If you’re an avid long-range shooter, chances are you know the discomfort that lying on gravel, rocks, or even dirt brings.
It doesn’t matter how great your aim is — when you’re uncomfortable, you won’t be shooting to the best of your ability.
A simple solution to this problem is investing in a good shooting mat.
In A Hurry? Here’s The Best Shooting Mat
NcSTAR Roll Up Shooting Mat
- Package length: 21.844 cm
- Package width: 24.384 cm
- Package height: 49.275 cm
Why is it the best?
- Offers maximum comfort with its anti-slip and extra padding features
- Highly portable
- Made from durable PVC material (water- and chemical-resistant)
5 Best Shooting Mats
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each mat individually.
You can use the list below to jump and review specific models or you can read along and go through all the information.
1. NcSTAR Roll Up Shooting Mat
- Package length: 21.844 cm
- Package width: 24.384 cm
- Package height: 49.275 cm
This is our first pick for several good reasons. First of all, you’ll be able to travel with this compact size mat comfortably.
It comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and a carry handle for additional support. The shoulder strap can help you secure your rifle bipod in place, thus keeping your weapon from moving forward under recoil.
It is a heavy-duty selection, meaning it can handle a great deal of abuse for many years to come.
When long-range shooting on this mat, you will notice that it has an anti-slip material for both your knees and elbows.
Pros
- Allows for use of a motor, rowing, or fins
- Strong, non-corroding brass oar locks
- Very maneuverable and capable
- Waterproof without a case (to 10m)
- Transport-friendly frame
- Numerous storage options
Cons
- Not designed for standing
In addition to helping you keep your position, this mat also features thick padding in the elbow area, thus maximizing comfort.
The designers of this mat put thought into its features to give users a seamless experience.
We’d like to end this review by saying that the durable, waterproof material it’s made of makes it a top selection.
The VISM Roll up Mat gives you so much for your buck and really exceeded our expectations.
2. Boyt Harness Bat900 Shooting Mat
- Water resistant coated poly with poly exterior
- Rolls up for easy storage and carry
- Closed cell foam: 1/2" thick and Non-slip rubberized surface
Our next selection was the Boyt Harness Bob Allen Tactical Mat. We picked it because of its generous size, weight, and durability.
Users will easily transport this accessory using its poly webbing shoulder strap and sturdy carrying handles. It can be used on gravel, rocks, wet shooting surfaces, and mud.
Additionally, this mat is compact, rolls up neatly, and is one of the most comfortable mats we’ve come across.
Pros
- Exceptional durability (it serves the user many years)
- Made from CCF, it’s one of the more comfortable options
- Slip-resistant surface to keep a stable shooting position
Cons
- This mat is long (accommodates tall people), but narrow at 27 inches
- It’s only available in tan
Designed with closed cell foam (CCF) padding, this mat offers an extra layer of protection between the user and the ground. It has a slip-resistant surface to help with recoil and is water-resistant.
If you’re shooting from a slight incline or decline, you can have peace of mind that this mat will keep you steady. Some users find this option a bit too bulky for their liking.
Also, it doesn’t have additional compartments to store extra gear, but for the price asked we are confident this selection is worth your time and money.
3. VooDoo Tactical Roll-Up Shooting Mat
- Made in China
- Package dimensions :21.0 " x 9.0 " x 6.0 "
- Product type : BINOCULAR
The very first thing we noticed about the VooDoo Tactical Roll up Mat was the price difference in comparison with our NcSTAR choice.
Since the VooDoo mat is significantly more expensive than our first pick, we decided to research it to see what’s that all about.
Pros
- When rolled up, it’s a fraction of the size of the other mats we’ve reviewed
- Accessory pouches included (for ammo and gear)
- Saves space and weight by eliminating unneeded material
Cons
- Relatively expensive (for the exact price, please visit the respective Amazon link)
This mat offers a T-shape when unrolled and fits shooter bodies perfectly. We also noticed that this pick doesn’t waste space like some of the other products on our list.
There is no unnecessary material used, which makes this mat extremely compact and light. A few other fun perks the VooDoo Tactical mat comes with are added pockets to store away weapon accessories.
There are also male buckles included, giving you the option to clip it onto your pack for simpler travel. VooDoo did a nice job with the design of this mat and we 100% recommend it!
4. NcSTAR Rifle Case Shooting Mat
- Constructed from Heavy Duty PVC Material
- Heavy Duty zippers
- Padded panels
If you’re financially savvy and want to save some money, there are options that serve two purposes: a mat and a case. The VISM by NcSTAR Rifle Case Mat is such a product.
This option provides a stable platform for shooting and will also carry your rifle.
It’s made from heavy-duty PVC which will prevent water from getting in your equipment and damaging it.
Pros
- Dual-purpose selection offering a carry case and a mat
- Made from a heavy-duty PVC material that increases durability
- External and internal pocket to store away extra gear/accessories
Cons
- Heavier than other models
If you’re willing to pay a little more money in comparison to what you’d spend buying a mat alone, this selection gives you a quality carry case for your firearm.
It’s cheaper than some of the stand-alone mats we’ve reviewed which is why we highly suggest investing in this combo if you’re considering getting a case separately.
One of the disadvantages of this selection is its weight (6.2 pounds). It measures 66” x 35’ when unfolded, has padded panels and a cleaning rod compartment designed into it.
You can purchase this mat in several different colors like camo, green, black, or tan.
5. BLACKHAWK Long Gun Shooting Mat
- Constructed of 1000 denier Nylon
- Reinforced drag handle
- Internal pouch for Cleaning rod
The BLACKHAWK Pro-Shooters Mat is made of 1000 denier nylon and .375” CCF. It weighs only 1 pound!
It provides comfort, keeps noise levels down, and is shock-resistant.
This mat is perfect for any type of handgun, shotgun, or rifle competition because it enables its user to practice many shooting positions.
PROS
- The BLACKHAWK Pro-Shooters Mat is made of 1000 denier nylon and .375” CCF. It weighs only 1 pound!
It provides comfort, keeps noise levels down, and is shock-resistant.
- This mat is perfect for any type of handgun, shotgun, or rifle competition because it enables its user to practice many shooting positions.
CONS
- This padded mat might be too bulky for some
The Benefits Of A Shooting Mat
Having a durable, high-quality mat is important for all shooters.
These tools offer amazing benefits for enhancing the experience of shooting outdoors.
Comfort and protection are two amazing benefits these accessories provide. Every shooter needs this before taking off on their next adventure.
- Comfort – The main benefit is the comfort mats bring shooters when they’re in the prone position. Many options have extra padding in the elbow and knee area allowing users to maintain a certain position for as long as they need to. Mats are a great choice for people who lie down on cold, hard, rock-filled surfaces while hunting.
- Protection – This tool will also help you maximize your safety and protection. Mats can be used on wet or muddy terrain, and if they have anti-slip features, they will prevent you from slipping and falling.
- Dual-Purpose – We’ll touch a bit more on this point later, but another amazing benefit is that some mats offer two purposes. They serve as a mat and as a carry case for your rifle. This is a win-win situation since you won’t be spending double when buying both accessories separately.
We’d like to add that mats are affordable. They range in many different prices depending on features, but as we mentioned before, not all features apply to all users.
Consider what’s most important for you and find a mat that offers exactly that. If you want to buy a carry case for your firearm as well, then dual-purpose mats are the ideal choice for you.
Additionally, you may simply not like getting dirty while lying on the ground. Other shooters enjoy the stability mats give them.
Non-slip ones are great options especially if the ground is still wet or dewy from the rain the night before. Whichever option you decide on, we hope it’s one that’s worth your investment and will last you several years.
Things To Consider
What To Look For In A Shooting Mat
The number of mats on the market can make the process of selecting the right one for you a bit difficult.
With the many styles, colors, brands, uses, and features, how do you go from dozens of options to a select few?
The answer lies behind informing yourself and knowing what to look for. Prior to deciding on the right one for you, it’s essential that you understand what attributes you should be looking for.
These are the elements we took into consideration when narrowing down the search and what you should keep in mind to make an informed decision.
MATERIAL
Yes, this is probably the most important aspect of a mat because it’s going to undergo a great deal of damage and abuse.
If you’re a regular shooter, you want a mat that’s durable and can last you several years.
Finding one that’s built to last and offers protection from the ground is key.
Always look for a mat with non-slip sections for your knees and elbows. This will ensure you’re keeping a stable shooting position.
Cheaper mats without this advantage can become very slippery.
Depending on the season, the ground may be wet or there could be dew on it.
A sturdy mat will offer protection making your shooting experience safe and enjoyable.
DUAL-PURPOSE
If you’re financially savvy, this element may interest you.
There are mats for shooting that act as a rifle case and as a mat.
This means you’ll carry one less item with you when out on your adventures.
If you’re already thinking about investing in a carry case for your firearm, we encourage you to consider a dual-purpose mat.
It will save you money as opposed to buying both items separately.
Among our top 5 reviews, we did find one combo selection that we’re sure you’ll love if this is something you’re interested in!
PADDING
One of the top reasons why you are considering buying a mat may be to maximize your comfort when hunting.
Elbows digging into the ground for hours is far from enjoyable.
A quality mat will have padding in the elbow areas and sometimes even knees, consequently enhancing your user experience greatly.
There are some options that have padding throughout the entire mat.
These are bulkier and a bit heavier and not ideal for long distances.
Keep in mind that you mainly want good padding in elbow and knee areas, but if you don’t plan on traveling too far with it, overall padding shouldn’t be a problem for you.
POCKETS
We are not against pouches within your mat, just keep in mind that sometimes all this additional gear added to the mat can create an uneven surface.
Don’t disregard a mat simply because it has pockets. We advise you to keep this in mind to maximize your buying and using experience.
PRICE
And, of course, the final factor to consider is the price. Everyone has a different budget when investing in this accessory.
The good news is that mats are inexpensive and range in price, which guarantees you’ll find a mat that’s both suitable for your wants and needs and doesn’t break your wallet.
Final Thoughts
And, of course, the final factor to consider is the price. Everyone has a different budget when investing in this accessory.
The good news is that mats are inexpensive and range in price, which guarantees you’ll find a mat that’s both suitable for your wants and needs and doesn’t break your wallet.
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