Camping is a great way to de-stress and enjoy nature. But when it comes to sleeping in the wilderness, things get a bit more complicated. After a long day of exploring you’ll be more than excited to get a good night’s sleep. To make sure you’re refreshed and ready for the next day, the best air mattress for camping is an absolute must.
With so many products on the market it can be hard to figure out the best camping mattress for you. To help you out, we’ve created a guide to help navigate the process and also listed the best air beds on the market to help you on your search.
Our Top Choice: After hours of research, we have concluded that the SoundAsleep Camping Series is by far the best air mattress for camping overall. It uses extra durable, eco-friendly PVC, and its ComfortCoil Technology and SureGrip bottom ensure firmness and stability no matter what. Plus, it takes less than 4 minutes to fully inflate. You seriously can’t go wrong with the SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress.
Quick Answer: Best Camping Air Mattresses
Below is a list of the best air mattresses for camping:
- SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress
- Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress
- Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set
- Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed Mattress
- Coleman Camping Cot with Side Tables
- King Koil Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump
- EZ INFLATE Queen Size Inflatable Mattress
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress
- EnerPlex Never-Leak Luxury Queen Air Mattress
- Coleman SupportRest Double High Air Mattress
What to Look for in a Good Air Mattress for Camping
Here are the top things to consider before purchasing your next camping air mattress.
1. Type of Mattress
Many are familiar with the standard type of camping air mattress. They’re lightweight and portable, and many campers love them. But there are other types you may want to consider depending on your camping style.
- All-in-One Beds: What makes these different is that they have a sleeping bag attached, so you won’t have to carry your mattress separate from your sleeping bag. They’re also known to be incredibly comfortable.
- Double Height Air Mattresses: These are ideal for those who need to be higher off the ground when camping. They’re known to be the most comfortable air mattress and almost feel like a real bed. However, with all that comfort comes additional weight and a higher price tag.
Regardless of what type you choose, making sure the air mattress is puncture-proof will help it last longer.
2. Size and Weight
For size, consider your height and weight as well as whether or not you’ll be sleeping alone. Also consider the size of your camping tent, and make sure it will fit appropriately inside and leave you some floor space. Not only is the size when fully inflated important, but be sure you know the size when folded and how much storage space it will take up.
The type of camping you’re doing will determine the importance of the weight. If you’re camping near your vehicle, weight shouldn’t be a huge factor because you won’t be carrying it very far. If you’re doing a multi-day hike then you’ll probably want to cut as much weight as possible so you’re not weighed down on the trails.
3. Material
Most of the air mattresses you’ll see are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material works well, but it’s not environmentally friendly. If that’s a concern of yours, consider purchasing an air mattress made from more eco-friendly materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
4. Method of Inflation
Some air mattresses have their own pumps, for others you’ll need to purchase a pump, and others still you’ll have to inflate with your own breath. Some prefer manually inflating air mattresses because it means one less thing to carry around.
There are several different types of pumps. Some are built-in while others are external. It is also helpful to figure out if your air mattress is compatible with pumps other than the one that’s included with it.
Electric pumps are popular because they tend to inflate mattresses the quickest. However, if you won’t have access to electricity then you’ll need a different type of pump, consider getting a rechargeable or battery-operated pump. For shorter camping trips, a rechargeable pump should work well. If you’ll be in the backcountry for a while, consider either a battery-operated pump or a hand pump.
5. Comfort
After a long day on the trails you’ll look forward to a good night’s sleep. This is where your air mattress can make or break the trip. Be sure you know the features of the air mattress and how they’ll help with your sleep.
Some air mattresses have a soft top surface which eliminates the need for sheets or a sleeping bag. Others don’t, so you’ll need some type of insulation to stay warm.
Be sure you know whether or not you’re able to adjust the firmness of the mattress. Also, check and see if the mattress has a stabilizing system if you’ll be sharing. Stabilizing systems will let you sleep peacefully even if your mattress partner is moving around.
6. R-Value
The R-Value is the capacity of a material to resist heat flow. A higher R-value means a greater insulating power and the better it will insulate you from the cold ground. Sleeping pads usually have an R-value between 1 – 5, but winter-weather pads can have R-values of greater than 5.
Air mattresses with R-values under 2 are only good for warm-weather camping. 3-season campers should look for options with a 2 – 4 R-value. For winter camping when the temperature is around or below freezing, be sure to get a mattress with an R-value greater than 4.
Best Camping Mattress Reviews
Now that you know what to look for in your air mattress, here are some of the best options available today.
SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress
When on the hunt for the best queen size air mattress, check out the SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress. The mattress includes a rechargeable pump allowing it to inflate within three minutes. The pump can be charged at home or with a car charger. This air mattress is made from an eco-friendly PVC material and features ComfortCoil Technology with I-Beam Air Coils that make it durable in the outdoors. It has a waterproof flocked top and includes a puncture-resistant, multi-layer material. The “Sure-Grip” bottom prevents the mattress from sliding around in your tent. SoundAsleep also makes on of the best twin air mattresses. Whether you camp once a year or every weekend, you’ll love sleeping on the SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress.
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is widely thought to be the best self-inflating air mattress for camping. It’s Therm-a-Rest’s thickest and most comfortable sleeping pad and boasts four inches of stabilized loft and vertical side walls. It has a foam core that delivers warmth in every season and has an 11.4 R-value. This mattress comes in two size options, 77” x 25” and 80” x 30”, which pack down to 26” x 9” and 31” x 9” respectively. The smaller size weighs 5.5 pounds while the larger size weighs 6.75 pounds, both include a stuff sack. For a comfortable self-inflating mattress that’s great all year around, go with the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress.
Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set
The Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set is a super comfortable air mattress that also includes two inflatable pillows and a hand pump. The soft, flocked surface helps to improve the comfort and the wave beams discourage your sleeping bag or sheets from moving around. The top is also waterproof and easy to clean. It even has a two-in-one valve with an extra wide opening that simplifies inflation and deflation. This queen-sized air mattress measures 60” x 8.75” x 80”, easily sleeps two adults, and has a 600-pound capacity. When it comes to portable air mattresses, the Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set is one of the best.
Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed Mattress
If you need the best camping air mattress for couples, don’t miss the Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed Mattress. It’s made from a durable TPU material that allows it to easily pack down to 16.5” x 8.9” x 8.9” and only adds 5.6 pounds to your hiking backpack. When inflated, it measures 80.1” x 55.1” x 7.1” and the material allows it to be more resistant to punctures and more temperature stable. The mattress includes a patented stabilizer system and a two-way Boston valve that lets you adjust the firmness. The air mattress also includes an oversized storage bag and a battery-operated pump. You’re guaranteed to rest easy when you choose the Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed Mattress.
Coleman Camping Cot with Side Tables
The Coleman Camping Cot is one of the best-rated air mattress options for those who want some extra conveniences and need to sleep off of the ground. The queen-size, three-piece combo includes a battery-operated pump and side tables that have cup holders so you can store your personal items, drinks, or your water bottle. The dimensions are 78” x 59” x 22” and the cot can support up to 600 pounds. If you need more sleeping space, the cot can separate from the mattress. If not, there’s a sewn-in cover to keep the air mattress in place. There’s also a twin-sized option that can support up to 300 pounds. To be comfortable, supported, and lifted off the ground, the Coleman Camping Cot is an ideal option.
King Koil Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump
If comfort is the absolute top priority, then you need to go with the King Koil Queen Air Mattress. The inflation height is 20 inches, so it’ll give you the feel of a real mattress. It has an extra thick, durable, waterproof quilt top that offers spinal support and helps with good sleeping posture. The sueded top helps keep your bedding in place and there’s also a built-in pillow. The mattress has a built-in pump that can inflate it in under two minutes, as well as separate inflate and deflate knobs. King Koil also has a twin and california king option if you want to sleep more or less people. It’s hard to argue with the comfort of the King Koil Queen Air Mattress.
EZ INFLATE Queen Size Inflatable Mattress
This elevated air bed will put you to sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. The EZ INFLATE Queen Size Inflatable Mattress is raised 18 inches and promotes good sleeping posture. It has a flocked top and velvet-like surface that enhances comfort and makes it easy to clean. There’s a built-in pump to automatically inflate the mattress, as well as a manual valve. Along with the queen-sized option, EZ INFLATE also offers a twin and a king option. With the ability to remain inflated with no leaks for up to 48 hours, the EZ INFLATE Queen Size Inflatable Mattress is an ideal choice whether you’re camping in Big Sur or your backyard.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress
The smallest air mattress options are the best if you’re doing extended trips like the Great Ocean Walk and don’t want to carry much extra weight. While it’s smaller than some camping air mattresses, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress doesn’t lack quality. It is 2.4 inches thick and has a 3.2 R-value which makes it great for three-season camping. The mattress has a tapered design that helps reduce weight and the no-slip fabric will help your sleeping bag stay in place. You can choose between a 20” x 47”, 20” x 72”, or 20” x 77” air mattress, with the smallest option weighing only eight ounces and the largest weighing 16 ounces. If you’re an ultralight camper, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite is one of the best blow up camping mattresses you can buy.
EnerPlex Never-Leak Luxury Queen Air Mattress
One of the most durable air mattresses on the market, the EnerPlex Never-Leak Luxury Queen Air Mattress is built to stand the test of time. It’s constructed with a durable, waterproof, and puncture-resistant PVC material and has an airtight value to prevent leaking. The rechargeable pump can inflate the queen mattress in under 90 seconds and the twin option can inflate in only 60 seconds. This mattress is considered a thin air mattress as it’s only 9 inches thick. Compared to its counterparts that are between 14 – 20 inches thick, this one is much easier to store and travel with. To save space without sacrificing comfort, consider the EnerPlex Never-Leak Luxury Queen Air Mattress.
Coleman SupportRest Double High Air Mattress
The Coleman SupportRest Double High Air Mattress lets you sleep just like you would at home thanks to its 18-inch height. The coil construction of this air mattress contours to your body to give you more support while you’re sleeping. The plush top increases comfort and there’s a dual-sealed valve that prevents leaks so you won’t wake up on the ground. Coleman offers queen and twin options, both with storage sacks. There’s even a removable quilted top which you can remove and wash after a weekend in the woods. The Coleman SupportRest Double High Air Mattress is worth its weight in gold.
Few things beat a lovely hike followed by dinner around a campfire. As glorious as those days can be, you don’t want to end the night struggling to sleep. Any of the best air mattresses for camping are sure to help you sleep comfortably so you can wake up recharged.
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