Sleeping on the Ground: Mat, Sleeping Bag, or Futon?

Sleeping on the ground: a mat does not replace a sleeping bag

Sleeping on the ground with one mat or three is a doubt that has been raised in a forum, and for now, there is no definitive answer. The original question was whether there is a difference between using one or three. Regarding how to arrange them, one participant noted that it was not stated they had to be stacked and that they might place them side-by-side occasionally for stretching.

One mat or three: what really makes a difference

The person who used three mats accounts it like this: “Once you try sleeping with three mats at once, you won’t be satisfied with just one.” It is not a physical law; it is custom. And yes, some suggested the question was resolved by saying “you will sleep higher and have greater atmospheric pressure”: that was a joke, not a scientific basis.

Can you sleep with only the mat?

According to one of the participants, no: you cannot do without the sleeping bag, because it serves for both summer and winter and is easily put on and packed away. The mat goes underneath to protect the bag from direct contact with the ground, which another participant described as a double layer of ground. In summer, one participant highlighted the long zipper on their bag: it allows you to open and let your feet cool down.

Is a futon better?

One participant recommended buying a futon because, in his view, it is more comfortable.

The thread also saw someone asking if advice was being collected for when they move houses. How many mats are needed to stop feeling the ground remains unanswered.