When it comes to camping and backpacking, a good night's sleep is paramount, and often, that comes down to the quality of your sleeping mat. Today, we're diving into a review of the Alpkit Radiant, a mat that promises unparalleled warmth and comfort for year-round adventures.
First Impressions & Key Features
The Alpkit Radiant immediately stands out with its impressive specifications. Designed as a 4-season inflatable mat, it boasts an R-value of 7.2, which is exceptionally high for its price and weight category. This impressive thermal performance is thanks to its internal radiant heat technology, which reflects body heat back towards you and reduces convective heat loss within the air chambers.
The Alpkit Radiant next to a 1 litre water bottle
Weighing in at a mere 600g (mat only), it's a fantastic option for backpackers and bikepackers where every gram counts. Its packed size of 25cm×11cm (L×D) is also commendably compact, making it easy to stash in your pack. The Alpkit Radiant is priced at £99.99, offering exceptional value for its features.
Comfort & Sleep Quality
One of the first things you notice about the Radiant is its generous dimensions. At 194cm×62cm×9cm (L×W×T) when inflated, the 9cm (3.5-inch) thickness provides excellent separation from the cold, hard ground. As a side sleeper, I found this thickness to be a game-changer, preventing any hip or shoulder discomfort often experienced on thinner mats. The wide rectangular profile gives ample space to move around without feeling like you're about to slide off.
Alpkit has also paid attention to the little details that contribute to a peaceful night. The mat features a quiet, 100% recycled outer fabric, which means no annoying crinkling sounds disturbing your sleep. A welded support lattice helps maintain an even distribution of air, ensuring consistent support and insulation even as you shift your weight.
Performance in the Field
While my testing has primarily been during the UK spring, the R-value of 7.2 truly shines. Even on chilly nights, I was kept exceptionally warm and have no doubt it would perform admirably during the coldest winter conditions. Alpkit's claim of "unbeatable warmth and comfort on chilly nights out all year round" certainly holds true based on my experience.
Inflation is a breeze with the included 20L pump sack. I found it typically took 4-6 full pumps to get the mat fully inflated. This method not only makes inflation easy but also prevents moisture from your breath from entering the mat, which can degrade its thermal performance and lifespan over time.
In terms of durability, the 20D Recycled Nylon Ripstop fabric feels robust and capable of withstanding the rigours of outdoor use. Should you encounter an unfortunate puncture, Alpkit thoughtfully includes two repair patches. Packing the mat away is also straightforward; just ensure you've squeezed out as much air as possible, and it slides easily back into its stuff sack.
The Few Cons
No product is perfect, and the Radiant has a couple of minor drawbacks.
My main niggle is with the valve system. It's a single valve with a rubber flap designed to prevent air escape. While this works well for inflation, deflating the mat can be a little finicky. You have to hold the flap open to allow air to escape, and sometimes it would close prematurely when trying to get the last bit of air out. This also makes fine-tuning the firmness of the pad a bit annoying, as a two-valve system (one for inflation, one for quick deflation) would offer more convenience.
Secondly, the mat only comes in one size. While the length and width are generous for most, anyone over 6ft 2in might find themselves a little stretched for space.
Verdict
Despite the minor quibbles with the valve and single size, the Alpkit Radiant camping mat offers exceptional value for money. For its price point and advertised R-value, you'd be hard-pressed to find a warmer and more comfortable sleeping solution. Add to that Alpkit's renowned 3-year Alpine Bond, which provides excellent support should anything go wrong, and you have a truly compelling package.
If you're looking for a reliable, warm, and comfortable 4-season sleeping mat that won't break the bank or your back, the Alpkit Radiant is an excellent choice. It's a mat that allows you to focus on the adventure, not on being cold.
You can purchase it directly from Alpkit.
This is our very first review of hiking and backpacking equipment! We're excited to share our thoughts on gear that helps you get out and explore. We'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this review so feel free to reach out to us via email or on our social media channels!
