Chris Townsend finds the Robens Hybrid Core 60 sleeping mat the best value of all he tested. Find out why.

The Robens Hybrid Core 60 is a low-priced mat that performs well. It’s not as light as the Big Agnes Zoom UL and doesn’t pack up as small but it’s still quite light and compact.

Chris Townsend’s Best Value

For the price this mat is great value and should be adequate for all but the coldest winter nights.
Pros
  • lightweight
  • small pack size
  • comfort
  • sensibly sized stuffsack
  • cost
  • recycled material
Cons
  • only one size
  • pump sack not provided
Quick specs
Price: no US shipping / £106 (available from Outdoor Action)
Weight: 522g
Type: insulated airbed
Materials: recycled 20D polyester, 2 layers recycled MicroThermo Highloft polyester, 1 foil layer
Dimensions: 51 x 185cm
Thickness: 6cm
Rating: R value 4.1
Sizes: one
robens.de

It tapers towards the foot from about halfway along its length but not as much as many mats. The horizontal chambers contain two layers of synthetic insulation separated by a reflective foil layer (hence the name) for warmth. I found the fully inflated mat warm at -2.5°C.

The outer material is a soft polyester that feels comfortable against the skin. The mat crackles very slightly but not enough to disturb anybody unless they have very sensitive hearing.

It has a low-profile valve which makes blowing it up by mouth a little awkward. No pump sack is provided. One is available separately at £17.99. The valve closes when you remove your mouth so you don’t lose any air, which does make inflation a bit easier. I’d still rather use a pump sack or an inflation device though. The valve can be held open for deflation with the end of the puller on the valve cover, which works well.

Chris Townsend finds the Robens Hybrid Core 60 sleeping mat the best value of all he tested. Find out why in his review.
Chris Townsend finds the Robens Hybrid Core 60 supportive. Credit: Chris Townsend

Fully inflated I found the mat supportive but a little too easy to roll off and a bit firmer than I like. Letting a little air out makes it softer and easier to stay on but that does reduce the warmth a little bit.

I liked the stuffsack, which is big enough to get the rolled mat in easily, unlike many others! There are lighter and more compact mats than the Hybrid Core 60 but they cost significantly more. For the price this mat is great value and should be adequate for all but the coldest winter nights.

Testing conditions

Chris tested the mats on high and low wild camps in the Scottish Highlands during all 4 seasons. He is around 5’8”, sleeps on his side or front and slept on snow, frozen ground, and wet ground. This review was published in the December 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.