Sleeping mats from Recon Company – sleeping mats for operations, duty and the great outdoors

Even the best sleeping bag is of little use if there’s nothing between you and the ground. A sleeping mat isn’t just a comfort upgrade – it’s your protection against the cold ground. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the authorities, we know which sleeping mats work in the field and which ones give up after three nights on the forest floor.

Foam, self-inflating or inflatable – a comparison of three types

The classic foam sleeping mat is the workhorse of the sleeping mat world. No valve, no pump, nothing that can break. You roll it out and it works. A foam sleeping mat can withstand thorns, stones and rough handling without losing any insulation. The downside: it takes up a lot of space when packed. For the barracks, a vehicle or a bivouac site with a short approach, this isn’t a problem. On a long-distance hike, where every gram in your rucksack counts, it certainly is. A special type is the foldable sleeping mat: it can be used as a back pad in your rucksack and is a classic in the German Armed Forces because it offers dual functionality with zero extra weight.

A self-inflating sleeping mat combines a foam core with an air chamber. You open the valve, the foam expands and draws in air. The result is a sleeping mat that packs down much more compactly than pure foam whilst still providing solid insulation. Self-inflating sleeping mats are the compromise chosen by most outdoor professionals: more robust than pure air mats, more compact than foam.

The inflatable sleeping mat offers the best balance between comfort and pack size. Modern designs with V-shaped or wave-shaped air chambers stabilise the body and prevent you from rolling off. Insulated versions achieve high R-values whilst keeping weight to a minimum. The catch: an inflatable sleeping mat requires a pump bag or lung power to inflate and is more prone to punctures than foam. For trips with a higher risk of damage, it’s always worth packing a repair kit.

R-value and insulation – what to look out for when choosing

The R-value indicates how well a sleeping mat insulates against ground cold. Since the introduction of ASTM F3340-18, R-values have been determined using a standardised test procedure, so you can directly compare the specifications of different manufacturers. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. For summer nights, an R-value of around 1.5 to 2 is sufficient. For autumn and spring, you’ll need at least 3 to 4. If you’re sleeping in winter or on snow, you should aim for an R-value of 5 or higher. A sleeping mat with too low an R-value will let the cold seep in from below, no matter how warm your sleeping bag is. If in doubt, it’s better to go for the next higher rating.

The combination of materials is key: aluminium-coated foam sleeping mats reflect body heat back and improve the R-value without adding extra weight. In inflatable sleeping mats, synthetic fillings or foil inserts in the chambers provide insulation. Without this filling, the trapped air acts as a thermal bridge rather than an insulator.

Accessories for your sleeping system: pillows and seat cushions

An inflatable outdoor pillow weighs barely 100 grams and makes all the difference between a stiff neck and a restful night’s sleep. If you don’t want to take a pillow with you, you can use a rolled-up jacket instead. In professional settings, where the quality of sleep determines one’s ability to concentrate the following day, a pillow is by no means a luxury. For short breaks and observation posts, there are compact seat cushions that serve as protection against the cold between the seat of your trousers and the wet ground.

R-values can be added together: if you place a thin foam sleeping mat underneath an inflatable sleeping mat, you significantly increase the insulation whilst also protecting the more delicate air mattress from punctures caused by stones or roots. Combine your sleeping mat with the right sleeping bag and the appropriate weather protection from our bivouac and camping range. A well-designed sleeping system comprising a sleeping mat, sleeping bag and bivouac bag is worth more than the most expensive individual component.

• 10% discount for all government departments and their dependants.
• Field post delivery worldwide, directly to your area of operation.
• Expert advice from the Recon team – by phone, online or in-store in Salzgitter.
• Quality processes certified to ISO 9001, from procurement to dispatch.