An outdoor mat defines your campsite living area. It creates a clean, comfortable surface between your awning and the dirt, keeps mud and sand out of the van, and makes the outdoor space feel like an extension of home. A good mat handles Australian UV without falling apart, lets sand and dirt fall through (or shakes clean easily), and rolls up small enough to store without eating your tunnel boot space.
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⚡ Quick Answer — Our Top Picks
Short on time? Here are our top outdoor mat picks:
Best Overall
CGear MultiMat
Sand falls through, UV stabilised, lasts years
Best Value
Tiegear Terra Mat
Durable woven mat at a solid mid range price
☰ What’s In This Guide
1. What To Look For
☐ Buyers Checklist
- Weave type: Dual layer weaves (like CGear) let sand fall through. Standard polypropylene weaves trap dirt on the surface. Both work; the dual layer is better for sandy and beach campsites.
- UV stabilisation: Essential in Australian conditions. Non UV stabilised mats fade and deteriorate within months. Always check for UV treatment.
- Size: Bigger is generally better. A 3.6m x 2.4m mat covers a good outdoor living area. Measure your awning coverage before buying.
- Weight and pack size: Larger mats are heavy (4 to 6kg). Factor in where you’ll store it and how often you’ll set up and pack down.
2. Our Top Picks
1
Best Overall
~$80
CGear MultiMat
The mat most experienced Big Lappers end up with
The CGear is the mat most experienced Big Lappers end up with. The unique dual layer weave lets sand and dirt fall through to the ground below, keeping the top surface clean. UV stabilised for Australian conditions, comfortable underfoot, and available in a range of sizes. Lasts years of daily use.
Material
Dual layer weave
UV Stabilised
Yes
Sand Through
Yes
Weight (large)
4 to 6 kg
✔ Pros
- Sand and dirt fall through, stays clean on top
- UV stabilised, lasts years in Australian conditions
- Comfortable underfoot, good thickness
✗ Cons
- More expensive than basic woven mats
- Larger sizes are heavy (4 to 6kg)
2
Best Value
~$60
Tiegear Terra Mat
A durable woven mat at a solid mid range price
The Tiegear Terra Mat is a well built woven mat that covers the basics well. UV stabilised, easy to hose down and shake clean, and available in sizes that suit most caravan awning setups. Dirt sits on the surface rather than falling through, so it needs more regular shaking than a CGear, but it holds up well to extended use.
Material
Woven polypropylene
UV Stabilised
Yes
Sand Through
No
Easy Clean
Hose and shake
✔ Pros
- Good quality at a mid range price
- UV stabilised for Australian conditions
- Easy to clean with a hose or shake
✗ Cons
- Dirt sits on surface rather than falling through
- Needs regular shaking at sandy campsites
3
Budget Pick
~$80
Companion Annex Matting Grey 2.5 x 6m
Big coverage at an accessible price point
The Companion Annex Matting from Anaconda covers a large outdoor area at a price that won’t hurt. At 2.5 x 6 metres it suits caravans and larger awning setups well. A basic woven mat, so dirt sits on the surface rather than falling through, but at this size and price it’s a practical option for caravanners who want solid coverage without spending CGear money.
Material
Woven polypropylene
Size
2.5 x 6m
Sand Through
No
Availability
Anaconda stores
✔ Pros
- Large 2.5 x 6m coverage
- Good price for the size
- Available in Anaconda stores nationally
✗ Cons
- Dirt sits on surface, needs regular shaking
- Basic weave, less comfortable underfoot than CGear
3. Quick Comparison
| Mat | Price | Sand Through | UV Stabilised | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGear MultiMat Best Pick | ~$80 | Yes | Yes | Sandy and beach campsites |
| Tiegear Terra Mat Best Value | ~$60 | No | Yes | General use, mid range budget |
| Companion Annex Matting | ~$80 | No | Basic | Large coverage on a budget |
Key Takeaway
- The CGear MultiMat is the best outdoor mat for most Big Lappers. The sand through feature is a genuine game changer.
- Measure your awning coverage before buying. Bigger is almost always better.
- UV stabilisation is non negotiable in Australian conditions.
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