has reviewed many new and popular models of mattresses for mountaineering, THERM-A-REST's "Neoloft , NEMO Tensor™ Elite , and arata's "ASP-R7."
However, it's not just air mattresses like the ones mentioned above that have undergone dramatic advances. This time, we'll be focusing on closed-cell (foam insulation) mattresses.
The appeal of closed-cell mats is that they don't need to be inflated like air mattresses, so they can be quickly taken out and put away, and there's no need to worry about punctures, making them simple and safe. Furthermore, while prices have been rising recently, they're still good value for money at under 10,000 yen, so I highly recommend them for first-time mattress buyers, and I think it's an item that even those who don't have one yet should have one.
Closed-cell mattresses tend to look similar, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between them at first glance. In fact, there are subtle differences in thickness, R-value, sleeping comfort, portability, and more.
If you're going to buy one, wouldn't you want one that matches your hiking style?
So, we've selected seven of the best closed-cell mattresses available in 2025 that we believe to be the best in terms of popularity and performance. We've field-tested them from various perspectives, including weight, portability, comfort, and durability, and are now presenting a comparative review.
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table of contents
- 7 Best Closed Cell Mat Candidates
- Test environment and field test results
- Evaluation summary & spec comparison table
- Attach it to a backpack to compare the size
- Impressions of each model
- Recommended for UL hikers who prioritize weight and comfort! The EVERNEW Traverse Mat 180 is an addictive, soft mattress that envelops your body with new technology.
- [Recommended for beginner hikers looking to keep their initial investment low] Introducing the dark horse! The "CAPTAIN STAG IXPE Foam Mat" offers exceptional value, a wide width, and a compact design that's unlike any other.
- Recommended for all hikers! The THERM-A-REST Z Lite Sol & NEMO Switchback: The ultimate in comfort and ease of use
- The amazing 38mm thick "EXPED FlexMat Plus" mat
- Recommended for those who want to use it in winter: The Mont-Bell Foam Pad 25 180 maintains its lightweight and compact size despite its high R-value.
- Summary: Lightweight, comfortable, insulating, cost-effective, and stylish... Choose the model that's best for you based on the key points you care about.
7 Best Closed Cell Mat Candidates
First, we narrowed down the closed-cell mats that will be released in 2025 to seven top candidates that offer a good balance of thickness, R-value (thermal insulation), weight, and portability, while also highlighting their own unique characteristics. We will introduce each of them, along with the reasons for their selection and our expectations for them.
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Yama to Michi UL Pad 15+
is the standard UL sleeping mat, achieving the lightest weight of 200g while offering an excellent balance of lightness, warmth, and durability. -
EVERNEW Traverse mat 180:
Lightest weight in its class thanks to new technology, offering a new level of comfort! -
CAPTAIN STAG IXPE Foam Mat:
Compact and wide, yet priced at just 2,980 yen, it's a steal! How does it perform? -
THERM-A-REST Z Light Sol
Champion THERM-A-REST's stable, long-selling mat -
Mont-bell Foam Pad 25 180
With an R-value of 2.3 and a thickness of 25mm, it has the insulation and thickness you wouldn't expect from a closed-cell type! -
NEMO Switchback
Z Light Sol is a worthy rival, and the air mattress is also popular. NEMO is a comfortable, compact, and well-balanced mattress. -
EXPED FlexMat Plus
is a closed-cell mattress with an outstanding thickness of 38mm, but how comfortable is it to sleep on?
Test environment and field test results
Which closed-cell mat offers the best balance of comfort, weight, and portability? We conducted field tests outdoors in July, in temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, by spreading the mat out on a gravel surface and at home.
Test environment
We are currently testing how well the device can sense unevenness in an area where stones of various sizes are laid out.
Evaluation indicators
The six evaluation indicators for this comparison test are as follows: please refer to How to Choose a Sleeping Pad here The ★ rating is the relative rating among the comparison candidates this time.
- Comfort: cushioning, comfortable sleeping and seating due to skin contact, whether it prevents rocks and branches from thrusting, etc.
- Insulation: How much does it block out cold air from the ground?
- Weight: Weight per unit
- Portability: Size when folded. Easy to tatami and less bulky.
- Usability: Ease of setting and folding, ease of work other than sleeping on pads, and whether the pad itself can be applied to other purposes, etc.
- Durability: Simple tear-resistant, but how little does it have to be unusable?
The evaluation figures for the test results are based solely on the judgment of the evaluator who conducted the test. We aim to achieve an objective and convincing evaluation as much as possible, but it is still impossible to zero subjective evaluations such as comfort and insulation, so please take this into consideration before using this as a reference.
Evaluation summary & spec comparison table
| type | The lightest UL-like mat | A mattress that balances weight and comfort | A mat with exceptional value for money, wide width, and compact size | A kingly mattress that is both comfortable and easy to use | Strongest R-value mat | Balanced Mat | An astonishing 38mm thick mat |
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| item | Mountains and Roads UL Pad 15+ | EVERNEW Traverse mat 180 | CAPTAIN STAG IXPE Foam Mat | THERM-A-REST Z Light Sol | Mont-Bell Foam Pad 25 180 | NEMO Switchback | EXPED FlexMat Plus |
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| Comfort | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Portability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to use | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specs | |||||||
| Size (cm) | 175 x 50 | 180 x 50 | 186 x 56 | 183 x 51 | 181 x 50 | 183 x 51 | 183 x 52 |
| Thickness (mm) | 13 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 23 | 38 |
| Actual weight (g) | 200 | 222 | 365 | 399 | 409 | 429 | 440 |
| Weight per 1cm length (g) | 1.14 | 1.23 | 1.96 | 2.18 | 2.26 | 2.34 | 2.4 |
| material | XLPE | PE | Polyethylene foam, polyester (aluminum vapor deposition) | Cross-linked polyethylene | Polyethylene foam | polyethylene | IXPE Foam |
| *R value | 2.0 | – | – | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 2.2 |
| Reference price including tax (as of June 2025) | 8,250 yen | 7,770 yen | 2,980 yen | 9,790 yen | 9,460 yen | 10,450 yen | 8,470 yen |
*Based on ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) R-value
Attach it to a backpack to compare the size
I compared the thickness of the mats attached to my backpack. The CAPTAIN STAG IXPE foam mat was the thinnest. However, at 56cm wide, it is wider than the others. Since I attached it vertically, it wasn't a big deal, but if I attached it horizontally, it would extend beyond my body, so be careful.
On the other hand, the bulkiest the Evernew Traverse mat 180. This is one of the weak points of roll mats. The least intrusive way to set it up is to tie it to the top of your backpack.
Impressions of each model
Recommended for UL hikers who prioritize weight and comfort! The EVERNEW Traverse Mat 180 is an addictive, soft mattress that envelops your body with new technology.
Yama to Michi UL pad 15+ is the king of lightweight roll mats EVERNEW Traverse mat 180 " takes on the king of lightweight roll mats head-on
the Traverse mat 180 uses gas injected into a critically fluidized resin to form fine, uniform bubbles, resulting in a foaming ratio of more than two times, making it a mat that provides a comfortable sleeping experience while reducing sinking.
In comparison, the Traverse mat 180 is obviously thicker than the UL pad15+, which has improved durability through surface treatment.
The difference in thickness between the Traverse mat 180 and the UL pad 15+ the Traverse mat 180 is clearly less sensitive to unevenness in the ground and is more comfortable to sleep on!
Some concerns are that the surface is not treated, so it is easily scratched, which makes it less durable, and it is bulky due to its thickness. However, I think it is possible to use it in a more creative way, such as cutting it into half pieces, to make up for the bulkiness.
The UL pad 15+ is my current main mattress, and I've spent many nights with it, from the windy and rainy Northern Alps to the snow-covered countryside. While I wouldn't call it luxurious, it's more than adequate, highly durable, and, above all, the lightest, most refined mattress available. In that sense the UL pad 15+ 's high performance is undeniable. However, the Traverse mat 180 , I was completely blown away by how comfortable it was. It's up to you to decide which one to choose, but if you can tolerate the bulk and prioritize comfort, the Traverse mat 180 is definitely worth it!
[Recommended for beginner hikers looking to keep their initial investment low] Introducing the dark horse! The "CAPTAIN STAG IXPE Foam Mat" offers exceptional value, a wide width, and a compact design that's unlike any other.
Introducing CAPTAIN STAG, an assassin from the camping world!
Don't be fooled by thinking it's just for car camping; it has specs that are perfectly usable for mountain climbing as well, and I was thrilled and happy with how well-made it was, exceeding my expectations.
Aluminum film surface improves thermal insulation
It has three unique features.
The first feature is its wide width of 56cm. It is the widest of the five folding mattresses. Have you ever felt cold while sleeping because your arms were sticking out of the mattress? This wide mattress is an effective solution to this problem.
The top one is the IXPE foam mat, which is the widest of the five folding mats.
The second feature is its compactness (thinness), which is one of the best among the 7 points. Although it is wide, it is surprisingly thin. It can be said that it is actually highly portable.
The IXPE foam mat on the far left is the most compact when folded.
The third feature is its amazing value for money at 2,980 yen, especially in these days of rising prices.
The mattress is a little firmer, and the insulation may be less effective due to its thinner construction, but it still provides satisfactory comfort and insulation for use in warmer seasons. The R-value is unknown, but when I inquired with the manufacturer, they told me that it can be used comfortably from spring to early autumn.
Although the design is similar to the Z Lite Sol, which is a bit of a concern, this mat is definitely recommended for hikers purchasing a mat for the first time, especially those who want to keep their initial investment down.
Recommended for all hikers! The THERM-A-REST Z Lite Sol & NEMO Switchback: The ultimate in comfort and ease of use
The exquisite softness of the mattress makes it extremely comfortable to sleep on, and the comfort when sleeping is in the top class out of 7 (this is something I personally value).
Feel the comfort from the moment you lie down
It also offers good insulation, weight, portability, ease of use, and balance.
Aluminum film surface improves thermal insulation
As expected from the traditional mattress manufacturer THERM-A-REST, there's a reason why it's a big seller.
It's lightweight and compact, doesn't feel uneven on the ground, the soft foam is comfortable to sleep on, and provides excellent insulation. It's a well-balanced closed-cell mattress with no real weaknesses. I recommend it for any hiker.
The NEMO Switchback has almost the same features, but is differentiated in a few minor ways . It costs just over 10,000 yen, but it folds up slightly more compactly and has a better design thanks to the silver part that folds inward, making the Z Lite Sol is recommended for all hikers. Whichever you choose, you will be able to use it for a long time and you will not regret it.
By the way, if you place the silver aluminum side on top (towards your body), the insulation properties will be improved, so it is said that it is best to place the aluminum side on top in winter and the aluminum side on the bottom in summer.
The amazing 38mm thick "EXPED FlexMat Plus" mat
When I saw the specs in the catalog, I was curious to know what it would be like to sleep on a 38mm thick mattress.
At 38mm thick, it is roughly twice as thick as the Z Light Sol.
The unevenness of the FlexMat Plus (left) is clearly larger than that of the Z Light Sol (right).
I was hoping for a sleeping comfort that was different from what I expected due to its extraordinary thickness, but the protrusions felt harder than I expected, and unfortunately it didn't feel as comfortable as I had hoped, with the thickness increasing. This is where preferences differ.
The uneven protrusions feel a little hard.
On the other hand, thanks to its thickness, you hardly feel any unevenness in the ground. It also has an R-value of 2.2, which is about 10% higher than other mats, and the manufacturer suggests using it at 0°C, so it can be used in a wide range of situations, even when there's a little snow. It also has a high design quality, and I like the beautiful blue color and how cool it looks when attached to a backpack.
One concern is that it is the heaviest of the seven, but I think this can be resolved by using it in an ingenious way, such as cutting it into half-body size.
Recommended for those who want to use it in winter: The Mont-Bell Foam Pad 25 180 maintains its lightweight and compact size despite its high R-value.
The Mont-Bell Foam Pad 25 180 is thick enough to barely feel the unevenness of the ground, and its R-value of 2.3 means it's suitable for use even in early winter. It's also lightweight and portable. This versatility is a unique attraction.
The sleeping comfort was slightly firmer than Thermarest, but other than that the performance was top class out of 7, making it an effective mat for long periods of the year and recommended for hikers who are sensitive to the cold.
Summary: Lightweight, comfortable, insulating, cost-effective, and stylish... Choose the model that's best for you based on the key points you care about.
We field tested seven products, and while each model excels, it also has its own distinct strengths, making it extremely difficult to decide which one is best.
However, if I had to choose, the item I thought was the best buy this time was the CAPTAIN STAG IXPE Foam Mattress me. The deciding factors were its unique width (56cm), compact storage, and adequate comfort for the price. The width is particularly outstanding, eliminating the stress of my arms falling off the mattress when I turn over. Mattresses over 55cm wide are rare, and this was a major attraction. The price was an astonishing 2,980 yen (tax included). While this is an exceptional price for mountaineering gear, the quality is solid (although not long-term durability tested) and there's no sense of compromise. Prices for mountaineering gear have been rising year by year recently, but I was impressed by CAPTAIN STAG's commitment to offering this quality in this day and age. Additionally, the surprise of finding a practical and excellent product in a genre not specifically for mountaineering, a feeling that only gear lovers can muster, further strengthened my decision.
That said, the other six products also have very distinct personalities, making them appealing to use depending on your mountaineering style and the season.
For example, the EXPED FlexMat Plus and Mont-Bell Foam Pad 25 180 are excellent in thickness and insulation, making them perfect for hikers who don't want to feel the unevenness of the ground and who want to use them in early winter.
THERM -A-REST Z Lite Sol and NEMO Switchback are well-balanced and highly refined, making them suitable for a wide range of hikers. The Yama-to-michi UL Pad15+ and EVERNEW Travers mat180 are perfect for hikers looking for lightweight, UL-oriented packs.
In other words, the "best mat" varies from hiker to hiker.
- In what season will you use it?
- How much luggage will you be carrying?
- Are you the type who is bothered by the hardness of the ground?
- Do you want to get the most out of UL equipment?
From this perspective, we hope that the comparative review in this article will give you some tips on choosing a mat that suits your hiking style.
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Murakami Haruki
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