The outward pressure on the valve is such that you can't remove your mouth from it for an instant - some other blow-up valves are a bit more relaxed in terms of the amount of air they let out. The mat fits easily into its stuff sack, but only with a bit of persuasion can the Pumpbag be crammed in too. The net result is a mat that is more than adequate for winter use in most conceivable UK conditions. Firstly the pack size is small… and we really mean small, think of a 1 litre bottle… smaller than that!

You can spend big money on an insulated inflatable camping mat, but for a lot of users something more basic and affordable would be plenty, says Dan Bailey. These not only raise you off the ground but provide insulation and help you sleep comfortably all night long.

We would not recommend this mat as a first choice for anyone aiming to camp regularly in temperatures around or below freezing point; it's better viewed as a budget choice for general valley camping and less-rigorous hill use. Weighing in at a hefty 740g for a size regular, mummy shape mat (plus 60g for the 'Pumpsack' stuffsack), this is by quite some margin the heaviest mat on test.

Roll mats may not be quite as comfy to sleep on as inflatable mats, but they do have one redeeming feature: they’re nigh-on indestructible (unlike air mats, which, if pierced, will immediately deflate and be rendered useless), so they’re a great choice for rocky, uneven ground or for popping under an air mat for extra protection. When it comes to kipping on rough terrain, if there is a more comfortable lightweight mat on the market then we've yet to use it.The idea is that they offer support in whatever orientation you sleep, while the ruffled 'side rails' are said to help keep you centred on the mat.

If you’re looking for a mat for the winter time but want to keep it traditional then look no further. The Rectangular version would be better for car camping or basecamp use, while the Mummy is lighter for backpacking or mountain bivvies.There is also the argument that it may be worth carrying a bit extra, for the sake of comfort and a good night’s rest.