SLEEPING MATS
The essential layer that adds padding and insulates you from the cold, hard ground.
Multimat Discovery 10 XL £20
Foam mats have three major things going for them. One, they’re unaffected by punctures; two, they require zero effort to set up; three, they tend to be very warm. That final point counts doubly for the ‘5-season’-rated Discovery 10XL. This polyolefin foam mat is longer, wider and fatter than others, but it’s incredibly light. They can come cheaper but for a little extra cash you get a lot more luxury. Weight 368g (XL) Type foam Dimensions 185x55x1cm + light weight; price; unaffected by punctures - not compact Trail tested Jun 16
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating Mat £120
Differentially cut delta channels within the foam core of this mat accommodate body loading in key contact zones while reducing weight in other areas. The concept makes for high insulation and comfort, while at the same time reducing pack size. Self-inflating and with a variable function valve, this mat is a doddle to use even when tired. The non-slip surfaces ensure that both you and the mat stay put in the night. Weight 890g (regular) Type self-inflating foam Dimensions 183x51(max)x8cm + comfort; insulation; durability - weight Trail tested No, new
Alpkit Airo 180 £45
The Airo is a simple self-inflating, foam-filled mattress and a total bargain. What you get here then is a mat insulated with die-cut foam, with a tapered shape to trim weight. It’s not the fattest, but still offers decent levels of comfort. The valve twists open and closed to minimise air loss, and it can be tightly restrained with two straps when packed. It slips easily into its stuffsack and, though it isn’t the lightest here is still competitive. Weight 630g Type self-inflating foam Dimensions 180x52x2.5cm + price; durability - weight; season range Trail tested Jun16
Therm-a-Rest Evolite Plus £125
The Evolite Plus is an updated version of the Evolite, foam-framed for greater insulation and stability. It compresses well yet expands to give a meaty 6.3cm of cushioning when fully inflated. New for the Plus are the reflective ThermaCapture layers inside the mat, adding a notable level of warmth with little extra weight. Because it’s self-inflating too, it needs very little puff; however the twist-valve helps to minimize air loss if you want to speed up the process. Weight 616g (regular) Type self-inflating foam Dimensions 183x51x6.3cm + comfort; insulation; durability - price Trail tested Jun16
KlymitInertia X Frame £68
About half the weight of a waterproof jacket this fits in a camp mug! The X Frame is designed to give support at the head, shoulders, hips and feet, with holes elsewhere to decrease weight and allow your sleeping bag to ‘loft’. But it only works if you sleep flat on your back. The valve lets you inflate it without losing air, and you can up the pressure with the included hand pump. Surprisingly durable for such a light item. Weight 300g Type inflatable Dimensions 183x46x4cm + weight; price; packed size - comfort; practicality Trail tested Jun16
Exped Downmat Winterlite £205
Trail called its sibling the Downmat, ‘an outstanding winter mat’; the Winterlite is a little less expensive, lighter and warmer. Its tapered shape trims weight, it’s filled with 224g of 700 fill power down and plumps up to 9cm when inflated, providing a rating down to -32 deg C. The stuffsack also doubles as a pump. Pricy but top for winter warmth and comfort.
Weight 572g (M, with pump) Type inflatable Dimensions 197x65 (shoulder)/40 (foot) x9cm + warmth; comfort - price; weight Trail tested June 16