Ever tried shooting prone on rough terrain? Rocks dig into your elbows, dirt gets everywhere, and suddenly your focus is on comfort, not accuracy. We’ve all been there! Choosing the right shooting mat can be the difference between a frustrating experience and a successful day at the range. But with so many mats available, how do you know which one is best for you?
Finding the perfect shooting mat can feel overwhelming. You need something durable, comfortable, and easy to carry. Will it protect you from the elements? Is it big enough for your needs, but not too bulky to pack? Maybe you need a mat that can be easily cleaned after a long day. The options are endless, and making the wrong choice can lead to discomfort and wasted money.
This blog post is your guide to navigating the world of shooting mats. We’ll break down the key features to consider, explore different types of mats, and help you understand what makes a great shooting mat. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge you need to confidently choose a shooting mat that enhances your shooting experience. Let’s dive in and explore the essential features to look for in your next shooting mat!
Our Top 5 Shooting Mat Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEYACE Shooting Mats Prone Padded | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Shooting Mat | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Shooting Mats Prone Padded | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat Olive Drab | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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IC ICLOVER Shooting Mat | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Shooting Mat Detailed Reviews
1. DEYACE Shooting Mats Prone Padded
Rating: 9.1/10
The DEYACE Shooting Mat is a great choice for shooters and hunters who want a comfortable and portable shooting platform. This mat keeps you clean and dry during long days at the range or in the field. It rolls up easily for transport and offers extra padding for comfort.
What We Like:
- The extra-large size (78″ x 28.5″) gives you plenty of room to spread out.
- Thick padding provides comfort for your elbows and knees on rough ground.
- It rolls up easily and is lightweight (900g) for easy carrying. Straps and buckles make it simple to secure.
- Made from durable 1000D nylon, polyester, and EPE padding, so it can handle tough conditions.
- MOLLE webbing lets you attach extra gear. Grommet holes allow you to stake it down.
What Could Be Improved:
- The green color might not be ideal for all environments.
- While durable, very sharp rocks could potentially damage the material over time.
The DEYACE Shooting Mat offers a comfortable and durable shooting surface that is easy to transport. It’s a solid investment for anyone who spends time shooting in prone position.
2. Shooting Mat
Rating: 8.9/10
The Shooting Mat, Extra Large Folded Shooting Mats Prone Padded Hunting Accessories for Range Hunting provides a comfortable and durable platform for prone shooting. This mat is designed for range hunting, military applications, and camping. It’s built to keep you clean, dry, and stable in various outdoor environments.
What We Like:
- Durable Construction: Made with 1000D nylon, this mat is tough and resists wear and tear.
- Comfortable Padding: The 0.2-inch EPE padding offers excellent cushioning for your elbows and body.
- Easy to Carry: It folds up quickly and easily, and the quick-release buckles let you attach it to your backpack.
- Large Size: The unfolded size is 78″ x 28.5″, which is plenty of space for comfortable prone shooting.
- Versatile Use: You can use it for shooting, hunting, or as ground padding under a sleeping bag.
- Secure Setup: Corner buckle holes let you stake the mat to the ground for extra stability.
- Accessory Pockets: Two pockets keep your essential accessories close at hand.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight: At around 33.5 oz, it could be lighter for longer treks.
- Padding Thickness: While adequate, some users might prefer even thicker padding for maximum comfort.
In conclusion, this shooting mat is a reliable and versatile accessory for any shooter or outdoor enthusiast. It offers a comfortable and stable shooting platform that is easy to carry and set up.
3. Shooting Mats Prone Padded
Rating: 8.6/10
The Shooting Mats Prone Padded is an extra-large, portable shooting mat designed for comfort and convenience. This mat rolls up for easy transport and unfolds to provide a waterproof, non-slip surface. It features thick cotton padding, a secure bipod holder, and two accessory pockets. It’s perfect for range shooting and hunting.
What We Like:
- It’s made with durable 1000D nylon, so it resists water and wear.
- The mat is large (77″ x 28″ x 0.4″), offering plenty of space.
- Two storage pockets keep your supplies organized and accessible. One pocket is designed to hold bullets and pens.
- Cotton padding and anti-slip mats provide comfort and stability for long shooting sessions.
- The bipod holder keeps your bipod secure and prevents movement.
- Corner copper buckle holes allow you to stake the mat to the ground for extra stability.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the 1000D nylon can be a little stiff initially.
- The pockets, while useful, could benefit from additional closure options like zippers.
Overall, the Shooting Mats Prone Padded is a well-designed and practical shooting mat. It offers durability, comfort, and organization for serious shooters.
4. MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat Olive Drab
Rating: 9.1/10
The MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat in Olive Drab is built for serious shooters. This mat gives you a stable and comfortable platform for competition or practice. It’s designed to meet the needs of high power, CMP rifle matches, and smallbore competitions. The olive drab color keeps you concealed and ready to focus on your shot.
What We Like:
- The sturdy corner grommets let you stake the mat down. Four stakes are included, so you’re ready to go.
- It has built-in elbow and knee pads. These pads make long shooting sessions much more comfortable.
- This mat is legal for High Power/CMP Rifle Matches & Smallbore Competition. You can use it in sanctioned events.
- The bottom is made of textured, non-skid, water-resistant material. This keeps you from sliding around and protects you from damp ground.
- It’s long enough for most shooters. It measures 74 inches normally, and 85 inches when the flap with accessory pockets is folded out.
What Could Be Improved:
- The accessory pockets could be a little bigger. Some shooters may want more space for gear.
- While water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof. Heavy rain will eventually soak through.
The MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat is a solid choice for competitive shooters who need a reliable and comfortable shooting platform. It offers essential features at a competitive price.
5. IC ICLOVER Shooting Mat
Rating: 9.3/10
The IC ICLOVER Shooting Mat is a tactical mat designed for shooters who need a comfortable and stable platform. This mat is extra-large, waterproof, and foldable, making it easy to carry and use in various environments. It features padding, pockets, MOLLE webbing, and a bipod holder to enhance your shooting experience.
What We Like:
- The mat is spacious and fits most shooters comfortably.
- It’s made with durable, waterproof material that can withstand tough conditions.
- Thick padding provides excellent comfort for elbows and knees during long shooting sessions.
- Zipper pockets and MOLLE webbing offer convenient storage for accessories.
- The bipod holder adds stability for more accurate shots.
- The mat is lightweight and folds up easily for transport.
- Grommet holes prevent the mat from blowing away in windy conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.4-inch EPE padding may not be sufficient for shooters who prefer very thick padding.
- While the grommet holes are helpful, stronger anchoring stakes might be needed in extremely windy conditions.
- The color options are limited.
The IC ICLOVER Shooting Mat is a well-designed and practical accessory for any serious shooter. It provides comfort, stability, and convenient storage, making it a great addition to your shooting gear.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Right Shooting Mat
Choosing the right shooting mat can seriously improve your accuracy and comfort at the range or in the field. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a shooting mat, consider these important features:
- Padding: Look for thick padding. It protects your body from hard or uneven surfaces.
- Size: A mat should be long and wide enough for you to comfortably lie down and position your rifle.
- Material: Durable, water-resistant materials are a must. You want something that can handle the elements.
- Non-Slip Surface: A non-slip surface keeps you and your rifle from sliding around.
- Portability: Can you easily fold it up and carry it? Look for straps or handles.
- Bipod Accommodation: Some mats have a special area designed for bipod legs to rest. This adds stability.
Important Materials
The material of your shooting mat affects its durability, comfort, and water resistance. Here are some common materials:
- Nylon: Nylon is tough and water-resistant. It’s a good choice for outdoor use.
- Polyester: Polyester is also durable and resists water. It’s often more affordable than nylon.
- PVC: PVC is waterproof and easy to clean. It can be less comfortable than other materials.
- Closed-Cell Foam: This foam provides padding and doesn’t absorb water. It’s often used for the padding itself.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors determine the quality of a shooting mat.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Reinforced Stitching: Strong stitching prevents the mat from falling apart after heavy use.
- Waterproof Coating: A waterproof coating keeps you dry in wet conditions.
- Durable Zippers and Buckles: High-quality zippers and buckles ensure the mat stays securely folded.
- Thick Padding: More padding provides greater comfort and protection.
- Non-Slip Backing: This keeps the mat in place, even on uneven terrain.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Thin Padding: Thin padding offers little comfort on hard surfaces.
- Cheap Materials: Low-quality materials tear easily and don’t last long.
- Poor Stitching: Weak stitching leads to rips and tears.
- Lack of Water Resistance: The mat will absorb water and become heavy and uncomfortable.
- Slippery Surface: This makes it difficult to maintain a stable shooting position.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good shooting mat enhances your shooting experience in several ways. It provides a comfortable and stable platform, reducing fatigue and improving accuracy.
Use Cases:
- Target Shooting: Provides comfort and stability at the range.
- Hunting: Keeps you clean and dry while waiting for game.
- Long-Range Shooting: Offers a stable platform for precise shots.
- Competition Shooting: Provides a competitive edge with a comfortable and consistent setup.
- Zeroing Rifles: Helps you get your rifle sighted in with a stable platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size shooting mat should I get?
A: Choose a mat that is long enough for you to lie down comfortably with your rifle. A length of 72-84 inches is usually sufficient. The width should be at least 24-36 inches to provide enough space for your arms and equipment.
Q: Is water resistance important?
A: Yes, water resistance is very important, especially if you plan to use the mat outdoors. A water-resistant mat keeps you dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
Q: How do I clean my shooting mat?
A: Most shooting mats can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Q: What is the best material for a shooting mat?
A: Nylon and polyester are both good choices for the outer material. They are durable, water-resistant, and relatively affordable. Closed-cell foam is a good choice for padding because it doesn’t absorb water.
Q: Do I need a shooting mat with bipod accommodation?
A: If you regularly use a bipod, a mat with a designated bipod area can improve stability. However, it is not essential. You can still use a regular mat with a bipod.
Q: How important is padding thickness?
A: Padding thickness is crucial for comfort. Look for a mat with at least 0.5 inches of padding, but thicker padding (1 inch or more) is preferable for hard surfaces.
Q: What makes a shooting mat portable?
A: A portable shooting mat can be easily folded or rolled up. It also has carrying straps or handles for convenient transport.
Q: Can I use a yoga mat as a shooting mat?
A: While you could use a yoga mat in a pinch, it is not ideal. Yoga mats are usually not durable or water-resistant enough for regular shooting use. They also lack the padding and features of a dedicated shooting mat.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good shooting mat?
A: A good quality shooting mat can range from $50 to $150. The price depends on the material, features, and brand.
Q: Where can I buy a shooting mat?
A: You can find shooting mats at sporting goods stores, gun shops, and online retailers like Amazon.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.