What's the best camping mat for you depends on the type ... which has an R-value of 4.2. Rab's Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Mat offers 3-season functionality and is an excellent backpacking option.

Getting your gear right for winter is essential – one of our experts details how he updates his camping kit for winter ...

The Trekology UL80 sleeping pad is a lightweight camping mat than packs up small ... Trekology says it's suitable for 3-season use, although typically we'd look for 2 or above for three seasons.

However, the reality is that your sleeping bag and pad are much more crucial to a solid slumber. It’s likely that your standard, 3-season camping tent that you use in summer will suffice.

Heading out in the colder months with 2- or 3-season camping kit isn’t a great idea. Standard tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads aren’t designed with the harsh realities of winter in mind.