When it comes to outdoor gear, comfort and packability are two factors that can make or break your trip. Whether you’re heading into the hills for a weekend of wild camping, bikepacking across the countryside, or backpacking for days on end, a good sleeping mat is essential.
The Alpkit Cloud Base is one of the brand’s most popular budget-friendly inflatable sleeping mats, promising lightweight comfort without breaking the bank. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its design, comfort, packability, durability, and value for money, drawing on real-world use to see if it lives up to the hype.
Overview of the Alpkit Cloud Base
The Alpkit Cloud Base is an inflatable sleeping mat designed for ultralight backpacking, wild camping, and adventure travel. With a packed weight of just 415g and a pack size small enough to fit in most rucksack side pockets, it’s aimed at those who value low weight and compact gear.
It’s constructed from ripstop nylon, features horizontal baffles for improved comfort, and uses a single inflation valve for easy set-up and packing away. Unlike bulkier foam mats, it’s designed to keep your sleeping set-up light and minimal without sacrificing too much comfort.
Key Specifications
- Weight: 415g (without stuff sack)
- Dimensions: 180cm x 48cm x 5cm
- Packed Size: 22cm x 7cm
- Material: 20D ripstop nylon TPU laminate
- R-Value: Estimated around 1.3 (three-season use, not for deep winter)
- Valve Type: Single inflation/deflation valve
- Price: Around £44.99 (at time of writing)
Design & Build Quality
One of the first things you notice about the Cloud Base is its minimalist design. The bright orange colour (typical of Alpkit gear) makes it easy to spot in your tent, while the fabric has a slightly matte finish that feels less slippery than many mats in its category.
The horizontal baffle design evenly distributes air and provides good support across your body. The baffles are also slightly larger on the edges, which can help prevent you from rolling off during the night—a small but thoughtful feature.
The 20D ripstop nylon is lightweight yet surprisingly tough. While you should still use a groundsheet or check for sharp stones, it holds up well to regular use.
Comfort & Warmth
Let’s be honest—at just 5cm thick, the Cloud Base isn’t going to rival the plush feel of a thick self-inflating mat. However, for its weight and size, it’s impressively comfortable.
The horizontal baffles adapt to your body shape, providing enough cushioning to keep hips and shoulders off the ground. Side sleepers might want something thicker for long trips, but for back sleepers or those used to minimalist camping, it strikes a good balance between weight and comfort.
Warmth-wise, with an R-value of around 1.3, it’s best suited for spring to autumn use. In colder conditions, pairing it with a thin closed-cell foam mat underneath can add insulation and protect against ground chill.
Ease of Inflation & Deflation
The single valve design keeps things simple. You can inflate it in about 10–15 breaths, and it deflates quickly when you’re packing up. Unlike some mats with complex pump systems, there’s nothing to break or fail.
The downside is that there’s no dedicated one-way inflation feature, so you may lose a little air between breaths—but given its low volume, it’s not a major issue.
Packability
This is one of the Cloud Base’s strongest points. At just 22cm x 7cm when packed, it’s smaller than a standard 500ml water bottle. This makes it a fantastic option for bikepacking or ultralight hiking when space is at a premium.
It fits neatly into rucksack side pockets, bike frame bags, or even jacket pockets in a pinch.
Durability
For a lightweight mat, durability is often a concern. The Cloud Base’s 20D nylon strikes a reasonable balance between low weight and tear resistance. It’s not indestructible, but with basic care—avoiding sharp ground and packing it away dry—it should last many seasons.
Alpkit also offers a three-year Alpine Bond warranty, which adds peace of mind.
Performance in the Field
I’ve used the Cloud Base on multiple trips, from wild camping in the Peak District to lightweight overnighters in the Lake District.
In warmer months, it’s excellent—quick to set up, comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep, and almost unnoticeable in the pack. On a chilly October night, I did notice cold seeping through, which reinforced that it’s better suited to milder conditions unless you supplement with extra insulation.
For bikepacking, it’s perfect—the packed size means it doesn’t hog space in frame bags, and the weight savings make a real difference on long climbs.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ultralight at 415g
- Packs down to the size of a small water bottle
- Comfortable for its thickness
- Affordable price for the performance
- Durable for a lightweight mat
- Ideal for summer and three-season use
Cons:
- Limited insulation (not for winter use without extra layers)
- Side sleepers may want more cushioning
- Single valve lacks one-way inflation
Who Is the Alpkit Cloud Base For?
The Cloud Base is perfect for:
- Ultralight backpackers
- Wild campers in mild climates
- Bikepackers with limited space
- Budget-conscious campers who still want quality gear
It’s less suited to:
- Winter campers
- Those who prioritise plush comfort over weight savings
- Campers needing an all-in-one four-season solution
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Cloud Base
- Pair it with a foam mat in colder months for extra insulation.
- Avoid overinflating—a slightly softer mat is more comfortable and reduces strain on the seams.
- Use a groundsheet or tent footprint to prolong its life.
- Dry before storing to prevent mould and delamination.
Final Verdict
The Alpkit Cloud Base proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a high-quality, lightweight sleeping mat. While it’s not designed for deep winter or maximum comfort, it excels at what it’s made for—lightweight, compact, and reliable three-season sleeping.
For under £50, it’s a strong contender for anyone building an ultralight camping set-up on a budget.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Outstanding value for ultralight adventures
