Rab launches first sleeping mat range

Rab sleeping mat Lone Peak Cirque, Utah
Rab's new spring/summer 2023 sleeping mat range. Photo: Rab/Felipe Tapia

Outdoor brand Rab, owned by Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd., has launched its first ever sleeping mat range.

Covering five different mats from the ultralight and packable, to the durable and protective, the launch of the range is a logical next step for the company, which has been producing sleeping bags for more than 40 years.

Rab uses longitudinal chambers on all new mats. This allows fine tuning of the insulation in all the chambers, changing the thickness and density of insulation inside and the height of the outside chambers and helps keep the user in the centre of the mat. Most of the range uses the same hybrid, rectangular shape to save weight and optimise the sleeping area. All models use 100% recycled outer fabrics as well as a fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water repellent).

While the weights and sizes in the specs for the mats are self-explanatory, the R value might not be so obvious. R value is related to thermal resistance. It’s not a measure of temperature, and there are many factors at play, such as how cold – or warm – the ground is. In general, the higher the value, the warmer, so a low number is good for summer, a higher value better for winter.

Here are the Rab sleeping mats and specifications.

The Ionosphere 5.5. Photo: Rab

Ionosphere 5.5

Designed for alpinists and mountaineers, the Ionosphere 5.5 uses a 20D Recycled Polyester outer fabric and fluorocarbon free DWR. The compact and lightweight recycled Stratus R-insulated air mat uses Rab’s TILT heat-reflective technology, which is engineered to maintain body temperature in hostile environments.

Weight: Regular 690g / Long Wide 950g

Sizes: Regular 183 x 51cm or Long Wide 196cm x 64cm / Thickness: 8cm

R-Value: 5.5

Repair kit included

Ionosphere 5

The Ionosphere 5 features a 20D Recycled Polyester outer fabric with fluorocarbon free DWR and is made with Rab’s heat reflective TILT technology to reduce radiant heat loss. Filled with 100% recycled Stratus R insulation, the Ionosphere 5 traps and stabilises air, reducing heat loss through convection to preserve body temperature.

Weight: Regular 550g / Long Wide 810g

Sizes: Regular 183 x 51cm or Long Wide 196cm x 64cm / Thickness: 8cm

R-Value: 4.8

Repair kit included

Stratosphere 5.5

Balancing maximum warmth with minimum weight, this all-mountain sleep mat featuring a 100% recycled outer fabric and a fluorocarbon-free DWR, and is filled with 100% recycled Stratus R insulation which traps and stabilises air, reducing heat loss through convection to maintain body temperature. Oversized outer chambers prevent the user from rolling off the mat in their sleep and the rectangular shape accommodates different sleeping positions.

Weight: Regular 785g / Long Wide 1060g

Sizes: Regular 183 x 51cm or Long Wide 196cm x 64cm / Thickness: 8cm

R-Value: 5.5

Stratosphere 4. Photo: Rab

Repair kit included

Stratosphere 4

The Stratosphere 4 features 100% recycled outer fabric and a fluorocarbon-free DWR. It is lightweight, durable and filled with 100% recycled Stratus R insulation.

Weight: Regular 695g / Long Wide 950g

Sizes: Regular 183 x 51cm or Long Wide 196cm x 64cm / Thickness: 8cm

R-Value: 3.8

Repair kit included

Exosphere 3.5

The Exosphere 3.5 uses a recycled polyester outer fabric and a fluorocarbon-free DWR. The mat’s X-Core foam filling has a honeycomb-style, weight saving structure. Self-inflates within minutes.

Weight: Regular 665g / Long Wide 875g

Sizes: Regular 183 x 51cm or Long Wide 196cm x 64cm / Thickness: 5cm

R-Value: 3.6

Repair kit included