Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self Inflating Mat
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Camp Plus Self Inflating Mat
Self-Inflating Foam Mat · Body-Mapped Air Zone · R-Value 5.3
The Camp Plus Self Inflating Mat delivers extra comfort with 33% more thickness than standard mats and adjustable firmness to match your sleep style. Body-mapped Air Zone construction keeps insulation where it's needed and cuts weight where it's not. The weight-efficient Contour Shape adds more sleep area — ideal for a wide range of body types and sleep styles. Made with rugged, certified recycled 75D polyester, it's built to last season after season.
Self-Inflating
Open-cell foam core self-inflates when valve opens. Add a few breaths to dial in firmness.
33% Thicker
7 cm / 2.76 in loft — significantly deeper than standard mats for side and back sleepers.
Body-Mapped
Air Zone construction puts foam + insulation where you need it, not where you don't.
4-Season Warmth
ASTM R-Value 5.3 handles extended three-season to borderline winter temperatures.
Recycled 75D
Certified recycled 75D woven polyester face fabric — durable, abrasion-resistant, sustainable.
Easy Pack-Up
Side-loading stuff sack + XPEL valve = tighter rolls and faster packing.
Size Comparison (4 Sizes)
Air Zone Body-Mapped Construction (NEW)
Air Zone is STS's body-mapped foam + insulation layout — it puts thicker foam under the torso (where your weight sits) and thinner/hollowed sections where you don't need support (legs, edges).
How it works:
- Foam thickness is calibrated to body parts — thicker where you compress most
- Hollow zones in low-priority areas reduce weight without sacrificing sleep comfort
- Insulation is layered to match — warmer where you sleep, lighter elsewhere
Result: A mat that sleeps like a thicker mat but weighs less than uniform foam would.
The Camp Plus uses Air Zone construction (heavier, more insulation). The lighter Pursuit Plus uses Air Light construction (lighter but less insulation-focused) — for backpackers prioritizing weight.
Self-Inflating Mechanism (HOW IT WORKS)
The mat uses open-cell polyurethane foam as its core. When the valve is open, the foam draws air in like a sponge — the cells expand and pull air through the valve automatically.
Inflation steps:
1. Unroll the mat, valve open
2. Wait 5-10 minutes — foam self-inflates to ~80% capacity
3. Add 2-4 breaths of mouth air to dial in firmness
4. Close valve
Deflation steps:
1. Open valve fully (XPEL valve enables faster deflation)
2. Press flat from foot end toward valve end
3. Roll tightly (the contour shape allows tight rolls)
4. Insert into stuff sack via the wide side-loading opening
5. Compress stuff sack to expel remaining air
Why "self-inflating" + breath: the foam cells can only draw so much air before backpressure stops them. A few breaths top it off to your preferred firmness.
Contour Shape (NEW — DESIGN)
The Contour Shape is STS's width-efficient rectangular shape — it adds 12% more sleep area than a standard mummy-cut mat.
Compare to mummy shape:
- Mummy mats taper at the foot — saves weight but constrains sleep positions
- Contour Shape keeps full width (or close to full) across the entire length
- 12% more usable area without going to a full rectangular
Why this matters:
- Side sleepers can shift positions without falling off
- Active sleepers have room to move
- Couples sharing a tent both fit comfortably
- Tighter than full rectangular = less bulk, less material, slightly lighter
Versus Rectangular Wide / Rectangular: those are full-rectangular — even more sleep area, more material, more weight. Contour is the best balance of space and packability.
Rectangular vs Contour Shape — Two Formats
The Camp Plus comes in two shape styles:
Contour Shape (Regular + Large):
- Slightly tapered ends
- 12% more area than standard mummy
- Lighter weight
- Most efficient pack size
Rectangular (Regular Rectangular Wide + Large Rectangular):
- Full rectangular, no taper
- Maximum sleep area
- Heavier weight (more material)
- Wider/larger pack size
Choose Contour if: you want the best space-to-weight ratio, mostly back/stomach sleepers, limited pack space.
Choose Rectangular if: restless sleepers, side sleepers who extend legs/arms off the edge, prioritising maximum sleep area over pack size.
XPEL Valve (NEW — VALVE TYPE)
XPEL is STS's multi-function valve designed for sleeping mats:
Functions:
- Inflate — open for self-inflation, add breaths for firmness
- Deflate — opens wide for fast air release
- Compact deflation — flattens the foam to enable tighter rolls than standard valves
Compatible with pump sacks: the Airstream Pump Sack (STS951) connects directly to this valve for inflation without breath moisture.
Quick tip: when packing, open valve fully + press foam flat before rolling. The XPEL allows more air out per press than standard valves = smaller packed size.
Side-Loading Stuff Sack
The included stuff sack loads from the side (not the end):
Why side-loading:
- Easier to slide the rolled mat in
- Doesn't fight the roll direction
- Allows compression while mat is inside
- Faster pack-up
Stuff sack material: 100% Polyester — durable, lightweight.
Tip: fold the stuff sack flat inside the mat when packing for ultra-compact storage, then use the rolled mat itself as a pillow platform.
75D Recycled Polyester Face Fabric (NEW)
The mat's outer fabric is 75 denier woven polyester with TPU lamination:
- 75D = mid-weight denier — tough enough for car camping, ground abrasion, dog claws, sharp sticks
- Woven (vs knit) = high tensile strength, low stretch, dimensionally stable
- Recycled = certified recycled content (sustainability)
- TPU lamination = the airtight layer bonded to the inside
Why 75D (vs lighter pads like 20D):
- 75D resists punctures, abrasion, and rough ground
- For car camping / basecamp / paddling, weight is less critical than durability
- Heavier face fabric = longer product life
Vs Pursuit Plus 20D: Pursuit Plus uses 20D for lighter weight, but at the cost of puncture resistance. Camp Plus trades weight for durability.
R-Value 5.3 — ASTM F3340 Testing
R-Value measures a mat's resistance to heat flow (insulation from cold ground). The Camp Plus is rated R-Value 5.3 under ASTM F3340 — the industry-standard testing protocol.
What R-Value 5.3 means in practice:
- Spring/Summer/Fall three-season camping — comfortably warm
- Cool nights (40°F / 4°C) — fine
- Cold nights (32°F / 0°C) — adequate with a 3-season bag
- Below freezing (20°F / -7°C) — borderline, best paired with a winter bag
- Deep winter (-10°F / -23°C) — not enough insulation alone
ASTM F3340 standardization (vs older self-reported R-values): all major mat brands now test to this standard, so you can directly compare across brands (Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes, Nemo, Exped, STS).
Cold sleepers (women run colder, side sleepers compress insulation) should err on the side of higher R-Value — consider pairing with a foam pad underneath for winter.
Activity Recommendations
Per STS, the Camp Plus is best for Camping, Car camping, Hunting, Paddling — not backpacking.
Great for:
- Car camping (weight doesn't matter)
- Basecamp / drive-in sites
- Hunting camps (durability for rough use)
- Canoe / kayak camping (portage short distances)
- Overlanding / van life
- Cabin trips where comfort > weight
- Family camping (kids/bigger sleepers love the roomy Contour)
NOT ideal for:
- Multi-day backpacking (49-52 oz is heavy for a pack)
- Alpine / mountaineering (too heavy, not warm enough)
- Bikepacking (bulk in frame bags)
- Thru-hiking (cumulative weight matters)
Compromise: the Pursuit Plus is the lighter STS SI option — better for backpacking but less durable (20D vs 75D) and less warm (lower R-value).
Comparison: Camp Plus vs Pursuit Plus (STS Self-Inflating Lineup)
Two STS self-inflating mat lines:
| Aspect | Camp Plus | Pursuit Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Air Zone (body-mapped) | Air Light (lighter overall) |
| Face Fabric | 75D woven polyester | 20D (lighter, less durable) |
| Thickness | 7 cm / 2.76 in | Similar 5-6 cm |
| R-Value | 5.3 | Lower (~3-4 — verify) |
| Best Use | Car camping, hunting, paddling | Backpacking, faster trips |
| Weight (Regular) | 1050 g / 37 oz | ~600-700 g (lighter) |
Choose Camp Plus for: durability, warmth, comfort. Heavier but lasts longer.
Choose Pursuit Plus for: lighter weight on the trail. Less durable, less warm.
Other STS mat lines (Air Sprung Cell — ultralight): Ethos, UltraLight, Camp — these are not self-inflating, they use inflatable air chambers with no foam.
Compatible Accessories
Airstream Pump Sack (STS951) — $34.95: inflate without breath (dry inflation). Connects directly to XPEL valve. Useful in cold weather when breath moisture would otherwise condense inside the mat.
Air Chair (STS955) — $39.95: turns the mat into a camp chair with folding + buckles. Compatible with all STS Air Sprung Cell mats + most Self-Inflating mats (this is one of those).
Foam Core Pillow (STS...) — $29.95: foam pillow that pairs with STS mats — sized for use on top of any STS mat.
Performance
Best Use
Camping, Car camping, Hunting, Paddling, Overlanding, Cabin trips, Family camping
Activity Tier
Midweight · Midsize packability (car camping primary, short hike-in acceptable)
Insulation Type
Open-cell polyurethane foam (self-inflating) with body-mapped Air Zone construction
R-Value
5.3 (ASTM F3340)
Thickness
7 cm / 2.76 in
Temperature Range
Three-season extended (warm weather through cold shoulder seasons). Winter capable with supplemental insulation.
Sizes & Dimensions
Regular
183 × 56 × 7 cm / 72 × 22 × 3 in · Weight 1050 g / 37.0 oz (1105 g / 39.0 oz packed) · Packed 28 × 16 × 16 cm / 11 × 6 × 6 in · User height up to 183 cm / 6' · $99.00
Regular Rectangular Wide
183 × 64 × 7 cm / 72 × 25 × 3 in · Weight 1370 g / 48.3 oz (1462 g / 51.6 oz packed) · Packed 33 × 19 × 19 cm / 13 × 7 × 7 in · User height up to 183 cm / 6' · $99.00
Large
198 × 64 × 7 cm / 78 × 25 × 3 in · Weight 1295 g / 45.7 oz (1366 g / 48.2 oz packed) · Packed 32 × 19 × 19 cm / 13 × 7 × 7 in · User height up to 198 cm / 6'6" · $109.00
Large Rectangular
198 × 64 × 7 cm / 78 × 25 × 3 in · Weight 1495 g / 52.7 oz (1520 g / 53.6 oz packed) · Packed 33 × 19 × 19 cm / 13 × 7 × 7 in · User height up to 198 cm / 6'6" · $109.00
Materials
Mat (face fabric)
100% Polyester with TPU lamination (75D woven, certified recycled content)
Valve
100% TPU (XPEL multi-function valve)
Insulation/Core
100% Polyurethane foam (open-cell, body-mapped Air Zone)
Stuff Sack
100% Polyester
Profile
Brand
Sea to Summit (Australian outdoor gear, founded 1983, Boulder CO US HQ)
Category
Sleeping Pads / Self-Inflating Mats / Car Camp Mat
Shape Options
Contour Shape (Regular + Large) — 12% more sleep area than standard mummy; Rectangular (Regular Rectangular Wide + Large Rectangular) — maximum sleep area
Launch
MAY_25 (May 2025) — current model
Sustainability
Certified recycled face fabric, durable construction built for multi-year use
Initial Setup & First Inflation
New self-inflating mats ship compressed and may take 24-48 hours of being unrolled to fully expand.
First-use steps:
1. Unroll the mat, valve open
2. Leave flat for 24-48 hours (allows foam cells to fully decompress)
3. On first inflation, expect slow expansion (sometimes 30+ minutes for full expansion)
4. Add a few breaths to firm up
5. Sleep on it one night — foam "breaks in" to your body weight
6. Subsequent inflations are faster (foam remembers its shape)
Cold mat tip: if stored in cold temperatures, foam is stiff and slow to inflate. Bring inside first, let warm, then inflate.
Inflation Best Practices
Don't over-inflate: the foam core is the primary structure. Add only enough air for desired firmness. More air ≠ more support once foam is fully expanded.
Firmness by preference:
- Back sleepers: medium-high firmness (full inflation + a few breaths)
- Side sleepers: medium firmness (less air = more give at hips/shoulders)
- Stomach sleepers: firm (full inflation)
Top-off during the night: if the mat softens overnight (foam compression), open valve briefly, add a breath, close. Don't over-inflate first time expecting it to last.
Use the Airstream Pump Sack: for cold-weather trips, breath moisture can condense inside the mat. The pump sack inflates without breath.
Deflation & Packing
Pack-up steps:
1. In the morning, leave valve open for 10 minutes — foam releases air
2. Fold mat in half lengthwise (foot end to head end), then in half again
3. Press flat with knee weight from the foot end toward the valve end — pushes air out
4. Roll tightly starting from valve end
5. Insert rolled mat into side-loading stuff sack (open the side, slide roll in)
6. Compress stuff sack with knee to push out remaining air
7. Cinch sack closed
Tip: Practice the fold-and-roll at home first. It gets faster after a few trips.
Wet mat: if the mat is wet (condensation, rain, dew), dry it thoroughly before storing. Stuff sacks trap moisture if closed over damp mats — mildew risk.
Field Repair
Small punctures: STS mat repair patches (sold separately) work on TPU-laminated polyester. Clean the area, apply patch per package instructions.
Valve leaks: if the XPEL valve leaks, check the valve seal — usually just needs cleaning or replacement O-ring. STS sells valve replacement parts.
Slow self-inflation: if the foam stops self-inflating well:
- Foam cells may be dirty/dusty — clean the valve area
- Foam may be old/breaking down — replace mat
- Foam may be cold (slows recovery) — warm mat first
Major damage: large tears or seam failures are not field-repairable. Use as emergency backup until replacement.
Cleaning
Spot clean: mild soap (Wilderness Wash or Dr. Bronner's), soft cloth, water. Wipe down, air dry completely before storing.
Deep clean: if the mat is dirty:
- Inflate fully
- Soft brush + mild soap + water
- Scrub gently
- Rinse with clean water (no high-pressure hose)
- Inflate with valve open, air dry completely (may take 24+ hours)
Don't:
- Machine wash (damages valve, foam, lamination)
- Dry clean (chemicals damage TPU)
- Use harsh detergents or bleach
- Submerge (water can enter via valve when open)
Storage Between Trips
Store UNROLLED with valve open — this is the single most important storage rule.
Why: foam cells are open-cell and have memory. Storing compressed long-term (rolled tight in stuff sack for months) degrades foam — it loses the ability to fully expand and self-inflate.
Storage setup:
- Lay mat flat in closet or under bed
- Valve open (not sealed)
- Out of direct sunlight
- Room temperature (not hot attic, not freezing garage)
- Dry
Exception: fine to store rolled for a few weeks between trips. The damage happens over months of compressed storage.
If space-constrained: at minimum, store loosely rolled (not stuff-sack tight) with valve open.
Cold Weather Storage & Use Tips
Cold-weather storage:
- Don't store rolled in a frozen garage — foam becomes brittle
- Bring inside before trips if stored cold
- Let foam warm to room temp before inflating
Cold-weather use:
- Foam self-inflation is slower in cold (stiff cells)
- Pre-warm mat before bed (sleeping bag area, hot water bottle, body heat)
- Inflate in the warmest part of tent if possible
Freezing risk: if the mat freezes (stored below 0°C), let it thaw and dry fully before packing. Frozen mats risk delamination if rolled.
Avoid These Failure Modes
Don't:
- Store rolled in stuff sack for months — foam degrades
- Leave inflated in direct sunlight for hours — TPU delaminates
- Place on sharp objects (pine cones, sticks, rocks) — punctures
- Walk on the mat in shoes — face fabric wears
- Use near open flame — TPU melts
- Use as a flotation device — not designed for that
- Over-inflate expecting firmer support — foam limits apply
- Leave valve open during transport — debris enters
Dog/pet care: claws can puncture 75D fabric (it's tougher than 20D but not claw-proof). Use a separate ground cloth under the mat for pet-friendly camps.
Sustainability & End-of-Life
Recycled face fabric: STS uses certified recycled 75D polyester for the outer shell.
Longevity: proper storage (unrolled, valve open) extends foam life by years. Many STS mats last 5-10+ years with care.
At end-of-life:
- TPU lamination + polyurethane foam are not curbside recyclable
- Some specialty textile recyclers accept camping gear
- Donate if still functional (gear libraries, shelters)
- Otherwise, landfill disposal (small footprint given mat size)
Activity-Specific Tips
- Car camping: ideal use case. Weight doesn't matter. Use Contour Shape for back/stomach sleepers, Rectangular for restless sleepers. Pair with a 3-season sleeping bag.
- Hunting camps: early-season hunts (Sep-Nov) match R-Value 5.3 well. Late-season (Dec+) supplement with foam pad underneath.
- Paddling: fits canoe/kayak hatches in Large sizes. Use dry bag for the stuff sack. Protect from paddle abrasion with deck bag.
- Overlanding / van life: usable inside vans. R-Value 5.3 is enough for unheated sleeping in shoulder seasons. In freezing van camping, supplement.
- Family camping: Rectangular Wide / Large Rectangular give kids room to sprawl. Add a fitted sheet over the mat for a "real bed" feel.
- Cabin / RV: overbuilt for cabin use but durable. Great as a guest bed.
- Backpacking: NOT recommended — too heavy. Use Air Sprung Cell mat or Pursuit Plus instead.
Shipping Policy
Components:
All component items (wheels, drivetrains, suspension, brakes, etc.) ship within 2-5 business days of purchase.
Bicycles:
Complete bikes typically ship within 2–3 weeks due to build, tuning, and inspection times. You will receive tracking information as soon as your order is ready to ship.
Riding Gear & Apparel:
Riding gear and apparel orders (helmets, jerseys, gloves, etc.) ship within 2-5 business days.
Returns & Exchanges:
If you received the wrong size or wish to exchange an item, it must be returned in original condition—unused, uninstalled, and with all packaging intact.
For full details, please see our Refund Policy before initiating a return.
