There are two kinds of campers: those who rough it on thin mats and those who’ve learned their lesson. After a few nights on rocky ground and half-deflated beds, I tried this single Weisshorn self-inflating mattress, which promises the convenience of an air bed with the comfort of thick foam.
I’ve used it on a couple of trips now, from misty highland camps to coastal dirt patches. It’s 9.5 cm thick, weighs 3.3 kg and cost $59, which makes it one of the cheapest thick mattresses we’ve tested.
What’s in the box
A single self-inflating mattress of polyurethane foam, 187 × 66 cm and 9.5 cm thick, with a soft flocked top that feels like suede. It has two twist valves and snap buttons along the sides.
It comes with a carry bag and a small repair kit, and Weisshorn gives it a one-year warranty.
What we like
- 9.5 cm of foam
- Inflates in under a minute
- Soft, grippy flocked top
- Doesn’t sag overnight
- Snap buttons join two mats
What we don’t
- PVC base is a bit noisy
- Bulky when rolled
- Flocked top attracts dirt
Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Weisshorn |
| Material | Polyurethane foamFlocked top |
| Colour | Black |
| Weight | 3.3 kg |
| Size inflated | 187 × 66 cm |
| Thickness | 9.5 cm |
| Valve | Two twist valves |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Included | Carry bag |
| Features | Snap buttonsRepair kit |
First look
Unrolled, the black flocked top looks smart and feels sturdy. At 3.3 kg it’s manageable to carry from the car, and the carry bag keeps it tidy. There was a slight new-foam smell at first, but it aired out quickly.
The flocked top is soft and has a bit of grip, which turns out to matter: it helps stop your sleeping bag sliding off the mat at 3 am.
Setting up
I didn’t need to blow into it at all. I laid it out on a grassy patch, opened the valves and the foam filled it in under a minute. Lay it out first and let it inflate while you sort out the rest of your gear. On soft ground, a tarp underneath stops it sinking in.
The valves seal tightly, twist easily and sit where you won’t knock them by accident. Rolling it back into the carry bag took a couple of tries at first, but it’s easy once you have the hang of it.
Comfort and durability
I slept on it after a long hike, and the 9.5 cm of foam cushioned my back well. On a chilly Blue Mountains night the flocked top stayed warm, though I added a blanket. It held firm on uneven ground, and after two nights the foam showed no sagging and the valves didn’t leak.
A morning drizzle didn’t bother it. The downsides: the PVC underneath is a bit noisy if you move around a lot, and the flocked top picks up dirt. I’d also keep it away from sharp rocks.
Snap buttons and extras
Along the sides are snap buttons, so you can join two of these mattresses into one wide bed without a gap in the middle: handy in a double swag or a family tent. The seams are well finished.
The carry bag isn’t the toughest, but it survived a few dusty pack-ups without tearing. The small repair kit is basic, but enough for an emergency puncture.
Compared with our other self-inflating matsCompared with other mats
We have four self-inflating mats for car camping and laid them side by side: the Weisshorn, the Elegear, the San Hima and the Naturehike D-Series. The Weisshorn is the cheapest and nearly as thick as the San Hima, but heavier. The Elegear is much warmer, and the Naturehike is lighter and easier to pack.
This one Weisshorn |  Elegear |  Naturehike D-Series |  San Hima | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 187 × 66 cm | 195 × 67 cm | 200 × 63 cm | 184.5 × 54.5 cm |
| R-value | – | 9.5 | 4.8 | – |
| Thickness | 9.5 cm | 8 cm | 5 cm | 10 cm |
| Weight | 3.3 kg | 3.67 kg | 2.14 kg | 3.15 kg |
| Price | $59 | $107 | $60 | $90 |
| Our score | 8.1 | 8.9 | 8.3 | 8.9 |
Conclusion: Weisshorn Self Inflating Mattress SingleConclusion
For its price, this Weisshorn mattress punches above its weight. It’s now my go-to for short weekenders and the spare when a mate tags along. It’s not light and it won’t beat a premium self-inflating mat, but it’s comfortable, quick to set up and gets the job done. If you’re upgrading from a thin mat or can’t fit a full-sized air bed in your tent, it might be the sweet spot.
A comfortable, reliable self-inflating mattress for a budget price.
Its 10 cm of foam inflates in under a minute, doesn't sag overnight and has a soft, grippy top, and it suits swags and rooftop tents. The PVC base is a bit noisy, it's bulky when rolled and the flocked top attracts dirt.
- Car campers
- Weekend trips
- Families
Yes. A 10 cm self-inflating mattress that doesn’t sag overnight is comfy for a budget price. The PVC is noisy if you move a lot and it takes space when rolled.
Also consider
Weisshorn mattress questions
How does the Weisshorn Single Self-inflating Mattress work, and how do you pack it away?
To pack it away, simply open the valve, roll the 10 cm thick mattress tightly from the opposite end, forcing the air out. Once deflated, close the valve and secure it with straps, making it compact and ready for transport in its carry bag, ideal for camping and storage.
Is the 10 cm thickness of the Weisshorn mattress comfortable, and does it offer good insulation for year-round camping?
This robust thickness also contributes to good insulation, making it suitable for year-round camping by minimising heat loss to the ground, ensuring warmth even in cooler conditions.
What materials are used in the Weisshorn Single Self-inflating Mattress, and is it water-resistant?
Yes, its robust build includes a PVC coating or similar material, making it water-resistant. This ensures the sleeping pad can withstand dew, damp ground, and spills, contributing to its durability for reliable outdoor adventures.
