Hello outdoor enthusiasts, today we’re excited to bring you a comprehensive review of a specific Naturehike sleeping mat. While Naturehike offers a diverse range of sleep systems, our focus is on a particular model that stands out.
I recently had the opportunity to put this mat to the test during an overnight trip, where I paired it with the My3f Gear Soloandaegismax Down sleeping bag. So, let’s dive in and see how it performed!
Key Features & Specifications
I truly appreciate the incredibly compact packed size of this sleeping mat.
With countless sleeping mats available on the market, what truly drew me to this one was its promise of an excellent balance: comfortable night’s sleep, minimal packed weight, and a small footprint. Crucially, it also came without a hefty price tag!
Dimensions
When fully inflated, the mat measures 185 x 54 x 3 cm. The 3 cm thickness applies to the main body of the mat, but it also features an integrated pillow section that rises slightly higher to 6 cm. The mat cleverly tapers at the foot end, a design choice likely to save weight. Despite my 1.80m height and less-than-slender frame, I found ample space (more on comfort later!). When packed, the mat boasts a remarkably small size of 25.9 x 9.9 cm (10.2″ x 3.9″). I even managed to compress it further, shaving a few centimeters off the packed length by wrapping it tightly!
Weight
The manufacturer-declared weight for this sleeping mat is 460 grams (just over 1 pound). However, when I weighed it on my personal scale – including its stuff sack – I was pleasantly surprised to find it came in at only 420 grams! A fantastic bonus.
Materials and Construction
This mat is constructed from 20D ripstop nylon with a TPU coating, known for its durability and resistance to punctures. It features an ‘egg-crate’ inflation pattern, which initially made me wonder about comfort, but I’ll elaborate on that shortly. The mat has an R-value of 1.5, which, while not the highest insulation level available, represents a thoughtful compromise given its compact size, low weight, and affordable price point.
Field Performance: Our Naturehike Sleeping Mat Review
So, after taking this mat, paired with my My3f Ul Gear Soloandaegismax sleeping bag, on a recent overnight adventure, how did it truly perform? The short answer: exceptionally well! Let’s delve into the details below.
Naturehike Sleeping Mat, fully inflated.
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Inflation and Deflation
Inflating the mat was straightforward: I managed to fully inflate it with just 7 or 8 breaths. (Your lung capacity may vary!) Deflation, however, proved a little more challenging initially. There’s a specific trick: a small triple-fold along the long side, followed by rolling it with the valve open. This was a minor complaint until I mastered the technique after a couple of unsuccessful attempts!
Warmth
During my overnight trip, temperatures dropped to approximately 10 Celsius (50 Fahrenheit), but I never felt cold on this mat. While directly comparing it to a down-filled mat is subjective, it certainly proved to be a practical and warm option for 3-season use.
Naturehike Sleeping Mat, completely deflated.
Comfort
Regarding comfort, I initially worried about sliding off the mat during the night or that side sleeping would be uncomfortable due to the 3 cm air cushion. However, in my personal experience, neither of these concerns became an issue. While it’s true that if you’re a *dedicated* side sleeper, your hip might lightly touch the ground, for most, it wasn’t a problem. I was pleasantly surprised to wake up with the mat still beneath me, rather than half-way across the tent!
Our Verdict
So, what are our final thoughts on this Naturehike sleeping mat? Overall, it is truly *exceptional*. This mat will cost you a mere fraction of an equivalent ultralight sleeping mat from a Western brand, yet offers highly comparable specifications. It performed admirably on a cool autumn evening in the UK, keeping me warm and comfortable throughout the night.
In terms of potential drawbacks for this sleeping mat, the only ones I could identify are:
* It might not be the ideal choice for those who prioritize extreme plush comfort, especially dedicated side sleepers.
* The deflation process is initially a little tricky but easily mastered after a few tries.
If you’re looking to purchase this Naturehike sleeping mat, you can find it on Ali Express here or on Amazon UK.
Alright, fellow adventurers! I hope you found this review of the Naturehike sleeping mat helpful. Questions, comments? Don’t hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts! And don’t forget to explore the rest of our blog for more money-saving tips, tricks, and reviews of essential outdoor gear. Until next time!