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As an avid camper and outdoorsman, trust me – nothing can ruin your trip to the great outdoors more than getting yours. camping Wrong pad. Uncomfortably thin, slowly deflating until you become one with the floor at sunrise—it’s enough to make anyone wish they could teleport back to the comfort of their own bed. But don’t worry, I’ve rounded up the best options to avoid this based on my own experience.
Inflatable camping pads have many advantages – they are more comfortable than foam pads, which makes them ideal for multi-day camping trips. It is also smaller when folded, making it perfect for backpacker Or backcountry campers traveling light. If you are on a budget then you may want to consider camping pads as they tend to be cheaper. They’re sturdier than inflatable designs, which can puncture, and are also a good option for festival-goers or when you’re camping on rocky ground.
In addition to material, you should also consider a factor called R-value, which tells you how warm your new pad will be when you sleep on it (measured by its ability to resist heat loss). The main purpose of a good camping pad is to insulate you from the cold ground, and the higher the R-value, the more insulation. Generally speaking, R-values ​​below 2 are most suitable for summer use, and 2 to 4 are suitable for use in all three seasons. winter Campers should look for four or more.
Don’t forget to consider the weight and size of your new camping pad. hiker Backcountry campers need a pad that is compact and lightweight (some compression pads are as small as water bottle and weigh less than 400 grams). Family and car campers, meanwhile, can carry something larger and bulkier for great comfort, and there’s even the option of a double camping pad that two adults can share.
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The best camping mats of 2026 are:
- Best Overall – Therm-a-Rest neoair xlite NXT camping pad: £221, Amazon UK
- Best budget buy – Nhowin Self-Inflating Camping Mat: £27.59, £23.99, Amazon UK
- Best self-inflating design – Vango Comfort 7.5 Double Camping Mat: originally £160, now £109.99, Outdoorworlddirect.co.uk
- Best comfort – Snugpak XL Self-Inflating Camping Mat: £90, Snugpak.com
how i tested
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My family and I packed up our backpacks and went on a few camping trips, from wild camping in the north of Scotland to glamping on the Cornish coast, to test these camping pads. We spent multiple nights sleeping in each garment in fall and winter conditions, testing them against a range of criteria, including warmth, comfort, portability and durability. For a more in-depth look at what this means, you can read more at the bottom of this review.
Read more: 10 Best Hiking Boots for Women, Tried and Tested in Cornwall
