Camping mat suitable for winter

[reluctantbrit]

We are on the search for a new camping mat for DD. She is a Scout and her pack loves going camping all year round.

She was at a camp just 2 weeks ago and for the first time said she was cold. It didn’t help that the ground was muddy. She has a bog-standard mat at the moment, bought for an in-house sleepover several years ago and used with no issue during Summer but it seems she needs an upgrade.

Neither DH nor I are campers and friends who camp don’t go at these times.

So, anyone here with a recommendations? Her next camp is in 2 weeks, so she needs something decent soon.

She will most likely continue with Scouting, so the mat should last several years ideally and needs to be packed small.

Whichever mat you chose I suggest laying a ‘space blanket’ underneath it, to help insulate the ground. They’re not expensive, about £3

When you say a big standard mat do you mean a roll up foam mat? Like a yoga mat but a bit thicker?

Bog standard.

Will she need to hike carrying this mat or will she arrive by car / coach?

And (sorry for all the q’s) what sleeping bag does she have?

Thermarest, go somewhere like go outdoors, then look at compromise between size/ thickness. They inflate, so provide some insulation.

@BlouseAndSkirt - yes, the roll up one.
She has a good sleeping bag, 3-4 season , the leaders do check suitability if the children go to the autumn/winter activities beforehand.

As she had the same mat last year but the ground was dryer, not necessarily warmer, we do think the dampness was an issue so we look to find something which insulates better

They do arrive by coach/minibus but often have to walk to the actual side. She also wants to do DoE at one point and this would obviously mean hiking with all her kit.

@Cantchooseaname
Will look up where a good camping store is, thanks.

This has an R (warmth / insulation) value of 3.5 which is pretty good www.amazon.co.uk/Thermarest-Ridge-Rest-Solar-Sleeping/dp/B003F01QA0?tag=mumsnetforu03-21 It is light to carry, easy to roll up, and nothing can go wrong with it - no valves to leak or skin to puncture. It is 2 Cm thick so if she doesn't weigh too much and has a well padded sleeping bag, she will probably be OK. My DS was camping in snow and frost on one of these and was OK.

More lightweight version here rockrun.com/products/thermarest-ridge-rest-solite-large?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Paid&utm_campaign=CPC&variant=31458534408&sfdr_ptcid=8795_100_68898813&sfdr_hash=1bdd13cef23ad9cf9f0049f80e6a06b8&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr-_tBRCMARIsAN413WQL1BaK4JrHqz9qErEGt1B9Iw72L5CxpT_XNZCK-o33TYW8XkZ7jhoaAvQpEALw_wcB

Otherwise a SIM, say a Vango 5Cm would be OK, but they are bulkier / heavier, and can puncture or suffer leaky valves if they are jumped on etc.

You can sew two fleece blankets loosely together in a tube to put round the outside of her sleeping bag. This will help insulate from above and below and be lightweight.

Inexpensive solutions include the space blanket and a sleeping bag liner. And wear more clothes.

As for backing mats the thermarest neo air is excellent but expensive.

i camp in all temps in winter etc. thermarest neo air x therm or just the neo air.

Agree with liner, very little weight or size, also warm sox and hat.
Love camping but regardless of weather always cold the first night.