Quick Summary: We have picked the VISM by NcStar Rifle Case Shooting Mat as the top shooting mat due to its tough and water-resistant PVC construction, and the extra storage pouches it includes. It is dual purpose so you do not need to worry about carrying a separate rifle case. It is also a very affordable option.
After being part of numerous firearm-related adventures, I have discovered that a top shooting gear will go a long way in ensuring that you have the best experience. I make a point to put enough thought into a shooting mat before I buy it. A shooting mat is good for the amount of coverage and protection it offers. Any additional value of a shooting mat is just a bonus.
I prefer a shooting mat with water-resistant qualities. The kind of fabric I look for is nylon. Shooting mats that have this quality are suitable for use in any weather. When it comes to stitching, the one with double stitching serves me better, and they have a better chance of lasting in harsh conditions.
I should have extra pouches and pockets. Most of the spare room is in a concealed section. I check on this factor to ensure that the number of compartments meets my needs. Large mats are the best since they offer enough space for movement.
Shooting gear experts suggest taking a closer look at the rug before buying first and see if it will accommodate form correctly and ensure comfort. Below are descriptions and comparisons of some of the best shooting mats available in the market currently.
Quick Navigation
- 10 Best Shooting Mats Comparison
- Reviews of 10 Best Shooting Mats
- How To Choose The Best Shooting Mat
- FAQs
10 Best Shooting Mats Comparison
 | 1. VISM by NcStar Rifle Case Shooting Mat (Best overall)Experience unquestionable comfort shooting on this padded mat that is 100% heavy-duty PVC Material with state-of-the-art zippers and elastic bands capable of holding cartridges. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. NcStar VISM Roll Up Shooting Mat (Best Budget)Enjoy stability on your elbows and knees and design with a handle to conveniently carry your shooting gear. It is usable as ground padding when it is sleeping time. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. US Peacekeeper P20300 Tactical Shooting MatLook no further for a shooting mat to serve you for the longest time without tearing. With a foldable ammo pouch, it can hold at least 20 rounds easily. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Boyt Harness Bob Allen Tactical Shooting MatHave a great day out shooting in the rain with this waterproof shooting mat. The poly coating on it serves you for the longest time. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. Voodoo Tactical Roll Up Shooters MatThis mat is usable in any scenario in a scooting event. It can carry your heavy equipment without giving out to the weight. All thanks to the durable material used to design it. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. NcStar VISM Roll Up Shooting MatWhen in transit, it is easy to carry this mat since it can fold into a compact structure. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. VISM by NcStar Rifle Case Shooting MatIf you want a shooting mat that has expansive space for your equipment, this is it. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Midway USA Pro Series Competition Shooting MatAs the name suggests, this mat is your best bet to winning in competitions. The quality of support your elbows and knees from this mat is a driving force towards success. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. OneTigris Padded Shooting MatThis shooting mat is suitable for windy areas since it has grommet holes to facilitate fastening it to the ground. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Galati Gear Shooters MatIt has zippers and clips to provide security to your gadgets and for durability. Also, parts of it are adjustable to fit your needs. | Read Our Review |
Reviews Of 10 Best Shooting Mats
We wanted to bring you the top shooting mat, so we took a look at many mats. Ultimately, we chose the following eight shooting mats as the best thanks to their padding, durability, and water-resistant qualities.
Best Overall
1. VISM by NcStar Rifle Case Shooting Mat
What You Will Love: This shooting mat and carry case offers plenty of space as it can hold up to 2 AR 15 rifles, ammo, and more.
The VISM by NcStart Rifle Case Shooting Mat is a dual purpose shooting mat that allows you to also use it to carry your rifle in it. The case also folds up pretty compact and is easy to carry around, especially with the shoulder strap.
It is constructed from durable PVC, so you do not have to worry about it falling apart easily. The pockets allow you to fit up to 10 cartridges, so if you do not mind pockets on your shooting mat, this is pretty convenient.
At only about $52, it is cheaper than most dual-purpose options. The biggest problem is that it is not very wide, so some people may only be able to fit themselves on it.
It is very durable, but it comes with a full factory warranty just in case you notice any issues. It also comes with a cleaning rod compartment. On the downside, it is heavier than a lot of other options, so you might not be comfortable carrying it too far.
Pros:
- It is dual purpose meaning that you can use it as a shooting mat and carry case
- It is constructed from durable PVC heavy-duty material
- It offers pockets for storage
- The price is pretty affordable
- You can purchase it in multiple colors
Cons:
- It is one of the heaviest options
- Some people may only find it wide enough for their bodies, nothing extra
Best Budget
2. NcStar VISM Roll Up Shooting Mat
What You Will Love: This shooting mat provides excellent padding that will keep you comfortable throughout your day of shooting.
The NcStar VISM Roll Up Shooting Mat is fairly basic without the bells and whistles but it is pretty amazing. It is constructed from tough PVC which is both waterproof and chemical proof.
It folds up very compact, and you have an adjustable shoulder strap making it easy to transport. You get anti-slip material for both the elbow and knee sections, and there is a good amount of elbow padding.
There is really nothing that we do not like about this shooting mat, especially at such an affordable price.
Pros:
- It is easily portable
- There are both antislip elbow and knee sections
- The elbow padding provides a great deal of comfort
- It is made from tough, durable, waterproof and chemical proof PVC material
- It is compact and has an adjustable strap
- It is extremely affordable
- Stitching is reinforced
Cons:
- Nothing really. This is a great shooting mat for the price.
3. US Peacekeeper P20300 Tactical Shooting Mat
What You Will Love: It is a very roomy shooting mat made with comfort in mind. This US Peacekeeper P20300 Tactical Shooting Mat is a great option for your shooting days.
It is fully padded for long-lasting comfort, and it is made from water-resistant nylon. It has a textured non-slip surface for elbows, and it is lightweight.
It is made with three quick-release buckles and a detachable shoulder strap so that you can easily transport it.
There is a folded pocket, as well, that will hold up to 20 rounds of ammo. On the negative side, it is close to $100, so it is one of the more expensive options.
Pros:
- It is fully padded for greater comfort
- It is constructed from durable, water resistant nylon
- There is a textured, nonslip surface to prevent the shooter’s elbows from slipping
- It has three quick release buckles and a detachable shoulder strap to easily transport it
- You get a folded pocket for up to 20 rounds of ammo
- It is pretty lightweight
- Tactical roll up shooter mat
Cons:
- It is nearly $100, so it is kind of expensive.
4. Boyt Harness Allen Tactical Shooting Mat
What You Will Love: It is long, lightweight, and durable, making it a great choice for many.
This Boyt Harness Allen Tactical Shooting mat is a very comfortable and lightweight mat. It is lightweight and comes with an adjustable poly webbing strap which makes it incredibly durable.
The closed cell foam makes this shooting mat one of the most comfortable options we have seen so far. It has a rubberized non-slip surface that not only helps the shooter not slip, but it also helps with recoil.
It is very long, so it is a great option for tall people. However, it is not very wide. It can be rolled up into a very compact mat for easy transport. At about $50, it is a great option.
Pros:
- It is poly coated with poly webbing making it very water resistant
- There is a rubberized, non slip surface which also helps with recoil
- It comes with a poly webbing adjustable strap
- It is constructed from comfortable closed cell foam one of the most comfortable shooting mats so far
- You can roll it up for very easy and compact transport
Cons:
- It is not very wide
- It may be a little bulky for some
5. VooDoo Tactical Roll Up Shooter’s Mat with Ammo and Gear Pouches
What You Will Love: It is extremely lightweight and compact, so it is very easy to transport.
The VooDoo Tactical Roll Up Shooter’s Mat is the most compact option in this review. It can be rolled up to almost nothing, then clipped onto your other pack eliminating the need to carry extra equipment for shooting range.
It provides a great amount of padding, including in the wings that keep your elbows protected. You also get accessory pouches with it. The only real downside is the price. It runs about $50 up to more than $70.
Though this is the same price range as most of our other options, this is a stand-alone shooting mat- not a dual-purpose one, so the price is a little high considering that. The fact that it is not the dual purpose is not really an issue, though, since it would not be able to be so compact if it were.
Pros:
- It is an incredibly lightweight and compact shooting mat
- The padding provides extreme comfort
- Tactical shooting mat
- There are “wings” for your elbows
- It comes with accessory pouches
- There are buckles that let you clip it on to your backpack for even easier transport
Cons:
- It is a little expensive considering it is not dual purpose.
6. MidWayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat
What You Will Love: This shooting mat has corner grommets and stakes for you to secure the mat, minimizing the movement created from recoil.
The MidWayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat is a durable, water resistant mat. There are two accessory pockets and two pen pockets for storage. It is very compact and easily transportable.
The corner grommets help prevent any unnecessary recoil effects, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. MidWayUSA pro series competition is a lightweight mat that is great for competitions.
However, as there is not much padding, you might not want to use it for hunting or long outdoor shooting periods as it will get very uncomfortable. At just about $55, MidWayUSA pro series competition is a pretty good deal-especially for competitions.
Pros:
- It is made from durable, nonskid material that also repels water
- There are corner grommets and stakes for you to use that will minimize the effects of recoil
- There are two storage pockets and two pen pockets
- It comes with a built-in handle and shoulder strap for easy transport
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
- It is very lightweight and legal for competitions
- You get to choose from four colors
Cons:
- There really is not enough knee and elbow padding so it is not so great for hunting.
7. VISM by NcStar Rifle Case Shooting Mat
What You Will Love: This shooting mat weighs only 3.039kgs, making it easy to move from place to place. Also, the fact that it is light means that it does not add to your shooting gear’s weight, making movement convenient. This part makes it exceptional for outdoor activities.
For people who enjoy shooting sports, they will appreciate the size of this mat. It can accommodate all your gear comfortably since the design includes a mechanism to hold your items in a good position. No matter the number of times you use it, it remains in perfect condition.
Padded
The area where the torso falls when you lie on it has padding. It gives extra comfort for long time shooting.
Zippers
The zippers are in areas designated for essential items such as bullets, and other essential things.
Detachable parts
A part of it on the side for placing a map is detachable. Also, the straps are detachable for ease and convenience.
Additional Compartments
It has pouches to accommodate straps and handles. These additional compartments come in quite handy in times.
Pros:
- It has a lot of extra space for all the tools you require on your shooting adventures
- Lightweight, which makes using it convenient
- Has a sufficient amount of padding
- There are enough zippers on it
- The position for your feet is rubberized to increase friction and grip
Cons:
- Lacks sufficient features for riffle accommodation
8. MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat
What You Will Love: You can use it in competitions. It is one of the many items that are allowed in competition events such as Smallbore competition. It is especially useful in matches where there is the use of high-power rifles. You will also appreciate the fact that it comes from high-quality material.
MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting mat lets you worry less about losing your items and sliding from impact and concentrate more on having fun. Once you get in a position to shoot, your elbows and knees remain protected by the shooting mat. Carrying it around regardless of its contents is also relatively easy.
Material
It is made from polyester. Polyester is considered an ideal material for most sporting goods and is preferred for its durability.
Wind resistance
It has a sturdy wind resistant structure.Corner grommets prevent it from being swept by the wind.
Comes with strap
Shoulder straps to make carrying it and your tools easy. You can go for hiking or walk miles with it in your shoulders.
Padded
It provides padding against the thorns, rocks, and sticks on the ground. Knees and elbows are comfortable and protected thanks to the padding.
Pros:
- Qualified for use in shooting competition across the USA
- East to carry around
- Provides enough space for all your tools, including rifles
- It has waterproof qualities
- The filling is thick enough to protect your knees and elbows from scrapes ad injuries
Cons:
- It is quite large, which makes rolling it up a tiring experience
9. OneTigris Non-Padded Shooting Mat
What You Will Love: Going for shooting adventuress can sometimes end up being disappointing, especially when it rains. The designer had that part in mind when coming with the waterproof design on this shooting mat.
The bottom mat has material that prevents water from getting through to you. You can take it with you on shooting trips to areas that you are sure will rain.
Thanks to the 1000D nylon material under the mat, you can take it with you all year round. It comes in a compact design to make it easy to pack it quickly. It is equipped with grommet holes to make it easy to fasten to the ground. It should make your top choices of shooting mats as it occupies sufficient space to accommodate your form during shooting.
Water Resistant
The bottom part is 1000D nylon, which is impenetrable by water. Waterproof material helps you hold your shooting position without thinking.
Grommet holes
They come in handy when you want to fasten your shooting mat to the ground for some action.
Designed with plastic quick
Release features to help with the set up-also useful when it comes to storage.
Pros:
- Quite sizable, making it perfect for outdoor adventures
- Has fastening features that make storage convenient
- Suitable for use in waterlogged areas
Cons:
- Lacks enough padding
10. Galati Gear Shooters Mat
What You Will Love: If you are looking for a shooting mat that has an impressive design, this is it. The part on the mat that stands out is the handles. They have reinforcements. You will, therefore, have no trouble fastening and carrying this shooting mat.
Also, the reinforced handle shortens the set-up process. The handles paired with padded straps give you various ways you can carry it.
Galati Gear Shooters mat combines four uses in one. It can be a rifle case, aback back, a drag bag, and a shooting mat. It can hold firearms that measure up to 48″ in length and 11 ½” in height. The way that it fits your firearms ensures that there is little. It has numerous features that make it easy to use.
Material
Made from Cardura Nylon. It is a long-lasting material. Your shooting mats will last years to come with this strong fabric.
Heavy-duty YKK dual zipper
A durable zipper such as this one ensures that nothing falls out of the shooting mat in bag mode.
Camouflage flap
Provides discretion, mostly on stakeout adventures. You can easily blend in with the nature with this one. It is almost as good as a ground blind chair when it comes to hiding.
Padded straps and reinforced handles
They make carrying the rug, especially when it has contents easy. The extra padding is comfortable if you are carrying it for long time.
Pros:
- Easy to carry thanks to padded straps and reinforced handles
- Has zippers to protect your equipment from falling out and misplacement
- Straight forward set up process
Cons:
- The flaps get in the way of the rifle when in use.
Related: Best shooting rests
How to Choose the Right Shooting Mat
When shopping for a shooting mat, consider the following factors:
Padding
Be sure that your mat provides enough padding to keep you comfortable while you are using it. You do not want your elbows to be digging into the tough ground. You might also find a shooting mat with knee padding. The amount of padding is up to you since the more padding it has, the bulkier it is to carry around.
Durable Material
You want the material to be durable enough to last you through more than a couple of uses. You also want it to provide protection from wet ground.
Tactical Pouches
These tactical roll up shooter pouches are not necessary, but they can be handy. Decide if you would rather have pouches here or just carry an extra bag. And be sure that you take note of where the pouches are positioned.
Durability
Again, the material of your shooting mat is a very important factor. You want it to last through all seasons, so check for all-weather material.
Non-Slip Surface
You do not want to slip and fall as you are standing or moving around your mat. Choose a mat with a non-slip surface to prevent any potential injuries.
Dual Purpose
Some shooting mats are also rifle cases. You simply roll out the mat to use while shooting, then close it up for the rifle. These save you some money and some space, as you only have to carry one item.
Pockets
Pockets are not necessary as you can carry an equipment bag or backpack for extra items, especially since the pockets can interfere with your comfort. It really just comes down to personal preference, though.
FAQs
Which shooting mat color is best?
This will mostly depend on your purpose and your surroundings. When hunting, you of course want to blend in. If you will be in grassy areas, go with green.
If you are going toward dusty areas, tan would be better. Black would be fine for most places, but do remember that it absorbs heat quicker than most other colors, so do not get black for straight sunny places.
What is a sniper rifle shooting mat?
This is basically the same as regular rifle mats, only you will be using a sniper rifle. You might change the color of shooting mat you get depending on your set up, but the rest is basically the same.
Why use a shooting mat?
Most shooting mats offer some sort of padding that will keep you more comfortable. They will also often be water-resistant, keeping any water on the ground from soaking your clothing.
Who makes the best shooting mat?
NcStar mats are some of the best available that we know of. They are pretty budget-friendly and take most challenges shooters face into account.
A shooting mat can make you more comfortable and keep you dry so you can enjoy more shooting time. In this article, we took a look at 10 great shooting mats, and the information you need to pick the best shooting mat for you.
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