Camping Bedding
A good night's sleep makes or breaks a trip, and camping bedding is where comfort is won or lost. Our range covers everything between you and the cold ground, from packable sleeping bags to plush airbeds, from the brands that lead the category, Zempire, Sea to Summit, Coleman, OzTrail and Kiwi Camping.
Build your sleep system in layers. Start with a sleeping bag rated for the conditions, add a camp mat or an airbed for insulation and comfort off the ground, and consider a stretcher if you want to be up off the floor entirely. A hammock finishes the setup. Weight and pack size matter more the further you carry it.
Not sure how the pieces fit together? call into the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland for a hands on look before you buy, or shop online with fast, tracked delivery right across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about camping bedding
What sleeping bag temperature rating do I need in New Zealand?
Match the rating to the coldest nights you will camp in, then allow a little margin. For most three-season NZ camping a comfort rating around 0 to 5 degrees Celsius is a safe all-rounder. If you camp in alpine areas or through winter, look for a lower comfort rating, and remember a good mat underneath is as important as the bag for staying warm.
Do I need a sleeping mat as well as a sleeping bag?
Yes. Cold ground pulls heat out of you all night, and a sleeping bag alone squashes flat underneath you so it cannot insulate. A mat restores that insulation and adds comfort. Even in summer a basic mat makes a big difference; in colder conditions it is essential.
What is the difference between an airbed, a self-inflating mat and a foam mat?
An airbed is thick and comfortable for car camping but offers little insulation on its own. A self-inflating mat balances comfort, warmth and pack size, and is the popular all-rounder. A closed-cell foam mat is light, cheap and indestructible but thinner, which suits hikers and works well doubled up with another mat.
Down or synthetic sleeping bag, which is better?
Down is warmer for its weight and packs smaller, making it the choice for hikers, but it loses warmth if it gets wet and costs more. Synthetic is bulkier and heavier but keeps insulating when damp and is easier to care for, which suits family and coastal camping. Choose based on weight priorities and how wet your conditions get.
How do I stop getting a cold back when I sleep on the ground?
A cold back almost always means not enough insulation underneath, not a thin bag. Add or upgrade your mat, and look at its R-value, the higher the number the more it insulates. Layering a foam mat under a self-inflating mat is a cheap way to add warmth for cold nights.
What is an R-value and does it matter?
R-value measures how well a sleeping mat resists heat loss to the ground, higher means warmer. For summer, an R-value around 2 is fine; for shoulder seasons aim for 3 to 4; for winter or alpine look for 4 plus. It is the single most useful number when comparing mats for warmth.