Why You’re Sleeping Cold: The Truth About R-Value in Camping Mats

Have you ever woken up freezing at 3am despite your plush sleeping bag with an arctic-level rating? Your camping mat might be to blame, and it all comes down to the R-value.

What is R-Value?

R-value measures thermal resistance, or basically, how well your mat insulates you from the cold ground, and the higher the R-value, the warmer you’ll sleep.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

Your sleeping bag can only do so much if you’re lying on a mat with no insulation, becasue heat loss to the cold ground is one of the biggest contributors to restless and chilly nights outdoors.

R-Value Guide for Campers

• R 1 – 2: Warm summer nights only.
• R 2 – 3.5: Suitable for spring and autumn conditions.
• R 4 – 5.5: Ideal for colder climates or year-round use in New Zealand.
• R 6+: Designed for snow camping or alpine conditions.

Note: If you're a cold sleeper, always size up your R-value.

How to Choose the Right R-Value

• Year-round adventurer? Choose the versatility of an R4-rated mat, like the Domex Compact. Lightweight and adaptable. 
• Alpine missions? Go high! The R8-value of the Domex Ultra is suited to those who feel the cold and people with a love of alpine and mid-winter adventures. 

Bonus Tip: Layer Up

For extreme conditions, combine a foam mat underneath your inflatable mat to boost warmth and protect against punctures.