Vango Shangri-La Lux 12 Sleeping Mat

The Vango Shangri-La Lux 12 sleeping mat range combines rechargeable pump convenience with proper bed-like comfort for car campers, festival-goers and caravan owners who value quick setup without sacrificing sleep quality. The integrated USB-rechargeable pump inflates these mats in 60 seconds flat, which beats standing around with a foot pump after driving to your pitch or unpacking the caravan. Available in both Double and Grande widths, the 12cm thickness provides enough cushioning for side sleepers and those with back problems, whilst the Dreamlock construction keeps the packed size 20% smaller than previous Shangri-La models. The vertical wall design creates more usable sleeping width than rounded-edge camping mats, and the elastic knitted fabric feels closer to your mattress at home than standard PVC surfaces.

Should I choose the Shangri-La Lux 12 Double or Grande?

The Double at 132cm width suits couples sharing one mat or anyone who wants maximum space to spread out without rolling onto a tent floor. Two people sleeping on this width eliminates the cold gap you get when pushing single mats together, and the size works well in larger family tents, caravan awnings or the back of panel vans. The Grande measures 76cm across, which gives a single sleeper plenty of room to move around during the night whilst keeping the weight down to 3.6kg compared to the Double's 5.8kg. Solo campers who prioritise lighter carrying weight but still want luxury cushioning typically opt for the Grande, particularly if they're moving the mat between tent and vehicle regularly. Both versions use the same 12cm depth, TOG 16 rating and rechargeable pump technology.

The TPU lamination proves lighter and more environmentally sound than older PVC construction methods, and the precision-welded seams handle repeated inflation cycles without developing the slow leaks that plague cheaper camping mats. The Cyclone valve works independently of the pump for fine-tuning firmness once inflated, so you let out a bit of air if you prefer a softer surface or add more for firmer support. The included carry bag features compression straps and sturdy handles for transport, though you'll want to check your tent or awning dimensions before ordering because these mats need decent floor space when fully inflated. The rechargeable pump charges via USB in 3-4 hours and handles multiple inflation cycles per charge, making it particularly useful on multi-day camping trips where you're pitching and packing daily.

How popular are rechargeable pump camping mats in the UK?

Integrated rechargeable pump camping mats represent roughly 15-20% of premium camping mat sales in the UK market, with demand increasing 35% year-on-year according to 2024 outdoor retail data. The 12cm thickness category specifically accounts for the fastest-growing segment, as campers prioritise comfort over ultralight specifications for car camping and caravan use where weight matters less than sleep quality.

Should I choose the Shangri-La Lux 12 Double or Grande?