There are moments when a dull routine that comes with urban living sounds rather tiresome. Sometimes, a quick escape to commune with nature is the practical solution. How about going on a camping trip? The thought of being able to sleep under the stars is a fascinating concept. Plus, a change in scenery is a sure-fire way to relax, recalibrate, and recharge you for the weeks ahead.
But, spending the weekend on the great outdoors requires the right amount of gear. Once the evening comes, you need something cozy that will make sleeping comfortable. That’s why we’ve spent the last few weeks researching so you don’t have to. Here are examples of the best camping mattress and camping sleeping pad available in the market. Let’s dive into the sections and pick one!
The Difference Between a Camping Air Mattress and Camping Sleeping Pad
A camping air mattress is unlike any traditional mattress. There’s no “stuffing” inside it. Instead, there’s a valve into which you will fill with air. Once inflated, the bed is lightweight and pun intended; it’s like air. For storing and moving, all you need to do is deflate the camping mat, and that’s it.
Another alternative is the camping sleeping pad. It takes up less space but still delivers the same comfort despite its size. These camping pads may come in both foam and inflatable versions.
By investing in any of these two, you will determine the best piece of gear that will suit your budget and needs.
Good luck with that great outdoor escape!
Price: $180 - $210
Therm-A-Rest Mondoking 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress
Price: $44.74
Intex 68765E Classic Downy Airbed Set with 2 Pillows and Double Quick Hand Pump,Queen
Price: $24.95
Freeland Camping Sleeping Pad Self-Inflating with Attached Pillow
A Guide for Buying the Right Air Mattresses and Sleeping Pads
The Best Air Mattresses Available That You Can Purchase Today
Lightspeed Outdoor Queen-Size Air Mattress
This queen-size air foam is a two-person cushion that you can store in an oversized carrying bag. Due to its thickness there’s a decent amount of space between the camper and the ground. This makes the product a good choice if you have muscle weakness and joint problems.
Features
- Battery-operated pump system: Use this to effortlessly and quickly inflate the camping air mattress. However, 4 D batteries are not included.
- Outstanding sleeping capacity: The size of the mattress is 80” by 55” and a thickness of 7”. If you’re looking for an air mattress for camping that has the same size as a queen-size bed, then this is it. It will surely provide a good amount of cushion for you and your loved ones.
Pros:
- For those concerned about their health, the product is PVC-free.
- It’s made of thick TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), so you don’t need to worry about stretching.
- Wide opening valve makes it easy to deflate
Cons:
- No protection from heat and cold because it’s non-insulated.
Price: $84
REI Camp Dreamer XL
It’s not the price that counts. Sometimes, you will assume that a less expensive camping mattress pad will have a flawed design. This is not the case with the REI Camp Dreamer XL. Trust us; it’s quite cozy for something which you can buy at a friendly price.
Features
- Unique inflation device: The camping mattress includes a pillow which alters as a pump to inflate the mat quickly.
- One-way reversible valve: You can easily fine-tune the product to your fancied softness level. This also makes both inflating and deflating the mat quite easy.
- Memory foam mattress: This type of foam molds to the shape of your body which results in better insulating effectiveness.
Pros:
- The outer layer is made of polyester which makes it soft and will not stick to your bare skin.
- Large size carrier which makes it easy to fit the mat inside.
Cons:
- It takes up a lot of space for a single person tent.
Price: $169
Therm-A-Rest Mondoking 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress
Probably one of the right choices for the best camping air mattress in the market today is this product from Therm-A-Rest. A considerable amount of foam padding (a thickness of about 4 inches) means it can better support additional weight. Sizewise? Thanks to its huge dimensions, there’s plenty of room for you to stretch.For people under six-feet, it’s like having a twin bed. Despite its great size, you can entirely stuff the mat on its very own carry sack.
Features
- R-Value of 11.4: A high-capacity to insulate a camper from the cold ground.
- Enhanced side walls: Allows you to connect two pads for added space.
Pros:
- It's good to use, especially during the winter season due to thickness.
- It's made-up of tons of foam padding that will protect your body from sharp rocks or roots.
- The dual valves will immediately suck air once it's opened. It makes the mattress quite easy to inflate without a need for an air pump.
Cons:
- You need to work hard when it's time to deflate this camping mat.
Price: $180 - $210
Nemo Roamer
Are you the type that gears for truck camping and van living? Then the Nemo Roamer is probably the best car camping sleeping bag that you’ll need. After the purchase, we believe someone will be calling their vehicle their second home.
Features
- Open-cell foam: Makes the product softer and flexible.
- Tough self-inflating pad: The pad has a 75-denier polyester bottom that you can either lay down in a tent or at the back of your truck. It won't pop and will withstand the outdoors, unlike most air mattresses.
- Adjustable valves: This ensures both quick self-inflation and deflation.
Pros:
- The fastening toggles will allow you to connect two pads.
Cons:
- The dual-pad connectivity is expensive.
Price: $209 - $229
Intex 68765E Classic Downy Airbed Set with 2 Pillows and Double Quick Hand Pump,Queen
This product is a standard queen-size camping air mattress that continues to make a considerable dent on the market. Thanks to its super-low price, it’s an ongoing hit with 20-something campers.
Features
- Material:A top surface made of flocked vinyl, which helps sheets from slipping.
- Being waterproof makes it also easier to clean.
- Support: It will withstand up to 600 pounds of weight without any problem of air leak.
- Functionality: It can be folded easily for travel or storage.
Pros:
- The accompanying manual pump works efficiently and quickly.
- The mattress deflates the air immediately once you pull the plug out.
Cons:
- Deflating takes a much longer time than inflating.
Price: $44.74
The Best Sleeping Pads You Can Purchase in the Market Today
REI Co-op Camp Bed Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
Now,this one here takes the vote for the best car camping sleeping pad. Are you thinking about frequently using the inside of your car after this getaway? Then take a look at the criteria on why we choose this product as a top choice. For starters, it’s a self-inflating camping pad. But there’s more details of the pad below that will satisfy your various queries.
Features
- High-insulation value: It gives an R-value of 6.8, which helps in the coldest conditions.
- Weight and thickness: Quite suitable for car camping and quick overnight as it only weighs 3 pounds with a diameter of 2.5 inches.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Affordable
- It's quite durable due to a 150-denier bottom.
Cons:
- There are thicker camping pads suitable for cars, but this one has good value.
Price: $100 -$120
Exped MegaMat Duo 10
If you’re planning to take someone with you, then this is the best sleeping pad for camping that you need to purchase. It’s a double sleeping pad that will give you and your loved one a plush and comfortable overnight camping trip.
Features
- Material: A 77.6 inches and 52 inches wide of open-cell polyurethane foam that shields you from rocks and roots.
- Insulation: R-value is at the high end of the spectrum at 9.5.
Pros:
- The camping sleeping pad includes a repair kit.
- It has a carry bag, which also serves as the storage for the air pump.
Cons:
- Slightly expensive.
- When packed along with the other accessories, it's quite bulky.
Price: $370 -$390
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite
Since this is just a quick getaway from the city, then it’s just for a short period, right? You don’t need to pack a lot of things. A suitable sleeping pad for you, in this case, would be the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite. It weighs less than 9 ounces and is probably the size of a soda can when packed. If torso-length packed pads are not your type, then this is the better deal for you. Despite being compact, it’s still quite stable and comfortable without creating bulges or cold spots.
Features
- Extremely lightweight and compact: The sleeping pad won't weigh you down. It's quite suitable for mountain-trekking.
- Less-crackling noise: Most pads create a lot of sounds that don't sit quite well with light sleepers - the Uberlite doesn’t produce such crackling noises.
Pros:
- It can easily be rolled and stored.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Low R-value means it is not suited for cold temperatures.
- Due to the density of the fabric, it's suitable to store the pad inside the patch kit when it's not in use.
Price: $140-210
Big Agnes SLX Tent Floor
A backcountry hike with a friend will mean a multi-day adventure wherein you need a comfortable and packable tent pad that is light enough for the trip. The Big Agnes SLX Tent Floor could be the answer to your snuggle problems. This product is a double sleeping pad that’s just right when it comes to weight and thickness. There’s plenty of room for two people at 40 x 72 inches of space available.
Features
- Microorganism treatment: Pad has undergone antimicrobial therapy, thus eliminating the growth of microorganisms.
- I-Beam construction: This provides stability as it reduces weight.
Pros:
- There are padded layers which can be used as a pillow.
- It's well-insulated due to the built-in heat reflective technology.
Cons:
- It requires a sleeping pad inflation pump to enlarge.
- Quite large when packed.
Price: $300
Freeland Camping Sleeping Pad Self-Inflating with Attached Pillow
Choosing the best sleeping pads for camping could make all the difference in your next overnighter. There are many right products out there, but there are also plenty of sleeping pads that are of unsatisfactory quality.One of the market’s top sleeping pad products which is known for its compatibility, durability, and a perfect size is what we have next in line. Remember, not all of these products are created equal. This Freeland Camping Sleeping Pad could be one of those truths that rise above them all.
Features
- Lightly constructed but resistant to abrasion: Due to being lightweight, it can easily be close-packed. The pad is made of 190T polyester pongee fabric which is fairly durable against tears.
- Weather-resistant: It has undergone a water-resistant treatment that protects it from cold and dry weather.
- Quality-Control Inspection: The sleeping pad has been through a thorough leakage inspection. Each item is also provided with a sleeping bag pad that has a patch kit in case your pad accidentally gets perforated.
Pros:
- Leak-proof mattress
- Easy inflating and deflating
Cons:
- We couldn’t find one
Price: $24.95
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the things that you should consider is the weight of the product. Will you be going for a heavy or a light mattress? Bulky mattresses mean more comfortability, while light ones are the main goal if you're going for a trek, hike, or a climb.
You would also want to consider if you'll be using a hand or an electric pump. Choosing the latter would mean that the campsite is a walking distance from where you park. Another thing to put into perspective is the budget. Something at a lower cost means fewer convenient features and durability.
There are various methods that will inflate air mattresses. Except for the ones that have a self-inflating mechanism, you will either need the following in order for you to fully set-up camp:
- Hand or foot pump
- Electric pump
- Battery powered-pump
Editor’s Pick:
Most backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will agree that weight plays a crucial role in choosing a camping mattress. That’s why we recommend for buyers to choose a sleeping pad like Exped MegaMat Duo 10; it’s an optimal choice, not just in regards to size but also because of its excellent insulation features.
Conclusion:
As much as we might enjoy “roughing it” during camping trips, the great outdoors simply won’t be as enjoyable without a comfortable camping mattress to sleep on. Having just the right camping mattress waiting for you in your tent (or on bare grass, whichever you prefer) allows you to rest and recharge after a long hike or enjoy an evening in the mountains under the stars.
Do you have a favorite among the products we recommended? Let us know! We’d love to help you shop for the perfect camping mattress.
