A camping bed might seem like a bit of a luxury when doing an outdoor adventure, but come nightfall, it will be the most important thing you have ever owned, capable of turning the most remote and coldest place into a comfy sleeping spot. The best camping mattress will significantly affect your trip, giving you a satisfying sleep to start preparing for the next day.
There are many camping beds to choose from, at all price points, but while there are bargains to be found, the better brands and more expensive models are more comfortable and last longer – the latter being a crucial attribute. Sleep well and stay warm with a suitable sleeping bag.
In general, while cot-style beds and larger mattresses are perfect for car camping and festival use, an inflatable sleeping mat or pad will be better for hiking and outdoor use, as they’re easier to store in or on your hiking backpack while still comfortable.
There will be a supremely comfortable camping bed available that is ready to be paired with a sleeping bag to provide a restful rest.
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Our Top 13 Picks for Best Camping Mattress
- REI Co-op Camp Dreamer XL Mattress
- Willpo Certipur-US Memory Foam Camping Mattress
- Outdoorsman Lab UL Camping Sleeping Pad Mattress
- Coleman Camping Cot Combo Mattress
- Lightspeed Outdoors FlexForm Mattress
- Aerobed Double Flocked Camp Mattress
- Coleman Inflatable Double Camping Mattress
- Most comfortable & luxurious Hest Sleep System Camping Mattress
- BetterHabitat SleepReady Memory Foam Floor Mattress
- IFORREST Sleeping Pad Best Camping Mattress
- NEMO Roamer Best Camping Mattress
- Etekcity Portable Air Best Camping Mattress
- Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad Best Camping Mattress
1. REI Co-op Camp Dreamer XL Mattress
Highlights
- Size XL
- Color Thunder Blue
- Insulated
Overall Thoughts
Car camping offers an easier way to get a good night’s sleep, and the REI Camp Dreamer XL is a modern example of this idea. The mattress is at a comfortable width of 32 inches, is super comfortable off the floor, and is warm enough for most 3-season conditions.
With $179, the Therm-a-rest now costs $30 less than the Therm-a-rest Mondoking that costs $199. For those who seek the ultimate level of camping luxury, we recommend the REI Camp Dreamer XL.
It is a large mat that takes up a healthy amount of space and is heavy over 6 pounds. Also, some can find that the generous size is too much—many of these camping mats are around 25 inches in width, which should be sufficient unless you frequently toss and turn.
Lastly, the REI is a good value for what you get, but you can spend less for a camping mattress, including the Camp Bed below. However, for those who value comfort, the Camp Dreamer is the best option.
2. Willpo Certipur-US Memory Foam Camping Mattress
Highlights
- Size Small Single
- Color Gray
- Waterproof
- Certipur-US Certified
Overall Thoughts
The Will Certipur-US Memory Foam Camping Mattress is a sleeping bag. The foam is made from high-density foam for support and memory foam for comfort because it looks ideal to sleep on and is, too.
The memory foam gives you a soft, wrapping feeling and molds to the shape of your body to provide you with a great night’s sleep, while the high-density foam ensures you don’t feel anything from beneath like spikey rocks and the like.
The base is coated with a waterproof surface, which provides footing. It will keep you dry and comfortable when sleeping on wet ground, protects the mattress, and keeps it from moving during the night.
The mat rolls up securely and easy to store in the provided sack. This backpack is too bulky for backpacking but is ideal for carrying road-trip essentials. Overall, a comfortable and durable camping mattress that is definitely worth the price.
3. Outdoorsman Lab UL Camping Sleeping Pad Mattress
Highlights
- One-Size
- Color Blue
- Water-Resistant
- Easy inflation & deflation
Overall Thoughts
The company claims that this mattress is too light, weighing 16 oz, similar to how much a water bottle weighs. This mattress is only 8 inches long and 3 inches high when rolled up, making it ideal for travel.
The mattress is 73 inches wide by 21.6 inches wide when it is square and is 2 inches thick. It should be comfortable to sleep in no matter what position in which you sleep. The purchase of a mattress is fully refundable if an item does not meet expectations.
4. Coleman Camping Cot Combo Mattress
Highlights
- Size Twin
- Weight Limit 600 pounds
- Made in China
- Battery Operated Pump
Overall Thoughts
It is a 3-piece product that consists of a cot, tables, and a pump. Manufacturers do not include batteries in these tablet computers.
The manufacturers claim that the cot can hold around 500 pounds. A coil construction mattress provides the body with excellent support and good posture.
This product’s dimensions are 78 by 59 inches.
5. Lightspeed Outdoors FlexForm Mattress
Highlights
- Size Large
- Color Teal
- Material Foam
- Item Weight 7.2 Pounds
Overall Thoughts
The Lightspeed Outdoors3 is ideal for the budget-conscious camper. It doesn’t take much time to inflate and can be ready for use quickly. If the FlexForm Deluxe is comfortable and feels like a memory foam mattress, that’s good.
It’s not as thick and soft as some of the other mattresses on our list, but it’s affordably priced, high-quality, and amazingly light to carry. This tent is the right choice for anyone seeking a balance of affordability, comfort, and packability.
6. Aerobed Double Flocked Camp Mattress
Highlights
- Size Double
- Type Inflatable
- Weight 5.2 kg
- Built-in electric pump
Overall Thoughts
If you want ultimate comfort in the quickest time, you should invest in this inflatable camping bed. With the built-in electric pump and high-quality circular coils, this luxury bed will be ready in a matter of minutes.
Two persons can sleep and it hardly makes any noise while it is on the move. These queen-size beds have the ability to work as a guest bed and a camping bed makes it a valuable investment.
7. Coleman Inflatable Double Camping Mattress
Highlights
- Size Double
- Limitless Load
- Best for Glamping
- Type Inflatable
Overall Thoughts
It is the most comfortable camping bed for a home-away-from-home experience. Other than the standard dimensions and features, there is nothing out of the ordinary about it.
Although it is small in size, it is a quick inflation cartridge that can be easily rolled up. If you don’t like camping, this camping bed should make you feel more at home.
8. Most comfortable & luxurious Hest Sleep System Camping Mattress
Highlights
- Size Dual
- Weight 26 lbs
- Inflatable base with foam topper
Overall Thoughts
The HEST Sleeping Pad is the most comfortable camping mattress we’ve tested. The model features a rigid inflatable base that provides a robust and supportive base. And it’s comfortable, and it has flexible, pro-quality foam in a nylon cover.
The cover zips off for easy washing, and it’s excellent when used off its base. Everything about the HEST Sleep System is of the best quality and built to last.
The HEST Night Sleep System is expensive for the average camper’s needs, but it is the most luxurious and long-lasting mattress on our list.
9. BetterHabitat SleepReady Memory foam floor Mattress
Highlights
- Size Twin
- Style Kids
- Portable and Versatile
- 1-Year Warranty
- Free Shipping
Overall Thoughts
All foam camping mattresses come in a disassembled form and are extremely easy to set up. One of the thinnest camping mattress options we reviewed was 3″ thick.
Memory foam is plush and comfortable and was recently proven to reduce body pressure and improve sleep quality among those sleeping.
This camping mattress was designed with durability in mind and featured a waterproof cover and a slip-resistant bottom. Reviewers liked the convenient carry bag and described it as heavy-duty enough not to feel minor bumps and indentations.
10. IFORREST Sleeping Pad Best Camping Mattress
Highlights
- Size Large
- Color Blue
- Material Polyester
- 100% Guaranteed
Overall Thoughts
The mattress is 1.5 in thick which provides comfort on top of all of the other features. The manufacturer states that the mattress is waterproof, providing an increased insulation level against the cold. The mattress measures 77 inches X 16 inches X 1.5 inches and can be used year-round.
The company offers a replacement product if the product is not satisfactory. The sleeping pad is self-inflating making it easier to set up, and is somewhat lightweight so people will be more comfortable.
11. NEMO Roamer Best Camping Mattress
Highlights
- Color Wave
- Brand Nemo
- Lifetime Warranty
- Self-Inflatable
Overall Thoughts
The NEMO Roamer is lightweight and compact yet incredibly generous for having many great qualities. The pad weighs less than the competition and is also much smaller when packed.
The Roamer features a flat zero-profile valve to make it easy to inflate, a welcoming fabric sleep surface, and the ability to link two or more mattresses together. If you want the comfort of a comforter and the space-saving power of a twin bed, the Roamer mattress will be perfect.
12. Etekcity Portable Air Best Camping Mattress
Highlights
- Size Twin
- Item Plush
- Built-in Pump
- Designed in California
Overall Thoughts
This air mattress comprises an in-built electric pump that inflates it within minutes. If a person lacks electricity, he can extend his mattress with an external hand pump.
The company manufactures mattresses with a thick, soft, bouncy top and non-skid bottom that provides additional comfort and stability. The company recommends inflating the bed, then allowing it to rest for 24 hours before use.
The dimensions of a mattress are 74 x 39 x 16.5 inches, which means that it can support 400 pounds.
13. Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad Best Camping Mattress
Highlights
- Size Reg
- Color Navy
- Material Polyester
- Stuff Sack and patch included
- Easy to Use
- Free Shipping and Returns
Overall Thoughts
This pad works great and is a fantastic value. Even though it doesn’t have all the features of more expensive options, it is small and lightweight. It’s light, weighing in under a pound when packed, and allows for only 10 to 15 breaths per inflation.
Some reviewers complain that the cooling system leaks air, but many reviewers applaud the product on its low price.
Also Read: Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Describes how we choose the best camping mattresses?
- It was made for camping. These products are meant for the hard use that can occur from living outdoors. Doing so will incorporate heavier fabrics, nonslip elements, and reinforced seams.
- Customer testimonials. We found customer ratings and reviews to be important in real life. To provide the best ratings for this mattress, we used information from websites that focus on outdoor gear, like REI and Backcountry.
- Company performance. We recommend products from reputable manufacturers who disclose the materials and manufacturing processes used in their products.
- Warranty and policy. Camper equipment is durable, but a sleeping mat won’t last as long as an investment-grade mat from the department store. Most outdoor equipment manufacturers offer a 2- to 5-year Warranty, with some offering lifetime warranties.
- Trustful recommendations. We obtained insights from experienced campers who are also professional trail maintenance experts.
Types of Mattresses
Self-Inflating Mattress
Therm-a-a-Rest has been involved in the bedding business since the 1970s and has not altered its design in any significant way. These mattresses’ inner cell structure consists of open-celled foam, which expands when the valve is turned.
A standard air mattress costs less and is much less durable while inflating requires a lot more effort and compresses less than traditional air mattresses.
When getting a good night’s sleep is more important than weight or size, we favor self-inflating mattresses. It’s not a coincidence that the REI Co-dreamer XL product was chosen as our top pick
Air Mattresses
When the mattress is fully inflated, it is filled with air. If one chooses to inflate the mat, one must use an air pump or an air-extracting hose. In addition to the weight loss benefits, you will enjoy calorie savings.
At the cost of one-per-per-night or half the price, you can reduce your cost of spending by using an air mattress instead of a self-inflating one. Also, air mattresses are best for sleeping pads because they are the least restrictive.
An expandable model can maintain its structure while it is transported, stored, and rolled up for storage, regardless of whether it has synthetic or down fill materials inside.
On the one hand, backpacking sleeping pads are much more comfortable; on the other hand, self-inflating pads are not as comfortable. A thin air mattress is as comfortable and supportive as traditional foam mattresses, but you can’t sink into it.
Also Read: Top 15 Best Air Mattress for Everyday Use
Foam Pads
Hyperspace cells are commonly known as closed-cell pads, such as those used in the classic sleeping bag. You don’t need to press it down; they self-expand into shape and are ready to go.
So far, there are no complications that can be found in its expanded state, but the closed-cell foam is by far the least comfortable when you’re in bed. They are very thin, which means they can’t disguise uneven terrain.
In most cases, the foam of your average sleeping pad is made of closed cells. These pads are easy to use, with minimal setup requirements, and very portable.
The most positive thing about the closed-mold foam is that it has no risk of getting punctures, but the rest is significantly less comfortable. Your mat and inflatables will flatten out uneven surfaces and around the bumps. These are typically less than 2 inches, so they cannot mask bumps on the ground.
Sleeping Mats vs. Air Beds
A traditional bed is usually reserved for shorter excursions, while an air bed provides greater comfort, and many people can fit inside. You should focus on these two options because they can help you achieve your goals:
A: Expand your horizons, reduce your phobia of responsibility, or pick a country you love. A personal air mattress’s primary benefit is that it provides more contact area for a greater sleeping surface area and the ability to expand and deflate more quickly (a cot can do the same).
It’s fun and easy to use for large groups, but if you don’t mind sleeping in the same bed with the same person, it’s great for families and staying together.
On the other hand, guest’s side, air mattresses are surprisingly inexpensive and comfortable to own in your home, given how they can help you save on costs while sleeping while away from home.
The industry has mixed views on whether these new foam mattresses get a good score for comfortability or not, so we’re taking a stance that the best-of-classes must include it.
Of course, one notable exception is the REI Kingdom Sleep System. Quality may be difficult to improve upon with a premium combination of an air mattress, quilt, and pillow.
What About a Cot?
As a part of the body of cots, a tent on the ground, but frequently gets used in unique applications for humans, would consider a cot to be a sort of bedding. We love cots because they make getting up easy and then for their comfortable, and can be used as couches during the day.
Based on comfort, most individuals are in the middle. We would like to see more comfort from the Coleman mat, but it is better than other similar options available mats. A cot is an excellent value compared to the other options in the range, even though it costs $50 less.
This is the most important aspect to consider how quickly the cot folds and sets up. In general, cots are enormous; you can’t fold them in half, which makes them challenging to use (the ComfortSmart measures 40 x 30 x 5.5 inches when folded).
There may be too many cots for your vehicle, which means that you should purchase extra handles if you are planning to carry several. And if you are trying to save money by sleeping at an increased elevation, you will run into the obstacle.
Instead of sleeping in a tent, a cot can be used for camping if you have a place where you can lay down and be more comfortable.
Mattress Comfort and Thickness
Camping and backpacking supplies need not only mattresses; you can also need additional gear such as air mattresses and air mattress pumps, plus opinions on what the best mattress to use will differ greatly from camper to camper. Stores commonly sell quality mattresses, but they turn out to be quite comfortable for the most part.
Most people who tried self-inflating foam pads found them too soft for supportive foam, and back sleepers liked them, found them comfortable, and happy with the alternatives in the foam list. Those who are stomach or side sleepers are covered by cushy yet softness promote.
General advice suggests placing a weight of 3 inches or more around the hips and shoulders while sleeping on side locations. There are varying degrees of preference for back sleeping.
Depending on one’s preferences, back sleeping may allow one to sleep on a thinner mattress. It is the best mattress for people who want to keep cool at night because it has a 4.25-inch Therm PrimaLoft mattress top and gel poly-Quilt padding.
If you have a fixed supply of money budget, you should go for something larger, more extensive sleeping equipment; those who are more flexible and can spend more.
Also Read: Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Sizing: Width and Length
backpacking sleeping pads and sleeping mattresses have a bigger footprint because people tend to sleep on them more in these situations [when they are comfortable].
Many shorts for TVs have 72 inches or less but a considerable overlap with the 82 inches and extend to more than the 107-inch sizes (the XXL version of the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is 80 x 30 inches).
Because it’s long enough for taller people but still comfortable for most people, this pillow is broad. Twenty-inch pads are a popular size for backpackers and suggest that one of your arms will fall off during the night at least every night of use.
It’s a good thing to have a wide sleeping pad that goes as far as from your sleeping bag as from the origin point where you start to its middle when it’s extended, the extra widths 25 or 30 inches (slightly wider than a 60″ double provide additional comfort.
This bag will allow them to both maximize their space and roll around as much as they like in their sleeping bag while sleeping, making their room more comfortable.
Mattress Insulation: R-Value
The value of a camping mattress as measured by how well it retains heat and its effectiveness at rejecting cold is known as R-value. Although there are a few sources for specifications, it is still beneficial to have access to them.
However, in the warm weather, few people are bothered by the next layer of insulation (for example, the Klymit Static V Luxe with a 1.5 R-value). As a general rule of thumb, we recommend an insulated pad with an R-value of 3 for all three-season usage.
Keep in mind that if you are sleeping in cold temperatures, get a mattress than an allergen-reduced or hypoallergic mattress. To secure your inflatable mattress, you should use an innerspring blanket as well.
Those with sensitive skin should use one of each so that you have a boost in mattress insulation as well as no possibility of skin irritation.
Weight and Packed Size
As you’re going on your camping trip, your gear weight and the number of things you’ve brought don’t have to be the most critical issues. The most comfortable and most suitable type of equipment to choose is best for expansion.
I like to have clothes that won’t have to be constantly readjusted to different climates instead of equipment that will always feel tight, though it may have to lose its insulating value as a property in heat and cold.
However, if you don’t have a lot of extra space in your vehicle, I will check the camper’s specifications to find a trailer that doesn’t take up too much room. And it takes up less than a fifth of the standard model’s weight, measuring 40″ x 30″ by 5.5″ in total dimensions and weighing less than 20 lbs.
Additionally, only a few of those capsules may be consumed on their own. ThermOneStep Gear’s compact and lightweight quilts, such as the Therm-a-a-rest SPR, can be great for any number of applications, from tents used to backpacking and hiking.
For most campers, the most comfortable, long-term, long-lasting, and practical options fall somewhere between expensive and non-durable.
Durability (Denier)
the weight doesn’t impact most mattresses’ comfort so that they can be used repeatedly without difficulty. Whereas backpacking models have holes that can potentially be closed with a punch, thick-studded bags have thicker fabrics that are less likely to snag or spring a leak than models with thinner materials.
This provides some security in the event of dogs or other critters being on your gear and ensures that you can sleep outside if you are unable to close your sleeping bag.
There are differences between models, so we advise you to examine models to be sure of varying quality and complexity to ensure proper fit (if available).
Regarding tear resistance, the pads can be differentiated by thickness, with greater numbers giving better tear lines. Thus, we shall always have pad options on the underside and elsewhere on the item to provide long life and superior comfort.
Having tested the 75 denier fabric’s durability on the ground, we didn’t have any second thoughts about how it would perform outdoors.
Valve Types
Almost all air mattresses have a self-expanding system and a basic twist-and-valve Placing the gasket in the chamber opens the valve and causes the pneumatic tried to deflate and then re-inflate, which works the tyre to swell.
To inflate the mat completely, you’ll need to exhale and then re-In some models, and you’ll need to exhale a few more times. While this is true, we also learned that budget pads like the Campo Pad are less durable than expensive alternatives like REI or Thermosets.
Although Exped products are famous for being inflatable, some also have the feature of being able to be inflated quickly and self-inflating. Although it is pretty laborious to inflate a large air pad or air bed manually, a pump will be included in the product most of the time—besides Kelty’s Tum.
Comfort can be inflated quickly by opening the stuff bag, connecting the mat to the stuff sack, and folding the stuff sack over (no breath required). We found that air pad pumps are not as simple as a self-inflating design, but they quickly fill sleeping pads.
How to Store Your Camping Mattress
One final camping mattress feature to consider is how and where to store the bed after each trip. It’s best not to roll your self-inflating pad or close the valves to extend your lifespan by years can create some challenges with the enormous mattress, such as the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 you can put under a bed. (provided you have space).
If you must leave a self-inflating pad rolled up in its bag, practice letting it self-inflate to avoid long-term fiber damage. Air mattresses are much more comfortable: once inflated, release the air, and it will keep the air inside itself.
Although soft, high-density closed-cell foam pads require the least maintenance, you shouldn’t leave any heavy objects on top of them.
Alternatives
If a person does not want to buy a camping mattress, there are alternatives. A person can buy a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, camping cot, or a hammock. These options may be more economical in size and price.
However, it is essential to remain comfortable while camping. If camping for an extended period, it is necessary to buy a camping mattress or an alternative sleeping arrangement that provides the proper support and comfort level.
FAQs
Which would you choose for everyday use?
If you desire to sleep in this bed daily, then specific considerations should be given. An air mattress’s internal air pressure will decrease with age, regardless of how well constructed it is. It is necessary to refill wicks to keep them full periodically.
Because of this, camping cots have become popular as an alternative to regular beds for use at home because they remain very sturdy throughout the night. Although soft and comfortable, these inflatable mattresses are firmer than traditional inflatable mattresses, so a camping pad might be necessary to place on top of the mattress.
Fortunately, most manufacturers of camping cot pads make the pads to be compatible with their product.
Which bed is the cheapest?
It seemed as though no other mattress in our price range had as great of a weight limit as the ACTIVE-ERA QUEEN SIZE AIR MATTRESS. The weight rating is high enough to accommodate two people and then some. It is an outstanding feature for an air mattress, as in that case, it is usually guaranteed to leak air.
However, most camping cots are only built for one person and reasonably healthy, so they are quite durable. An average adventurer’s weight is usually around 300 pounds, which should provide ample provision for the sleepy adventurer.
Which cleaner is easier to clean?
Generally speaking, a camping pad will be easier to clean than an air mattress, simply because most camping pads have a removable cover that allows the surface area to be cleaned without exposing the internal foam to water damage.
Teton Sports’ Universal Camp Pad has a brushed canvas outer shell that can be washed (or washed dryer) as often as you need (just don’t dry air it).
If you are leaning towards an air mattress, I hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Air-inflated camping mattresses are generally built to standard sizing metrics, meaning that no matter what size you go with, a matching set of sheets will be available.
Most similar beds are used at home, making it a great way to keep your mattress looking new year after year.
Final Thoughts
Camping can be a fun recreational activity, as long as people are careful and make sure that they are prepared before venturing off into the woods. A crucial part of this study is making sure there is a comfortable place to rest at night.
A mattress is an excellent option for camping because it provides support and comfort. A good quality camping mattress should provide enough comfort during camping excursions.
