There’s only one thing that lies between you and the great outdoors (literally): a sleeping mat!
Choosing a sleeping mat for camping, and deciding what features are most important to you, can be tricky. Usually, they’re all a factor, and narrowing down your choice becomes a balance (or trade-off) between them. Be it self-inflation for fuss-free setups, or swift deflation for efficient pack-ups – this blog both expands on the most popular mat models and narrows down the selection so you can find the mat to suit your style of adventure.
If it’s mat for hiking that you are after, check out our guide to the Best Lightweight Mats for Hiking here >>.
Let’s jump into our 2026 guide and top camping mattress picks to ensure you sleep like a log no matter where you setup camp.
Choosing A Camp Mat
Not all camping mats are built the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types to help you find the right fit.
Foam mats are the simplest option – straightforward to use and comfortable enough for casual trips, but bulky to pack. You’ll find them in most swags or used to add a bit of cushion to a stretcher.
Closed cell foam mats are lightweight and pack flat, making them a solid choice for hikers watching their load. They insulate well and take the edge off rough ground, but don’t expect a lot of cushioning.
Self-inflating mats open up and inflate themselves when you crack the valve – just top up with a few puffs to get the firmness you want. They’re compact, insulating, and adjustable, and suit just about every camping style from car camping to 4WD touring. Most of the mats in this article are self-inflating.
Air mats offer the most thickness and are the simplest camping sleeping solution. You’ll need a pump for inflation, they can be bouncy to sleep on – especially with two people, and they don’t offer any insulation in the cold weather. However, their low price points, high profile, and small pack size make them popular for occasional fair weather campers or as emergency guest beds at home.
Still want to know more, listen in to Ben & Lauren’s conversation in Ep 91 – Selecting Your Dream Sleeping Mat here, of the Snowys Camping Show >>
Why Is R-Value Important
R-value is the measure of how well a mat resists temperature transfer from the ground – the higher the number, the warmer you’ll sleep. It matters more than thickness.
A traditional airbed sitting 40cm off the ground has an R-value of zero, meaning cold from the ground travels straight through and into your body. A 10cm self-inflating mat with an R-value of 8, on the other hand, will all but block that cold entirely – even though you’re closer to the ground.
In cold environments especially, R-value should be one of the first things you check.
For more information, read out full guide to R-value here >>
Benefits of a Full Sleep System
A great mat without a great sleeping bag – or vice versa – will only get you so far. The best camp sleep comes from a complete system where every element works together: mat, sleeping bag, pillow, and liner all pulling in the same direction.
When choosing your mat, think about the full picture – not just what’s under you.
To get yourself clued up on the benefits of a complete sleep system, tune into our conversation with Sea To Summit here >>
Best Rated Self-Inflating Mattress For Camping
One of the best-rated self-inflating mats on the market, the Exped MegaMat has long been a favourite among campers who refuse to compromise on sleep.
At 10cm thick with a 3D vertical sidewall construction, it sleeps more like a mattress than a camping mat – giving you the full surface to stretch out on, whether you’re a back, side, or restless sleeper. The high-density open-cell foam self-inflates and pairs with the included Top-Up Pump so you can dial in the exact firmness you want. After a big day on the tracks, that’s the kind of detail that matters.
Built from Bluesign-approved and Oeko-Tex 100 certified materials, the quality is evident from the soft recycled tricot polyester surface right down to the dual flat valves that make inflation and deflation quick and frustration-free. Pack it away with the included Sidewinder bag and it’s ready for the next trip.
Available in multiple sizes >>
Best for: Camping, 4WD, and van life – if you want the best all-round self-inflating mat, this is the one
Most Luxurious Camping Mattress (aka Camping Bed)
If you’re after the most luxurious camping bed on the market, the Zempire Monstabed is it.
This isn’t a sleeping mat – it’s a full camp bed in one portable package. Zempire’s patented design bonds a self-inflating foam mattress on top of an inflatable air frame base, giving you 42cm of height and a sleep experience closer to home than campsite. No stretcher required, no compromises made.
The cross-cored open-cell foam layer delivers serious support and insulation (R-value 10.5), while the soft 130D ultra-stretch surface means you won’t be lying awake listening to every move you make. Quick to inflate via the 360° double-way valve and high volume valve, and packs down into a single carry bag when it’s time to move on.
Available in multiple sizes >>
Best for: Campers who will stop at nothing to ensure homelike sleeping comfort in the tent
Best Affordable Camping Mattress
Good sleep shouldn’t cost a fortune. The OZtrail Napmat King Single delivers 10cm of open-cell memory foam comfort at a price that won’t hurt the camp budget.
Self-inflating and easy to use, the 360° wide-open twist valve has it ready to sleep on in minutes – and deflated and rolled up just as fast. The soft-touch, low-noise surface means you won’t be woken by every toss and turn, and multiple size options mean you can find a Napmat for any tent, swag or stretchers. Hook and loop crank straps keep pack-down tight and tidy, and a carry bag is included.
It’s a straightforward, no-fuss mat that does exactly what you need it to – so you can spend more of the trip budget on the things that matter.
Available in multiple sizes >>
Best for: Campers wanting comfort on a budget
Best Camping Mattress For Side Sleepers
For side sleepers, or anyone who simply wants a softer sleep surface, the Exped MegaMat Max LXW delivers with a generous 15cm foam core that lets you sink in and stay comfortable through the night.
The 3D vertical sidewall construction maximises every centimetre of the sleeping surface, while the self-inflating foam pairs with an included Top-Up Pump so you can dial in the exact firmness you want. Dual flat valves make inflation and deflation quick and easy, and the recycled tricot polyester surface is soft against skin – made from Bluesign-approved, Oeko-Tex 100 certified materials throughout. With an R-value of 10.6, it’s a solid year-round mat from warm summer nights to cold-ground winter camps.
Packs away into the included Sidewinder bag and comes with a repair kit.
Also available in other sizes to suit your setup >>
Best for: Side sleepers or anyone who prefers a soft sleeping mattress
Best Car Camping Mattress
Want to turn the back of your car into a proper bedroom? The Exped MegaMat Auto is purpose-built for exactly that.
The key difference is the shape – an asymmetrical cut with wheel well cutouts designed to fit snugly into the cargo area of many vehicles, making the most of the available space rather than fighting against it. On top of that, you get 10cm of self-inflating open-cell foam, a soft stretch polyester surface, and dual flat valves for quick inflation and deflation. A fine-tune pump is included to dial in firmness once the foam has done its thing.
Whether it’s a weekend road trip or an extended overland adventure, you can wake up properly rested and ready to go – no tent required. Packs away into the included Sidewinder bag when it’s time to move on.
Best for: Turning the back of your car into a very comfortable sleeping space
Best Double Camping Mattress
A great value double mat that doesn’t cut corners – the Zempire Monstamat Twin delivers 10cm of cross-cored open-cell foam across a generous 201 x 132cm surface, with over 100 reviews backing up its reputation for comfort.
The fully bonded construction means the sleeping surface stays flat and even – no sinking hips, no cold spots. The 3D construction and anti-bacterial foam keep things comfortable and fresh trip after trip, while the high-volume valve makes inflation and deflation fast and easy. The super stretch ripstop polyester top surface is soft and quiet underfoot, and the whole thing packs away into its carry bag with compression strap when you’re done.
A well-built double mat at a price that makes sense for couples or families camping regularly.
Available in multiple sizes >>
Best for: Camping couples wanting a comfortable mat for two without breaking the bank
Best Queen Camping Mattress
A queen-size mat with 15cm of self-inflating open-cell foam – the BlackWolf Hexatherm 3D15 SP delivers serious comfort at a price that stacks up well against other queen mats on the market.
At 201 x 150cm, there’s plenty of room to stretch out, and the 3D construction keeps the sleeping surface flat and even. The soft-touch 30D stretch fabric on the top and sides is comfortable against skin, while the mould-resistant foam and durable TPU-laminated base are built to handle regular use. An R-value of 9.6 makes it a capable year-round option. The multifunctional valve handles both inflation and deflation, and the storage bag doubles as a pump sack to speed up setup.
Includes compression straps and a repair kit, and packs down smaller than you’d expect for a mat this size.
Available in multiple sizes >>
Best for: Restless sleepers, larger people, or anyone who moves around at night and needs a little more sleeping area
Best Swag Replacement Mattress
If the stock mat in your swag isn’t cutting it, the Darche Supreme Snoozer is a purpose-built upgrade – available in 900, 1100 and 1400 widths to suit a range of swag sizes.
At 10cm thick, the high-density open-cell foam self-inflates and delivers noticeably more comfort and support than a standard swag mattress. The soft-touch knitted polyester surface is warm against skin, while the TPU laminated shell is water-resistant and helps limit moisture drawing into the foam – the kind of material quality that holds up over repeated use. The 3D construction keeps the sleeping surface flat across the full width, and the horizontally cross-cored foam packs down tighter than you’d expect for a mat this thick.
A fast-flip valve handles inflation and deflation quickly, and the horizontally cross-cored foam packs down smaller than the standard mat in most swags – meaning upgrading to the Supreme Snoozer can actually reduce your overall swag pack size.
Available in 900, 1100 and 1400 widths >>
Best for: Upgrading your old mat as they some in widths to suit common swag sizes
Best Compact Camping Mattress
Good camping sleep without the bulk – the Sea to Summit Camp Plus in Large Rectangular size delivers solid comfort in a packed size that won’t take over the boot.
At 7cm thick and 198 x 64cm, the Air Zone construction uses body-mapped foam cut-outs to put insulation where it matters and trim weight where it doesn’t. The wider Contour Shape gives you 12% more sleeping area than a standard rectangular mat – useful for anyone who moves around in their sleep. An R-value of 5.3 makes it a capable three-season option, and the XPEL valve deflates tightly for a compact roll. Made from recycled 75D woven polyester throughout, it packs into a side-loading stuff sack and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Also available in Tapered Regular, Tapered Large, and Regular Rectangular Wide sizes.
Best for: Compact campers trying to save space in their vehicle without sacrificing comfort
Best Blow Up Air Mattress
Sometimes you just need an airbed that works. The Coleman Quickbed XL Single is exactly that – a straightforward, no-fuss option for casual campers or spare guests at home.
The heavy-duty PVC construction is factory tested to be leak-free, and the double lock valve keeps it that way. Coil construction provides even support across the full 187 x 99cm surface, and the soft rayon-flocked top is comfortable to sleep on. The anti-microbial fabric resists mould, mildew and odours – handy for a bed that gets packed away between trips. At 20cm high when inflated, it sits at a reasonable height and packs down to a compact bundle.
Available in multiple configurations >>
Best for: Simple, no frills camping in fair weather
Camping Mattress FAQ’s
It’s a measure of thermal resistance, the higher the value the better job it does at insulating your body from the cold (or hot) ground underneath. We have more detail here >>.
Yes, but they have limitations. A traditional air mattress, or airbed, is generally only filled with air and provides no Yes, but they have limitations. A traditional air mattress, or airbed, is generally only filled with air and provides no insulation from underneath. They are good for mild weather camping but will be cold in winter.
Not necessarily – if the stretcher is comfortable without one, there’s no need to add it. However, a mattress can increase comfort and provide insulation from underneath.
Warm water, mild soap, and a sponge works best – spot clean where necessary. Better yet, use a sheet or liner as these are much easier to wash than your mat.
This question usually relates to self-inflating mats, for which we have a video guide here >>.
A good quality 10cm+ thick insulated mat can generally be fine-tuned for comfort by adjusting the air pressure, with warmth coming from the foam insulation. If you’re trying to warm up a traditional airbed, you’ll need to add blankets or insulating layers between yourself and the mat.
It depends on where you’re camping. Most camping mattresses rely on being airtight to provide comfort and support, so protecting them from punctures is important. Grassed caravan sites are usually fine, but if you’re setting up on rough ground it’s best to clear sharp objects and use a tarp or ground sheet under your mat.
Trekker, surfer, climber, mountain biker, runner, camper. Participator in most things… master of none.
We have had the Zempire Monstamats (2xKS) for 12 months and they are great for camping and also for spare beds at home. Recommended.
Couldn’t agree with you more, Tim! We have a MegaMat Duo for us, but use Monstamats for the kids and they’re terrific for both camping and sleepovers.
Zempire Monstamat Double
I have the Zempire Monstamat Double. I use it in my Oztent RV-4. Love this mattress! Best investment in outdoor sleeping gear I have ever made (next to my Oztent Rivergum XL sleeping bag).
The two-way valve makes rolling it up very easy compared to other mattresses I’ve used. And even on uneven ground, it guarantees a great nights sleep.
I highly recommend this mattress!
Cheers Dingo! Great to hear you’re loving your Monstamat mate.
Yes the Zempire wins – my girls love it in their Coleman Swagger tent ? 5 stars. And the Zempire camp kitchen is also top drawer too ❤️
Monstamat and Swagger for the win!! And the camp kitchen seals the deal 😉 Nice one Mr J!
Yes! I have the Exped Megamat Duo and I love love love it! It’s one of my fav pieces of camping gear. Fits perfectly in my Oztent Malamoo Xtra for one of the easiest camp set-ups ever!
Typical comment about ordinary airbeds not being suitable for the cold. I have had a good warm sleep on them to find snow on the ground by morning, all that is required for frosty nights is to put a durable space blanket under the airbed. Obviously if you plan to snow camp you want a specialist item but the humble air mattress can be extended to a full 3 season bed this way, at least in my experience it can.
I’ve purchased a Zempire 10 self inflating mattress to go on top of the double bed in my caravan (the cushions are very firm and made my hips ache) The first few nights were fine and then we noticed it was going flat during the night and had to be re-inflated. Two months down the line and we have to get up three to four times a night to let air into it. Not such a great purchase after all.
The air can be heard hissing out of the valves even when they are screwed down.
We’re so sorry to hear you’ve had some trouble with your Zempire mat Terry.
Something doesn’t sound quite right, so the best thing to do would be to give our customer support team a buzz on 1300 914 007 and they should hopefully be able to diagnose the problem over the phone for you.
WOW….the Exped comes in at #1 🙂
I did a hell of a lot of research to find the most comfortable and compact bed mat for my glamping business. And hands down I have happy customers each and everytime.
I even have some customers asking where I got them from as they enjoyed their sleep so much on them. Of course I happily send them you
Sorry…hit send too early or ran out of space to finish.
I happily send them your way Snowys. No wonder they are walking out the door like they do.
Cheers
Jo
Well there you have it, if it’s good enough for glamping, then you know that it’s the real deal in terms of comfort!
Thanks for the feedback Jo. 🙂
Purchased Zempire Megamats last year. LOVE them!! So comfy & warm in tents & have withstood teenage boys as guest beds inside just fine so far!
It’s good to hear that your Zempire Megamats have been put through their paces.
It’s not always easy to find an affordable camp mat that ticks all the boxes, so hopefully, you can continue to enjoy them for many more adventures Cee.
Nice article thanks! Almost worth having a separate top 10 for hiking mats though, some of these are comfy no doubt but I’d love to know which ones I can feasibly carry in my pack. Other than the sea to summits which others would you recommend for an overnight hike?
Thanks for the feedback Sim, we actually had the idea for the top 10 hiking mats on our list so thanks for prodding us to get it done.
Exped, Sea to Summit, or Thermarest are our go-to recommendations for people who are looking for a high-quality, lightweight and compact mat. The different models vary in packed size and weight, but those three brands are a great place to start.
If you’ve got any more hiking mat specific queries, feel free to give our friendly customer service team a call on 1300 914 007 and they can talk you through the range.
Otherwise, keep your eye out for the article in the near future!
The Exped Megamat is simply the most comfortable and easy to set up/pack down camp mat I’ve slept on. Well worth the spend.
We’re glad you think so Sally, the Megamat is certainly a model that our customers can’t seem to get enough of!
Thermarest xtherm max didn’t even get a mention – says a lot about your review! Now where is that grain of salt?!?!
While I’m sure that the Thermarest Xtherm MAX is a great choice, we actually don’t sell that particular model Robin – so that’s why it didn’t make it onto our best-seller list!
Perhaps that’s one I can recommend on your behalf to the purchasing department though. 🙂