The Vango Arcadia 7.5 Double Self-inflating Mat offers a comfortable sleeping solution for camping trips where space and weight aren't critical concerns. This mat uses open-cell foam that expands when you open the valve, drawing air in automatically before you top it up with a few breaths to achieve your preferred firmness. The 7.5cm thickness provides decent cushioning from uneven ground, cold surfaces, and those persistent stones that always seem to find their way under your tent, whilst the double width accommodates two sleepers or gives a solo camper plenty of room to spread out without rolling off during the night.
Self-inflating mats strike a balance between the compact pack size of inflatable sleeping pads and the insulation properties of foam mats, making them popular with car campers, festival-goers, and caravanners who don't need to carry gear on their backs. The Arcadia sits in Vango's mid-range comfort category, suitable for three-season use when ground temperatures don't drop too severely. You'll get better performance on relatively flat pitches since the foam core won't conform to significant ground contours like a fully inflatable pad would, and the self-inflation process works best when the mat has warmed to ambient temperature rather than being rolled out straight from a cold car boot.
The double configuration measures wide enough for two average adults, though couples who move around significantly during sleep might find themselves competing for the padded area. Pack size runs larger than pure inflatables because you're compressing foam rather than just folding fabric, so check your storage space before committing if you're working with limited room in a smaller vehicle. The brass valve system typical of Vango's range allows for quick deflation when you're packing up camp, and the mat comes with its own storage bag that doubles as a compression sack to squeeze out residual air.
Vango Arcadia 7.5 Double Self-inflating Mat Features
- Self-Inflating Design: Features open-cell foam that automatically draws in air when the valve is opened, requiring only minimal manual inflation to achieve desired firmness.
- 7.5cm Thickness: Provides excellent cushioning and insulation from uneven ground or cold surfaces, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Double Width: Spacious enough for two adults or one camper who prefers extra room, reducing the likelihood of rolling off during sleep.
- Durable Brass Valve System: Enables quick and efficient deflation, simplifying pack-up after camping trips.
- Included Compression Bag: Comes with a storage bag that doubles as a compression sack for easier transport and storage.
Specifications- Weight : 5.2 kg
- Length : 200 cm
- Width : 130 cm
- Height : 7 cm
- TOG Rating : 13
- EAN : 5059474014582
- Colourway : Deep Blue
Frequently Asked Questions
The mat typically takes 5-10 minutes to self-inflate to around 80% capacity after you open the valve. Temperature affects inflation speed - warmer conditions help the foam expand faster. You'll need to add a few manual breaths through the valve to reach full firmness and achieve your preferred comfort level. Don't expect it to inflate completely on its own like some marketing suggests.
The double version measures approximately 200cm long by 135cm wide when fully inflated, with a 7.5cm thickness. This width accommodates two average adults, though you'll be closer together than on a standard double bed. The packed size typically measures around 70cm long by 30cm diameter when rolled, which is substantially larger than inflatable-only sleeping pads due to the foam core.
The Arcadia 7.5 works best for three-season camping in spring through autumn. The 7.5cm foam provides reasonable insulation from cold ground, but you'll feel the chill during proper winter camping when ground temperatures drop significantly. For winter use, consider adding a closed-cell foam underlay beneath the mat or choose a model with a higher R-value rating specifically designed for cold weather camping.
Open both valves fully and roll the mat tightly from the opposite end to the valves, squeezing air out as you go. Kneel on sections as you roll to compress the foam effectively. Once rolled, place it in the compression bag and use the straps to squeeze out remaining air. The first few times you pack it, the mat won't compress as small as it arrived from the factory - this is normal as the foam has been used and won't achieve that initial vacuum-packed size again.
Yes, you'll need to blow a few breaths into the valve after the automatic inflation stops. Self-inflating mats use foam that expands and draws in air, but this process alone doesn't create enough pressure for proper firmness. Most people add 5-10 breaths to top up the mat to their preferred comfort level. You can adjust firmness by adding more air for a firmer feel or releasing some for a softer sleeping surface.
The 135cm width fits comfortably in most family tents and larger camping tents designed for 3-4 people. Check your tent's internal sleeping area dimensions before buying - some compact 2-person tents have sleeping areas narrower than 135cm and won't accommodate this double mat. The mat works brilliantly in bell tents, larger dome tents, and caravan awnings where floor space isn't restricted.
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap solution, then let it dry completely before storing. For stubborn dirt, use a soft brush with warm soapy water. Never put self-inflating mats in washing machines or use harsh chemicals that can degrade the foam and fabric coating. After camping trips, always store the mat unrolled with valves open in a dry place - keeping it compressed long-term damages the foam's ability to self-inflate properly.
Double self-inflating mats in this thickness category typically weigh between 3-4kg, making them unsuitable for backpacking or hiking trips where you carry gear. This weight comes from the open-cell foam core that provides the comfort and insulation. The Arcadia targets car campers, caravanners, and motorhome users who can transport heavier gear without concern for pack weight.
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