Trekology UL80 sleeping pad review: outstanding value for money

The Trekology UL80 camping mat is designed for warmer weather trips, and boasts a very reasonable price tag. Here's our review

best camping mat: Trekology UL80
(Image credit: Future)
T3 Verdict

Extremely comfortable when inflated and compact and lightweight when not, the Trekology UL80 camping mat offers excellent value for money. A top choice for warmer-weather adventures.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Thick and cushioning

  • +

    Shaped to stop you rolling off

  • +

    Longer than many

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    For warmer weather only

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The Trekology UL80 sleeping pad is a lightweight camping mat than packs up small but inflates into a generously sized, padded bed when required. If you've been on the hunt for the best camping mat for a while, you'll know they don't come especially cheap, but with this Trekology model you get a lot of bang for relatively few bucks. If size and weight isn't an issue and comfort is your priority, head to our guide to the best camping beds instead, but if not, read on for our full Trekology UKL80 sleeping pad review.

Trekology UL80 sleeping pad review: design and comfort

This is a lightweight mat at just 750g (26.5oz), and packs down to a compact 7.3 x 4.7'' (18.5 x 12cm), making it a very practical choice for backpackers. Given the small packed size, the Trekology is impressively large when inflated. 

Trekology UL80 camping mat review

(Image credit: Future)

A thickness of 4" (10cm) means you're well off the cold ground and cushioned against any lumps and bumps. It's also gently curved at the edges to discourage you from rolling off in your sleep. We found it hugely comfortable to sleep on, even for side sleepers. At 75" (190cm), it's also slightly longer than your typical mat – taller sleepers might welcome those extra few inches of support.

Trekology UL80 camping mat review

(Image credit: Future)

The Trekology UL80 sleeping pad is made from 40D nylon with water-resistant coatings. The 1.6 R value means it's not the most insulated mat around. Trekology says it's suitable for 3-season use, although typically we'd look for 2 or above for three seasons. In summer it'll do the job admirably, though. 

Trekology UL80 camping mat review

(Image credit: Future)

There's a one-way valve that means you can inflate this mat by mouth (although this does take a little while), as well as larger opening that enables you to use a pump sacks or standard electric pumps with 22mm nozzle. Trekology suggests not inflating to max for the most comfortable sleep. Pull open the one-way value and this mat will deflate in a jiffy, ready to be folded up and popped into the supplied carry bag, into which it fits easily. 

Trekology UL80 sleeping pad review: verdict

The Trekology UL80 sleeping pad is a brilliant buy. While for colder weather trips, you'll need to invest in something with more insulation, for summer adventuring it'll provide plenty of warmth. The thick, gently curved surface is super comfy to lie on, the packed size is small and lightweight, and the slightly longer length will please taller campers. 

Ruth Hamilton

Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).