Check and pack
Whether you have an ultra-light small sleeping mat or a simple foam mat, it’s worth taking time to consider how to care, pack and look after your mat to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible and serves you well. If you are anything like me you tend to just shove your mat and sleeping bag into your pack without much thought, but I have got caught out a few times with a mouldy and a leaky mat. It only takes a few minutes and helps your gear last longer.
Check
Check the material for wear and tear, top and bottom, and that it’s clean and dry. Check that valves work (no hissing when closed and when laying on the mat) and that there are no punctures (check it stays inflated).
Pack
While it’s tempting to strap a sleeping mat to the outside of a pack, as seen in movies and done by other walkers, terrain and weather determine if this is a good idea. If you are expecting wide tracks, little obstructing vegetation and no scrambling, then the chances of damaging sleeping mat are low. However, if you’re expecting even a small section of dense bush, narrow tracks or pushing packs over rocks, then there’s a good chance the mat will suffer quite a bit of damage when strapped outside. Try to have all your gear inside your pack.
It’s always best to have everything inside the pack, thus keeping the items clean, dry and secure. Inflatable mats are especially susceptible to puncture. Also, some modern mats are quite small when deflated, and there should be room in the pack.
If the only feasible way to carry your sleeping mat is to strap it to the outside of your pack, please do not wrap it in plastic bags. These just get shredded, and plastic will fall onto the track, contrary to leaving no trace. The least worst position on the outside of your pack is the back of your pack where there will be less contact with vegetation and rocks than other positions. You can place it in a heavy duty dry bag to keep it dry and clean.
