M-TAC camping mat 195 x 60 x 5 cm

M-TAC inflatable trekking mat is a single 195 x 60 cm sleeping mat that rises to 5 cm thick when inflated, packs into a palm-sized sack and weighs only 500 g. An inflatable mat like this is the main difference between sleeping outdoors and sleeping well outdoors: a 5 cm layer of air separates you from the cold ground and smooths out the stones and roots under the tent.

Construction and materials

Cellular interior structure
The inside of the mat is divided into small interconnected cells. This layout stops air collecting in one place, so when you roll onto your side the mat doesn't wobble or surge like an air mattress. The cellular surface also traps more warm air than a smooth one.

Valve with a separate deflate position
The valve can be operated even with gloves on. While inflating, it holds the air after each breath, so you don't need to keep the mat squeezed. When deflating, the valve opens fully and the air leaves in a few seconds, so you can roll up the mat without kneeling for long.

Packs down to fit in a palm
The stuff sack in the kit lets you carry the rolled mat on the side of a backpack or attach it to MOLLE webbing. The packed roll is about 19 x 11 cm, so it takes no space inside the backpack and doesn't collide with other items.

Who is this mat for?

The mat is for hiking, kayak and canoe routes, hunting overnights and camping, where every hundred grams and every litre of backpack volume matters. It also suits as a spare mat in the car or at home for unexpected guests.

An inflatable mat is worth choosing instead of foam when compactness and comfort on uneven ground matter. A foam mat isn't afraid of punctures and is cheaper, but takes up a lot of space and gives less than a centimetre of real distance from the ground. 40D Rip-Stop nylon with a TPU coating is tougher than ordinary 20D fabrics, so the mat withstands use even without an extra base layer, though on sharp stones or pine needles it's better to lay down a groundsheet.

Before your first hike we recommend inflating the mat at home and leaving it overnight: that way you check airtightness and get to know how the valve works.

Care and storage

After a hike the mat should be dried inflated so no condensation is left inside: moisture left in the chamber slowly damages the TPU coating. It's best stored deflated but not compressed: loosely rolled or laid flat under a bed. A mat kept strongly compressed for a long time takes creases at the fold points.

If you puncture the mat outdoors, airtightness can be restored temporarily with adhesive repair tape: the spot must be dry and cleaned first. At home the hole is sealed with a TPU patch. Because the mat is made of 40D Rip-Stop, a tear doesn't spread and stays pinpoint.