Inflatable mats
An inflatable sleeping mat offers an excellent balance of comfort, insulation and low pack size for hiking, trekking and bivvying. Once deflated, it packs easily into a rucksack while still providing welcome thickness for sleeping on hard or uneven ground. At Glisshop, you’ll also find a wide range of trekking and hiking mats, whether inflatable, self-inflating or foam.
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Recommended price
£43.91
-20%
£35.11
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-
Recommended price
£202.31
-10%
From £181.19
- Regular Mummy
- Regular
- Regular Wide
- Long Wide
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Recommended price
£189.11
-23%
From £145.11
The Sea To Summit Ether Light Xr Insulated Silver Grey is a high-insulation sleeping pad with efficient weight distribution, easy inflation, and a secure pillow lock system.
- Large (198 x 64)
- Short (168 x 55)
- Regular (183 x 55)
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Recommended price
£149.51
-30%
From £104.63
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.
- L
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Recommended price
£79.11
-15%
£67.23
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Recommended price
£105.51
-25%
From £79.11
The Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Yellow is a mattress designed for quick and light summer adventures.
- S
- M
- L
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Recommended price
£149.51
-30%
£103.75
The Sea To Summit Ultralight Insulated Women Pink is a lightweight, durable sleeping mat, featuring a multi-function valve, Exkin Platinum insulation, Pillow Lock System, and an Air Sprung Cells system for optimal comfort and thermal resistance.
- Regular
INCLUDED
DAY RETURNS
Fixed costs
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Recommended price
£140.71
-10%
From £126.63
The Astro Insulated Birch Bud inflatable sleeping pad from Nemo allows you to spend comfortable backpacking nights. Its outer shell fabric is Bluesign certified.
- Regular
- Long Wide
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Recommended price
£175.91
-30%
£123.11
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- M
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Recommended price
£149.51
-10%
From £134.55
The Nemo Eclipse All-Season Birch Bud Stormy Night mattress provides insulated comfort, perfect for year-round camping.
- Regular Wide (183)
- Long Wide (193)
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Recommended price
£237.51
-20%
From £189.11
- Large (198 x 64)
- Regular (183 x 55)
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Recommended price
£87.91
-10%
From £79.11
The Big Agnes Divide Warm Olive sleeping mat delivers comfort, lightness, and convenience for camping, trekking, or bikepacking.
- Regular (183)
- Regular Wide (183)
- Long Wide (198)
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Recommended price
£175.91
-25%
£131.91
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- Regular (183 x 51)
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Recommended price
£184.71
-30%
From £129.27
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- Long (196 x 64)
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Recommended price
£149.51
-10%
From £134.55
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.
- Regular
- Regular Wide
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Recommended price
£149.51
-14%
From £127.51
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Orange sleeping mat provides warm, comfortable rest for camping, trekking, and bikepacking adventures.
- Short (168)
- Regular Wide (183)
- Long (198)
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Recommended price
£149.51
-10%
£134.55
- Regular (183)
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Recommended price
£149.51
-20%
From £119.59
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- Regular (183 x 51)
- Regular Wide (183 x 64)
-
Recommended price
£140.71
-20%
From £112.55
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- Regular (183 x 51)
- Regular Wide (183 x 64)
-
Recommended price
£237.51
-24%
From £178.55
The Nemo Tensor Elite Aluminium Titanium sleeping mat enhances your nights while camping or trekking, delivering comfort and insulation across three seasons.
- Short Mummy (160)
- Regular Wide Mummy (183)
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Recommended price
£281.51
-28%
From £202.31
- Regular Mummy
- Regular
- Regular Wide
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Inflatable bivvy and camping mats
Glisshop offers lightweight models for long-distance routes, insulated mats for cooler nights and wider or thicker versions for those who prioritise comfort.
| Your requirement | The suitable model |
| Long-distance trekking | Lightweight mat with a small packed size |
| Summer bivvying | Compact model with insulation suited to mild nights |
| 3-season bivvying | Insulated mat with an intermediate R-value |
| Cold or winter nights | Model with a high R-value |
| Comfort first | Thick, sufficiently wide sleeping mat |
The benefits of an inflatable mat
When bivvying, an inflatable sleeping mat significantly improves comfort without taking up too much space in your pack. Its thickness lifts the body away from the ground and helps reduce pressure points around the shoulders, back and hips.
- Low bulk: it packs into a compact stuff sack once deflated.
- Adjustable comfort: the pressure can be fine-tuned to suit your sleeping position.
- Good insulation: air chambers and internal materials help limit heat loss to the ground.
- Controlled weight: many models are designed for trekking and carrying in a pack.
- Generous thickness: it improves sleeping comfort on hard or uneven terrain.
For multi-day hiking, its main advantage remains the balance between comfort and packed volume. A mat several centimetres thick can therefore take up relatively little space among the rest of your kit.
Weight and pack size
Weight should be assessed against the level of insulation and comfort you are looking for. A minimalist model suits users who want to reduce their load, while a wider or thicker mat will generally be more comfortable over several consecutive nights.
The lightest model is not automatically the best. A width that is too narrow, insufficient insulation or a shape poorly suited to the way you sleep can all affect recovery.
Insulation and R-value
The R-value indicates the mat’s ability to slow heat loss to the ground. The higher the value, the more insulating the sleeping mat.
The level required depends on the season, ground temperature, altitude and your sensitivity to the cold. The R-value makes it possible to compare models, but it should remain consistent with the performance of your sleeping bag.
- Low R-value: mild nights and summer bivvies.
- Intermediate R-value: outings from spring through to autumn.
- High R-value: sub-zero temperatures, cold or frozen ground.
Dimensions and comfort
The length of the mat should match your height. Width depends more on your build and the way you sleep. People who move around a lot or sleep on their side will generally appreciate a wider model.
Thickness also affects comfort and the risk of touching the ground during the night. A thicker mat protects you better from uneven ground, but it may be slightly heavier or bulkier.
Avoid overinflating it. Excessive pressure makes the sleeping surface firmer and can increase the feeling of instability. Once you are lying down, adjust the amount of air until you get good support without excessive rigidity.
Shapes and formats
Inflatable sleeping mats come in different shapes to meet requirements for weight, comfort and space inside the tent.
- Rectangular shape: more room to move, often at the cost of extra weight.
- Mummy shape: reduced weight and packed size thanks to a narrower width at the legs.
- Long or wide format: suited to taller users or those looking for more room.
- Short format: a minimalist solution to reduce load, with more limited comfort.
Also check that the mat’s dimensions are compatible with the width of your tent, especially if you are using two sleeping set-ups side by side.
Fast inflation
Many inflatable mats are compatible with a pump sack. Lightweight and compact, this accessory makes inflation easier and limits the amount of moisture from your breath entering the inside of the mat.
A manual or electric pump can also be used, especially for campsite camping or vehicle-based trips, when weight is less of a constraint.
- Pump sack: lightweight and well suited to itinerant bivvying.
- Manual pump: self-contained and easy to use.
- Electric pump: fast, but heavier and dependent on a battery.
The valve also plays a role in ease of use. Wide-opening systems generally speed up inflation and, above all, deflation when it is time to pack down camp.
Choosing an inflatable mat
An inflatable sleeping mat is particularly well suited to bivvying and trekking when you want a comfortable, insulating sleep system in a compact format. It generally offers more thickness than a foam model and packs away more easily once deflated.
If you prefer a simple set-up and a more stable surface, browse our self-inflating mats. For a sleep mat that is ready to use straight away with no risk of punctures, also discover our foam mats.
Durability and terrain
The light weight of inflatable mats means taking a few precautions when setting up. Before laying out your sleeping mat, remove sharp stones, thorns and branches that could damage the fabric.
The denier figures shown in the specifications provide information about the yarn used, but they are not enough on their own to determine the mat’s durability. The material, weave, reinforcements and manufacturing quality also matter.
- Clear the sleeping area before setting up.
- Use a groundsheet or the tent floor as protection.
- Avoid placing the mat directly on an abrasive surface.
- Keep a repair kit with your bivvying equipment.
Storage and care
After use, remove any dirt with a damp cloth, then allow the mat to dry completely before storing it. Moisture trapped inside the stuff sack can encourage odours or degrade certain materials.
For long-term storage, if possible keep the mat unrolled, with the valve open, in a dry place away from high temperatures. However, always prioritise the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Many brands available
Find inflatable sleeping mats designed by specialist brands such as:
- RAB
- CAMP
- Nemo
- Sea to Summit
Inflatable sleeping mat FAQ
Why choose an inflatable mat for bivvying?
It offers a good level of comfort and insulation while remaining compact once packed away. It is particularly suitable for multi-day hiking, trekking and bivvies where space in your rucksack is limited.
Which inflatable sleeping mat should you choose for bivvying?
Choose according to the expected temperature, acceptable weight, your dimensions and the level of comfort you want. The R-value should be suited to the season and the cold coming from the ground.
Who is an inflatable sleeping mat for?
It suits hikers and trekkers looking for a comfortable, insulating and compact sleeping solution, while accepting the need to take a few precautions against punctures.
What thickness should you choose?
Greater thickness generally improves comfort on hard or uneven ground. However, it must still be compatible with the weight and volume you are willing to carry.
Should you inflate the mat fully?
No. A slightly less inflated mat conforms better to the body and can be more comfortable. Adjust the pressure once you are lying down.
How can you avoid puncturing an inflatable mat?
Clear the sleeping area, use protection under the mat and avoid abrasive surfaces. Also carry a repair kit.
Can you inflate a mat by mouth?
Yes, if the manufacturer allows it. However, a pump sack is still more practical and limits the moisture introduced inside the mat.
How should you pack away an inflatable mat?
For transport, deflate it completely and fold it according to the brand’s recommendations. For longer-term storage, keep it clean, dry and, if possible, unrolled with the valve open.