Gelert Adventure XL 10cm Self Inflating Camping Mat

When Thermorest developed the concept of the self inflating mat as a lightweight yet well insulated camping mat I don't think they imagined that this monster would ever be created! At an expanded width of 10cm it certainly leads towards the camper who wants the most comfortable nights sleep. However with size also comes bulk and this mat is restricted to those who go camping by car as it when packed away it could quite literally fill a 65 litre rucksack by itself!

Mat Specification

Part of Gelert's midrange Adventure Series of self inflating mats, this model is the thickest they do (3 & 5cm versions are also available). The XL in the name also signifies that it is wider and longer than standard mats at 198 x 64cm in size. It uses open cell foam as the filling, uses 70D Polyester for both the top and base and weighs a whopping 3.2 kg.

The Pros

Obviously if being comfortable when camping is one of your top priorities then this mat certainly ticks that box. The depth means you won't feel any lumps or bumps underneath and the additional width stops you falling off the mat in the night. As you would imagine this mat needs a lot of air to inflate so its good to see Gelert have included two valves on the mat. This are the standard twist open/close type rather than pull valves but at this price range you can't complain. The 70D material will withstand the knocks and handling of family camping but we wouldn't recommend using on bare ground or letting the kids fight on it. Supplied with the mat are both carry straps and bag which comfortably fit around the mat when rolled up without any struggling. Although it seems like a bad omen, a repair kit is supplied but you rarely get leaks with self inflating mats and they are much easier to fix and find than with pvc airbeds.

The Cons

Self inflating mats were created as a modern replacement to the traditional foam mats which you could slip inside your rucksack or fix on the outside. This model is way too heavy and bulky (packs to 65 x 21cm) to take hiking or trekking and so is refined to car camping. It would also have been nice to have seen some non-slip dots on the base but its weight goes someway to minimising slips. The Adventure XL 10cm has an RRP of £65 which is much more expensive then its thinner counterparts which you can pickup for around £25. To some the additional £40 will seem an unnecessary spend but those who want their camping sleep to feel like home its a small price to pay.

Alternative Products

Gelert Expedition 10cm XL Self Inflating Mat - for £10 you get a non slip surface and 150D polyester which is more durable

Conclusion

We wouldn't be lying if we said this was one of the comfiest sleeping mats we have tested. Its durable, well made and will happily give you many years of camping enjoyment. However we do feel its getting to the stage where you may as well take your mattress from home with you! Sometimes camping is about roughing it a little and with products like this you'll sleep better than at home!