Sharing one sleeping surface can make camp feel simpler. A double camping mattress gives you and your partner (or a child who wanders in at night) a roomy, stable base that’s quick to set up and easy to live with. At easy camp, we focus on user-friendly sleeping gear that helps you get going quickly, whether you are pitching up for a weekend or settling in for a longer holiday.
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A shared mat can feel more like a “real bed” and it often removes the gap that appears when two singles slide apart. That matters if you toss and turn, or if you want one tidy sleeping area inside your tent. A double size can also be easier to organise: one valve area, one pack bag, one spot to lay out bedding.
It is also about comfort balance. With two separate mats, one person can end up higher than the other, especially if the mats have different thicknesses. With a double format, you start from the same base and fine-tune firmness together. If you camp from a vehicle, the wide footprint can help you use the full width of the sleeping platform, so you waste less space around the edges.
If you are choosing between a double self-inflating mattress and a fully air-filled option, think about how you like to set up camp. A self-inflating design uses open-cell foam that expands when you open the valve, so the mat takes shape on its own and you only need a few breaths (or a quick top-up) to dial in firmness. Many campers like this because it feels supportive and less “bouncy” than a classic airbed.
An inflatable mattress double can be a good fit when you want a tall, airbed-like feel, but it usually relies more on active pumping and can feel cooler if it lacks insulation. If you want a straightforward, no-fuss routine with reliable warmth from the ground, a self-inflating mattress double is often the more practical choice.
Thickness changes both comfort and warmth, so it is worth choosing with intention. A 5.0 cm mat is a strong all-round option when you want shared comfort but still care about pack size and weight. At easy camp, the Skylark Mat Double 5.0 gives you a 193 x 120 cm sleeping area, a soft 75D polyester fabric designed to reduce “rustling” noise, and an R-value of 5.5 for solid three-season use (down to around -22°C as a guide).
If you want a more cushioned, bed-like feel, 10.0 cm makes a clear difference. The Skylark Mat Double 10.0 keeps the same generous 193 x 120 cm footprint, adds extra depth, and boosts insulation to an R-value of 10.5 (rated down to around -55°C). It also packs into a stuff bag, but it is heavier, so it suits comfort-first campers.
Self-inflating mats are designed to be easy-to-use outdoor gear, but a good routine helps. Unroll your mat, open the valve, and give it time to expand while you sort the rest of camp. Once it has taken shape, top up to your preferred firmness and close the valve securely. In the morning, open the valve again, fold the mat to push air out, then roll tightly and use the stuff bag to keep the pack neat.
If you like an extra-firm feel, or you simply want to speed things up, a compact pump can help. The Allium rechargeable pump is a lightweight option for quick top-ups. For vehicle-based trips, the El Nino 12V pump inflates and deflates efficiently. If you camp with mains power, the Super Cell 230V pump is a simple choice, and a double-action hand pump is a reliable back-up when you want no-power dependability.
It is easy to focus on thickness alone, but the small details decide whether you sleep well. Start with the fabric: a soft-touch surface can feel nicer against the skin and helps reduce the “squeak” that some mats make when you move at night. Both Skylark Mat Double versions use 75D polyester and are built to feel comfortable while keeping friction noise low.
Next, check the valve system. A wide, user-friendly valve makes it faster to inflate, deflate, and fine-tune firmness, especially when you are packing up in the morning. Finally, look at real-world practicality: pack size, weight, and how quickly the mat rolls down. A double camping mat should be simple to carry, simple to store, and stable when two people shift position. That is how you get value for money without adding hassle to your trip.
Warmth comes from the full sleep system, not just the mat. Your insulation underneath helps, but your sleeping bags still do most of the work of holding warm air around your body. For shared sleeping, you can choose two individual bags (so each person can regulate temperature) or a roomier shape if you prefer more freedom to move.
Pay attention to season ratings and how you personally feel the cold. If you camp early or late in the year, or you often wake up chilly, choose bags with enough insulation to match the conditions rather than relying on extra layers. At easy camp, you can browse sleeping bags to build a set-up that fits your plans, from mild summer nights to cooler shoulder-season trips.
Yes, most people sleep better with their own pillow, even when they share a mat. The reason is simple: neck support is personal. One person may prefer a higher pillow, while the other sleeps flatter. With separate pillows, you both get consistent support without compromising each other’s comfort, and you are less likely to wake up with a stiff neck.
For camping, it also helps to choose a pillow that packs small and is easy to adjust. Some campers like a softer feel; others want a firmer, more supportive shape. If you are refining your sleep set-up, especially on longer trips, take a look at camping pillows and aim for a size that suits your sleeping position. Small changes like this often make a noticeable difference overnight.
Even with a self-inflating mat, freshness comes down to simple habits. Air your bedding when you can, wipe down the mat if it picks up dust or condensation, and avoid storing it damp. At home, it is worth unrolling your mat with the valve open for a while before long-term storage, so the foam can fully dry and recover.
For comfort against the skin and easier cleaning, many campers add a liner. It helps reduce the need to wash bulkier bedding as often, and it can add a small boost of warmth too. If you want a straightforward way to keep your sleep set-up cleaner, consider travel sheets as part of your kit. It is a practical upgrade that fits well with a shared mat and busy camping schedules.
If you want a balanced, pack-friendly option, a 5.0 cm double self-inflating mat is a strong place to start. If your priority is extra cushioning and high insulation from the ground, stepping up to 10.0 cm can change how rested you feel, especially in cooler conditions. Either way, focus on the basics: the right thickness for your trips, an easy valve system, and bedding that matches the temperatures you camp in.
Explore the double mats available on our shop and choose the thickness that suits your comfort needs. If you would like help comparing the 5.0 cm and 10.0 cm options, contact easy camp and we will guide you towards a set-up that fits the way you camp.
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