Mattress & hammocks
How to choose your trekking and bivvy sleeping mat?
Among the various pieces of hiking and bivvy equipment, just like when choosing a camping tent or a sleeping bag, several criteria must be considered when selecting a mat. During a hike or backpacking trip, especially with overnight stays at altitude, getting a good night’s sleep is essential for recovery. That’s why choosing the right sleeping pad shouldn’t be left to chance. It needs to suit your body shape, comfort sensitivity, the season, and the type of trip planned. The balance between weight, pack size, insulation and comfort varies for everyone. Should you go for a simple and robust foam mat? A self-inflating one that's convenient and versatile? Or an inflatable model that's lightweight and comfortable? To protect against cold ground, the R-Value is also a key indicator. Discover in our catalogue models from leading brands like Ferrino, Nemo or Sea to Summit.
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£78.21
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£54.75
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£31.27
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£43.41
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£36.45
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£182.61
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£109.53
Nemo's Tensor Regular Torch inflatable mattress features SpaceFrame compartments for greater stability, and is made from Bluesign-certified recycled polyester.
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£86.91
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£65.16
The Sea to Summit Camp Mat Self Inflating Olive is a year-round mattress with a great comfort-to-weight ratio.
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£8.61
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£6.46
Space-saving and lightweight, the Sea To Summit Mat Coupler Kit strap system is perfect for keeping your mattresses from separating all the time.
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£60.81
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£45.61
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£252.21
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£95.61
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From £55.59
The Ultralight Self Inflating Orange Airbed from Sea to Summit is compact, lightweight and comfortable. Ideal for minimalist treks.
- Regular Short (170 x 51)
- Regular (183 x 51)
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£143.46
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From £103.44
The Ultralight Insulated Orange mattress offers all the comfort of Sea to Summit air mattresses, while providing great insulation to protect you from cold floors.
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The Astro Insulated Birch Bud inflatable sleeping pad from Nemo allows you to spend comfortable backpacking nights. Its outer shell fabric is Bluesign certified.
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- Long Wide
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£39.06
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Ticket To The Moon's Compact Hammock Dark Green is a lightweight, durable hammock ideal for easy outdoor relaxation, with intuitive set-up and integrated pocket.
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£39.06
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Ticket To The Moon's Compact Hammock Green Emerald is a lightweight, durable hammock, ideal for easy outdoor relaxation, with quick set-up and a handy pocket.
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£147.81
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From £101.70
The Quasar 3D Plasma sleeping pad from Nemo is a versatile inflatable model designed for the warm season and made of Bluesign certified 30D ripstop polyester.
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£117.36
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From £81.69
The Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Yellow is a mattress designed for quick and light summer adventures.
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£58.20
The Ferrino Air Lite Pillow Mat Green inflatable mattress will have no trouble squeezing into your backpack on your treks thanks to its light weight and storage bag.
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£130.41
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£93.00
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The Ticket To The Moon Nautical Ropes Kit Black is a set of two sturdy, lightweight nylon ropes, ideal for safely hanging a hammock.
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£160.86
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From £119.97
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£39.06
Enjoy relaxing outdoor moments for two with the Travel Hammock Double in sturdy, lightweight Diamond Riptop 70D nylon.
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Many factors to consider
It’s important to choose a mat suited to your environment, your outings, and your needs. Opting for a mat that matches your height is a given—unless you want to save weight at the expense of comfort. The balance between weight, bulk, and comfort is different for everyone. Are you a minimalist who wants to save every gram even if it means sacrificing comfort? Or are you someone who values a good night’s sleep and isn’t willing to compromise? It’s up to you to decide where your priorities lie and pick the mat that fits your style.
The R-Value: an indicator of thermal insulation
Among the many factors to consider when choosing a hiking mat, the R-Value reflects its insulating capability. The higher the R-Value, the better the mat protects against ground cold. An R-Value of 1 to 2 is recommended for summer use, 3 to 4 for spring/autumn conditions, and above 5 for winter conditions. This value must be assessed alongside the mat’s thickness and materials (foam, synthetic fibres, reflective films, etc.). All these elements directly impact the mat’s ability to keep you warm.
Foam mat or not?
Foam mats are known for their ease of use, reliability, and minimal footprint. They unfold quickly, require no inflation, and are ideal for occasional use or abrasive terrain. Inflatable and self-inflating mats, on the other hand, offer superior comfort thanks to more technical and often thicker construction, while remaining compact. The choice will depend on whether you prioritise comfort or durability. Either way, these are great options to match performance levels to each type of hike.
Self-inflating or inflatable mats for camping and bivvy?
This is a common question: inflatable mat vs self-inflating mat? The choice depends mainly on your priorities: comfort, weight, insulation, and ease of use. Inflatable mats, made entirely of air, offer excellent comfort thanks to their adjustable thickness. They’re often lighter and more compact when packed, making them a great option for treks or bivvying—provided you have a pump or inflation sack.
Self-inflating mats combine an open-cell foam core with automatic air intake. They partially inflate on their own and only require a small top-up of air. Their main advantage is quick set-up and greater puncture tolerance. Insulation is generally good, but not always better than that of a well-designed inflatable mat, as thermal performance mostly depends on the quality of materials (internal structure, outer fabric, R-Value).
In summary, choose an inflatable mat if comfort, lightness and a small footprint are your top priorities. Choose a self-inflating mat if you're looking for a compromise between ease of use, decent comfort and durability. Neither is better in all circumstances—it depends on your activity and the conditions.
To complete your selection, our site also offers a range of foam mats.
Ultra-light models
Advantages and drawbacks of compact and ultra-light mats
Ultra-light mats are popular for their minimal weight and compact size, making them ideal companions for multi-day hikes or technical treks. They save valuable space in your rucksack and their quick inflation makes them very user-friendly. However, they may be less durable on rough ground and often require a repair kit in case of puncture. Their thermal and comfort levels, though generally good for their category, should be assessed based on personal needs.
What solutions for two people sleeping together?
Double trekking mat
Double mats are specifically designed to accommodate two people on the same surface. With widths typically between 120 and 135 cm, they offer excellent comfort and good insulation. Some models feature separate air chambers or layered constructions for improved stability. Despite their generous size, they remain reasonably compact thanks to technical materials. A great choice for couples seeking comfort and practicality.
Straps to join two mats
Straps are designed to keep two mats securely together, preventing separation during the night. This light, slim, and practical solution ensures a stable sleeping surface without compromising comfort. Easy to use and discreet in your pack, it’s a great way to sleep as a pair while keeping the flexibility and compactness of two separate mats.
The hammock: a practical choice for relaxing at home or outdoors
If you want to relax during your outdoor adventure or simply enjoy your garden, a hammock is a great option. Easy to set up between two trees, it’s perfect for resting or reading a book in nature. In some parts of the world, it’s also practical as it keeps you off the ground.
The best hiking mats are at Glisshop!
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight mat for summer treks, an insulated model for cold nights at altitude, or a compact option for your bivvy trips, we’ve got the right gear for you. Discover our selection and enjoy maximum comfort, whatever the season.