When it comes to camping in Australia, comfort and durability are non-negotiables. Whether you’re pitching a tent in Kakadu, lounging under the stars along the coast, or bushwalking through Tassie’s wilderness, your sleep setup can make or break the experience.  The Elegear Sleeping Pad might just be the ideal sleeping mat with its promise of comfort, portability, and ruggedness.

I don’t mind a spot of camping. A few year’s ago my other half and I did a half lap of NSW, Old, NT and SA for six weeks. From outback NSW to the Top End to the Bight, it was a camping trip filled with memories of skies full of stars, hoards of mosquitos and cold desert nights. Since then, there’s been random camping at the beach etc, but nothing that would rival that amazing trip. So let’s put it the Sleeping Pad to the test and find out whether it is a worthy camping accruement for our next big trip around ‘Straya.

 

tl;dr

The Elegear Sleeping Pad offers impressive comfort, support, and portability for campers and hikers in Australia. With a built-in pump, water-resistant material, and thoughtful features like press studs for linking pads, it’s a practical, rugged choice—especially at under $70. Just don’t expect ultralight minimalism or indestructibility, and you’ll be sleeping soundly under the stars.

 

What’s in the Box

  • One sleeping pad with draw string cover
  • Instructions – an actual instruction pamphlet, not just a QR code!
  • Sheet of plastic repair dots

 

So Pumped! 

The Elegear Sleeping Pad makes life easier all round. No extras required, simply pump up the matter from the internal pump system.

Inflating the pad is pleasantly quick thanks to the built-in pump system. Instead of blowing it up manually (a nightmare after a long hike or drive), you use your hands or feet to pump it up via the integrated air valve system. It takes less than two minutes, and once inflated, holds air consistently through the night. For those who’ve dealt with slow leaks or overnight deflation in cheaper mats, this is a major tick.

And if by chance you’ve hiked so much your legs are too tired to pump, have no fear, the dual use double layer valve is here. Yes, you can use any other inflation pump to get the mattress inflated. That’s a huge win in my books. Good thinking, Elegear!

 

 

Comfort and Support

The Elegar Sleeping pad boasts a thickness of about 6.5cm, providing a decent buffer from hard or uneven ground. The hexagonal air cell design is more than just good looks; it genuinely helps distribute weight evenly. It also offers better lumbar support than you’d expect from such a compact product.  I tested it at home on grass and the hard floor – it was surprisingly supportive.  Unfortunately testing outside in 5 degree weather and rain wasn’t an option, but I have no doubt it would pass any test with flying colours.

Side sleepers will welcome the Elegear Sleeping Pad’s supportive design. I’m a side sleeper, and far too many times have woken up with a sore hip from a poorly designed camping mattress.   I can confirm the Elegear Sleeping Pad cushions hips and shoulders enough to avoid those sore pressure points that can ruin a good night’s sleep. It might not rival a full foam mattress, but compared to the bulkier self-inflating mats or basic foam rolls, it punches well above its weight.

 

Durability

Aussie terrain can be unforgiving, from jagged rocks to prickly bush scrub, so durability is essential. The Elegar Sleeping Pad is made from heavy-duty, waterproof 40D nylon with a TPU coating. It’s tough enough to handle rough surfaces, and it repels water with ease. Very handy for those humid Queensland mornings or cold blasting sleet in the Blue Mountains.

That said, while the nylon shell is resilient, it’s not indestructible. Sharp twigs or punctures are still a possibility, so it’s wise to clear your sleeping area or use a ground sheet where possible. Thankfully, the pad comes with a patch strip, which is a thoughtful inclusion.

 

Portability and Versatility

One of the standout features is the Elegar Sleep Pad’s portability. Its small packed size makes is ideal for multi-day hikes like the Overland Track in Tassie or the Great Ocean Walk. Whether you’re going ultralight or just trying to conserve boot space on a weekend road trip, it slips into your gear with minimal fuss.

It also works well as an extra layer of insulation on stretcher beds or in swags, making it a versatile addition to any kit. As the proud owner of a lovely double swag, I unrolled it to try out this claim. Although my mattress on the swag is a much wider, the addition of the Elegear Sleeping Pad brought to mind a certain fairytale. Princess… meet pea!

A big bonus point for the addition of the plastic press studs. Join two together and create a double or triple or quadruple mattress.

Pros:
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Comfortable even for side sleepers
  • Easy to inflate and deflate
  • Good insulation and water resistance
  • Tough enough for most conditions
  • Easy enough to throw in your pack or the car.

Cons:
  • Not puncture-proof —use with care on rough ground (ideally with a ground mat available from all reputable camping stores).
  • A bit narrow for larger bodies but joining two together might mitigate the space concerns.
  • Does it float? Honestly, for those floating down river air mattress enthusiasts, I suppose you could try it. And if you do, let us know how it went!
  • If you’re looking for a mattress which won’t smash your ultra hiking pack weight allowance, you might want to consider a lighter option. At 1.5lb or 0.63 of a kilo, the Elegear Sleeping Pad for Camping and hiking is impressive, but when every gram matters to hardcore hikers, there may be better options for you.

Verdict

For its price point and performance, the Elegar Sleeping Pad is a standout option for Aussie campers and hikers who want something compact, comfortable, and tough enough to handle a variety of conditions. It’s not a luxury mattress, but it’s not trying to be. But it does strike a near-perfect balance between function and convenience.  Take your pick of Army Green, Blue or Grey; you could even mix and match.

 

Recommendation

If you’re gearing up for your next trip across the Nullarbor, a quick getaway to Wilsons Prom, or a hike through the Kimberley, the Elegar Sleeping Pad deserves a spot in your pack. Retailing on Amazon for $68.99, I can definitely recommend the Elegear Sleeping Pad as a worthwhile addition to any hiking/camping kit.

Thank you Elegear for the review opportunity!