A common pairing is an inflatable mat with a foam pad underneath if you need more ground protection or a bit more warmth.
Foam pads can get bulky but can usually be easily attached to the outside of your bag. Something like [this](https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/trekking-folding-foam-mattress-180-x-55cm-mt500/174619/c149c344m8492712&utm_term=8492712-2558419?srsltid=AfmBOoq7HXhPyxh7tm4hoREiE9hu6UBlSANQHsLcyXPaU0-YTYHNyRXRx4s) from Decathlon, or [this](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yellowstone-Eva-Camping-Mat-Foil/dp/B0037CF68E/ref=pd_ci_mcx_di_int_sccai_cn_d_sccl_1_3/523-7138344-0808729?pd_rd_w=nvEY4&content-id=amzn1.sym.6448d24d-f04d-4e11-90e5-10165d266aa2&pf_rd_p=6448d24d-f04d-4e11-90e5-10165d266aa2&pf_rd_r=6HDKBT4C5GV5NDTK2KYH&pd_rd_wg=xgrcR&pd_rd_r=583f5777-ff35-4bea-a83c-a11fbbcc82e5&pd_rd_i=B0037CF68E&psc=1) from Amazon would be fine.
Cheaper inflatable mats won't be as warm but you can still be comfortable without spending hundreds. [Trekology](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trekology-Camping-Mat-Sleeping-Mattress/dp/B07N4KK854/ref=sr_1_5_sspa?crid=39AWK5A5XYXFI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fG0OIQ7IgMUweQ53z6UeudExcj8BbTWfrE96zTv7efa5LMseed_NgM_6X-Z45RSs9LnycANiJUzJYiQRxhnFa-5aV-LWE9TSTMXBGsrmA9Vv48SjMoARKvX2b-YibZdBHkWzfGfDSix0fJYpADxhNTnH5nT6ZwzDW6eWgnqg5ERZiIcGSc5ntag_4Fn_zltux-Qj6kguLaadgsijTiCZhWtUJM99CI39wKfm72xAJtuQUy_3kfv4ogBUJ3APm6w3I25aRhJK44wlMJZQNwelSb7Ijke9pyoubTGZgHNeHrk.9Y9XdV2WRWkuaIcjzhWP9rVYGb9eaoOehL9Z7nw6tmQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=trekology%2Binflatable&qid=1776339477&sprefix=trekology%2Binflatable%2B%2Caps%2C235&sr=8-5-spons&aref=Br9TPS8xcN&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1) is decent and comfy enough with a foam pad. That will do you well for spring-autumn camping. I have used this mat and the decathlon pad in 0 degree temps and just started to feel a bit cold.
If you're gonna camp in colder weather or want to be warmer something like the Alpkit Radiant (can recommend personally), Highlander Nap-Pak arctic or OEX Flux 5 are solid options on the cheaper side. Just check the inflatable first before you go to make sure there aren't any leaks.
Check out the Decathlon foldabletrekking foam pad
(https://www.decathlon.ch/en/p/matelas-mousse-de-trekking-pliable-mt500-180-x-55-cm-1-personne/_/R-p-174619).
Costs around 20 Bucks, 370 g, R 2.1
ZLite is around 50 bucks, 410 g, R 1.7
So cheaper, lighter and warmer than the ZLite!
Slept on it multiple times and was happy with it.
If weight and volume don’t have high priority: Search the plastic recycling bins for packaging foam. Not hard, brittle styrofoam (though that would work as well, but how are you going to transport it?) but the squishy, flexible type you can roll up. Cardboard would work as well if you can transport it and prevent it from getting wet.
The cheapest “proper” option is a closed cell foam mat. Instead of going for the well known Therm A Rest Z-Lite you can get the Decathlon clone much cheaper: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/trekking-folding-foam-mattress-180-x-55cm-mt500/174619/c149c344m8492712
Insulation between your body and the ground is very important. Ideally for freezing conditions you should have at least 3 or 4cm of foam or other well insulating material (which doesn’t compress too much under body weight) between you and the ground.
Used my SL Rapide with a Decathlon Forclaz z fold mat in -3 c (26 f) and didn’t feel any cold. Used a Nemo Disco 15 bag though not a quilt. I find it a great pad but probably wouldn’t go too much colder. Lots of factors to other factors to consider…did you eat fatty food before bed (chocolate, cheese etc.), did you get warm through exercise before you got into bed, maybe Nalgene as a hot water bottle in a hiking sock, I use a Sea to Summit Reactor liner when cold and do think it adds some warmth, did you wear merino base layers/socks and wear down jacket (take off if too hot once in) etc etc.
Makes sense. I think the z fold I got makes a difference when it’s really cold. Only £20 from Decathlon and not too much of a pain..I strap it to the bottom of my pack.
The Exped Flex 3R is advertised as the thickest CCF on the market, at 3.1cm (1.2"), compared to around 2cm on the Nemo Switchback and Thermarest Z-lite.
i've tried a 2cm CCF before (Decathlon) and couldn't get a good night sleep as a side sleeper.
Does anyone have any experience with the Exped Flex 3R? Is it significantly plushier than other CCF pads? Any side sleepers used it?
ilmjo
