, restless sleep or a sleep so good you don't want to get out of bed in the morning. We offer mats in all shapes and sizes, and a number of styles. So if you're looking for a self-inflating double mat, an ultralight winter mat, or anything in between, you'll find it here at Tom's Outdoors. For a guide on how to buy a sleeping mat, click here.

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SLEEPING MAT FOR YOUR ADVENTURE

A good night's sleep is essential after a long day hiking on the trail, and choosing the right sleeping mat can make all the difference. With so many options, shapes, weights and styles available, it's important to understand the key factors to consider when selecting a sleeping mat.

There are two main types of sleeping mats, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs that impact comfort, pack size, durability, and suitability for different conditions:

Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Mats: Made from dense foam with closed cells that trap air, these mats provide basic insulation from the ground. They are lightweight, durable, and waterproof, making them an excellent choice for rough terrain or as an additional layer under an inflatable mat for extra protection, comfort, and warmth. Affordable and easy to use, they are best suited for short trips, rugged environments, or when you need a reliable, puncture-proof option. However, they tend to be less comfortable and bulkier compared to inflatable mats.

Inflatable Sleeping Mats: Offering superior comfort and insulation, inflatable mats pack down compactly and are lightweight, making them ideal for longer hikes where minimizing weight is important. You can manually inflate them to adjust the firmness to your liking. While they provide customizable support and excellent thermal protection, especially in cold weather, they are more delicate and susceptible to punctures and leaks, requiring careful handling. They are also generally more expensive than closed-cell foam mats.

When selecting a sleeping mat, keep in mind these three crucial factors:

Thermal Performance: It's a common misconception that a sleeping bag provides all the insulation you need. When you lay down, the down in your sleeping bag compresses, losing much of its insulating capability. A sleeping mat helps prevent heat loss to the cold ground, which is measured by its R-value — the higher the R-value, the better it insulates. For winter conditions, choose a mat with an R-value of 4.5 or higher, while an R-value of 2 or more should be sufficient for three-season camping.

Shape and Size: Sleeping mats are available in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different needs and preferences. Rectangular mats offer the most space and comfort but are bulkier to pack. Mummy-shaped mats are designed to be lightweight and compact, fitting well with mummy sleeping bags but providing less room to move. Tapered mats strike a balance between space and weight, offering enough room without being too heavy. Some mats also come in wider and longer versions for those needing extra room.

Weight: A lighter sleeping mat can enhance your hiking experience by reducing the load you carry, but it must also provide sufficient insulation and comfort for a good night's sleep. The ideal mat will balance weight, warmth, and comfort based on your specific needs and the conditions you'll face.

WHAT IS R-VALUE?

The R-value is a measurement of thermal resistance, indicating how well the sleeping mat insulates against heat loss. The higher the R-value, the more insulative and suitable the sleeping mat is for colder conditions.

  • R-value 1-2: Best for summer or warm climates.
  • R-value 3-4: Suitable for summer, spring, autumn, or mild winter use.
  • R-value 5+: Great for cold winter conditions and snow camping.

HOW DO I INFLATE A SLEEPING MAT?

There are many ways to inflate a sleeping mat!

If it’s a self-inflating mat just simply open the valve and let the mat self-inflate as the foam extends and draw air in. Once it’s fully inflated (this can take up to 10 minutes) you can top off the pressure with a few breaths to the desired pressure.

For manually inflating mats you can directly inflate the mats by blowing air into the mat through the valve. Alternatively, it's easier and quicker to use one of many different types of inflation bags or pumps. If you are using the Exped Widget pump, simply attach the pump to the inflation valve and let it do its magic. If you are using an inflation bag then attach the bag to the mat’s valve. Open the sack to fill it with air, then roll or compress the sack to push the air into the mat and then repeat until the mat is firm.

CAN YOU REPAIR A SLEEPING MAT PUNCTURE/LEAK?

Of course! We love and encourage repairing old gear, it keeps you using your gear for awesome adventures and stops it from going to landfill, win-win!

The first step is finding the leak. Use soap and water to locate the air leaks, the air released will create tiny bubbles revealing the leak's location. Once you have located the leak and dried off the area, mark the hole with an indicator such as a permanent marker.

Now it’s time to patch the hole, using your repair kit (available at Tom’s Outdoors) follow the instructions provided, apply adhesive if required, and then patch to seal the area.

NEED HELP CHOOSING YOUR NEXT SLEEPING MAT? CONTACT US TODAY

If you have a particular sleeping mat in mind but would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.

Exped Ultra 3R - Ultralight 3-Season Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $279.95 - Original price $479.95
Original price
$279.95 - $479.95
$279.95 - $479.95
Current price $279.95

  Looking for an ultralight, ultra-compact 3-season sleeping mat? Look no further than the Ultra 3R from Exped. Whether you need a fast and light s...

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Exped Ultra 5R - Ultralight 4-Season Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $279.95 - Original price $319.95
Original price
$279.95 - $319.95
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Current price $279.95

Ideal for ultralight, 4-season, human-powered pursuits in Australia's coldest environments. From wintery traverses of the Australian Alps to sub-z...

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Exped Dura 5R - Durable 4-Season Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $269.95 - Original price $469.95
Original price
$269.95 - $469.95
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Current price $269.95

  Built tough for demanding adventures If you're heading out on a rugged packrafting tour or extended alpine expedition, the Dura 5R is an ultra-du...

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Exped Versa 5R - Versatile 4-Season Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $239.95 - Original price $269.95
Original price
$239.95 - $269.95
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Current price $239.95

Need a sleeping mat to do it all? Say hello to the Versa(tile) 5R. Exped's Versa 5R is a multi-use mat for a variety of adventures. If you camp, hi...

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Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat

Sea to Summit
Original price $329.99 - Original price $429.99
Original price $329.99 - Original price $429.99
Original price $329.99
$229.00 - $379.99
$229.00 - $379.99
Current price $229.00

The Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat from Sea to Summit is their thickest and lightest Air Sprung mat for comfort in all seasons. Sea to Summi...

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Exped MegaMat Duo 10 LW+ Self Inflating Sleeping Mat for Two

Exped
Original price $549.95
Original price $549.95 - Original price $549.95
Original price $549.95
$467.00 - $549.95
$467.00 - $549.95
Current price $467.00

Building on the popularity of the Exped MegaMat, this is truly the closest you can come to sleeping on your bed at home. Double wide for two people...

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Thermarest Z-Lite SOL - Ultralight Closed Cell Sleeping Mat

Therm-A-Rest
Original price $124.95 - Original price $124.95
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The Z-Lite SOL is a favourite in the elite ultralight range and is still to date the lightest, most compact closed-cell mattress. The Z lite SOL fe...

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Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Mat

Sea to Summit
Original price $249.99 - Original price $279.99
Original price $249.99 - Original price $279.99
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$149.00 - $169.00
$149.00 - $169.00
Current price $149.00

Sea to Summit's single layer, ultralight insulated mat giving you a better nights sleep. Sea to Summit's Air Sprung Cell technology is constructed ...

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Exped MegaMat Lite 12 LXW

Exped
Original price $399.95 - Original price $399.95
Original price
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The MegaMat Lite 12 LXW for people who value both comfort and packability. The MegaMat Lite 12 LWX is mega is size, comfort and warmth. The 3D cons...

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Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Sleeping Mat

Sea to Summit
Original price $399.99 - Original price $499.99
Original price $399.99 - Original price $499.99
Original price $399.99
$299.00 - $499.99
$299.00 - $499.99
Current price $299.00

Redefining the definition of a good night's sleep!  The redesigned and upgraded Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Sleeping Mat has a new comfort ...

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Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Women's Sleeping Mat

Sea to Summit
Original price $349.99 - Original price $379.99
Original price
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Current price $349.99

All-season comfort, explicitly designed for women. Sea to Summit's Ether Light Insulated sleeping mat for women has been designed with women in mi...

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Exped FlexMat - Ultralight Closed-Cell Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $44.95 - Original price $59.95
Original price
$44.95 - $59.95
$44.95 - $59.95
Current price $44.95

Exped's FlexMat is a light, durable, and highly-compact closed-cell sleeping mat. The mat is easily deployed with its concertina folding IXPE foam ...

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Exped SIM UL 3.8 - Affordable Lightweight Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $189.95 - Original price $189.95
Original price
$189.95
$189.95 - $189.95
Current price $189.95

Self Inflating, Compact, and Super Lightweight. The SIM UL is the ultra light version of Exped's SIM mats. Lighter in weight and smaller in packed ...

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Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Women's Sleeping Mat

Sea to Summit
Original price $399.99 - Original price $449.99
Original price
$399.99 - $449.99
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Current price $399.99

Crafted for women who desire a perfect night's sleep! Women's and men's bodies are vastly different- so it's only natural to create mattresses that...

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Helinox Cot Max Convertible

Helinox
Original price $649.99 - Original price $649.99
Original price
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$649.99 - $649.99
Current price $649.99

If you're big on sleep and big on comfort, the Cot Max is the bed you want! For those who want a wider, longer and more comfortable nights sleep, t...

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Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5 LW

Exped
Original price $319.95 - Original price $319.95
Original price
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$319.95 - $319.95
Current price $319.95

Using the technology from Exped's famous MegaMat, they have created the new DeepSleep Mat 7.5 LW. Offering edge to edge 3D comfort, with a brushed ...

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Helinox Cot Legs for Cot One/Cot Home - 12 pcs

Helinox
Original price $129.99 - Original price $129.99
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Elevate your sleeping experience to the next level! The Helinox Cot legs (12pcs) attach to the bottom of your Cot One Convertible or Cot One Conver...

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Helinox Cot Legs for Cot Max - 16pcs

Helinox
Original price $159.99 - Original price $159.99
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Elevate your sleeping experience to the next level! If turning your bed into a comfy bench or sleeping a little higher off the ground is what you w...

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Exped Versa 4R - Versatile 4-Season Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $189.95 - Original price $189.95
Original price
$189.95
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Current price $189.95

Wherever you go, whatever time of year, the Versa 4R will not disappoint The Exped Versa 4R is a versatile sleeping mat for budget-inclined outdo...

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Exped Dura 6R - Durable 4-Season Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $349.95 - Original price $379.95
Original price
$349.95 - $379.95
$349.95 - $379.95
Current price $349.95

An ultra-warm and ultra-durable mat designed to handle any Australian conditions with ease The Exped Dura 6R is a great 4-season sleeping mat for ...

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Exped Ultra 7R - Ultralight 4-Season Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $359.95 - Original price $439.95
Original price
$359.95 - $439.95
$359.95 - $439.95
Current price $359.95

-30C, 495g (Mummy Regular). You read that right Perfect for weight-conscious arctic expeditions or Himalayan adventures, the Exped Ultra 7R deliver...

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Helinox Cot One Convertible - The Anywhere Bed

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Original price $499.99 - Original price $499.99
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After a day of outdoor adventure nothing, absolutely nothing, is more appreciated than a good night's rest. The Helinox range of camp stretchers g...

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Exped Dura 8R

Exped
Original price $389.95
Original price $389.95 - Original price $429.95
Original price $389.95
$311.00 - $429.95
$311.00 - $429.95
Current price $311.00

For the coldest and harshest climates, the Dura 8R is the way to go. When it comes to cold temperatures, alpine regions and durability, the Dura 8R...

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Exped SIM 3.8 - Self Inflating Sleeping Mat

Exped
Original price $149.95 - Original price $149.95
Original price
$149.95
$149.95 - $149.95
Current price $149.95

Set up your next campsite quick-smart with the Exped SIM 3.8. One of Exped's classic sleeping mats, the SIM 3.8 is a self-inflating sleeping mat wi...

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