Camp Mats & Pillows
A sleeping mat does two jobs: it cushions you from the ground and, just as importantly, insulates you from the cold beneath. Our mats and pillows span self-inflating mats, foam mats and packable camp pillows from Zempire, Kiwi Camping, Sea to Summit and Nemo, for comfort whether you are in a tent or under the stars.
Match your mat to the trip: a plush self-inflating mat for car-camping comfort, or a light, compact mat for hiking. Warmth matters as much as thickness, so check the R-value for cold conditions, and finish the setup with your sleeping bag and a proper camp pillow for a genuine night's sleep.
Want help finding the right mat? call into the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland for a hands on look, or shop online with fast, tracked delivery right across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about camp mats & pillows
Self-inflating or manually inflated mat, which should I choose?
A self-inflating mat opens a valve and does most of the work itself, then you add a couple of breaths to firm it up, easy and comfortable but a little heavier. A manually inflated mat packs smaller and lighter for hikers but takes a few minutes and a pump sack to blow up. Choose comfort and convenience for car camping, pack size for the trail.
How do I choose a camping pillow?
Look at how it packs versus how it feels: inflatable pillows are tiny and light but can feel firm, foam and hybrid pillows are more like home but bulkier. A pillowcase or a soft fleece over the top makes any camp pillow far more comfortable, and some people simply stuff a jacket into a pillow sack.
How do I stop my sleeping mat sliding around the tent?
Mats slide on slick tent floors. Look for a mat with a grippy underside, or add a few dots of seam grip or silicone to the base, and make sure your mat and bag are a good match in width. A fitted sheet or a non-slip mat topper also helps keep everything in place.
How do I repair a mat with a slow leak?
Inflate the mat, then listen and feel for escaping air or submerge sections in water to spot the bubbles. Mark the hole, clean and dry the area, and apply the patch from the mat's repair kit or a general repair adhesive. Most slow leaks are a small pinhole near the valve or on the base.
How do I pack a self-inflating mat down small?
Open the valve and roll from the closed end toward the valve to push the air out, close the valve, then unroll, and repeat the roll once more with the valve open before finally closing it. Rolling twice removes the last of the air so it fits back in its sack.
How thick should a camping mat be for comfort?
For most car campers a mat around 7cm or thicker feels close to a real bed, while hikers trade thickness for weight and are comfortable around 3 to 5cm. Side sleepers generally want a thicker mat than back sleepers, so if you toss and turn, size up.