Camping Mattress

When it comes to camping and outdoor expeditions, the choice of camping mattress is crucial to ensuring a good night's sleep after a day's activity. This guide is designed to help you select the camping mattress best suited to your needs, taking into account various technical and practical criteria. Whether you're a seasoned hiker traversing steep trails or a mountaineer looking to optimize your rest at altitude, understanding the specifics of the different types of camping mattress will enable you to make an informed choice. Discover our best camping mattresses and other camping equipment.

1. The different types of camping mattress

Self-inflating mattresses

Self-inflating mattresses represent an ideal compromise between comfort and practicality. Made from compressed open-cell foam and encased in a hermetically sealed envelope, they inflate partially by themselves when the valve is opened. All the camper has to do is add a few puffs to adjust the firmness. These mattresses offer good insulation and are particularly appreciated in cold environments. Their weight and volume can vary, so it's essential to choose according to the type of expedition planned (for example, a lighter model for long-distance trekking).

Inflatable mattresses

Lighter than self-inflating models, inflatable mattresses require greater effort to inflate, but often offer greater comfort and adaptability to the sleeper's morphology. They are preferable for activities where weight and volume are key selection criteria. However, their insulation is generally inferior, unless they are fitted with integrated insulation systems, which makes them less suitable for very cold environments without extra precautions.

Foam mattresses

Foam mattresses are the simplest and often the most durable. They are made up of layers of dense foam that can be folded or rolled. Extremely resistant, they are impervious to perforation, but offer less comfort and variable insulation depending on thickness. This type of mattress is often used for activities where robustness is a priority, such as kayaking or mountaineering, where the risk of material perforation is higher.

2. Selection criteria for camping mattresses

Comfort and support

Your choice of mattress should be guided by your personal body shape and comfort preferences. Side sleepers will need a thicker mattress to prevent hips and shoulders from touching the ground, while back sleepers may opt for thinner models.

Thermal insulation

The R-value index measures a mattress's ability to insulate against the cold of the ground. A higher rating means better insulation, which is crucial for camping in mountain or winter conditions. We recommend choosing a mattress with an R-value adapted to the lowest temperature you can expect.

Weight and bulk

For hikers and mountaineers, weight and bulk are decisive factors. It's essential to strike a balance between comfort and practicality.
Thermarest materials, for example, offer several options to suit specific needs, while remaining lightweight.

3 Practical recommendations for choosing your Matela Camping

Test before you buy

If possible, try out different models available from Sea to Summit. This can really make all the difference to your night-time experience.
Also consult various detailed reviews to get a better understanding of what might best meet your expectations.

Don't neglect maintenance

Some brands, such as Black Diamond, always recommend regular maintenance to considerably extend its life.
Store it deflated whenever possible, and clean it regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to choose the Matela Camping that's right for your specific needs, and ensure a well-deserved night's rest in the great outdoors! Please also feel free to explore our adjacent categories such as Camping Sheets or Sac De Couchage!