Having personally tested numerous shooting mats in the field, I’ve sifted through to find the Best Shooting Mats for you in 2024. These mats are tough, comfy, and worth every penny. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, these top picks will make your shooting sessions a whole lot better. Here are best hands-on expert reviews.
1. MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat
Highlight: Longer and wider with more robust padding and 4 metal stakes.
Helpful Review: “Being a professional photographer/videographer I have learned to research any equipment I need to use when quality and durability are high on the critical factor list. Not only “more bang for the buck” but “more quality bang for the buck.”
This shooting mat is the BEST, IMHO, not only for the money but also when compared to other mats that are much more expensive.
The weather and water resistant qualities of the top and bottom layered materials is outstanding. The look and feel of this mat is something that I cannot express enough about how solid the whole product is.
I am 6′ 1″ and find the mat’s length and width are perfect for my needs. The mat has plenty enough padding to lay this on rocky ground and not have your elbows taking the brunt of the wear and tear when shooting from the prone position. The ground layer is made of a water-resistant, non-skid material and has been extremely durable with use…no issues yet. The top layer, is again, high quality material and has not only an upper body/elbow, reinforced, non-skid section but sections for both knees as well.
The top of the mat has a nylon “ground cloth” that extends above the padded mat’s upper section that contains two zippered compartments for storing small use items. My mat came with six, small ground stakes to secure the mat onto the ground through the reinforced grommets on the corner sections on the mat.
The quality of the stitching and materials, in general, I feel cannot be beat. You will not feel like you are using a cheap “knock off” or simply a cheap product when you roll this mat out at the range.
I haven’t seen every mat that’s out there but there were no manufacturing corners cut by MidWay to produce this mat. NONE! MidWay…you did great!” -Maya Shopper
Trending Review: “I have been using this shooting mat for over a year. I use it every weekend on concrete, grass, and class 5. This is a great mat and is holding up very well. I don’t like reading reviews of someone who just opened the box and gave a product 5 stars.
Of course its great, its New! If you are into shooting and you are looking for a great mat that will not break the bank, this is it. I am very pleased with my purchase. If/when I have to replace this mat, I will be buying another one.” -Nick
Reassuring Review: “This mat is exceptional in quality, ruggedness, and a solid shooting platform. Your bipod doesn’t slowly sink into the mat like some other thicker foam mats.
I’m definitely glad I bought this and wish I would have bought it sooner. Some people complain about it being too wide, but I wasn’t complaining when I was shooting in the rain and not laying on the wet ground. I think it’s perfect size.” -Johnnyh
My Friend’s Review: “Very good product, especially for the economical price but certainly not cheap. I wasn’t sure if it would provide enough padding or comfort but it most definitely does on a hard gravel surface.
It is wide enough for me for a comfortable shooting position. It rolls up very easily and it looks pretty cool actually rolled up. Just enough tacticool.” -Walter J. Kupson III
2. VISM by NcStar Roll Up Shooting Mat
Highlight: Shoulder strap can serve double duty to help secure your firearm bipod in place.
Helpful Review: “Thanks all for recommending lighter color, mat is nice well worth the money delivered quickly, shot about 120 round s off a hell of lot more comfortable then canvas tarp.
I unrolled and shot off mat folded double the thickness worked great then spread out for last 100 rounds when done the mat cleaned up nicely and dried fast. I added a canvas pouch 6×8 with double side gorilla tape for phone and note book looks good and is functional.” -Douglas
Trending Review: “The mat is very large and adds plenty of padding keeping you off the ground / rocks etc. When rolled up it’s somewhat compact to use for hunting or “interesting” range locations.
I purchased it as a replacement for my Vdoo roll up mat as the straps had dryrotted, but only after many many years of field use and keeping in my truck. The price on the Vdoo these days doesn’t justify me getting another.
This VISM mat is not as portable as the Vdoo one but is more affordable, but takes a little more time to roll up and get squared away, and the hook and loop straps are less than optimal for packing up or deploying if using for hunting. If deploying for hunting the tell tale ripping sound of the hook and loop is a bit much.
Was surprised that the corners didn’t roll up as much as had thought they would have. There are no MOLLE style loops, so it is a no frills mat. The sewn on handle or removable shoulder strap is useful for carrying. If there were two improvements it would be to get rid of the hook and loop strap and replace with “snap” buckles and to have an option for the D clips for the shoulder strap to have an attachment for backpacks. Will convert DIY style.
Other than that it is a medium surface area mat that has plenty of room for the shooter and is suitable for range use, is somewhat compact and light enough (though a little noisy as described) for field use, which is the only reason why i didn’t rate it as 5 stars.” -Sam
Reassuring Review: “Excellent mat. Used it for a Project Appleseed shoot and it performed perfectly. two days of kneeling, standing and laying on it, over a dirty dusty shooting range. Came through it all with flying colors.
Rolls nicely, which to me is an advantage from the ones that fold up. I expect many years of service. Well constructed from high quality materials. I also highly recommend Project Appleseed shooting training.” -Sunny
Few Words From My Uncle: “Very nice shooting mat. Easy to roll up and carry. Best price I could find. While you could make just as nice of a shooting mat for less, I don’t have the time.
I use my time shooting. Mats are not only a must when shooting prone, but folded in half are nice for shooting sitting, and really are a must for your knee shooting kneeling. Nice pad, wish it came in a lighter tan, sun gets hot, lighter colors are cooler.” -Teeni
3. MOZETO Shooting Mat
Highlight: Shooting pad is easy to roll-up and it is small and light.
Helpful Review: “I’m 6’2” and 250lbs. only the tips of my shoes are on the ground when I lay on this pad. I gotta spread my legs out like a typical man would since all of me is slightly above average size, but getting the stock of the gun on the pad and only having the shoes off suggests there is plenty of room on this pad for a man who is a little longer and wider than average.
It’s wider than I thought too. now my wife, skinny as she is, would have to keep her tiny booty on the grass if she tried to lay on it with me, but all her other parts would fit nicely right next to me, if you know what I mean! No, she don’t get most of the pad.
This ain’t the bedroom! anyway, after unfolding the pad I was pleasantly surprised at how thick and tout it was. (that’s thick with a “ck” and not with a “cc”) I think this pad will stand the test of time just nicely knowing that I’m really not going to take great care of it now that’s its part of my inventory. this pad also came with a huge plastic baggy. I’m guessing its to put the pad into when done shooting prone if the ground was wet.
Now I’m the typical guy when it comes to folding laundry. (I don’t) but folding this pad back up to where I could get the clips to click wasn’t hard. And, it was so easy for me to fold it up that it slid right into the plastic baggy the first time. overall, I’m pleasantly surprised by this pad and would recommend it for you to add to your hunting bag.” -Mick
Trending Review: “I recently purchased this MOZETO shooting mat mostly for my backyard and range shooting. Basically, I needed a durable, comfortable, and cheap shooting mat to provide a stable and cushioned surface while I practice my shooting skills. After extensive research, I decided to give the MOZETO shooting mat a try.
When I received it and unpacked it for the first time, I was impressed by its overall build quality. The material felt sturdy and well-constructed from 1000D nylon, ensuring its durability over time. It features a heavy-duty handle and robust PALS webbing. The buckles are secure, and the straps maintain their length once adjusted.
The extra-large size of the mat was a definite advantage, as it provided ample space for me to lie down comfortably while aiming. While not in use, it conveniently rolls up and can be secured using the attached straps, making it easy to carry and transport to the shooting range or hunting grounds. Unrolling the mat is quick, and the padded cushioning provided excellent support for my body, minimizing discomfort during long shooting sessions.
The padding is just enough to provide adequate protection from the hard ground, reducing the strain on my body. While it’s somewhat thin it is more comfortable than lying directly on dirt or grass.
I think making it thicker would affect its size when folded, making it harder to store and transport, so I’d say the thickness is a good tradeoff between comfort and mobility. Additionally, it is water-resistant, helping to keep you dry and clean. The non-slip bottom ensures that the mat stays in place even on slippery surfaces, allowing you to maintain a stable shooting position.
This mat does not have any pockets or straps for storage of essential accessories, such as extra magazines, ammunition, and rangefinders.
This feature would be useful to keep everything I needed within reach, eliminating the need for interruptions during my shooting sessions. It does have MOLLE webbing though allowing you to attach pouches and other accessories to the mat, which somewhat remedies the issue of missing pockets.
While the MOZETO shooting mat performed exceptionally well, I did encounter a minor issue with the stitching. It seemed to be slightly loose in a few places, and I had to trim and reinforce it myself. Additionally, although the mat is advertised as being waterproof, I noticed that it absorbed moisture during rainy weather. Improving the water resistance of the mat would be beneficial for outdoor shooting enthusiasts.
Overall, I am highly satisfied with this MOZETO shooting mat. Its comfort, durability, and versatility make it a valuable addition to my shooting gear. The convenience of folding it up and securing it for easy transport is a significant advantage. Despite the minor issues I encountered, the mat’s performance exceeded my expectations.
TL;DR
I highly recommend the MOZETO shooting mat for range shooting and hunting. It offers exceptional comfort, durability, and versatility. The extra-large size and padded cushioning provide a comfortable shooting surface.The non-slip bottom ensures stability, MOLLE webbing allows to add pouches and other accessories, and straps offer convenient transportation and storage. Although some minor stitching issues and water resistance can be improved, the overall quality and performance of the mat are excellent. I give it a 5-star rating without a doubt!
+++ Pros +++
1) Well-constructed from 1000D nylon.
2) Extra-large size for ample space.
3) Padded cushioning for comfort.
4) Non-slip bottom for stability.
5) MOLLE webbing for accessories.
6) Straps for convenient storage.
7) Easy to transport and setup.
8) Somewhat water-resistant.— Cons —
1) Minor stitching issues.
2) Water resistance could be improved.
3) No pockets.”-Vlas S.
Reassuring Review: “I would be thrilled if the manufacturers of shooting mats could get it through their heads that shooters need WIDER mats, at least 12 inches wider than this one. We need more width to move around on and not be scrunched up.
There should also be a plain, non-padded wing piece attached to one side that is as wide at the mat itself, so that shooters have something they can lay their equipment on. The non-padded wing could be folded out all the way, or just partially, or even folded away under the mat. Also, get rid of the immovable pockets.
Not everyone likes having pockets. Add molle instead, and users can add their own pockets if they want. I still give this one 5 stars for good construction, folds up without dirty side touching clean side, and good price. I would pay more for this same mat if it were made in America.” -Res
4. MYDAYS Tactical Roll Up Padded Shooting Mat
Highlight: Featuring 1000D double-layered Nylon with EPE padding for long-lasting durability.
Helpful Review: “Got this for the field …
Pros:
– 1000D Double-Layered Nylon
– Mil-Spec Webbing
– EPE Padding
– Durable
– Weather ResistantCons:
– Could be ThickerWhat you get in the package:
– 1 MYDAYS Tactical Roll Up Padded Shooting MatThis MYDAYS Mat is roughly 14″x 6 1/2″ rolled up and 78″x 28 1/4″ laid out. The mat is approximately 2lb 13.6oz.
It has 1000D Double-Layered Nylon shell top and bottom with EPE Padding with Mil-Spec webbing.In testing this product, we took it out to the field and put it through the paces.
What I like about the mat is that it is relatively weather proof. It keeps you off the ground and dry. The nylon is durable and we noticed no wear on the mat anywhere after several hours in the field. The mat is 78″ in length which should accommodate almost anyone.
What I did not care for about this mat is that it could be just a bit thicker. The mat is roughly 1/4″ and it is already almost 3lbs. I understand keeping the weight down, but it product advertises extra comfort with a padded section for the elbows and upper body. I noticed no difference in the thickness of the padding at the top of the mat. It appeared to be the same thin padding through out the entire mat. Don’t get me wrong, the padding is sufficient .. it would just be nicer if it had a bit more.
I was not able to locate any warranty information either in the item description or product information.
All in all, this is a decent mat that has its uses. It passed all of our testing and was durable and weather resistant.
We were pleased with the comfort of the mat as long as you were not on a hard rocky surface.The nylon was tough and while we scraped and bruised it .. it stood strong and should be good for years to come. Very happy overall with this product.” -Mia
Trending Review: “Define what you want and if this fits it you will love it. If you want a reasonably priced, well made, light weight shooting mat then this is perfect for you. That’s exactly what it is. If you are looking for something with other features this may not be for you.
I have only had this one out time but it worked great. I live in the high desert and this does a perfect job of keeping me off of the thorns, rocks and gravel while I shoot. The clips on it have enough adjustment that I just lengthened one and loop it around my range bag. It’s light enough I just carry it right with me and don’t notice it at all.
The stitching on this appears to be high quality and I see no defects in any of the seems. Since I have only had it out once I can’t give it a fair review on longevity with repeated use but my gut is it’s going to be just fine.
I’m sure someone will say that it’s too thin, which would be a fair critique, but for me I would rather it be a bit thinner and stay at light weight as it is than have a thicker one that weighs more. That said it worked great for me on desert ground. I would buy this again and recommend it to someone else.” -Athu
Reassuring Review: “This pad works really well. I got the tan one because I’ve owned a black pad before and it looked dusty and dirty most of the time and seemed to collect stains on purpose. This tan one does the opposite. Looks great.
Light and thin enough to carry around without hardly noticing, but thick enough to kneel and lay on–takes the sting out of knees and elbows on the ground. The straps and fasteners are strong and durable, and work great. Excellent price and quality. The material is quality, durable. Highly recommend.” -Oliver DeMille
My Cousin’s Review: “Good quality, lightweight shooting mat. Using this in mostly rocky or wooded ranges the mat does its job. Could be a bit more padded but since it’s pretty lightweight I can’t complain.
The size is good as I’m over 6′ and me plus my gear fit on it. Only thing I’d prefer to change is the handle placement. I’ve been folding vs rolling it so the handle is in the middle rather than the end making it awkward to carry.” Mrs. Lac
5. Boyt Harness Outdoor Shooting Mat
Highlight: Water resistant coated poly with poly exterior.
Helpful Review: “Very impressed, this has a heavy duty outer shell that will last it appears. The padding is quite sufficient, even for a heavy person, I should know.
Strap and closing straps are nice and it folds back into original configuration easily, unlike some others. Had seen others that were wider but this one is certainly adequate for a big guy. Boyt/Bob Allen are quality people.” -DC-Colorado
Trending Review: “Don’t want to spend $100 for a shooting mat? Me either. This one does everything I need at a third of the price and it looks good too. It’s comfortable, easy to use and is plenty big enough that I easily fit on it without worry about having an elbow off the mat. The built in straps make easy to secure when rolled up and the shoulder strap makes carrying very easy, leaving your hands free for other things. Could also double as a camping mat if needed.” -Madu
Reassuring Review: “I replaced an ancient shooting mat with this after seeing it in a retail store for nearly $25 MORE than I paid for it here. This is a well-made products that I expect to last thru many seasons of outdoor shooting.
It’s long enough to keep my entire 6′ body clean, wide enough that my elbows don’t get scraped up, and thick enough to keep me comfortable for several hours. Hell, this is better constructed than my old Army issue sleeping pad!” -JL Miller
Additional Review: “I bought this to use at CMP rimfire shoots. The first one I did I was laying on the ground and boy that range is lumpy. I saw other guys had shooting mats so I purchased this one from Amazon. What a difference. So far so good. It looks to be well made and does the job.” -Hobo Pete
Critical Review: “I spend a lot of time at the firing range and looking for a shooting mat and rifle carrying bag. I have a Remington 783 which has pretty big recoil. This is okay for shooting mat, but it is not thick and sturdy enough. The mat slide a lot during the recoil, which makes me wonder if the flaw is in the design or was in the intended purpose of this product is incorrect.” -Shaad
6. Primary Arms Compact Roll-Up Shooters Mat for Prone Shooting
Highlight: Constructed of durable waterproof material.
Helpful Review: “This is the perfect ‘no frills’ mat. Just enough to keep you out of the dirt, sticker weeds, etc, without all the bulk of a padded mat.
Rolls up nice and small. If you’re looking for a mat to shoot on at the range all day, this may or may not be the mat for you. But if you want a mat to have handy in your pack, without taking up a bunch of room, this mat will do it.” -Nate S.
Reassuring Review: “Just received this shooting mat. It is exactly what I was looking for. It rolls up small and has a ton of padding for my elbows. I can put it right in a pouch on my drag bag.
The length while laying on it is perfect, bipods and boots are in the dirt, also has grommets so I can stake it down dealing with the Montana wind. No more snow, mud, dirt, stickers, I love it thank you.” -Jack
Trending Review: “As it says in the description, this is a nice and lighweight mat. It is not padded except at the shooters elbow position, but it keeps you out of the dirt and mud. If you’re looking for something basic and effective, this is it. Seems well made and will probably last a good while.” -Alcapitan
Additional Review: “The shooting mat arrived on time and matched the description. The beige colour works well in the sunny weather. Glad I didn’t order black. The mat rolls up into a small enough roll that’s easy to transport. Overall not a bad product. Could use a little more padding around the elbows.” -Harry
7. Crosstac Precision Range Shooting Mat
Highlight: Panel design allows ability to carry a weapon in the mat.
Helpful Review: “This is a great shooting mat. I especially appreciate the lack of rubber or vinyl segments on the mat that only bakes in the Sun and make it uncomfortable to shoot.
The only thing I would change it the position of the handles, because one of them is located exactly where I want to position my read bag. As it is now, I put it alongside the handle and shift everything a few inches to the right.
The mat is comfortable and sturdy and eliminates the feel of rocks underneath and presents a very smooth shooting surface. Apart from that pesky handle.” -Denys
Trending Review: “Firing anything from a .22 on up to a .338 Lapua for 6 hours straight, this mat held me, my rifle, and a second rifle with ammo, all without issue. When finished, all I had to do was fold, velcro, and stash it. Love this mat!” -K. Rockwell
Reassuring Review: “I use this mat for long distance rifle shooting. My rifle is large but I can fit it and myself easily on this mat. Construction appears to be of high quality. I anticipate a lot of trouble-free use.” -D. Deardorff
My Neighbor’s Review: “Very comfortable and well made. Wish it folded up in a more compact form. Would not be good for taking into back country because of the way it folds and lack of back straps.” -James R Connell
Short Review: “I’ve tried a lot of shooting pads this is hands down the best. ” Michael T.
Final Words On The Best Shooting Mats
Wrapping up our journey through the Best Shooting Mats, I’m super excited about the awesome choices available! Remember, a good mat isn’t just comfy—it boosts your shooting game! Quick tips: Think about size and weight for easy carrying, and check material for durability. With these in mind, you’re all set for shooting success.