The best backpacking sleeping mats reviewed (2023)

You may think that sleeping mats are all pretty much the same, but you'd be wrong. We actually see a boatload of variation from one mat to another, which is why we send our lovely testers out for several nights' sleep. After the better part of a week in the wilderness, we've selected the five best sleeping mats for 2023.

When choosing a sleeping mat, you need to consider your body, your sleeping habits, and of course, your budget. Like every area of outdoor gear, the ceiling for both price and quality is staggeringly high. But the floor isn't half bad either – there are some very respectable mats with reasonable prices out there. You just need a group of dedicated campers to try them all out and let you know what's what.

Speaking of which, for a bit more info on what to look for in a hiking sleeping mat, go ahead and scroll to the bottom of this article to read our comprehensive buying guide. Now, you too will be able to use phrases like 'R value' in conversation with other outdoorsy folk. Don't panic if they start yapping on about the best sleeping bags for 2023, we've got you covered there too. But first, mats.

Our Shortlist

Exped Ultra 3R – Best 3-season sleeping mat

Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus – Best self-inflating sleeping mat

Robens Polarshield 80 – Best winter sleeping mat

Klymit Inertia Ozone – Best compact sleeping mat

Multimat Camper 8 – Best foam sleeping mat

A good mat is more than a luxury like a camping chair. It's an essential component of a restful night's sleep. It immensely improves your comfort and insulates your sleeping body from the cold ground. Not to mention, aesthetically, a nice mat can really tie the whole room – or tent – together. Before you start getting into portable coffee makers, foldable solar panels, and all the other cool camping gadgets, make sure you've got the right kit to rest and regain energy for the next day's hike.

We've curated a list to cover the best examples from each subcategory of sleeping mats. Whatever outdoor adventures you're getting into, we've got the mat to match. Take a look.

The best sleeping mats in detail

What to look for in a sleeping mat

Type: Mats fall into one of three categories:

Foam mats are lightweight, cheaper and weather-resistant but provide minimum cushioning and are bulky to carry.

Self-inflating (take this with a pinch of salt) mats pack down small but are not always the most supportive.

Inflatable mats are like compact air beds and tend to be more comfortable, but unless they have some kind of insulation inside, they can be cold.

R-Value: R-value is a measure of thermal resistance; the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat. As of 2020, a new industry standard was adopted by most brands to standardise the measurement of R-value – the ASTM FF3340-18 R-value standard.

Weight: A sleeping mat will spend more time being carried in a pack than being slept on, so lighter is better, but toughness can diminish with weight, so there's a balance to be found.

Packed size: Mats with smaller packed sizes are easier to fit into a rucksack along with your other camping gear. Warmer mats tend to be bulkier, so really compact mats are best saved for summer.

Repairability: Self-inflating and inflatable mats become unusable if punctured, so usually come with some kind of repair kit. Foam mats are far more resilient and continue to offer insulation even when wet.

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