Best RV Mat Guide & Outdoor Rug

Choosing a Best RV Mat Guide can seem like quite a daunting task. There are many different types, each with its own benefits and downfalls. Therefore, it’s important before investing in a mat to know which one will best suit your needs. This article will break down all of the different types of mats available on the market today that will help you choose the right one for your next trip into the great outdoors.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An RV Mat:

Type of Vacation

Camping mats come in various types depending on where you plan to go camping, how much time you have and what type of experience you prefer. Here are some examples:

Weight

Some camping mats are very heavy and bulky to carry, which can be painful on longer trips. However, there are some great lightweight options as well.

Mat Thickness

A thicker mat will be more comfortable for you to rest your body on, but it also takes up more room in your car or RV. So be sure if the thickness is a top priority that you consider the extra space before purchasing a mat.

Mat Material & Comfort

There are many different materials that camping mats can be made from, such as closed-cell foam, self-inflating mats, and open-cell foam. However, in this article, we will focus on these three main categories:

Closed Cell Foam Mats

Closed-cell foam mats are very popular for their comfort and insulation in cold weather. They’re made of closed-cell polyethylene foams, which makes them sturdy yet lightweight.

Self Inflating Mats

These pads tend to be heavy, but they offer the most comfort out of any other type of camping mat. They are made with durable materials that stretch when you unroll them, creating an air-tight seal that keeps you off the ground when sleeping or just hanging around camp. The mats will need to inflate before use, so they take longer than others to set up. Open Cell Foam Mats

These mats are usually quite thin and don’t offer much support but can still be a good option for some situations. They don’t take up much space and can be durable for their weight and material.

Extra Features

Some camping mats offer extra features that might be important to you, such as Insulation, Reflective Surface, Waterproof Top Sheet. When choosing an RV mat, it’s important to consider all of these factors so you can choose the best possible option for your needs. With many different types available on the market today, it can seem like a large task, but once you narrow down what features are most important to you, the options become quite simple! Once you have chosen your mat, choose one with a great carry bag or backpack, so they are easier to transport.

Types of Camping Trip

The type of camping trip will determine if a self-inflating, closed-cell foam or open cell foam pad is best for you. For example, if a warm-weather excursion is in your future, a self-inflating mattress may be right for you because it has insulation and offers comfort when sleeping on colder nights away from home. A closed-cell foam mat will be best if weight and ease of travel are important because they are sturdy but lightweight. On the other hand, if you plan to spend time under the stars on long camping trips, consider an open-cell foam pad for comfort that won’t weigh you down or take up too much room in your RV or vehicle.

Self-inflating Mats

The weight of each type is different so keep this in mind when making your purchase. For example, self-inflating mats tend to weigh more than closed-cell foam pads. However, closed-cell foam pads can be bulky, so if being lighter is more important than comfort, look into buying an open-cell foam camping mat instead. Generally, self-inflating mattresses are made out of polyurethane, making them heavier, durable, and long-lasting.

Closed-cell Foam Mats

Closed-cell foam mats are usually made with polyethylene which makes them lightweight but not as durable. Open-cell foam pads are light and thin, so they don’t take much room when transporting or storing them in your RV.
The thickness of each type varies and can be a big factor for some people. Self-inflating mattresses tend to be thicker than closed-cell foam mats, making them more comfortable to sleep on and taking up more space.

Open-cell Foam Camping Mats

As we mentioned before, open-cell foam camping mats are generally thin and very lightweight, making them easier to transport and store in smaller spaces such as an RV. Depending on the material each type of mat is made from you will likely find that self-inflating mattresses are not puncture-proof. Closed-cell foam mats are usually made with polyethylene, making them more durable than open-cell foam pads. It will tend to be less puncture resistant because they are lighter in weight.

Most self-inflating mattresses don’t have reflective surfaces, but some models feature insulation. In addition, open-cell foam camping mats can sometimes come with a reflective surface. It making them great for colder weather camping trips where the extra warmth could make your trip more enjoyable. All closed-cell foam mats are reflective on one side of the mat. This surface is designed specifically to reflect body heat to you when sleeping on cold nights outdoors.

Conclusion

If storage space is important, this might be an issue depending on what kind of mat you plan on buying. For example, self-inflating mattresses tend to take up more space than closed-cell foam mats because they are heavier and thicker.