- Superior Comfort: Offers four inches of foam with StrataCore system for excellent stability and softness.
- High R-Value: With an R-value of seven, it provides great insulation against cold ground.
- Self-Inflating with Fine-tune Adjustment: Features a TwinLock valve for easy inflation, deflation, and firmness adjustment.
- Durable and Space-Efficient: Made with robust 75D polyester, fits well in smaller tents despite its size.
- Integrated Pump and Stuff Sack: Simplifies inflation and storage.
- Cons: It’s bulky, challenging to repack, and slightly heavier and pricier than some models.
- Impressive Height: Stands 18 inches high when fully inflated.
- Stability: Good stability thanks to its SupportLock reinforced construction.
- Removable and Washable Top: Features a quilted top for easy maintenance and hygiene.
- Cons: Lacks insulation for winter, does not come with a pump, deflating takes time, and it may not fit in smaller tents.
- Superior Comfort and Modular Construction: Three-layer construction including a self-inflating mattress, foam pillow top, and washable cover.
- High R-Value: Offers an R-value of 10 with all layers, and 6 when used separately.
- Versatile and Durable: Can be attached to another Dreamtime mattress, fits in small tents, and is durable.
- Cons: Not the easiest to pack up and is fairly heavy, making it better suited for colder seasons and car camping​
If you want to experience all the beauty of a night under the stars, without the aches and pains from an uncomfortable night’s sleep, then you need to get yourself the best camping air mattress. These versatile beds are great for bringing some home comfort to the great outdoors.
From single-sized to queen, framed mattresses and self-inflating models, we’ve reviewed a huge variety of camping air mattresses so you can find the perfect option for your next adventure.
To help make your choice even easier, take a read through our camping air mattress buying guide to find out which features to look out for before purchasing.
Contents
- 1 Best Camping Air Mattresses Reviewed
- 1.1 Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress
- 1.2 Coleman Double-High Air Mattress
- 1.3 Therm-a-Rest Dreamtime Self-Inflating Luxury Foam Camping Mattress
- 1.4 Hikenture Double Inflatable Camping Air Mattress
- 1.5 Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed
- 1.6 Coleman Air Mattress with Camping Cot
- 1.7 KingCamp Double Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad
- 1.8 Ivation EZ-Bed (Queen) Air Mattress with Deflate Defender
- 1.9 Nemo Nomad 30XL Sleeping Pad
- 1.10 ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed
- 2 How Does an Air Mattress Work?
- 3 Buyers Guide to Buying the Best Camping Air Mattress
- 4 Air Mattress vs Foam Mattress
- 5 Top Camping Air Mattresses Video
- 6 FAQ: Best Camping Air Mattress
- 7 Best Camping Air Mattresses Recapped
- 8 Final Thoughts
Best Camping Air Mattresses Reviewed
We’ve reviewed ten of the very best air mattresses for camping, so whether you’re looking to upgrade your trusty old sleeping pad, or go glamping in style, we’ve got an air mattress that’s made for you.
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress
The allure of nature has always beckoned, making hiking, camping, and RVing my go-to activities for rejuvenation. Naturally, a good night’s sleep is paramount to keep the adventures rolling. Enter the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress.
I was initially drawn to the MondoKing 3D given its rave for superior comfort, and boy, it did not disappoint. Though slightly narrower with its dimensions of 77 by 25 inches, it snuggly fit into my compact two-person tent, which is a blessing when you are sharing a tent or have a smaller one. The space efficiency was a plus.
Now, onto the comfort – it’s nothing short of a miniature luxury bed in the wilderness. The robust 75D polyester bottom shielded me from the rough outdoors while the plush top cradled me into restful slumbers. The four inches of foam, enriched by the StrataCore system, molded around my body like a gentle hug. The self-inflating feature with a TwinLock valve was a charm, allowing fine-tuning of inflation levels to achieve that perfect firmness. I reveled in the stability and the contour-hugging softness which was a departure from the usual stiff and convex surface of other camping mattresses I’ve tried. The genuine sidewalls were the real deal, reducing the sliding around that usually disrupts my sleep.
The MondoKing 3D is not light, weighing at four pounds six ounces, and packing it up is a bit of a chore, but for the comfort it offers, it’s a small price to pay. It’s ideal for car camping, given its bulk. It snugly fit in the back of my vehicle, ready for the night under stars. And when the cold seeped in during a trip to the chilly outdoors, the high R-value of seven kept the cold at bay, ensuring my body warmth was retained. The mattress transformed cold, hard ground into a comfy sleeping haven, even in the biting cold of the Adirondacks.
My furry companion too found a liking to it, often sneaking in to enjoy the coziness, making me contemplate if Therm-a-Rest should consider a line for our four-legged buddies. Three camping trips down, and the MondoKing 3D has become a staple in my outdoor escapades. The integrated pump sack and stuff sack were thoughtful additions, simplifying usage.
On a recent weekend getaway to the serene lakeside woods, I decided to take my MondoKing 3D along. As the evening sky painted hues of crimson and gold, I set up camp by the lake. The ease with which the mattress unrolled and inflated was a breeze, thanks to its self-inflating feature. Night descended with a chilly whisper, but atop my MondoKing 3D, the cold ground seemed a world away. The mattress morphed the rigid, cold earth into a soft cradle. As I lay there, the silhouette of the pines against the starlit sky was a sight to behold.
The stillness of the night was only broken by the distant call of a loon, adding a melodic tune to the tranquil night. The firm yet gentle support of the mattress was a stark contrast to the hard, rocky terrain I was accustomed to, and I drifted into a deep sleep to the soft lullabies of nature. The next morning, I awoke rejuvenated, the usual backache from a night on the ground was conspicuously absent. The MondoKing 3D didn’t just provide a sleeping surface; it enhanced the entire camping experience, melding comfort with the raw essence of the outdoors, making the wilderness feel a bit more like home.
The initial investment may raise eyebrows, but every peaceful slumber on it reaffirms its worth. As someone who is fervent about outdoor adventures, compromising on sleep isn’t an option. The MondoKing 3D has fused practicality with comfort, making roughing it out feel a bit more like home. And as I gear up for a cross-country road trip next fall, this mattress is definitely making the cut. It’s not just a mattress; it’s an investment in good sleep and better adventures.
Pros:
- Superior Comfort: The four inches of foam with StrataCore system offers excellent stability and contour-hugging softness, making it feel like a home mattress.
- High R-Value: With an R-value of seven, it provides excellent insulation against cold ground, enhancing sleep quality in colder conditions.
- Self-Inflating with Fine-tune Adjustment: The TwinLock valve allows for easy inflation and deflation, with the ability to adjust firmness to personal preference.
- Durable Construction: The robust 75D polyester bottom provides a sturdy base, protecting against rough outdoor surfaces.
- Space-Efficient: Despite its size, it fits well in smaller two-person tents, making it a good choice for different camping setups.
- Integrated Pump and Stuff Sack: Simplifies the inflation process and storage, adding to the ease of use.
Cons:
- Bulkiness: The mattress is fairly bulky, making it less ideal for hiking or any scenario where space and weight are a premium.
- Challenging to Repack: It requires some time and effort to pack it back into its sack, which could be a bit cumbersome in a hurry.
- Weight: Weighing at four pounds six ounces, it’s on the heavier side for a camping mattress.
- Cost: It’s a bit on the pricier side, though the comfort and features may justify the cost for avid campers.
- Narrower Width: Slightly narrower than some other models, which might be a concern for larger individuals or those preferring more sprawling space.
Coleman Double-High Air Mattress
Perfect for occasional camping, the Coleman Double-High Air Mattress is an inexpensive option.
If you enjoy fair weather camping but struggle to sleep well near to the ground, then this air mattress makes a good choice. However, for winter camping you may want to consider other options, as this model lacks the insulation required for bitterly cold nights.
It’s a standard queen size and stands at an impressive 18 inches high when fully inflated. Just be aware that this model does not come with a pump, so you will need to purchase one separately which will inevitably bump the price up.
In spite of its height, this air mattress offers good stability thanks to its SupportLock reinforced construction, so you can get a good night’s sleep without any wobbles. With the Coleman pump (not included) the mattress is also fairly quick to inflate given its size. However, deflating does take a while and as there is no fast deflate valve, patience is key. Once deflated simply fold, roll and pack it into the attached storage pocket for easy transportation.
One of the main advantages of this model is its removable and washable quilted top, which makes for easy maintenance and improved hygiene. While it won’t fit in smaller tents, if you have a large tent with plenty of height, then it makes a particularly excellent choice for older family members who wish to enjoy a summer camping trip but have difficulty getting in and out of bed.
Therm-a-Rest Dreamtime Self-Inflating Luxury Foam Camping Mattress
The versatile Dreamtime Self-Inflating Mattress from Therma-a-Rest makes an excellent camping mattress due to its superior comfort levels and highly practical modular construction.
At 25 by 77 inches, it will fit in your small tent without a problem and by using the integrated straps, you can easily attach it to another Dreamtime for sleeping with a partner. Thanks to its modular three-layer construction, you can prioritize weight and packed size over comfort or vice-versa depending upon your needs.
Using all three layers – the self-inflating mattress, the contour-hugging foam pillow top and the plush, washable cover gives you an extraordinarily high level of comfort, almost as good as a home mattress. With all three layers, you also get a cozy R-value of 10. For warmer times of the year and when you need to pack light, use the mattress separately and you will still benefit from an R-value of six to ensure you don’t feel any ground chills.
While the Dreamtime isn’t the easiest to pack back up and is fairly heavy, it will keep you warm during the colder seasons, making it by far one of the best camping air mattresses for winter. With the stability, warmth and comfort provided by its foam core, this highly durable model is one you can count wherever, and whenever, you need to sleep away from home.
Hikenture Double Inflatable Camping Air Mattress
If you’re looking for a comfortable, reasonably priced double camping air mattress, then this model by Hikenture could be just what you need. While other air mattresses may be more luxurious and comfortable, this model is both lightweight and highly packable – making it perfect for more remote trips.
Non-self inflating, this mattress comes complete with a foot pump, so it’s suitable for camping off-grid. At 3.75 inches thick and 47 inches wide, it can accommodate two sleepers with comfort, no matter what your sleeping position. Made from durable polyester, it is also waterproof and wear-resistant – specially designed to live up to your outdoor adventures.
With a packed size of only 13.8 by 5.9 inches and weighing just 3.64 pounds, you won’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your trunk or when carrying it from your vehicle to your destination. For this reason, this camping air mattress is suitable if you are planning on camping out in the wilderness and need to cover several miles on foot before setting up camp.
Unfortunately, though, this model only has an R-value of approximately 1.5, making it unsuitable for use during winter or cold weather. However, with the space and money you save, you could invest in an additional foam pad to improve its insulation.
Despite this issue, if you are looking for a low price double camping air mattress and you’re not planning on camping in cold weather, this model could be just what you are looking for.
Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed
This two-person air bed by Lightspeed Outdoors is a good budget choice if you’re an occasional, summer-time camper. At 80 inches long and 55 inches wide, it’s bigger than most standard two-person camping mattresses.
Made from a strong abrasion-resistant TPU, you won’t have to worry about it developing a leak when using it outdoors. With an inflated thickness of 7.1 inches, this air mattress is comfortable even for side sleepers, ensuring you won’t end up with your hips touching through to the ground as can happen with thinner models. Thanks to its independent connection system between the top and bottom layers, this mattress will remain stable even when you’re sleeping with a partner, for reduced motion disturbances and a better night’s sleep.
Its Boston valve allows you to finely adjust the air levels to just the right amount of firmness for extra comfort. This model uses the included battery-powered pump to inflate, so you can use it off grid – just make sure that you have spare batteries available so you don’t get caught out. Also, as it weighs just under six pounds, it may be a little heavy if you’re planning to carry far from your vehicle.
This air mattress doesn’t have an R-value, and as uninsulated mattresses tend to be rated around one, you’re unlikely to want to use it during the winter months. However, if you’re looking for a fairly high air mattress for summer camping that can take two people and won’t break the bank, this model makes a decent choice.
Coleman Air Mattress with Camping Cot
If you’re more of a glamper than a camper, then the Coleman Air Mattress with Camping Cot is your best choice for home-away-from-home comfort. This set includes a strong steel folding frame, an air mattress and Coleman’s 4D battery-powered pump.
With a bed height of 22 inches, you won’t struggle to get in and out of bed and as you’re sleeping far off the ground, you shouldn’t feel the cold. While this mattress does take up a fair bit of space, you can use the area under the bed for extra storage. There are even two sewn-in side table flaps complete with drink holders that can be used to hold lighter items such as books or maps.
Thanks to its ComfortStrong coil system, the air mattress remains stable all night long, even if your sleeping partner tends to move around. The DoubleLock valve ensures leak-free inflation and will keep your bed intact for the duration of your trip, while the sewn-in cover ensures that your mattress won’t slip off the frame.
As you can imagine, this set is fairly bulky and heavy. It folds up into the included wheeled carry bag, that is comparable in size to a small tent; so it’s really only suitable for when you’re parking up at a campsite.
While it’s not for everyone, if you want to enjoy your camping trip with a “real” bed and have the space available, then this model makes a good choice.
KingCamp Double Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad
If you are looking for an upgrade to your foam camping pad, but don’t want to go for a full-on air mattress, then this self-inflating sleeping pad by King Camp makes a great option. Wide enough for two at 51.2 inches, it also folds down the middle into a single-person bed for added versatility.
Although it is only 1.6 inches thick when inflated, this sleeping pad is surprisingly comfortable when compared to your average non-inflatable camping pad. Thanks to its insulated foam filling, it has an R-value of four, which makes it suitable for three-season use, if you’re happy to wrap up warm on colder nights.
It is extremely easy to inflate, simply open the valve and it inflates itself. The two included pillows are also self-inflating which saves time when setting up camp. Once your trip is over, deflation is simple and the mattress comes complete with a convenient carry bag.
However, it should be noted that, at 9.7 pounds, this model is rather heavy, a lot heavier than your average camping pad. For this reason, it’s not the most practical choice for backpacking or hiking trips.
That said, if weight is not an issue and you’re looking for an inflated pad rather than a full-on mattress, this is a great in-between model that is surprisingly comfortable and easy to set up.
Ivation EZ-Bed (Queen) Air Mattress with Deflate Defender
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors but don’t want to sleep on the ground, try out the EZ-Bed by Ivation. Ideal for glamping, this queen-sized air mattress turns into a 24-inch high bed, with a folding frame. Completely self-deployable, all you have to do is open it, plug it in and watch the bed unfold and self inflate with its built-in pump.
At 61 inches wide, there’s plenty of space for two and the silent secondary pump with Deflate Defender technology will ensure that your mattress stays fully inflated all night long. The 48 interior support coils provide the stability and support that you need for a good night’s sleep, without any annoying sagging or shifting.
While this model is extremely easy to use, it does have several caveats. It is very heavy at 50 pounds, although it does come with a wheeled storage case. Also, this model is expensive and there are some questions over its durability with long-term use.
Lastly, this bed takes up a lot of space and due to its frame design, there is no under bed storage space. However, if you have the spare cash and you want a self-deploying bed for use at developed campsites, then this model will keep you off the ground for a “real” bed sleeping experience under canvas.
Nemo Nomad 30XL Sleeping Pad
If you are looking for a lightweight yet comfortable sleeping pad for your next camping trip, be sure to check out the Nemo Nomad 30XL. At 30 inches wide and six inches thick when inflated, it’s a good choice for a comfortable night’s sleep. Purchase two and you can attach them together to create a standard queen size sleeping area.
Made from a robust and durable 75D ripstop polyester, you won’t have to worry about camping off the beaten trail with this air mattress. With its lateral baffles, it maintains a stable and even sleeping surface all night long. You can even adjust the level of firmness to your liking thanks to the micro-adjust valve.
With its handy in-built food pump, you can go camping off-grid and still benefit from the comfort of this superior sleeping pad. What’s more, the raised perimeter helps to keep your sleeping bag in place and stops you slipping off. While there is no given R-value for this model, if you are looking for a four-season model, there is an insulated version that has an open-cell foam interior. On the downside, it is fairly expensive.
One of the main advantages of this mattress is its lightweight. Weighing in at only three pounds, it is easy to carry even if you’re well loaded. It also folds up fairly easily thanks to its quick-release dump valve and is only 11 by 6 inches when packed for effortless transportation.
In short, this comfortable, highly-packable air mattress makes a great upgrade to your average sleeping pad.
ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed
If you are looking for a good queen-sized air mattress for camping, then take a look at the Vertex Air bed by Alps Mountaineering. Ideal for use during summer camping trips, you’re sure to sleep soundly on this six-inch thick air mattress.
Thanks to its internal coil system, this model provides a stable and comfortable sleeping surface, even when you are using it as a couple. At 4lbs 12oz, it’s fairly lightweight for its size and packs up easily into the included carry bag.
One of this model’s main advantages is its rechargeable pump. You can use a standard wall or vehicle outlet to recharge the pump, or if you forget to you can run it while plugged in. This is very handy, especially given that the pump does not have a charge level indicator. Simply switch on the pump to inflate or deflate at the flick of a switch, making this one of the easiest camping mattresses to inflate and deflate.
While it is classed as queen size, bear in mind that it is actually only 56 inches wide, so it is slightly narrower. Also, it is not insulated, so using it in winter can be very cold.
However, for a decent night’s sleep without the need for shore power to inflate it, this model is a good choice for extra comfort when camping.
| More Great Camping Gear |
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| Air Pump for Camping |
| Two Person Sleeping Bag |
| Sleeping Bag Bivy |
| Folding Outdoor Cot |
| Ultralight Backpacking Pillow |
How Does an Air Mattress Work?
Air mattresses provide you with a comfortable sleeping surface when inflated with air. They are a great space-saving solution as well as being highly portable, making them suitable for camping.
To inflate your air mattress, you will need a pump. Pumps can be rechargeable, battery-powered or mains powered. Some models are foot or hand-operated.
Once pumped up, thanks to their air-tight design, the air is trapped inside of your air mattress, creating a solid, comfortable surface on which you can sleep. Some air mattresses will offer internal coils or baffles to ensure extra stability – perfect for couples or restless sleepers.
Before reading our best camping air mattress buyers guide we think you’ll also love our camping cot and hammock sleeping pad guides.
Buyers Guide to Buying the Best Camping Air Mattress
With so many excellent models on the market, it can be tricky finding the best camping air mattress for your needs. Here are some of the most important factors to bear in mind when deciding which model to go for:
Price
Price is often the deciding factor when choosing a new camping mattress.
However, to ensure that you make the right choice for your needs and that you get good value for your hard-earned cash, we recommend always looking at a couple of models both below and above your price range. That way you can make sure that you’re not missing out on some valuable features for a little extra money, or that you’re not paying over the odds for something that is available at a lower price.
When it comes down to camping equipment, weight and portability is everything, so you will pay a premium for lighter models that are easier to transport. However, if you are parking up at your campsite, you can get away with using air mattresses that are cheaper, but consequently heavier and bulkier.
Bear in mind that high-quality, more expensive models often tend to offer greater durability, so the old adage you get what you pay for often rings true. But if you’re just an occasional camper and don’t expect really high comfort levels, you don’t need to spend big bucks on a fancy model to enjoy your vacation.
Weight and Dimensions – Getting the Perfect Size
Before purchasing your air mattress, always make sure that it will fit in your tent before hitting buy. If you don’t already have an air mattress, find out the size of your tent’s floor area, taking into account the height if you are opting for a high-rise mattress or one with a frame.
Generally, you will be looking at a choice of single or two-person mattress sizes. Some single models have the advantage of connecting to another single one to provide a queen-sized sleeping area. This can be much more useful than one large mattress if you often take family trips.
Pump – Foot, Hand, Electric and Self-inflating
When choosing your mattress, be sure to find out how it inflates. While electric pumps can be quick and easy at developed campsites, if you ever want to go off grid, you’re going to be stuck.
Some pumps can be battery-powered or are rechargeable for portability, but you run the risk of getting caught short if you run out of charge in the wilderness. Other models have self-inflating pumps or traditional hand or foot pumps, so you can use them wherever the road takes you if you don’t mind some physical work.
When deciding upon the best option for you, you’ll need to take into account where you’ll be using your air mattress. In general, the more options your pump has the better.
Comfort
Comfort is the most important factor; however, it’s also the most subjective.
Some people like a soft sleeping surface, others a firm one. What’s comfortable for you, might be uncomfortable for someone else. For this reason, it can be a good choice to opt for an air mattress that allows you to finely adjust the firmness of your air bed with a microvalve. Simply add a few breaths of air for a firmer sleeping surface or release a tiny amount for more give.
Comfort is also affected by the thickness of your sleeping mattress. But bear in mind that increased thickness doesn’t always equate to increased comfort. For example, a thinner foam and air-filled mattress can be just as, or more comfortable, than one twice the depth that is only filled with air.
When considering your anticipated comfort levels, you should also look at how the mattress is constructed. Interior coils or systems that connect the upper and lower layers all add stability for a better night’s sleep. Foam toppers can provide contour-hugging comfort, while a plush removable sleeping surface can give that extra touch of comfort that makes all the difference.
Material and Durability
Take a close look at the materials that your air mattress is made from. The higher the denier, the more robust the fabric will be for better resistance to tears and punctures. Depending upon where you most often camp, developed or undeveloped sites, the more important this will be to you.
More robust materials generally mean your air mattress will last for longer. However, where and how often you use your air mattress will also have a direct impact upon its lifespan. A well looked after air mattress that is not overexposed to the great outdoors can last several years.
For best results always check your tent’s groundsheet is clean and there are no protruding rocks or vegetation before setting up your air mattress.
R-value and Insulation
An R-value is a measurement of thermal resistance. Basically, the higher the R-value, the better your air bed is at insulating you from the cold.
Standard air mattresses with no insulation tend to make for very cold sleeping surfaces. As you sleep your body warms the layer of air nearest to it, which creates a convection current. The warm air is replaced by cool air, and then the displaced warm air is cooled in a continuous cycle – thus making it impossible to stay warm without insulation.
For this reason, if you are camping with an air mattress at any time of year other than the middle of summer, it is important to look for a mattress with a good R-value of at least five or above. But if your air mattress lacks the insulation you would like, you can always try adding some extra bedding between yourself and your mattress to fend off the cold.
Easy to Deflate and Repack
Some air mattresses can seem to take an eternity to get deflated, while others can be extremely tricky to get packed up into their carry bags after use.
If you enjoy leisurely camping trips, then rapidly getting your mattress deflated and repacked may be less of an issue for you. However, if you’re camping with small children, as a group or have an early start the next morning, you’ll definitely appreciate an air mattress that is quick and easy to pack away.
Air Mattress vs Foam Mattress
For camping all-year-round, foam mattresses tend to have the edge as they are much better insulated than plain old air mattresses. However, they are generally more expensive and weigh quite a bit more. For this reason, it’s up to you to decide which type best suits your camping style depending upon where and when you plan to be using your air mattress.
Some inflating foam sleeping pads offer the best of both worlds, with high levels of insulation. They inflate just like an air mattress but have a layer of foam that keeps the cold out and your body heat in, for a more comfortable, warmer night’s sleep.
Top Camping Air Mattresses Video
FAQ: Best Camping Air Mattress
As you embark on your camping adventures, choosing the right camping air mattress is crucial for a comfortable and restful sleep in the great outdoors. We understand that you may have questions about these essential sleeping companions. In this FAQ section, we aim to address the most common inquiries regarding camping air mattresses, guiding you towards making an informed decision.
From understanding the benefits of using an air mattress for camping to selecting the appropriate size and considering durability, inflation methods, and maintenance, we cover a range of topics to help you find the best camping air mattress that suits your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner looking to upgrade your gear, we’ve got you covered with answers to the questions frequently asked by camping enthusiasts like yourself.
Take a moment to explore these frequently asked questions and find the information you need to enhance your camping experience. Remember, choosing the right camping air mattress can make a significant difference in your comfort and quality of sleep during your outdoor adventures.
Why should I choose an air mattress for camping?
Air mattresses provide a comfortable and portable sleeping surface while camping. They are easy to inflate and deflate, making them convenient to carry and store. Additionally, they offer cushioning and insulation from the cold ground, enhancing your camping experience.
What features should I look for in a camping air mattress?
When choosing a camping air mattress, consider factors such as durability, size, weight, ease of inflation, insulation, and comfort. Look for materials that are puncture-resistant, compact when deflated, and compatible with various camping conditions. Also, check for additional features like built-in pumps, adjustable firmness, and anti-slip surfaces.
How do I inflate and deflate a camping air mattress?
Most camping air mattresses come with either built-in pumps or external pumps. Built-in pumps are more convenient, as they eliminate the need for additional equipment. External pumps can be manual, battery-powered, or electric. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inflating and deflating your specific air mattress model.
Are camping air mattresses prone to punctures?
While camping air mattresses are designed to be durable and puncture-resistant, they are not completely immune to punctures. It is important to choose a mattress made from high-quality materials and be cautious of sharp objects around the campsite. Carrying a repair kit, which usually includes patches and adhesive, can help you fix any potential punctures quickly.
What size air mattress should I choose for camping?
The size of the air mattress depends on your personal preference and the number of people using it. Most camping air mattresses are available in twin, full, queen, or king sizes. Consider the space available in your tent and the number of campers when selecting the appropriate size.
Can I use a camping air mattress for backpacking trips?
Backpacking air mattresses are specifically designed to be lightweight and compact. While traditional camping air mattresses may be too bulky for backpacking, there are ultralight and inflatable sleeping pad options available that are suitable for backpacking. These pads prioritize portability and are often made of lightweight materials.
How do I care for and maintain a camping air mattress?
To extend the lifespan of your camping air mattress, it is important to properly care for and maintain it. Keep the mattress clean by wiping it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Store it in a dry and clean area when not in use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance, including proper inflation and deflation techniques.
Can I use a camping air mattress on any type of terrain?
Camping air mattresses are versatile and can be used on various terrains, including grass, sand, and rocky surfaces. However, it is important to clear the area of any sharp objects or debris that may puncture the mattress. Consider using a groundsheet or a tarp underneath the mattress for added protection.
Are camping air mattresses suitable for cold weather camping?
Some camping air mattresses are specifically designed for cold weather camping, providing insulation and preventing heat loss to the ground. Look for mattresses with built-in insulation or consider using a foam or insulated pad underneath the air mattress for added warmth. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is fully inflated to create a barrier between you and the cold ground.
Best Camping Air Mattresses Recapped
- Therm-a-Rest MondoKing Foam Camping Mattress
- Coleman Double-High Air Mattress
- Therm-a-Rest Dreamtime Self-Inflating Mattress
- Hikenture Double Inflatable Camping Air Mattress
- Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed
- Coleman Air Mattress with Camping Cot
- KingCamp Double Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
- Ivation EZ-Bed Air Mattress with Deflate Defender
- Nemo Nomad 30XL Sleeping Pad
- ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an air mattress to keep you comfortable on your next adventure, it’s clear that there are many excellent models available to choose from.
Whether you want an authentic camping experience with a lightweight, yet comfortable air mattress, such as the KingCamp Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad, or a home-away-from-home “real” bed such as the Coleman Air Mattress with Camping Cot, you’re sure to find the best camping air mattress for your needs in our selection.
Just got the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D, and it’s a game changer for my camping trips! Super comfy.
Review of KingCamp Double Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad: I found this pad to be a great balance between a traditional foam pad and an air mattress. It’s surprisingly comfortable and the self-inflating feature is super convenient. It’s a bit heavy, so not ideal for long treks, but perfect for car camping. Overall, a solid 8/10 for me.