Rating of the best inflatable and self-inflating rugs for 2024

A hike in the mountains or a long trip to the bank of a distant river always leaves a lot of emotions, many photos and memories for years to come. But an experienced tourist knows the other side of a long journey: long ascents, heavy backpacks, dragging, bad weather.

A night's rest is the only way to restore the spent energy. A comfortable sleep in a warm tent on a comfortable couch can work wonders. Therefore, in addition to a good sleeping bag, the right mat is so important. How to choose a comfortable and necessary rug, what they are, and why you should not be guided only by price, we will analyze in our article.

Types of tourist rugs

In specialized stores or online sites, there are several types of isomats:

• karemat - a classic foam made of layers of material with closed cells;
• self-inflating mat - the inside is filled with special foam with many pores. They fill with air, expand and create the required volume;
• models that need to be inflated - inside filled with only air or supplemented with a foam layer.

There is no perfect rug. Each of them has a set of certain characteristics, which in different conditions become necessary or unclaimed. Let's see what is important to consider when buying an isomat in order to avoid mistakes when choosing.

Thermal insulation

One of the most important functions of helping to keep a sleeping person warm. Overnight stays occur in different seasons with low temperatures, possibly on snowy or frozen surfaces. In a dream, the body temperature decreases and the most seasoned person can catch a cold.

It is very important to consider the functionality of the purchased product. Well-known manufacturers produce 4-season models that are used all year round, and 3-season models for spring-summer-autumn.And don't forget that in Russia, March is still a very cold month, and November is almost winter.

R-Value is a value that determines the thermal insulation ability of a product. The higher the value, the better the mat retains heat. Some manufacturers, in addition to the R-Value, indicate the temperature at which it is recommended to operate this or that model to minimize the risk of hypothermia.

Council. The R-Value of two isomats can be added (when used together), thereby increasing the ability to retain heat.

Thermal insulation is not so important for sleeping on warm ground in the summer or spending the night in a hostel. For this, the simplest rugs are suitable - classic foam or non-insulated inflatable equipment.
If you have to spend the night on frozen or snowy ground, it is important to choose a product with a high thermal insulation value. For this, all-season insulated inflatable or self-inflating models designed specifically for extreme conditions are suitable.

Isomat sizes

The convenience of the rug and its weight depend on the size. It is important to consider not only the type of model, but also whether it fits your size. It will be problematic for a large man to sleep on a short and narrow isomat, and a fragile girl does not need to carry the extra weight of an elongated model on a long hike. Pick up the size right in the store - sit and lie on the isomat.

The preliminary dimension is determined by a special marking. True, each manufacturer has its own, but there are some general parameters indicated in the form of abbreviated letter designations.

• XS (X-small) - 51 * 91 cm, the shortest models, designed for those who count every gram when assembling a backpack or as children's equipment.
• S (small) - 51 * 119 cm, placed only under the torso and pelvis of the tourist.
• M (medium) - 51 * 168 cm, the most common length for an average build.
• R (regular) - 51 * 183 cm, also suitable for adult travelers.
• LT (large top) - 63 * 119 cm, short but wide model.
• L (large) - 63 * 196 cm, elongated isomat, aimed at tall tourists.
• XL (X-large) - 76 * 196 cm, like size L, is produced for non-standard travelers or for camping.
• W (wide) - designation of wide models from some manufacturers.
• WR (women regular) - 51 * 168 cm, designed specifically for women, shorter in length and warmed, can be used for children.

Choosing which company is better, and purchasing several mats, add up the size of all products and correlate it with the total area of ​​the tent. Sleeping on overlapping rugs is very uncomfortable. And if you regularly travel together, then pay attention to the two-seater models. The best manufacturers now produce them even in the ultralight version.

The form

Different shapes of mats reduce the weight of the equipment and can be:

• cocoon-narrowed on one side and fits perfectly into tents with a trapezoidal bottom;
• rectangular - more suitable for square tents, and also convenient for the strong half, since it is easier for a broad-shouldered man to sit on a wide base than on a narrow one.

Comfort

An important characteristic that determines the quality of a person's rest after a long hike. The comfort of the product is expressed in the ability to smooth out the unevenness of the ground, the degree of softness and elasticity.
Self-inflating products with a layer of foam inside have the best performance. Such models combine comfort and high thermal insulation along with high-quality mattresses, they evenly distribute the load on the spine and help the body to relax during sleep.

The degree of elasticity is adjusted using a special valve. The foam filling the internal volume does not allow air to actively move, so that the surface remains flat and you will not slip off the isomat in a dream. Also, self-inflating models are silent and do not emit sounds, which is important if you are not sleeping in a tent alone.Popular manufacturers produce large self-inflating camping models that are suitable for spending the night in an apartment even on a cold tiled or cement floor.

Inflatable isomats also have a high level of comfort due to their thickness. However, it all depends on the design of the product. If the internal volume is divided into several large longitudinal cells, then the air will also noticeably move following your movements.

It is inconvenient to sit on such products, since part of the air moves under the weight of the body to other chambers and an unstable and uneven surface is created. The smaller the cameras, the more comfortable it is to sleep or sit on the isomat. In modern fine-mesh models, air redistribution is minimal. Some insulated inflatable mats have metallized layers. Therefore, when pressed, equipment with foil partitions emits a soft crunch.

 

Reliability of tourist isomats

In the conditions of a long hike in places far from human habitation, the strength of a tourist rug is the fundamental selection criterion. Of course, the most reliable are the usual classic foam rugs. They are not afraid of punctures, and the traveler does not need to worry about the safety of the product during transportation and look for a place safe for isomat on the ground.

Self-inflating and inflatable rugs are afraid of punctures and cuts. With such defects, thermal insulation properties, elasticity and softness are reduced. However, modern manufacturers make such isomats from durable materials that can withstand spending the night on bare ground without an additional protective layer.

In addition, an experienced traveler always has a special repair kit that includes glue in stock. Small punctures encountered by tourists are easily repaired in the field.
The best self-inflating models, if properly used, retain their properties for 20 years or more. Even the classic isomat-foam, which lose its thermal insulation after 1-2 seasons, cannot boast of such characteristics.

The most vulnerable are air mattresses. Self-inflating products contain a layer of foam, which performs the function of thermoregulation. Inflatable gear usually doesn't have it, so a cut on the surface will turn the mat into a deflated bag. It is recommended to use such isomats only in tents or with a protective mat.

Touring mat weight

The optimal weight of the equipment allows you to save the tourist's strength during a long day trip. It is important to understand that the weight of an isomat is evaluated in conjunction with thermal insulation, reliability and size.
The winners in the "Weight + thermal insulation" nomination are inflatable mats with insulation. For hiking, mountaineering and winter tourism, it is the best choice with a minimum weight of 300 grams and high thermal insulation.

The use of inflatable models reduces the melting and destruction of snow cover under a person during prolonged sleep. Self-inflating isomats have a weight of 700-800 grams, they are compact when folded and are comfortable to use on vacation. Moreover, their price is lower than inflatable models.

Conventional karematas have a light weight of about 450 grams, but a large package volume. Low thermal insulation allows it to be used during the off-season and warm months. And the price is quite affordable.

When choosing the model you need, keep in mind that the more unique the characteristics of the touring mat, the higher the price. However, during a long hike, especially in the cold season, a good and high-quality product will provide a full sleep and rest, and, possibly, preserve the health of the owner. You should not save on equipment.

We have prepared a detailed review of the most popular novelties of inflatable and self-inflating isomats. It is based on the opinions and evaluations of travelers, experienced tourists, numerous buyers. Ratings, which include products of different price categories, will tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of models and help you avoid mistakes when choosing.

Rating of quality inflatable travel mats up to 10,000 rubles

Outventure

A rug measuring 190 * 60 * 9 cm and weighing 900 grams can withstand a person's weight up to 100 kg. Made of polyester and has a rectangular universal shape, suitable for men and women. Due to its thickness, it provides maximum comfort on uneven ground. The model is suitable for camping and hiking use. A special cover protects it from punctures and cuts. The cost is 2999 rubles.

• inexpensive product;
• universal model;
• protective case.

• heavy weight;
• slippery surface;
• low thermal insulation.

Klymit Static V RealTree ™ EDGE camouflage

Made from durable 75D polyester. Dimensions are 183 * 59 * 6 cm, weight is only 530 grams. When folded, the rug has a compact size of 11 * 19 cm. The surface color is in the form of wood camouflage.

The inflatable mattress has an innovative V-shaped anatomical arrangement of cells. This ensures maximum body support during sleep and complete comfort. The thermal insulation value is 1.3 or 3 seasons. Such a product for travelers can be used at temperatures not lower than + 2 ° C. The average price is 6380 rubles, you can order online.

• complete with cover and repair kit;
• low weight;
• compact size;
• innovative design.

• not.

Rating of popular inflatable travel mats over 10,000 rubles

JACK WOLFSKIN TRAIL MAT AIR

The lightweight and compact model is designed for hiking and camping. Mat dimensions: 182 * 54 cm, weight is 490 grams. The compact rolled-up roll has dimensions 22 * ​​10 * 10 cm.
Made of high quality polyester. The popular model has two valves and inflates quickly. The entire surface is divided into small cells communicating with each other, which allows air to move freely inside. The cost is 10,999 rubles.

• light weight;
• two valves;
• fine-mesh surface.

• high price.

Therm-a-Rest Neoair Camper

Inflatable equipment can be used for mountain hiking, trekking, for tents. It will provide a high level of comfort during your camping holiday. The use of innovative technologies ThermaCapture and WaveCore retains heat to the maximum and provide the product with thermal insulation 2.2. The size of the rug is 181 * 53 * 7.6 cm, weight - 910 grams.

The outfit is made of polyester. A special device helps to quickly inflate or deflate. The package includes a protective cover and a repair kit. The cost is 14050 rubles.

• high coefficient of thermal insulation;
• universal size;
• rapid inflation and release of air.

• high price.

Rating of popular self-inflating travel rugs up to 10,000 rubles

Tramp TRI-018

The self-inflating model is intended for camping, trekking, city and country recreation. It measures 190 * 65 cm, folded - 65 * 19 * 19 cm, weight is 2000 g. The top of the single rug is made with microfiber, the bottom is made of Oxford fabric, which creates a non-slip surface. The filler is polyurethane foam. The cost is 3900 rubles. Can be ordered from China with AliExpress at a budget price.

• non-slip soft surface;
• low price.

• great weight.

Mat Alloy self-inflating "Camp 5.0" (blue)

The self-inflating isomat is made of polyester by a Russian company. The top and bottom sides are finished with a special Diamond coating for a non-slip surface.The dimensions of the rug are 188 * 55 cm, rolled up - 55 * 14 cm, weight - 1230 g.
According to tourists, this model can be taken for fishing, hunting, out-of-town recreation, and used for rafting. The kit includes a protective cover and a repair kit in case of a puncture or cut. The cost of isomat is 4480 rubles.

• budget price;
• non-slip coating;
• protective case;
• repair kit included.

• great weight.

Rating of popular self-inflating travel rugs over 10,000 rubles

Outwell Dreamcatcher Single

The self-inflating mat has a comfortable thickness of 12 cm and universal dimensions of 200 * 75 cm, weights of 3300 grams, folded - 78 * 21 cm. Made of polyester, the upper surface has a special non-slip coating.

The thermal insulation coefficient is 7.5, which, according to buyers, makes it possible to take this hiking accessory for hiking in the winter. It can withstand temperatures down to -34 ° C. AFC Valve type double valve is able to quickly fill or reduce the amount of air inside the product. The internal volume is filled with honeycomb-shaped foam. The set includes a protective case. The cost is 11,500 rubles.

• high R-Value;
• non-slip surface;
• double valve.

• high price;
• great weight.

Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Large Poseidon

According to the manufacturer's description, the self-inflating isomat is intended for decathlon training, suitable for inflatable boat bottom in year-round conditions. Dimensions are 196 * 64 * 7.6 cm, folded - 66 * 24 cm, weight - 1900 grams. Made of polyester filled with polyurethane foam that does not crumble or mold. Thanks to a complex perforation pattern, it provides maximum support for the body in a horizontal position.

Two TwinLock valves quickly fill and deflate the mat, and the product fills itself with air over most of the volume. The upper side has a non-slip coating that is pleasant to the touch. The set includes a protective cover that protects the mat during transportation. The cost of the product is 16,990 rubles.

• easy;
• two valves;
• protective case;
• maximum comfort.

• high price.

Tips for Choosing the Right Camping Mat

• Foam is the cheapest and most affordable type of isomat. The popularity of the model is due to its low weight, reliability and wide functionality. And you can change such equipment every season. However, it does not have a high coefficient of thermal insulation, which means that it is not worth taking it on a hike in the cold season, except perhaps as a protective layer for another isomat.
• The self-inflating tourism model is a good compromise between price, comfort, versatility and durability. Suitable for almost any type of activity, as well as for camping or temporary accommodation of guests in a country house or apartment. Models with high thermal insulation capacity are suitable for recreation even in severe frosts.
• Inflatable isomat. Choose this type of equipment if you go to the winter mountains or go mountaineering, that is, where the combination of "low weight-high thermal insulation" is very important.

When deciding where to buy the desired accessory, stop at a regular store. You will find a large selection of isomats in specialized markets. Which one to choose and what to look for depends on the conditions of its use. Perhaps you will get by with budget foam, or perhaps consider reliable and expensive equipment. Be sure to "try on" the rug for your height - lie down on it.

You can find a cheaper option in the online store. Consult with experienced tourists, talk to sellers, read reviews on the Internet. And remember, a water mattress designed for a child is not suitable for hiking in the mountains. What is the difference? The fact that the beach type is designed for the warm sea in the summer. Do not skimp on equipment - not only comfort, but also health depends on it.