A good night’s sleep can make or break a camping trip — and if you’re sharing a tent with a partner, a quality double self-inflating mat is one of the best investments you can make. Whether you’re camping on the Cornish coast near Newquay, exploring the South West Coast Path, or heading to a campsite in Padstow, St Ives, or further afield across the UK, the right mat makes all the difference. We’ve compared the full range we stock at Newquay Camping Shop to help you find the right one.
What to Look for in a Double Camping Mat
- Thickness — more thickness = more comfort and insulation. 5cm is fine for summer; 10cm+ is noticeably more comfortable; 16cm is as close to a proper mattress as camping gets.
- R-Value — measures insulation from cold ground. Higher = warmer. For UK summer camping, R3+ is fine. For year-round use — including Cornwall’s shoulder season — aim for R7+.
- Size — most doubles are around 120–132cm wide and 195–200cm long. Check it fits your tent’s sleeping area.
- Weight & pack size — thicker mats are heavier. If you’re car camping or caravanning across the South West, this matters less than if you’re hiking.
The Best Double Camping Mats — Ranked by Thickness
🥇 Vango Shangri-La Lux 16 Double — £259.00
16cm | R-Value 12.5
The best double camping mat we stock, full stop. At 16cm thick with an R-Value of 12.5, the Shangri-La Lux 16 is in a class of its own. The built-in USB-rechargeable pump inflates and deflates in around 60 seconds — no separate pump needed. Dreamlock Construction reduces pack size by 20% vs the previous model. Whether you’re pitching up at a Newquay campsite or touring Cornwall in a motorhome, this delivers hotel-quality sleep on the campsite. Best for: couples who refuse to compromise on comfort.
Outwell Sleepnest 14cm Double — £249.00
14cm
A premium 14cm mat from Outwell with zoned foam technology, a 3D profile, and a stretch-polyester surface. PFAS-free construction and delamination-proof TPU. A serious mat for serious campers — and a strong alternative to the Shangri-La if you prefer Outwell’s build quality. Best for: couples wanting premium comfort without the built-in pump.
Outwell Dreamcatcher Double 10cm — £139.00
10cm | R-Value 11.2
Outstanding R-Value for a 10cm mat — 11.2 is exceptional and makes this suitable for year-round UK camping including cold Cornish winters and exposed coastal pitches. Wave-shaped foam core, fast-fit carry bag with shoulder strap, and PFC-free fabric. Best for: year-round campers who want great insulation without going to 16cm.
Vango Arcadia 10 Double — £144.00
10cm | R-Value 9.1
Vango’s 10cm double with a velvety soft top, non-slip polyester base, and Cyclone Flip Valve for easy inflation. R-Value 9.1 makes it a solid four-season option for camping across Cornwall and the South West. Best for: Vango fans wanting a step up from the 7.5cm.
Kampa Luxury Double 10cm — £84.99
10cm
The best-value 10cm double mat in our range. Egg-crate foam for even comfort, quick-flow valve, and stuff sack included. No published R-Value, but at this price it’s hard to beat for summer camping in Cornwall. Best for: budget-conscious couples wanting 10cm comfort.
Vango Arcadia 7.5 Double — £110.00
7.5cm | R-Value 7.4
A well-priced 7.5cm mat with a velvety soft top, non-slip base, and Cyclone Flip Valve. R-Value 7.4 is solid for three-season UK camping — including Cornwall’s spring and autumn. Best for: couples who want a good all-rounder without going to 10cm+.
Outwell Sleepin 7.5cm Double — £79.00
7.5cm
Outwell’s entry-level 7.5cm double — AFC valve, carry bag included, and PFC-free fabric. A reliable, no-fuss option at a great price for summer camping across the South West. Best for: occasional campers on a budget.
Outwell Dreamcatcher 5cm Double — £84.99
5cm | R-Value 5.3
Don’t let the 5cm thickness put you off — the Dreamcatcher’s R-Value of 5.3 is impressive for a mat this slim, and the wave-shaped foam core adds comfort beyond what the thickness suggests. Best for: couples who want a packable mat without sacrificing insulation.
Outwell Sleepin 5cm Double — £54.99
5cm
The most affordable double mat in our range. AFC valve, carry bag, and PFC-free fabric. Fine for summer camping in Cornwall and across the UK. Best for: beginners or occasional campers on a tight budget.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mat | Thickness | R-Value | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vango Shangri-La Lux 16 | 16cm | 12.5 | £259.00 |
| Outwell Sleepnest 14cm | 14cm | — | £249.00 |
| Outwell Dreamcatcher 10cm | 10cm | 11.2 | £139.00 |
| Vango Arcadia 10 | 10cm | 9.1 | £144.00 |
| Kampa Luxury 10cm | 10cm | — | £84.99 |
| Vango Arcadia 7.5 | 7.5cm | 7.4 | £110.00 |
| Outwell Sleepin 7.5cm | 7.5cm | — | £79.00 |
| Outwell Dreamcatcher 5cm | 5cm | 5.3 | £84.99 |
| Outwell Sleepin 5cm | 5cm | — | £54.99 |
Our Verdict
For most couples camping in Cornwall and the South West, the Vango Shangri-La Lux 16 is the standout choice — nothing else combines 16cm thickness, R-Value 12.5, and a built-in pump at this price. If budget is a consideration, the Outwell Dreamcatcher 10cm at £139 offers exceptional R-Value for the money and is a brilliant all-rounder for year-round UK camping.
Browse the full range in store at Newquay Camping Shop in Newquay, Cornwall — one of the leading camping retailers in the South West — or shop online with free UK delivery.
