The Difference Between Camping Mats And Sleeping Bags

The Difference Between Camping Mats And Sleeping Bags

The most obvious difference between camping mats and sleeping bags is in their functions. The camping mat is generally a closed cell foam rubber mat that is placed directly on the ground or floor of the tent. The sleeping bag is laid over top of the mat. The mat absorbs the irregularities in the area where the camper wishes to sleep.

The sleeping bag’s function is to provide a warm, comfortable wrap for the camper to nestle into and find sleep. Instead of a bed frame, box springs and a mattress with sheets to lie in with a blanket and comforter covering him, the camper must create a cocoon of insulation with an outer covering that will dispel any moisture, wind or creepy things that may want to join him in the night.

The camping mat can be an inflatable type, which will provide not just a shock-absorbing pad between the camper and the hard ground, but will also develop a measurable amount of insulation to ward off any heat loss to the cold earth beneath. A good inflatable camping mat is made of a rips top outer material that will not tear easily and will stand up to a lot of wear on rough terrain.

Some bags can fit into a specialized category that provides more than a sleeping cocoon for the camper. There are some that have a built-in tent covering with framework that offers protection from the elements far better than the average bag. This type coupled with mosquito netting makes it a great place to get a good night’s rest on a summer’s night in the woods.

If one were to have to decide between which to take with him on a trek, the difference between camping mats and sleeping bags would be quite profound. The sleeping bag would win every time. It is easy to create a sleeping area on the ground by whisking away all twigs and small stones with a pine or cedar bough used as a broom. If the ground still presents a challenge with rocky protrusions, gather up a few pine boughs to use as a makeshift camping mat/mattress. It is surprising just how comfortable a pine bough mattress can be.

Another do-it-yourself form of mat can be made by gathering a pile of dry leaves together to form a mound to place your bag. This also will offer a good restful natural mattress.

In finding the difference between camping mats and sleeping bags, you will come to the conclusion that having both makes for a much more comfortable night’s rest than trying to live with just one of them. Whether you hike or rough it with a large tent and accessories, a camping pad and a good moisture resistant sleeping bag are indispensable.