Best Camping Mats in Australia

To help you sleep soundly on your camping adventures, we’ve reviewed seven of the best camping mats in Australia from Zempire, BlackWolf, Darche, Coleman, Sea To Summit and OZtrail.

The ultimate camping mat will be comfortable, keep you insulated from the cold and pack down enough to fit your requirements – whether you’re packing it in a hiking backpack, or throwing it in your car or trailer. You’ll also want something durable, so you won’t think twice about laying it out on the ground.

There are a few different mattress types to choose from, so check out our guide to choosing the best camping mattress for you, as well as our picks for the top camping mats in Australia 2024.

Zempire – Monstamat

Zempire – Monstamat

SPECIFICATIONS:

• TYPE: Self-inflating
• SIZE: Twin / King Single / Single
• WEIGHT: 6.03kg / 3.60kg / 3.21kg
• R-VALUE: 10.5

Buy a single mattress from TentworldBuy a King Single mattress from TentworldBuy a Twin mattress from Tentworld

We rate Zempire’s Monstamat the best of the self-inflating camping mattresses on the market. It’s a favourite amongst campers who want comfort and durability in a camping mattress – for a great price.

The Monstamat is a self-inflating mattress with a heavy-duty base and comfy stretch fabric on top. At full inflation it is 10cm thick, with the top layer designed to minimise noise. You can grab it in three different sizes, each with compression storage straps and a carry bag, plus the 360° one-way valve for easy inflation and deflation.

It’s got the best insulation rating of our top camping mats for 2022. With an R-value of 10.5 it will protect you from the cold ground and keep warmth from escaping. We reckon this will be your ideal bed-mate for any Aussie conditions you find yourself in.

BlackWolf – Hexatherm 2D Mega Deluxe

BlackWolf – Hexatherm 2D Mega Deluxe

SPECIFICATIONS:

• TYPE: Self-inflating
• SIZE: Queen / Single
• WEIGHT: 5.2kg / 3.0kg
• R-VALUE: 8.6
  

Buy a Single mattress from TentworldBuy a Queen mattress from Tentworld

BlackWolf has created comfortable, well-insulated camping mats in their Hexatherm 2D range. The durable, non-slip base is a winner for stopping movement and ensuring a good night’s sleep.

Like the other self-inflating camping mats that we have reviewed, the Hexatherm 2D range offers comfort and quiet with its stretch-top fabric that is bonded to the inner foam. Both the Queen and Single sized mats are 10cm high when inflated, with an R-value of 8.6.

The ability to join mats together lets you create a larger sleeping space if needed. The easy-inflate valves make light work of the set up and pack down, plus it comes with a stuff sack for storage.

Darche – All Terrain

Darche – All Terrain

SPECIFICATIONS:

• TYPE: Self-inflating
• SIZE: 140cm / 110cm / 90cm (width)
• WEIGHT: 9.3kg / 7.2kg / 6.2kg
• R-VALUE: Not rated

Buy now from Tentworld

Darche comes to the camping party again with a great range of self-inflating mattresses. Its All Terrain mattresses have a water-resistant shell for easy cleaning and a high-density foam for a great night’s sleep.

There are three size options: 900mm, 1100mm or 1400mm wide. While the three mattress options weigh more than our other top picks, the prices are similar. If you are not concerned about a few extra kilos, this is a great option. Particularly if you already have Darche rooftop tents or swags as the mattresses are designed to fit its range.

However, the curved corner in the All Terrain design is there so the mattresses will fit easily in to most tents and swags. All three mattress sizes are 10cm thick when inflated and come with a carry bag and repair kit.

Exped – MegaMat

Exped – MegaMat

SPECIFICATIONS:

• TYPE: Self-inflating
• SIZE: Queen / Double Long Wide / Double Medium / Single Long Extra Wide / Single Long Wide / Single Medium Wide
• WEIGHT: 5.39kg / 4.63kg / 3.34kg / 2.6kg / 2.275kg / 2.07kg
• R-VALUE: 8.1
  

Buy now from Tentworld

Exped MegaMats are designed to help you forget you are camping and give you the ultimate night’s rest. The quality materials and attention to detail in the design pays off – this excellent mattress will keep you well-rested on many camping trips to come.

It is designed with a level sleeping surface – doing its best to mirror your mattress at home. This means no tapering down at the edges and no rolling off in the middle of the night. It also has a wide range of size options, meaning you can pick up a mattress in the correct size for you.

The large valve makes deflating easier and a volume adjustable carry bag will help with storing and transporting. Though it is at the high end of the price scale, we don’t think you’ll be complaining when you’re the cosiest camper out there at night.

Coleman – Double High Quickbed

Coleman – Double High Quickbed

SPECIFICATIONS

• TYPE: Air mattress
• SIZE: Queen
• WEIGHT: 8.40kg
• R-VALUE: Not rated

Buy now from Tentworld

The Coleman Double High Quickbed is our pick for the best inflatable camping mattress. Its double height provides more comfort and keeps you insulated from the ground.

It has a Rayon-flocked top layer for additional comfort and a built-in 240V pump to ensure you are never caught out leaving the pump at home. However, you will need a power supply to inflate – so this is not the mattress to take off-grid.

While it is a heavy mattress – weighing just over 8 kilos – it packs down much smaller than self-inflating options, making it easy to pack and store. It is made from heavy-duty PVC to ensure durability and plenty of use for years to come. It is a good option for camping as well as a spare mattress at home.

Sea To Summit – Ultralight Air

Sea To Summit – Ultralight Air

SPECIFICATIONS:

• TYPE: Air mattress
• SIZE: Large / Regular / Small
• WEIGHT: 0.495kg / 0.395kg / 0.345kg
• R-VALUE: 1.1

Buy now from Tentworld

For a hiking camping mattress that is lightweight, affordable and yet still comfortable – it’s hard to go past the Sea To Summit Ultralight Air. It has been on the market for a while, but still receives great reviews and tops the lists of must-have camping gear for anyone planning to hit the trails.

This hiking mattress is designed for comfort, with Air Sprung Cells that allow the mattress to mould to your body, whether you are on your side or your back. It comes in three sizes and has an R-value of 1.1. If you need a hiking mattress for colder conditions, you might consider paying more for Sea To Summit’s Comfort Light Insulated instead.

The Ultralight Air comes with its own Airstream pump that is attached to the stuff sack. The pump makes it easy to inflate, deflate and adjust the air levels. It’s treated to prevent internal mould growth, and comes with a repair kit and spare valve insert.

OZtrail - Camp Mat

OZtrail - Camp Mat

SPECIFICATIONS:

• TYPE: Foam mat
• SIZE: Jumbo / Regular
• WEIGHT: 2.15kg
• R-VALUE: Not rated
  

Buy now from Tentworld

Our pick of the best camping mattresses for kids is the OZtrail Camp Mat for its affordability, weight and ease of use. It is a 5cm thick foam mat with a removable, washable cover.

For kids, this is a mat they can unroll and use straight away, with no complicated set up. It is thick enough to be comfortable under a child’s weight. Plus its water-resistant, easy-clean base – and removable, washable cover – will be a winner for the post-trip clean up.

It comes in two sizes – regular or jumbo – and each comes with a webbing strap to roll up and carry. For a cheap, durable camping mattress to keep the young ones sleeping soundly, this OZtrail camping mat will do the job.

HOW WE REVIEW PRODUCTS

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles, aftermarket products and camping gear for more than 40 years. When looking for the best camping mat in Australia there are some things that are essential to ensure a comfortable, quiet, interruption-free night’s sleep.

When we compared each of the products in the list with hundreds out there, we looked at the comfort, size, weight, portability and price. We also searched for additional features, such as insulation, that make these camping mats stand out from the rest.

We looked at hundreds of user reviews and drew on our own experience with camping mats to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

BUYER’S GUIDE TO CAMPING MATS

Types of camping mats

There are three types of camping mats on the market and it’s worth noting the differences. The standard air mattresses that require inflating are probably the most recognisable of the bunch. A newer, more comfortable and less-squeaky option is the self-inflating mattress. Then there’s foam camping mats, which come with a lower price and more durability.

Air mattresses for camping

Air mattresses are comfortable when inflated and generally pack down quite small. You’ll need to consider how they inflate and keep in mind they can be susceptible to punctures. There’s nothing worse than starting the night in comfort and waking at 1am flat on the ground. Air mattresses often come with a puncture / repair kit, which will give you longer use of this type of camping mat.

Self-inflating camping mats

Self-inflating mattresses are the most comfortable of the bunch. They use open-cell foam which holds air when inflated, then the air can be pushed out to pack up and store the mattress. They are generally not as light as air mattresses and therefore not good for hiking. They are also likely to come with the highest price tags. However, for a solid investment that will keep you comfortable and happy on your camping adventures for years to come, we recommend them.

Foam camping mattresses

Foam camping mats are cheaper and more durable than air mattresses. They are simple to use, as you just roll it out and it’s ready to go. They are not the most comfortable option but for limited use, or for kids (as they weigh less) foam mattress might just do the trick.

How to choose the best camping mat

Finding the best camping mat depends a lot on your camping set-up. Whether you’re short on space, need something lightweight to hike, or want to sleep as though you’re not even camping at all – there are options on the market that will suit you.

In general, when looking for a camping mat, it’s good to take in to account the comfort, size, weight and portability. You’ll also want to keep in mind what kind of inflation it requires, and what insulation it has to ensure you are warm the whole night through.

Let’s break those factors down a little further to make sure we’re all on the same page mat.

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor to consider in a camping mat. For multi-day hikes or weeks out on the road you want to be sure you are getting a good night’s sleep. For hikers, gone are the days of sleeping on a rubber mat. If you are prepared to invest a bit of money, you’ll find a huge range of lightweight, inflatable hiking mat options available. For car camping, it’s now possible to find camping mattresses that almost rival your own bed for comfort. Although, be warned, they come with a higher price tag.

Size

Most sleeping mats will come in variable sizes, from Single right through to King size. While extra size can mean extra weight, it can also mean a more comfortable night’s sleep. You won’t find yourself rolling off the mat in the middle of the night, or fighting for sleep space with your partner. A quality mat will come with at least a few different size options so you can choose the best one for you.

Weight

Weight is an important factor if you are planning to use your camping mattress for hiking trips. It’s also a consideration if you will be packing and unpacking multiple times per car on a camping trip. Generally a lightweight camping mat is going to be the best option for most camping set-ups. Having said that, if you’ve got room in the car or trailer for a larger mat, you might prefer to invest in a heavier or larger camping mattress to have a better night’s sleep.

Portability

Portability is important in a camping mattress so you aren’t stuck lugging the mat around on every camping trip. Check the comfort and size of the mattress when set up, but also be sure to check the weight and pack-down size of the camping mattress as well. Consider how it will fit in to your camping set-up – or backpack – and how often you will be packing, unpacking or carrying it around.

Inflation

If you are looking at inflatable camping mat options, then be sure to check how it inflates. For air mattresses you can sometimes get built-in inflation devices, but mostly they will come with portable inflation devices. It’s important to check how to power these so you are not caught out on the first night. Self-inflating camping mattresses make light work of this step, as you just roll them out and wait for them to inflate. Foam mattresses are even simpler – roll it out and it's ready to go.

Insulation (R-value)

Sleeping mats are not just for comfort, but for insulation as well. The insulation on a sleeping mat will stop the cold coming from the ground and protect against heat being drawn from your body. Sleeping mats are rated for warmth by the R-value. This is a universal rating, however not all sleeping bags are tested for it which makes it a little harder to compare. We’ve included the R-value in our reviews, for those mats that have one, to help you find the right insulation for your needs. R-values are rated from 1 to above 10; those with a low number suit tropical or warm conditions, with higher ratings suiting more moderate to very cold conditions.

Price

There’s a huge price range across the sleeping mats on the market in Australia. But generally you can be sure that if it’s at the lower end of the range, you’ll be compromising on some of the important factors like comfort, portability and weight. If you need something cheap and cheerful for a one-off camping trip, you can get away with paying less. But generally if you want a lasting, comfortable, easy-to-use camping mattress – you’ll be wanting to invest more money into it.