The SIMOND MT500 Inflatable Trekking Mattress is designed for people who want reliable sleep comfort without adding bulk to their pack. With a focus on portability, ease of use, and summer-ready insulation, this mattress offers a practical solution for bikepackers, hikers, and minimalist campers. At just 510g, it’s one of the lightest full-length inflatable options available at its price point.
Materials and Build Quality
The MT500 uses a durable nylon shell with a TPU laminate, giving it a smooth finish and solid resistance to punctures and abrasion. The construction feels robust for the weight, and the welds are clean and consistent. It’s not a rugged pad for alpine use, but for summer trekking and bikepacking, it holds up well.
The valve system is simple and effective. Inflation takes around 10–15 breaths, and deflation is quick thanks to the wide opening. The valve seals tightly and doesn’t leak overnight, which is a common issue with cheaper pads. There’s no pump sack included, but the manual inflation is manageable given the pad’s volume.
Dimensions and Packability
The MT500 measures 180 x 52 cm, which suits most people up to around 6 feet tall. It’s not wide, but the tapered shape helps reduce weight and bulk. The thickness is generous enough to cushion against uneven ground, and the horizontal baffles distribute weight evenly without creating pressure points.
Packed down, the mattress fits into a compact stuff sack roughly the size of a 1L bottle. This makes it easy to stow in a bikepacking frame bag, rucksack lid, or pannier. For people who value space efficiency, the MT500 is a strong contender.
Comfort and Insulation
Comfort is where the MT500 punches above its weight. The horizontal baffle design offers good support for side sleepers and back sleepers alike. It’s not plush, but it’s far more comfortable than closed-cell foam or ultralight pads with minimal thickness.
The insulation is rated for summer use, with no specific R-value published. Based on field use, it’s suitable for temperatures down to around 8–10°C when paired with a decent sleeping bag. It’s not designed for shoulder-season or winter use, but for warm-weather trips, it performs well.
Field Performance
In real-world conditions, the MT500 delivers consistent comfort across a variety of surfaces. It handles grassy fields, forest floors, and gravelly pitches without issue. The fabric is quiet—no loud crinkling or squeaking—and the pad stays in place well on tent floors.
The valve system is intuitive, and the pad holds air reliably overnight. It’s easy to adjust firmness by releasing a small amount of air, and the horizontal baffles prevent the “ballooning” effect seen in some vertical-baffle designs.
Durability and Care
After repeated use, the MT500 shows minimal wear. The TPU laminate resists moisture and dirt, and the nylon shell doesn’t absorb water. It’s easy to clean with a damp cloth, and the pad dries quickly after exposure to dew or condensation.
The stuff sack is basic but functional, and the pad rolls up easily without needing precise folding. There’s no repair kit included, so adding one to your kit is recommended for longer trips.
Who It’s For
The SIMOND MT500 is ideal for:
- Summer bikepackers and trekkers
- People who want a lightweight, full-length pad
- Minimalists who value packability and simplicity
- Budget-conscious campers seeking comfort without bulk
It’s less suited for:
- Cold-weather or alpine use
- People who need extra width or plush cushioning
- Expeditions where durability is critical
Comparisons and Alternatives
Compared to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Venture or Sea to Summit Ultralight, the MT500 offers similar comfort at a lower price. It’s heavier than some ultralight pads but more affordable and easier to inflate. Against self-inflating pads like the MT100, the MT500 wins on weight and packability but loses some insulation.
The MT500 XL version offers more width and length for taller people, while the MT500 Air Insulating model adds better thermal performance for cooler conditions.
Final Thoughts
The SIMOND MT500 Inflatable Trekking Mattress is a well-balanced option for summer adventures. It’s light, compact, and comfortable enough for multi-day trips, with a simple design that works. While it’s not built for extreme conditions, it delivers solid performance for its intended use—and at a price that makes it accessible to a wide range of people.
For those seeking a reliable sleep system that won’t weigh them down, the MT500 is a smart choice.
