How to Set Up Your Overland Mat for Camping
By Rumpl | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the quick steps to set up your Rumpl Overland Mat for a dry, comfortable camp. This guide covers site prep, unfolding, and securing the mat for any terrain.
Quick answer
Set up your Overland Mat in under two minutes by choosing a flat, debris-free spot, unrolling the mat with the waterproof side down, and securing the corners with your gear or stakes.
Why setup matters for comfort
A rushed setup can turn a good camp into a wet, lumpy night. The Overland Mat is both a ground barrier and a padded blanket, so how you place it directly affects insulation and dryness. Taking a few extra seconds to clear the site and orient the mat pays off in sleep quality.
The mat is waterproof and durable, but it still needs a clean surface to avoid punctures from sharp rocks or twigs. A quick sweep with your boot or a camp broom is all it takes.
Overland Mat setup steps
- Choose and clear your site: Look for a flat area free of sharp rocks, sticks, and pinecones. A slight slope is fine as long as your head is uphill. Sweep the ground with your foot or a glove to remove debris. Common mistake: skipping this step leads to punctures or an uneven sleeping surface.
- Unroll the mat with the waterproof side down: The mat has a durable waterproof bottom and a soft top. Unroll it fully so it lies flat. If the mat curls, let it sit for a minute to relax the fabric. Checkpoint: the mat should lie flat without wrinkles that could trap moisture.
- Secure the corners and edges: Use your backpack, tent footprint, or a few rocks on each corner to keep the mat from shifting. On windy days, place heavier gear on the windward edge. If you have stakes, use them through the corner loops (if available) or pinch the mat under a stake. Common mistake: leaving the mat unsecured in wind can cause it to bunch up and expose the ground.
Product details
- Overland Mat - Cherry Fig: Waterproof, durable, and padded underfoot, The Overland Mat is the multi-purpose launch pad for your next adventure. The waterproof layer keeps ground moisture out, and the padding adds cushion on rocky or uneven terrain.
Overland Mat - Cherry Fig
