How to choose a moisture-proof mat, ground mat, sleeping mat, or picnic mat for setting up a tent for outdoor camping?

Outdoor camping seems to be a very popular activity among young people in recent years. It is really pleasant to get close to nature and enjoy half a day of tranquility between mountains and rivers. The choice of mat is an important equipment that affects the comfort of outdoor camping. Regarding mats, there are a lot of different names on the Internet: moisture-proof mats, ground mats, ground mats, air mattresses... Mats have different divisions of labor and different functions

What should a complete camping "residence" include
Starting from the ground and counting from the bottom to the top, it can be divided into 4 layers, and adjusted to 3 layers according to your own situation:

In order: ground mat/ground cloth -> tent base cloth -> moisture-proof mat -> sleeping mat.
Or: moisture-proof mat -> tent base cloth -> sleeping mat.
The second one is the solution I prefer. After all, it is easier to carry less equipment.

By the way, there is another kind of mat called a picnic mat, which has little to do with tents. I will talk about it later.

First layer: ground mat, mat, floor cloth or moisture-proof mat

This layer has three main functions: prevent the tent base fabric from being scratched by ground debris; prevent ground moisture from entering the tent; and avoid dirtying the tent base fabric. After all, a fine ground mat is much easier than washing a tent. If the ground mat has a good moisture-proof function, the third layer of moisture-proof mat can be omitted.

Second layer: tent base fabric (Update to eliminate ambiguity. The tent base fabric refers to the bottom of the tent, which is the bottom piece of cloth of the tent. It is not necessary to purchase the tent base fabric separately)

Third layer: moisture-proof mat

If the first layer only uses a ground mat, the moisture-proof ability is not enough or the moisture-proof mat is not used, it is recommended to add another layer of moisture-proof mat inside the tent.

Fourth layer: sleeping mat

The core function of the sleeping mat is to sleep comfortably without being disturbed by ground debris or pebbles. A lot of articles on the Internet refer to sleeping mats as moisture-proof mats, and seriously say that moisture-proof mats should be placed inside the tent. At least from my many years of camping experience, it is not a good choice to put moisture-proof mats inside the tent.

How to choose moisture-proof mats, floor mats, and sleeping mats

1. Floor mats and floor cloths

For floor mats, it is recommended to use Oxford cloth, which is wear-resistant, not easy to damage, and also very light. It is recommended to buy better quality ones with metal holes in the four corners. When the floor cloth is not needed under the tent, the floor cloth can be used as a sunshade.

2. Moisture-proof mats

It is recommended to buy the simplest and cheapest moisture-proof mats, which are mainly light and moisture-proof. I often use aluminum thin ones, which are very light and easy to take care of. They can be cleaned with water. But to be honest, aluminum thin ones are easy to be scratched, but it doesn't matter. It's cheap. Replace it when it breaks.

Another type is a moisture-proof mat with high elastic foam, which is more expensive. It is similar to a yoga mat with a layer of aluminum thin added. However, there is no need to use this thickened one if there is a sleeping mat.

3. Sleeping mats

This is the real "mattress". There are basically four types of sleeping comfort products: self-inflating single, self-inflating double, air mattress, and egg trough high elastic latex mat.

For short-term camping needs, it is recommended to use a self-inflating mat. There are buttons on both sides of the single self-inflating mat, and multiple mats can be spliced ​​together for use. Although there is a "low-lying area" of several centimeters at the splicing point, it has little impact.
The egg trough mat is the most suitable mat for lightweight camping and hiking camping. The core is light weight + simple to use.

In terms of comfort, it is definitely an air mattress, but it needs to be inflated. There are rechargeable electric inflatable tools and foot-operated ones.

Be sure to keep it consistent with the size of your tent!
4. Picnic mat

It is estimated that many people have used picnic mats. This actually has nothing to do with the mats inside and outside the tent. The selection of picnic mats generally refers to the following indicators:

Good-looking, beautiful, moisture-proof. It is recommended to buy a mat with Oxford cloth on one side and flannel on the other side, which is moisture-proof and comfortable

Easy to clean. After the picnic trip, the mat will be more or less stained, which will greatly affect the nature of the next picnic, so it is best to put it directly in the washing machine for cleaning.