Our Vango Shangri-La II review will detail exactly what you can expect from this luxury sleeping mat range – features, comfort levels, and whether it’s worth the premium price tag.
We need to talk about sleep.
For years, my camping checklist looked the same: tent, stove, chairs… and a cheap, bouncy air bed that would inevitably deflate by 3am, leaving me sleeping on the cold ground. I used to think waking up with a stiff back was just part of the camping experience.
It isn’t.
If you are tired of counting sheep (or leaks) on your next camping trip, you might have stumbled across the Vango Shangri-La II. It is widely hyped as the “best mattress in the world” for campers. But with a price tag that rivals a real mattress, is it actually worth it?
In this review, we are going to look at the full Shangri-La range – from the 10cm to the massive 15cm versions – to see if it really delivers a good night’s sleep, or if it’s just a lot of hot air.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredible Comfort: The vertical walls and foam core make it feel like a real bed.
- Warmth: High R rating (insulation) means you never feel the cold ground.
- Cyclone Valve: Massive improvement over older valves; makes inflation fast.
- Quiet: The soft stretch fabric doesn’t squeak every time you move.
- Versatile Range: Options for Grande (wide single) or Double sizes.
Cons
- Pack Size: Even with the “core cutting,” it takes up a lot of packing space in the boot.
- The “Wrestle”: Getting it back into the carry bag requires technique and patience!
- Price: It is an investment compared to standard camping mats.
About the brand
Vango is a Scottish heritage brand that understands British weather. They know that sleeping outdoors isn’t just about surviving; it’s about enjoying yourself. The Shangri-La range is their flagship “luxury” collection, designed specifically for car campers, families, and anyone who refuses to compromise on comfort. If you’ve looked at the Outdoor Revolution or Outwell equivalents, Vango is right there at the top of the pile.
Features & Specifications
The Vango Shangri-La II is a self inflating mattress, but don’t let that term fool you. This isn’t the thin 3cm mat you used for DofE. This is a slab of memory foam and air that comes in two main depths: 10cm and 15cm.
The Tech The secret sauce is the unique core cutting construction. Vango has removed sections of foam from the inside to reduce the extra weight and pack size, without losing the structural support.
It uses a Cyclone Valve system. This is a game changer. You simply flip the valve to “Inflate,” and the mat sucks in air. Flip it to “Deflate,” and air can leave but not re-enter. This solves the age-old problem of the mat re-inflating while you are trying to roll it up!
The Sizes You have to choose wisely here:
- Grande: This is a wide single (76cm). It is wider than a standard mat, giving you room to turn over without rolling off.
- Double: A full 132cm wide, perfect for couples.
- 10cm vs 15cm: The 10cm is supportive, but the 15cm is pure luxury.
The surface is covered in a durable fabric that feels like soft, stretchy cotton rather than sticky plastic. This means you can use a sleeping bag or a duvet and sheets for a proper home-from-home feel.
Using the Vango Shangri-La II
I have spent countless nights on air mattresses, and the difference here is night and day.
The Setup
When you get to the campsite, you just unroll it, flip the valve, and leave it alone while you set up the camping kitchen. It will fully inflate about 80% of the way on its own. I usually give it a few blasts with a hand pump (or a few big breaths) just to firm it up.
The Sleep Test
Does it deliver a comfortable night’s sleep? Absolutely. Because of the vertical side walls, the mattress is flat right to the edge. You don’t get that “bouncy castle” effect where you roll into your partner. The R value (approx 12 for the 15cm version!) is massive. You could sleep on snow and not feel the cold. I am a heavy person, and my hip never touched the ground underneath. It honestly makes all the difference to your holiday mood.
Combine this with a good camping pillow (don’t bring a tiny inflatable one, bring your one from home!), and you will forget you are in a tent.
The Pack Down (The “Only Downside”)
We have to be honest: packing this away is a workout. Because the foam wants to inflate, you have to fight it. My tip? Open the valve to deflate, roll it up loosely to get the bulk of the air out, close the valve, unroll it, and then roll it up tightly. If you just try to roll it once, you’ll never get it in the bag. It takes practice, but the carry bag is generous enough that you don’t need duct tape to keep it closed!
Verdict
Is the Vango Shangri-La II good value? If you only camp once a year for a festival, it might be overkill. But if you are planning regular outdoor adventures or wild camping (where you have a car nearby!), it is essential camping equipment.
The price is high, but think of it this way: how much would you pay to guarantee a great night’s sleep on holiday? It saves you from being grumpy, sore, and tired.
If you have the boot space and the budget, ditch the leaky air bed. Your back will thank you.