Travel mats; From picnic to camping, your constant companion

Travel mats are one of the necessary equipment for nature tourism. These mats are usually light in weight and therefore easy to transport. In addition to providing a comfortable and clean space for sitting and resting, the travel mat also prevents the penetration of cold and the impact of hard and sharp objects such as stones and plant thorns on the body. These mattresses are sold in different materials such as wicker, compressed foam, and fabric, and some of the best mattress brands include Quechua, Naturehike, Big Agnes, and Climate.

Learn more about travel mattresses:

All kinds of mats suitable for travel

Travel mats by gender

Travel mats have many varieties; For example, some underlays are used for wet or dry environments and some are used in rocky places.

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• Fabric underlay: Fabric underlays take up little space and are light in weight. They are usually made of polyester, nylon and tarpaulin. These types of underlays are only suitable for smooth and gravel-free surfaces.
• Compressed foam mattress: Compact foam mattresses are designed to be lightweight and easy to transport. These underlays protect the body against the cold of the earth and are used for winter nature tours, especially in the mountains. This type of underlay can be used for gravelly lands and high and dry environments. Also, these underlays have a soft surface and create a comfortable space for sitting.
• Wicker mat: The mat is sold in two wooden and plastic models. Wooden models can be easily transported; Because they are light. Also, these models are easily cleaned. The plastic model can last for a long time.
• Inflatable mattress: There are two models of inflatable mattresses; Some of them are inflated by a pump and some are inflated automatically after opening. After deflating, these underlays are folded and fully compressed, and therefore require little space. Inflatable mattresses are suitable for winter trips and prevent the cold of the ground from penetrating the body. In general, these underlays create a comfortable space for sitting and resting.

Travel mats according to the type of application

At the time of buying a travel mattress, attention should be paid to the type of their use; Because each of the underlays are made for specific conditions.

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• Picnic mat: This type of underlay is often available in all of our homes and is designed for outdoor use. Usually, picnic mats are waterproof on the bottom surface and soft and comfortable on the top surface.
• Beach mat: These types of mats are similar to picnic mats; But in their construction, materials are used that sand does not penetrate.
• Camping mat: Camping mats are more resistant and have thermal insulation capabilities.
• Climbing mat: In addition to resistance to cold and water penetration, weight is also very important in climbing underlays; Because it has to be transported a long distance.
• Sleeping pad: Nature tourists usually place these underlays under their sleeping bags; Because these mattresses are thick and provide good conditions for sleeping. These underlays are often rolled and made of standard foam; Therefore, it is not difficult to transport them. To collect these mats, you have to roll them.
• Tent underlay: Many tents have a special foundation; But if the tent does not have a base, it can be purchased separately. Tent mats are usually waterproof, light in weight and placed inside the tent.

Key features of waterproof and resistant underlays

The quality of waterproof underlays is a very important issue; Because the lack of quality and optimal performance of these underlays causes injury and disease in humans.

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• Easy portability: Waterproof mats should have a special bag so that they can be carried easily. Also, having a bag helps prevent dirt from spreading to other travel equipment.
• Light weight: Travel underlays are often used in nature tourism, and considering that many paths in nature are not driveable, travel equipment such as underlays should be light so that people can easily carry them with them.
• Resistance to water penetration: Quality waterproof mats do not absorb water and moisture. Usually waterproof underlays are made of polyester or nylon so that they can resist water.
• Ease of cleaning: One of the important features of waterproof underlays is their easy washing ability. Waterproof underlays are often placed on damp and wet floors and therefore become contaminated; Therefore, it should be possible to wash them easily.
• Antibacterial and antifungal: It is possible for bacteria and fungi to grow in humid environments; Because travel mats are spread in humid and wet environments, they must have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Thermal insulation: Waterproof travel mats must be able to retain heat and prevent the cold of the wet ground from penetrating the human body.
• High durability: The material and quality of the underlay are important factors for the durability of the underlay.

Foam or inflatable mattresses: which is better?

Foam and air mattresses each have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, people should choose one of them according to their needs.

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• Time saving: Foam underlays do not require preparation and save time. While inflatable mattresses must be inflated before use, and it is necessary for people to spend time preparing the mattress during their trip.
• Health issues: Some inflatables can be inflated without a pump and by blowing through the mouth; This issue causes mouth moisture and pollution to enter the air mattress; But the foam underlays are ready to use without the need for air and are completely hygienic.
• Portability: Inflatable mattresses are lighter than foam mattresses, require less space and are therefore easier to transport.
• Thermal insulation: Inflatable mattresses can retain heat better than foam mattresses.
• Cost: Foam mattresses are sold at a cheaper price than inflatable models.
• Care: Sharp objects such as stones, thorns, and plant branches tear the air cushions. Therefore, people should pay attention to the place of spreading the floor.
• Convenience: In general, inflatable mattresses provide more comfortable conditions for rest than foam models.

Top brands of travel mattresses

Many companies around the world produce travel mattresses; But some brands are more famous globally. Of course, before buying the products, it is better to read the opinions of the users about the desired product.

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• “Quechua”: The French brand Quechua is engaged in the production of travel equipment. Among the products of this brand, we can mention waterproof underlays, travel backpacks, travel tents, etc.
• “King Camp”: King Camp is a Chinese company that is active in the field of outdoor camping and outdoor recreation. The products of this brand include inflatable mattresses, tents, sleeping bags, etc.
• “Granite Equipment” (Granite Equipment): Granite Equipment is an Iranian brand and a well-known name in the field of mountaineering products such as travel mats, backpacks, bags, etc.
• “Naturehike”.: Naturehike company is located in China and sells camping, travel and mountaineering equipment such as travel mats, travel tents, travel containers, etc.
• “Therm-a-Rest”: The French brand Thermoset makes the equipment needed for travel. Some of the products of this brand include travel mats, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs, etc.
• “Sea to Summit”: Sea To Summit is an Australian brand whose camping and travel equipment, such as travel mats, camping containers, sleeping bags, etc., are famous in the world.
• “Exped”: The headquarters of the EXPED brand is located in Switzerland. This brand produces equipment needed for travel, whose products include travel mats, ponchos, backpacks, etc.
• “Big Agnes”: Big Agnes started its activity in America in the field of camping and adventure equipment production. Currently, the products of this brand, such as travel mats, sleeping bags, tents, etc., are very popular in the world.
• REI Co-op: The Ray Coop brand was established in America with the aim of producing outdoor equipment. Currently, people all over the world are interested in many products of this brand, such as travel mats, tents, water bottles, etc.
• “Climate” (Klymit): The Klymit brand in America is active in the field of producing outdoor equipment such as travel mats, tents, travel pillows, etc.

Important points in the maintenance of travel rugs

Proper maintenance of the underlay makes this travel device maintain its original quality for a long time.

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• Rough terrain: It is better not to spread the underlayment on uneven ground such as rocky surfaces.
• sunlight: Do not expose the mats to the sun for a long time. Sunlight will lead to discoloration and rotting of the underlay.
• Washing: If the mattress has special washing instructions, follow the same procedure. Otherwise, wash the mattress with a special detergent and a damp cloth. Note that wooden mats should not be washed with water. Also, foam and inflatable underlays should not be washed directly with water or washing machine.
• drying: After washing the mattress, dry it well so that it does not get an unpleasant smell. Placing the mat under the sun will help kill bacteria and contamination.
• Packaging: After washing and drying the mattress, put it in a special bag.
• Repair: If you see a tear or wear of the underlayment, repair the part in question. If it is not repaired, it is possible that the damage will spread to other parts and tear and wear will increase.

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In your opinion, which travel mats are better? If you are a nature traveler, what recommendations do you have for buying and choosing a suitable travel mattress? We would be happy if you share your experiences and opinions with us and Kajaro companions.

_{Cover photo source: adventurepending.com website; Photographer: Unknown}