When you want reliable sleep on the go, a single inflatable mattress is one of the simplest upgrades you can make. At easy camp, our single self-inflating mats are designed for one person who wants comfort without hassle: unroll, open the valve, and let the foam core do most of the work.
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Start with how you travel and how you sleep. If you move camps often, pack small, or carry your kit any distance, you’ll usually appreciate a lighter, more compact mat that still insulates you from the ground. If you stay put for several nights, drive to your pitch, or simply prioritise cushioning, a thicker mat can make a noticeable difference to how rested you feel in the morning.
Next, be honest about your sleep position. Side sleepers often prefer more thickness (and sometimes more width) because hips and shoulders need extra give. Back sleepers can often go slightly thinner while staying comfortable. Finally, think about typical night-time temperatures and the ground beneath you. A well-insulated mat helps reduce heat loss, so you spend less energy trying to stay warm and more time enjoying the trip.
From compact, contoured mats for lighter packing to thicker, wider options that feel closer to a “proper mattress”, you can choose what suits your trips. Comfort levels span 3.0 cm, 3.8 cm, 5.0 cm and 10.0 cm, and weights range from 795 g to 2700 g.
If you’ve used a blow-up single mattress before, you’ll know the sensation can be very “bouncy” and the firmness can change a lot through the night as temperatures drop. A self-inflating mat feels different: the foam inside gives a steadier, more supportive base, and it helps the mat keep its shape even when you shift position. It’s a practical choice if you want user-friendly gear that helps you get going quickly.
Another advantage is day-to-day ease. With a self-inflating design, you’re not starting from zero every time you set up camp. You still have control over firmness, but you’re not relying entirely on pumping up a large volume of air. For many campers, that balance of comfort, insulation and convenience is exactly why a single self-inflating mat earns a permanent spot in the vehicle.
Our Kestrel and Skylark styles are made for slightly different priorities, so it helps to decide what matters most to you at night. Kestrel mats use a contoured shape for a small pack size, making them a strong option when space is limited. Skylark mats focus on a softer fabric feel with “noiseless friction”, which is useful if you dislike that rustling sensation when you turn over.
Thickness and weight are where the choice becomes clearer. In the Kestrel line, you can pick 3.8 cm for a compact all-rounder (945 g) or 5.0 cm for more cushioning and insulation (995 g), with the lightest option in the range starting at 795 g. In the Skylark line, 3.0 cm is a supportive, quieter-feel choice (1000 g), 5.0 cm adds extra space and comfort, and 10.0 cm delivers maximum mattress-like depth (2700 g). Once you’ve chosen your mat, matching insulation on top matters too, so consider our sleeping bags.
Fit is about more than “single” sizing. Check both length and width against your sleeping area, especially if you use a compact inner tent. Many one-person mats sit around the 51 cm width mark, which is efficient for tighter spaces. If you like extra elbow room, a wider mat can feel more relaxed, but it can also reduce floor space for kit inside smaller tents.
Length matters if you’re tall or if you prefer to keep clothing inside your sleeping area. Some mats in our range extend to 200 cm, which can be more comfortable if you want your feet fully supported. If you’re comparing a single air mattress to a self-inflating mat, remember that thicker options can raise you higher off uneven ground, but they may also require a little more care when choosing a flat pitching spot.
For a more settled sleep posture, don’t overlook head support. A mat can do a lot, but the right camping pillows can help reduce neck tension, especially for side sleepers.
Warmth is one of the most underestimated parts of sleeping comfort. Even in mild weather, the ground can pull heat away from your body, and that’s when insulation becomes as important as softness. Self-inflating mats help because the foam core reduces convection inside the mat and slows down heat loss to the ground. In practice, that can mean fewer wake-ups and a more consistent temperature through the night.
If you camp early or late in the season, or you often pitch on colder ground, it’s worth leaning towards more insulation and thickness. A 5.0 cm mat is a popular middle ground for comfort and warmth, while a 10.0 cm option is aimed at campers who want maximum depth and strong insulation from the ground. To keep your sleep system feeling fresh on longer trips, adding an easy-to-wash layer can help, and our travel sheets are a practical way to improve hygiene and comfort.
A lighter single camping mattress can be a smart choice if you value compact packing, faster set-up, and an easier carry from the car to the pitch. In our range, weights span from 795 g up to 2700 g, so the difference is significant if you move around a lot. Lighter mats are often narrower and slimmer, which suits minimalist campers and shorter stays where you mainly need insulation and basic cushioning.
That said, weight is only one part of “comfort per litre” in your pack. If you’re a side sleeper, if you tend to wake up with sore hips, or if you’re planning longer stays, a heavier mat can still be better value for money because it supports better rest. A good rule is to choose the lightest option that still matches your sleep style and the conditions you camp in.
If you want a compact, easy-to-pitch sleep setup, start by picking your style: Kestrel for a contoured shape and small pack size, or Skylark for a softer, quieter feel. Then decide on thickness based on how you sleep: 3.0 cm and 3.8 cm for a streamlined pack, 5.0 cm for a noticeable comfort upgrade, or 10.0 cm for maximum depth when you have space to spare. You’ll also want to balance weight (from 795 g to 2700 g) against how often you move camps.
Explore the single self-inflating mats with us on easy camp, and if you want help comparing options, contact easy camp for friendly, practical guidance. When you’re ready, choose your mat and get packed for simple gear for real adventures.
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