Hi-Gear
Hi-Gear Explore Foam Mat (blue, 180 x 50 cm)
Where it fits
- Also works for
- Backpacking and wild camping
Why these labels
- Backpacking and wild camping: Light to carry: 0.2 kg
From the maker's stated use and the published specs.
- Summer wild camp: 5/10 UK, roughly May to September, nights above about 8 °C, sheltered pitches.
- Three-season hills: 4/10 UK hills in spring and autumn. Wind, rain, and nights near freezing. Below this trip's minimum: needs warmth 5+ (R 3 or more).
- Winter camp: 4/10 UK winter or high ground. Below freezing, strong wind, possibly snow. Below this trip's minimum: needs warmth 7+ (R 4 or more).
- Weight: 10/10 How much it adds to your pack, compared with the whole market.
A light foam pad for summer and mild-weather camping, or as a spare sleeping mat
- Type
- Foam
- R-value
- Not published
- Weight
- 180 g (180 x 50 cm)
- Thickness
- 0.8 cm
- Size
- 180 x 50 cm
- Packed
- Not published
Where to buy
Millets £8 In stock. Delivery £3.99. Free delivery over £70.
View at shop: MilletsBlacks £8 In stock. Delivery £4.99. Free delivery over £95.
View at shop: BlacksGO Outdoors £11 In stock. Delivery £3.99. Member price £8 (not included); free delivery over £80.
View at shop: GO OutdoorsPrices checked 8 Nov 2026 on each shop's own page; shops can change them. We earn no commission on these links; shops are listed by price. More
Our ratings (out of 10)
1 to 10, compared with the whole market. Each says what it's based on. How we score
Warmth
Estimate from maker's specs: mat type and thickness (no R-value published) 3/10How well it stops the cold ground chilling you. 3: Below average. Fine for some trips, not others.
Estimate from maker's specs
Thickness
From maker's figures 1/10How deep it is. Deeper is comfier, above all for side sleepers. 1: A real weak point.
0.8 cm thick.
Quietness
Estimate from maker's specs: foam mats make no noise 8/10How little it crinkles or squeaks when you turn over. 8: Clearly better than most.
A foam mat makes no noise when you turn over.
Weight
From maker's figures 10/10How much it adds to your pack. 10: The best you can buy for this.
180 g is under 400 g, the top band.
Packed size
Estimate from maker's specs: foam mats don't pack down 1/10How much room it takes in or on your rucksack. 1: A real weak point.
Estimate from maker's specs
In short
Good for
- A light foam pad for summer and mild-weather camping, or as a spare sleeping mat
Strengths
- Weighs 180 g and measures 180 x 50 x 0.8 cm
- Made from polyethylene foam, which Hi-Gear says is insulating, waterproof and easy to clean
- Hi-Gear says it recovers quickly from compression, so it is ready to use again the next evening
Weaknesses
- Thin at 0.8 cm and only 50 cm wide
- Hi-Gear rates it 2-3 season only
Sources
We haven't tested this ourselves. Every score comes from these specs, tests and reviews.