Our top three camping mats
Before you buy: these are three different single-mat sizes, not a like-for-like size comparison. Check the selected size, delivered price and availability. Current checked prices and the price-check date are listed in the final sources section.
Sea to Summit Camp Plus Regular
Our starting recommendation for occasional Australian car campers who fit a regular-width mat. Spend more when you need extra sleeping room or a thicker comfort-focused design—not simply a more expensive badge.
A good camping mat has three jobs: support your sleeping position, insulate you from the ground and fit the space you have. For car camping, a foam-filled self-inflating mat is worth considering because the vehicle can carry bulk that would be impractical in a hiking pack.
Start with the Camp Plus for value, the MegaMat LXW for space, or the Comfort Deluxe Regular Wide for a middle-sized comfort upgrade. None is the right purchase if it does not fit your body, tent or storage area.
Shortlist: compare the exact sizes
| Mat | Inflated size | ASTM R-value | Weight | Packed size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea to Summit Camp Plus Regular | 183 × 56 × 7 cm | 5.3 | 1.05 kg mat; 1.105 kg packed | 28 × 16 × 16 cm |
| Exped MegaMat LXW | 197 × 77 × 10 cm | 8.1 | 2.60 kg mat | 79 × 25 × 25 cm |
| Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Regular Rectangular Wide | 183 × 64 × 10 cm | 7.7 | 1.895 kg mat; 1.970 kg packed | 70 × 18 × 18 cm |
Dimensions are length × width × thickness. The Sea to Summit figures distinguish mat weight from packed weight; Snowys lists 2.60 kg for the MegaMat mat itself. Do not treat these as directly comparable all-accessory carrying weights.
How we chose
This is a research-based shortlist using current manufacturer specifications, exact size information and Australian retail listings. We have not conducted hands-on comfort, durability or thermal testing of these three mats. Our recommendations weigh price, space, published insulation and the compromises a buyer needs to make.
Amazon Australia and eBay Australia were checked first. We could not establish suitable exact current-generation listings for all three selected versions, so the purchase buttons use the official Australian brand store or an established Australian retailer.
Comfort claims should be treated as a reason to try a mat, not proof that everyone will sleep well on it. If possible, lie on the exact model in your normal sleeping position before buying.
1. Sea to Summit Camp Plus Regular
The sensible starting point for occasional car campers who want insulation and a foam core without spending premium-mattress money.
The current Regular version uses a shaped outline, Air Zone foam construction and a 75D polyester shell. Its listed dimensions suit a camper who genuinely fits on a 56 cm-wide sleeping surface. This is the current Cypress model, SKU 006305; older Camp Plus listings and photos can show a different generation.
Its strongest argument is the complete package: price, useful ground insulation and manageable packed volume. It is easier to justify for a few weekends each year than a large luxury mat that costs more and occupies much more of the boot. The manufacturer allows short walk-in trips, although dedicated backpackers will usually want something lighter.
The limitation is width. A lower price stops being good value if your shoulders or arms hang over the edges. Check the wider Camp Plus sizes before deciding that you need to move to a different range; their prices, weights and photographs differ from this Regular version.
Why you might choose it
- Lowest checked price in this shortlist.
- Much smaller listed packed dimensions than the luxury options.
- A practical starting point for occasional trips.
Reasons to reconsider
- The 56 cm width will not suit every adult.
- Less room to adjust comfort than a thicker luxury mat.
- Budget for a compatible pump if you want one.
Choose this one if: you fit the Regular size and want a practical camping mat at a restrained price.
2. Exped MegaMat LXW
The spacious upgrade for campers who will trade money and vehicle space for more room to sleep.
This is the current MegaMat LXW, product number 7640277846418, rather than the smaller MW or the thicker MegaMat Max. Its rectangular construction, vertical sides and soft tricot surface make it a strong on-paper choice for restless sleepers and people who dislike narrow mats.
Exped supplies a Top-Up Pump, Sidewinder bag and repair kit. Its foam-and-air construction allows firmness adjustment, but comfort remains personal: extra thickness is an opportunity to fine-tune support, not a promise that it will solve hip or back pain.
At the checked price, the purchase needs to earn its keep. Frequent touring and longer stays provide a stronger case than an occasional overnight trip. The width is generous for one person, but two LXW mats need at least 154 cm of usable floor width before allowing for wall slope or clearance.
Snowys lists stock at its stores and warehouse. Its page also contains postcode-dependent delivery messaging, so confirm delivery or collection before paying. Do not assume that a displayed stock label guarantees shipment to your address.
Why you might choose it
- The widest and longest selected single mat.
- A compelling size for comfort-focused touring.
- Included pump and repair kit simplify the package.
Reasons to reconsider
- Highest checked price of these exact sizes.
- Large roll needs substantial storage space.
- Poor fit for carrying any meaningful distance.
Choose this one if: extra width matters, your tent and boot can accommodate it, and regular use justifies the cost.
3. Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Regular Rectangular Wide
The middle option for someone who wants a thicker, wider mat without buying the largest single mattress here.
The current Regular Rectangular Wide model is SKU 002907, in Rain Forest. It uses Air Frame construction and a stretch-knit top; the storage sack also works as a high-volume pump sack. Older Comfort Deluxe versions can have different colours, specifications and accessories, so match the exact product rather than the family name alone.
This addition fills a useful gap in the original two-product article. At the checked prices it costs less than the MegaMat LXW while giving a broader sleeping area than the Camp Plus Regular. That does not make it a direct size-for-size bargain: the Exped is considerably wider and longer.
The Regular Wide remains 183 cm long. Taller campers should consider the Large version and measure again. It is also not a compact hiking upgrade: the listed roll is 70 cm long, so check where it will sit with the rest of your camping equipment.
Why you might choose it
- Useful middle ground in width and price.
- Included pump-sack arrangement.
- A sensible upgrade when a regular mat feels restrictive.
Reasons to reconsider
- Still expensive for occasional use.
- Regular length may be inadequate for tall campers.
- Much bulkier to transport than the Camp Plus.
Choose this one if: you want more room and cushioning than the Camp Plus, but the MegaMat LXW is larger or dearer than you need.
Which one should you buy?
- Occasional weekends, limited budget: begin with the Camp Plus Regular, provided its width is comfortable.
- Frequent touring and a generous sleeping area: try the MegaMat LXW. Its extra width is the main practical difference to judge.
- A comfort upgrade in a smaller tent: compare the Comfort Deluxe Regular Wide with the space available.
- Long walks with everything on your back: start a separate comparison of lightweight insulated hiking mats. These car-camping picks are not an ultralight shortlist.
Understand R-value without treating it as a temperature rating
R-value measures resistance to heat transfer. Higher values indicate more insulation under the same test conditions. ASTM F3340 provides a common laboratory method, making it more useful for comparison than thickness or an unexplained “winter” label.
An R-value is not an overnight temperature guarantee. Your sleeping bag, shelter, clothing, moisture exposure and how cold you personally sleep still matter. A thick uninsulated air bed should not be assumed to offer the warmth of a tested insulated mat.
For this shortlist, choose the required insulation for your trips first, then compare comfort and fit. The difference between the two luxury mats should not distract you from their much larger difference in width. For exposed winter or alpine trips, get advice for the complete sleep system and expected conditions rather than relying on this car-camping guide alone.
Measure the tent before choosing the mattress
Use the tent’s internal floor dimensions and account for walls sloping inwards at mattress height. Measure a vehicle platform or stretcher in the same way. A nominal “two-person” tent description is not a promise that two luxury mats will fit.
Two selected Comfort Deluxe Regular Wide mats total 128 cm in width; two MegaMat LXW mats total 154 cm. Those calculations leave no clearance for tent walls or other gear. Leave sensible room rather than buying to an exact edge-to-edge measurement.
Length matters too. Compare your height, pillow position and sleeping style with the usable surface. If your feet push beyond the end or your arms rest on the floor, a compact packed size is not much consolation.
Thickness, pressure and side sleeping
Thickness alone cannot determine comfort. Body shape, sleeping position, foam construction and firmness all influence the result. A side sleeper should check that hips and shoulders remain supported after settling onto the mat.
Start with enough air for support, then release small amounts while lying down until you find a comfortable setting. A mat inflated as hard as possible may feel less forgiving. Try rolling over as well as lying still; a showroom test should resemble how you actually sleep.
If you have persistent pain or difficulty getting up from the ground, do not assume a premium mat is a treatment. Consider whether a compatible raised sleeping arrangement would be easier to use.
Self-inflating, air-filled or closed-cell foam?
A self-inflating mat contains expanding foam that draws air inside when the valve is opened. Final inflation or pressure adjustment is still normal. It combines foam and air; it is not a solid mattress that can ignore a puncture.
Air-filled hiking mats prioritise low weight and small packed size. Many are insulated and comfortable, so “air mattress” does not automatically mean unsuitable for camping. Distinguish a purpose-built insulated hiking pad from an ordinary uninsulated guest bed.
Closed-cell foam mats need no inflation and cannot lose support through an air leak, but their cushioning is limited. They can be useful where simplicity is more important than mattress-like comfort.
Singles or a double?
Two singles allow each person to choose firmness and handle their own mat. A double removes the centre gap, but is one larger item to transport and pack. It can also make sharing pressure and movement a consideration.
Check the double’s own specifications. Do not double the measurements or R-value of the single and assume that describes the other product. If coupling singles, use accessories compatible with their thickness and construction; Sea to Summit’s standard Coupler Loops are not intended for its 10 cm Comfort Deluxe mats.
Set up at home before the first trip
- Check the mat, valve, accessories and instructions before leaving home.
- Use a clean surface free of sharp debris, then unroll and open the correct inflation valve.
- Give compressed foam time to expand. Initial setup can take longer than later use.
- Top up using the supplied or manufacturer-approved method.
- Close the valve and adjust firmness while lying in your normal position.
- Check for overnight air loss before relying on it away from home.
Use a compatible low-pressure inflation method. A vehicle tyre compressor is not an appropriate substitute unless the mat manufacturer explicitly approves it. The Camp Plus pump is a separate purchase; check compatibility rather than assuming every nozzle fits.
Keep heat and moisture in mind
Do not leave a firmly inflated, sealed mat in direct sun or a hot tent or vehicle. Heating can increase internal pressure and damage the mat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relieving pressure when leaving it during the day.
Use a pump or pump sack where available to reduce moisture introduced during inflation. Dry the outside before packing and follow the specific instructions for drying and storing the inside.
Pack and store it properly
Learn the valve arrangement before trying to roll the mat. The XPEL valve on the current Sea to Summit models can be set to let air escape without drawing it back in; the MegaMat has separate inflation and deflation valves. Follow the supplied sequence rather than forcing a universal rolling method onto every design.
Allow enough time to push air out gradually, keep sharp objects away and avoid excessive force. Practise fitting it into the bag at home. A very large roll may be manageable in the lounge room but awkward inside a wet tent.
For longer storage, Sea to Summit advises keeping its Comfort Deluxe unrolled with the valve open, or loosely rolled if space is limited. Store equipment clean and dry, away from excessive heat, and follow each model’s care instructions.
Repairs and realistic reliability
A repair kit is useful only if you know what it contains and how to use it. Before travel, identify the correct patch or adhesive for the fabric and check any curing time. Inspect a leaking valve for dirt or an incomplete closure before assuming the fabric is punctured.
Sea to Summit describes checking sections of an inflated mat with soapy water to locate bubbles. Clean and dry the repair area and follow the approved repair instructions; do not improvise with solvents or unsuitable glue.
For Exped’s supplied repair adhesive, observe its warning about flammable solvents: keep it away from flames and heat, use ventilation and keep it out of children’s reach.
Common buying mistakes
- Comparing different sizes as though they are identical: width and length explain part of the price and weight difference.
- Buying an old generation from a current-model description: check the SKU, colour, valve and included accessories.
- Ignoring the packed roll: measure the boot or cupboard space before committing.
- Buying warmth by thickness: compare tested insulation as well as cushioning.
- Assuming a stock label means delivery everywhere: check your postcode and the final order screen.
- Overspending before checking fit: a mat that fits you can matter more than the most expensive label.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Camp Plus Regular wide enough for an adult?
For some adults, yes; for others, 56 cm will feel restrictive. Try your usual sleeping position and compare wider sizes if your arms or shoulders fall off the edges.
Does self-inflating mean no pump is needed?
The foam draws in air, but a final top-up is common. Follow the approved inflation method. The selected MegaMat includes a Top-Up Pump, and the current Comfort Deluxe includes a pump-sack arrangement.
Is the MegaMat automatically better than the Comfort Deluxe?
No. In these selected sizes, it gives more width and length at a higher cost and with more packed bulk. That is worthwhile only if those differences suit you.
Will a higher R-value make me too hot in summer?
A mat is insulation, not a heater. Adjust bedding and ventilation to the conditions. For warm-weather-only trips, decide whether the extra cost and bulk bring a comfort benefit you actually want.
Can I use one on a stretcher?
Check both manufacturers’ instructions and match the supported sleeping area. Avoid substantial overhang, sharp contact points and an unstable combination. Do not assume that a product called “single” shares the stretcher’s dimensions.
Why does a new self-inflating mat expand slowly?
Factory compression can delay the foam’s recovery. Unroll it ahead of the trip and follow the first-use instructions before topping it up. Persistent air loss needs investigation rather than repeated inflation.
Our final verdict
The Sea to Summit Camp Plus Regular is our value-led starting pick. Choose it when its narrower size fits you and ordinary weekends do not justify a large luxury mattress.
Choose the Exped MegaMat LXW for extra room and comfort-focused touring. Choose the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Regular Rectangular Wide when you want a thicker upgrade in a smaller footprint and at a lower checked price than the LXW.
Measure first, try the firmness if possible and buy for the trips you actually take. The right fit is more valuable than a premium mat that does not fit the tent.
Sources and price checks
- Sea to Summit Australia: current Camp Plus specifications, sizes and inflation guidance
- Exped: MegaMat LXW construction, ASTM R-value, accessories and safety information
- Snowys: MegaMat LXW dimensions, price and Australian stock information
- Sea to Summit Australia: current Comfort Deluxe specifications, accessories and care
- Sea to Summit Australia: sleeping-mat FAQs and repair guidance
- Mountain Equipment: general sleeping-mat care and heat precautions
Price and availability check: 18 September 2026. Prices in AUD: Camp Plus Regular (006305), $169.99 at Sea to Summit Australia; MegaMat LXW (7640277846418), $469.95 at Snowys; Comfort Deluxe Regular Rectangular Wide (002907), $349.99 at Sea to Summit Australia. The brand store listed both selected Sea to Summit sizes in stock. Snowys listed store and warehouse stock, but delivery eligibility must be checked for your postcode. Prices exclude any applicable freight and can change. Confirm the exact size, generation, included accessories, stock and delivered total before ordering.
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