Trekking and camping mattresses
Starting at £837.97
£754.17
Starting at £325.18
£292.66
Starting at £312.68
£281.41
The Mattresses page features inflatable mattresses for camping and trekking, from Élémenterre, Regatta, or Whistler, with integrated or foot pumps.
A good mattress insulates from the ground as much as it provides comfort: it is often the mattress, more than the sleeping bag, that makes the difference on a chilly night.
Inflatable, self-inflating or foam
The inflatable mattress, like the Regatta Dax Ultralite, offers the best balance of comfort, thickness and weight once deflated: it's the choice for trekking. The self-inflating mattress combines foam and air: it inflates partly by itself when you open the valve, being sturdier but heavier. The foam mattress, puncture-proof and cheap, can be stacked with others for better insulation or used as a backup mattress.
Insulation: the R-value
The ground is cold and draws heat from your body, no matter what sleeping bag you have. The insulation of a mattress is indicated by its R-value: the higher it is, the better it insulates. A summer camping mattress can do with a low value, while mountain nights and snow need a high value. Thickness isn't everything: a thick mattress filled with air without internal insulation can still feel cold.
Inflating without moisture
Inflating a mattress with your mouth brings in moisture from your breath, which can encourage mould inside and freeze in very cold weather. Foot pumps, like the Élémenterre Lufty, or inflation bags solve this issue and save your breath after a long trek. A mattress should be stored unrolled with the valve open at home, so it can dry out and the foam keeps its ability to reinflate.
Repair and choose the right size
A repair kit, with patches and glue, fits in the bag: a puncture can be found by submerging the mattress in water or applying soapy water on the surface. Mattresses come in various lengths and widths; a mummy shape, narrower at the feet, saves weight for trekking. The rest of the camping equipment is gathered on the trekking page.
Good deals and new items
The new items showcase the latest collections, the sales feature discounted items, and the clearance highlights end-of-line stock. The items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What mattress for a multi-day trek?
An inflatable mattress, like the Regatta Dax Ultralite, offers the best balance of comfort, thickness and weight when folded. For a trek, aim for a compact model that fits in the bag, with insulation suitable for cool nights.
What R-value for sleeping in the mountains?
The higher the R-value, the better the mattress insulates from the cold ground. For summer in the lowlands, an R-value around two is enough; in the mountains and from spring to autumn, aim for around three; winter requires five or more.
A double inflatable mattress, good idea?
A double mattress is more comfortable for a couple camping, with no empty space between two mattresses. In trek, two single mattresses are easier to distribute between the bags, and each person keeps their comfort if one deflates.
How to store your mattress between trips?
Store it unrolled, valve open, in a dry place: air can circulate and the foam of a self-inflating mattress retains its elasticity. Leaving it rolled up in its cover for months compresses the foam and can encourage moisture.
Self-inflating or foam mattress for family camping?
For camping near the car, a self-inflating mattress offers good comfort and withstands kids playing on it well. The foam mattress, puncture-proof, serves as a base or play mat, and can be stacked with another for better insulation.
