The Rotanet is about the best in my opinion (from personal experience). It the one that used to be advertised on the Golf Channel UK (as endorsed by Alison Nicholas).
It's expensive (especially if you buy the optional frame - not needed for the garden), it's quite big (although it does fold down quite easily) but it's the most robust portable unit out there and it will last you a lifetime (unless you're related to Methusela??).
Paul Slater (long drive champion) uses one to practice so I can't see you knocking a drive through the material.
http://www.huxleygolf.co.uk/Products/Nets/tabid/59/Default.aspx
As for the mats, if you have a local range where you like their style of mats, enquire if they would consider selling you one of their current mats when they go to replace them. A friend and his Dad picked up on a "real I am" range mat for £40 (RRP £200) or so and it still looked pristine.
Ideally you want a mat where you're standing on it. I've seen small mats which seem durable enough for iron shots and come with a mid-size rubber tee (same style as the range ones) for about £15 quid BUT... they present the ball about 3/4 of an inch above the norm as your feet are not on the same level (if that makes any sense).
I'd also very much avoid any cheapo nets that have the foldable plastic tubing (like a modern tent) they are highly portable but after a few wallops with a ball off anything approaching a full shot and you'll see the ball disappear through it within 10-20 hits.
