Thermal mat guide

Wherever body heat should not be lost, thermal pads are used. Depending on requirements, they are available in different sizes and material thicknesses. What types of thermal mat are there, what are they used for and what is the right mat for what purpose?

Small but nice – the thermo-seat cushion

If you do not want to freeze while sitting at the bus stop or in the park, you will be well equipped with a warming thermo-seat cushion. These practical companions can be rolled up or folded to save space and are therefore quickly stowed in the bag. If required, the seat pads made of foam and aluminum foil protect against heat loss. While some models have a polyester textile finish, pure foam designs are water-repellent, so they can be used in wet grass when camping.

The Thermal Mat as a sleeping pad

When sleeping in the wild or in the tentThermal mats reduce the unwanted heat loss. As a support for the Sleeping bagThe mat prevents body heat from being released to the cold ground during the night. The rule of thumb is that the thicker the mat, the stronger the thermal insulation.

The classic Thermal Mat is made of foamed plastic, such as polyethylene. The fine-pored material forms innumerable small air chambers. The air in it forms the insulating layer to the ground and prevents the body from giving off heat. Who wants an additional isolation, decides for one Thermal Mat with aluminum coating.

Thermal mats made of foam are very light. They can be rolled up and tied together with straps. A space-saving stowage is difficult because they can not be folded. The low weight is an advantage. Since the thin foam layer has little cushioning effect, this pad is not very comfortable when sleeping.

Comfortable sleeping on the inflatable Thermal Mat

If you do not want to do without a padded sleeping pad when camping, you should opt for an inflatable Thermal Mat decide. This variant offers in addition to the larger lying comfort also better insulation, as there is more air between the warm body and the cold floor than conventional foam mats. However, they are bigger and heavier and therefore not as easy to stow as foamed mats.

Even more comfort when camping: self-inflating thermal pads even fill with air by itself. They contain compressed polyurethane foam that expands to its original size when the valve is opened. As soon as the mat is filled with air, the valve is closed again. After use, the air is forced out of the thermal mat by rolling it up again. Many models are supplied with a practical carrying bag, in which the mat can be stowed to save space.

Yoga, Pilates and Co – Thermomats for the sport

Thermal mats are not only used by campers, they also have their place in the ground sport. Whether gymnastics, yoga or Pilates: Who makes many exercises on the ground, requires a firm yet resilient pad, so that the joints are spared.

A thermal mat for sports should not be too thin, so it has a cushioning effect. If you do not need to transport the mat you should opt for a thick specimen, even if these models are heavier. Attention: For yoga exercises you need a slightly thinner mat – thick thermo pads offer too little support due to the padding in the yoga-typical stance exercises.

An important aspect is the body size: The mat should be a good bit longer than the athlete who uses it, so that exercises while lying no problem. Athletes with a large body size may not find such thermo mats under the standard models. However, there is the possibility for long-grown people to have the mat length cut to its size.