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Vango Shangri-La Lux 12 vs 16: Which Camping Mat Should You Choose?

Damian Rowe |

A good night’s sleep can make the difference between enjoying a camping trip and counting the hours until morning. If you’re looking for a more comfortable setup, the Vango Shangri-La Lux range gives you two choices to make: 12 cm or 16 cm thickness, and Grande or Double width.

At World of Camping, we have the Shangri-La Lux 16 Grande, 16 Double, 12 Grande and 12 Double on display in our showroom. You can see the sizes in person and get a better feel for which mat suits your tent and the way you camp.

The quick answer: 12 or 16, Grande or Double?

Choose a Lux 12 if you want a generously cushioned 12 cm sleeping mat. Choose a Lux 16 if you’d prefer an even deeper 16 cm surface. Then choose Grande for one sleeper or Double for a shared sleeping space.

  • Lux 12 Grande: a spacious single mat with 12 cm cushioning.
  • Lux 12 Double: a shared mat with 12 cm cushioning.
  • Lux 16 Grande: a spacious single mat with 16 cm cushioning.
  • Lux 16 Double: a shared mat with 16 cm cushioning.

Meet the four Shangri-La Lux mats

Shangri-La Lux 12 Grande

The Vango Shangri-La Lux 12 Grande is a spacious single sleeping mat with a 12 cm cushioned core. It’s a choice for solo campers or anyone who prefers their own sleeping space inside a family tent.

Shangri-La Lux 12 Double

The Vango Shangri-La Lux 12 Double offers 12 cm thickness in a shared format. Its listed dimensions are 200 cm by 132 cm, so measure your tent’s sleeping area before choosing.

Shangri-La Lux 16 Grande

For a deeper surface, the Vango Shangri-La Lux 16 Grande gives one sleeper 16 cm of cushioning. If you’re upgrading from a thinner camping mat and comfort is high on your list, this is one to see in person.

Shangri-La Lux 16 Double

The Vango Shangri-La Lux 16 Double combines 16 cm depth with a shared sleeping surface. Consider it if two of you want one mat and deeper cushioning.

The product listings describe soft, stretch-fabric sleeping surfaces and integrated rechargeable pumps to make setup and packing away easier. Check each product page for the latest dimensions and model details before buying.

Why see a camping mat in person?

Thickness and width are useful numbers, but they don’t tell the whole story. Seeing the mats side by side makes it easier to judge how much sleeping space you want, whether you’d rather have one Double or separate Grande mats, and how the 12 cm and 16 cm options compare for your camping setup.

All four Shangri-La Lux models are on display at the World of Camping showroom in Victoria, St Austell, Cornwall. Find us at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, St Austell, PL26 8LQ. If you’re travelling specifically to compare them, contact us first to check current display availability.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between the Shangri-La Lux 12 and 16?

The key difference is thickness: the Lux 12 has a 12 cm cushioned core, while the Lux 16 has a 16 cm sleeping surface. You can compare both at our showroom.

Is Grande the same as Double?

No. Grande is a spacious single mat; Double is a shared mat. Check your tent’s sleeping compartment measurements before choosing either size.

Can I see all four Shangri-La Lux mats before buying?

Yes, World of Camping has the Lux 12 Grande, Lux 12 Double, Lux 16 Grande and Lux 16 Double on display at its showroom in Victoria, St Austell, Cornwall. Contact us before travelling to confirm the current display.

Which one should I buy?

Start with the number of sleepers: Grande for one, Double for two. Then decide whether you want the 12 cm option or the deeper 16 cm option. If you can, see them in the showroom before making the call.