Vango Arcadia 7.5 Self-inflating Mat

The Vango Arcadia 7.5 range provides two self-inflating mat options built around the same 7.5cm foam core, TOG 13 insulation rating and open-cell construction that expands when you release the valve. Both the Grande and Double versions use durable polyester fabric with a brass valve system for quick deflation, compression straps to keep them rolled tight during storage and a repair kit for puncture fixes. The self-inflating design means the foam does most of the work once you open the valve, though you'll want to add a few breaths at the end to get proper firmness. These mats suit car camping, caravan awning use, festival-goers and motorhome trips where pack size matters less than a comfortable night's sleep off cold ground.

Should I choose the Arcadia Grande or Double mat for camping?

The Arcadia 7.5 Grande weighs 3kg with a 76cm width and works for solo campers who want room to move or couples prepared to sleep close together, making it the practical choice for backpackers, smaller tents and anyone watching vehicle storage space. The Arcadia 7.5 Double weighs 5.2kg with a 130cm width and comfortably fits two adults with space to turn over during the night, so it suits family camping, caravan awnings and larger tents where weight and pack size are less critical than shared sleeping comfort.

Both mats stretch to 200cm in length and deliver 7cm of cushioning when fully inflated, with the TOG 13 rating providing insulation equivalent to a winter duvet. The diamond-embossed fabric resists punctures better than smooth materials, which helps when you're on rough ground or inside older tents with worn groundsheets. Each mat comes with a compression bag that doubles as a storage sack, and you'll need to allow 10-15 minutes for full self-inflation on the first few uses whilst the foam core adjusts to ambient temperature. The Grande fits inside most two-person and three-person tent sleeping compartments, whilst the Double requires more floor space and works better in family tents, drive-away awnings or alongside caravan beds where extra width improves sleep quality for restless sleepers.

How many UK campers use self-inflating mats on holiday parks?

The UK operates 6,169 holiday parks and campsites with 439,828 pitches, including 220,719 owner-occupied holiday caravans and 108,200 touring pitches. Self-inflating camping mats represent the fastest-growing segment in the camping bed market, valued at 398.36 million dollars globally in 2024 with 6.4 percent annual growth forecast through 2034. The Arcadia 7.5 range's TOG 13 rating delivers thermal insulation equivalent to winter duvets, making these mats suitable for three-season camping when ground temperatures stay above freezing and caravan awning use during spring through autumn trips.

What is the difference between Vango Arcadia Grande and Double mats?