What Are The Best Air Mattresses For Camping?
Escaping reality with a relaxing camping trip can make all the worries disappear. But is this trip worth it if you don’t have the right equipment for your needs? Why adjust with a stuffy sleeping bag when you can have one of the best air mattresses for camping?
Sleeping outside with nature can be a hurdle for city folks, especially with all the bugs, musty smells, dirt, and the fear of wild animals. So, why compromise on your sleep? Air mattresses are a great way to ease your back after a long hike in the mountains. Moreover, they can be an ideal option for introverted friends to explore the wildlife.
Therefore, we’ve tested, researched, and gone through all the trouble of finding the best air mattresses for your comfort. So, you don’t have to search the internet.
Grab a seat, get some popcorn, and jump into today’s blog to see which air mattress is ideal for your next camping trip.
Why Consider Air Mattresses For Camping?
Although air mattresses are commonly associated with last-minute lodging options for guests coming to the area, they make a remarkably seamless transfer from the guest room to the backcountry.
These blow-up beds are ideal for sleeping since they provide greater space and comfort than a thin foam pad—especially if you don’t want to carry queen-size sleeper miles into the bush.
To compile our list of the top air mattresses for camping, we tested, spoke with experts, and searched the internet. Our selection ranges from thick, substantial air mattresses that provide optimal comfort to lighter ones compact enough to fit within a bag.
To make your camping trip extra unique, here is a list of air mattresses that will make your money worthwhile.
What Are The Best Air Mattresses For Camping?
Overall Best Camping Mattress: Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Mattress
Our Ratings:
Durability: 4.9/5 – Comfort: 5/5 – Overall: 5/5
There is intense rivalry for the top spot because there are so many air mattresses explicitly designed for camping available. With its five opulent inches of cushioning, the Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Mattress is our ultimate choice for optimal comfort and an opulent night’s sleep.
Unlike other lower-end mattresses that use cheap and scratchy textiles, the self-inflating, 3D foam-core pad is covered in a soft-touch, flexible fabric that is genuinely enjoyable to lie in.
The mat folds up and fits within the included pack sack for convenient transportation, and two-way pull tabs make inflation and deflation quick and easy.
In colder winter evenings, the pad’s 8-plus R-Value may even be utilized for camping; however, if you want to use it solely during favorable weather, this mattress will be more than adequate.
It’s also the ideal choice for glamping or car camping because it fits easily in the back of trunks or truck beds, even though it’s not a hardcore pad appropriate for tent camping in the backcountry.
Pros | Cons |
Comforable | Bulky for most campers |
Durable | |
Easy To Inflate | |
Non Slip |
Best Budget-Friendly Option: Fun Pac Yuzonc Camping Sleeping Pad:
Our Ratings:
Comfort: ⅗ – Durability: ⅘ – Value: 5/5 –
Our research indicates this inflatable mattress is the finest under $50 option for thrifty shoppers or infrequent campers.
It offers better portability than its more expensive and heavier rivals that we have examined because it weighs just under two pounds and is incredibly easy to store in tight spaces.
We could use the convenient built-in foot pump to pump up the bed in barely a minute.
The mattress is easy to deflate and fold up thanks to the air release valve. If you roll over to one side, you’ll probably feel the ground because the bed isn’t as thick or sturdy as other mattresses we tried.
Even so, we found it to be sufficiently cozy to lay on, and a sleeping bag can provide additional padding. Although fun pac yuzonc camping sleeping pad mattress is only a single size, we adore that it includes hooks on the corners that you can use to attach a double mattress if necessary.
Pros | Cons |
Ultra Lightweight & Compact | Only Single Size |
Long Lasting & DUrable | Not As sturdy or thick as other mattresses |
Easy To Inflate |
Option 2: Intex Classic Downy Airbed
Our Ratings:
Durability 5/5 – Comfort ⅘ – Portability 1/5 – Value 5/5 – Effectiveness 4/5
A ton of expensive air mattresses and a wide range of costly tents, sleeping bags, and other gear are available for camping, but getting outside doesn’t have to cost the earth.
The Intex Classic Downy Airbed is a terrific low-cost alternative if you’ve never gone camping before and are unsure if you’ll enjoy it or love it but can’t afford a $300 air mattress.
The queen-size air mattress has a plush, waterproof, kid-friendly, and comfortable cover, and it uses a wave beam structure to provide a consistent sleeping surface.
Given its longevity and 600-pound weight capability, a variety of individuals and families may find success with this air mattress.
Not to mention that you won’t need to buy any special linens for camping because this bed can accommodate the majority of normal queen-size sheets.
The Intex Classic Downy Airbed has many shortcomings despite being incredibly affordable. It’s not the thinnest air mattress available, weighing close to nine pounds, but if you’re vehicle camping, you might not mind too much.
What could be more annoying, though, is how long the inflation period is. It can theoretically be inflated using an electric pump, but because it doesn’t have one, you’ll have to do it by hand, which could take up to fifteen minutes.
Pros | Cons |
Best value for money | Super bouncy |
The least expensive for a 2-person bed | PVC material makes it naturally heavy |
Offers comfort and longevity | Air retention is not the best |
Best Queen Air Mattress: EnerPlex Queen Air Mattress
Our Ratings:
Durability 5/5 – Comfort 5/5 – Portability 4/5 – Value 5/5 – Effectiveness 4.5/5
Every requirement was satisfied by the EnerPlex Queen Air Mattress. It takes about 15 minutes to set up and take down, is pleasant for two people, and retains most of its inflation throughout our overnight test. (The manufacturer does include a label explaining that some deflating is expected because of fabric stretching.)
At 79 inches long and 59.5 inches wide, it is almost the same size as a standard queen mattress. At 16 inches above the floor, it is pretty high. In our testing, this mattress was the tallest one.
To help make it among the most comfortable mattresses tested, it has a velvet-like topper, two repair patches, and a nylon case that keeps it dry in any weather.
However, taking this specific air mattress camping without facilities would be difficult. It requires an outlet to be inflated and is fairly big and hefty.
If you intend to spend the night camping outdoors, this poses a challenge. EnerPlex suggests using a 1.7 amp power converter or a car outlet adapter to transport this mattress on the go.
Pros | Cons |
Quick inflation/deflate | It has a plastic scent |
Accommodates two people | Setting up requires power |
Built in pump |
Best Splurge: Nemo Sleeping Pad
Conversely, we believe this Nemo double mattress is worth the price. The Roamer Sleep Pad is
the best option if you need a proper mattress-like bed while camping or if you camp frequently. Because of the substantial cushioning and robust construction, which made us feel supported and at ease with two persons on it, it turned out to be incredibly fun to lay on during testing. One significant benefit of having a double mattress is that we barely feel another person when rolling around on it.
We are confident in recommending this mattress because of its lengthy lifespan and high-quality construction.
Our only issue was that inflating and deflating was a little tricky because of the size and fussy valves. It got easier as we reviewed the instructions several times to understand them, but there will be a slight learning curve.
Pros | Cons |
Most Comfortable Bed | Difficult to Inflate/Deflate |
Best Lightweight Air Mattress: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Sleeping Pad
Our Ratings
Durability 4.5/5 – Comfort 4.5/5 – Portability 5/5 – Value 5/5
Your best option is to get an air mattress that can serve two purposes unless you wish to buy several for different camping vacations.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT is ideal for backpacking trips because it weighs only 1.5 pounds, folds to 4.5 x 11 inches, and can easily store in a closet.
It is also ideal for automobile camping. Store it carefully in your trunk in case you need to go on an unexpected trip, the back of the closet, a corner cabinet, or an upper shelf.
You may use the provided stuff sack as a pump, so you won’t need to carry any other equipment. Nobody likes mold developing inside their pad, so an anti-microbial coating added to the TPU lamination offers optimum strength and dependability while preventing internal mold and the growth of microbes.
With an R-value of 3.2, this pad will function well from spring through early autumn, giving you plenty of time to utilize it before winter, when you’ll want to move to a heavier and warmer mattress.
Pros | Cons |
Comfort | Substantial weight and heaviness |
Easy To Inflate/Deflate | Thinner material on the waist |
Quiet | |
Pillow Lock System | |
Choices of various sizes |
Best For Couples: Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo
Coleman’s camping cot is ideal for those who would like to have some space between them and the ground. This cot has an air mattress, a cot, a carrying case (which needs wheels), and a pump. It is approximately 24 inches from the ground. Remember that the pump needs D batteries, so ensure you have these before heading out for your camping adventure.
It took less than five minutes to set up, and even with two individuals on it, the cot proved to be rather stable, making it ideal for couples. The two pull-out side tables featuring cup holders that are included were well-liked by the testers. Coleman’s cot performed admirably during the night, but when tested the next day, there was a considerable decline.
You won’t be able to leave the car with this set because it’s heavy. Compared to an ordinary air mattress, packing it away required more physical effort and took close to seven minutes. It can be challenging to close the cot, so having two persons working together would make the process much more effective.
Moreover, the reason for putting this mattress in our best air mattresses for camping is that it allows couples to enjoy nature’s breeze under the stars with comfort and style. In our opinion, this is the most dominating quality of a mattress.
Pros | Cons |
Lofty interaction (both physically and figuratively) | Heavy |
Capable of carrying more than 300 pounds | No locking mechanism available |
Choice of twin or queen |
Best For Tents: Sierra Designs 2-Person Airbed
The 2-Person Queen Airbed by Sierra Designs is cozy, lightweight, and adaptable. At 77 x 54.5 inches, it’s smaller than a typical queen mattress, but it’s still a good size to fit neatly into a roomier two-person tent.
The airbed weighs only 5.7 pounds and comes with a zip bag, making it very portable. Even with a D-battery-powered pump, the entire inflation process took around six minutes.
Our heads rested on a high ridge on the comfy mattress. When buying, remember that it can be difficult for two people to fit through because of its size.
In our prolonged inflation test, we found that it lost air to the point where our hands sank in immediately when we applied pressure. Packing and storing it, however, was simple. We consider it to be a decent value, given the price.
Pros | Cons |
Ideal for couples | Pump is low-powered |
You can use it without pillows | Loses significant amount of air overnight |
Easily Portable |
Best Double Air Mattress: LOST HORIZON 4.5 Inch Thick Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
If it weren’t for camping, we believe this double air mattress might be used as a guest bed in a house. It is that comfy. We tested it by having two persons lie on it and rolling around.
We were amazed at how firm and sturdy the material was, preventing us from feeling motion on the other side of the bed.
To prevent campers from waking up wet in the morning, the bottom of the tent is made of a completely waterproof material, while the top is covered in a supple, cushioned layer of cloth.
Although we adore nearly every aspect of this mattress, its weight and difficulty in setup and disassembly are its two main downsides.
For a much simpler inflation and deflation procedure, we found that the most crucial thing is to obtain an electric pump or manual pump that fits the valve on the bed.
If not, you’ll need another person to assist with setup and breakdown. We still believe this double mattress is incredibly durable and well-priced.
Pros | Cons |
Superior Comfort | Challenging deflation |
Adjustable Softness | |
Silent And Stable Support | |
Easy Inflation |
Best For Car Camping: Etekcity Camping Air Mattress
With its affordable pricing and excellent features, this air mattress from Etekcity is all you can ask for. It is cozy and simple to assemble. We have one minor issue with it being heavy. The weight of this mattress—just over 10 pounds—is sufficient to make it a reliable choice for car camping.
Our mattress had a USB cable, but it blew up in 2 minutes and 41 seconds. (The listing states that it comes with a wall charger and a car charger.) Even with two persons, the mattress remained incredibly stable and pleasant. The mattress appears to be sturdy due to its polyvinyl composition, and it also includes a leak patch kit.
The mattress performed well in our prolonged inflation test; nevertheless, some air seeped out over the night. Despite this, the mattress stayed incredibly cozy. It took 2 minutes and 34 seconds less to deflate and pack up than to set up.
Pros | Cons |
Quick Inflation/Deflation | It does not come with a wall plug |
Excellent Price | Slightly smells like plastic |
Cozy and Comfortable |
Things To Consider Before You Buy An Air Mattress
Here are a few things you should know before buying an air mattress for camping.
R Rating:
It bears repeating: warmth is the most crucial component of comfort, and unless your sleeping bag is rated 4 or above on the R scale, it will only provide a minimum amount of protection from the chilly ground. Check for ASTM approval before completing your purchase.
Self-Inflation Mechanism:
In my experience, air mattresses with self-inflating mechanisms only go so far because it takes some time for the foam to regain shape after being stored over the winter. You may need to pump in part or all of the air manually. Getting a battery-powered pump can help reduce annoyance.
Packing Your Mattress:
It’s one thing to inflate an air mattress for camping but quite another to deflate it. Make sure you can fit it back into the stuff sack that comes with it before you leave for your camping trip (this was harder said than done with some options I tested).
If it turns out to be more difficult than you anticipated, straps could make it easier to tighten. Make sure to open the valves per the manufacturer’s directions while deflating an air mattress for camping to maximize airflow out of the bed and decrease airflow inward.
Storage:
According to a number of the brands We spoke with, unrolling and letting the air mattresses partially fill is the ideal way to store them for camping. It’s advised to do this to extend the life of your foam if you have room under your bed or somewhere else in your house.
Size:
Do you camp alone or with a companion? What are the tent’s dimensions? How big is your sleeping bag, by the way? When investing in an air mattress, each of the responses should be taken into account.
A twin-sized air mattress should fit comfortably in a tent designed for one person, so choose the one that best suits your needs. To reduce the amount of weight to carry, you might want to consider getting a queen-sized mattress for your companion.
Types Of Pump:
When you camp, you’re frequently outside without access to electricity. What could you accomplish with an electric air pump, then? Ensuring that your air mattress is suitable for your planned travel is imperative. If it has an electric pump, be sure you are heading somewhere where you can plug it in or leave it near your car so you can use a car charger for the pump.
Even though it requires more work, selecting an air mattress with a manual air pump is the logical choice if you’re camping in the middle of nowhere. For either scenario, consider using a battery-operated pump; just keep sufficient batteries on hand.
Thickness:
The thickness of your mattress corresponds precisely to the space between your body and the floor. A thinner mattress could let the cold seep a little more into your bones if you travel in winter or to another chilly area. You might want a somewhat thick air mattress if you’re easily chilly or can feel even a pea beneath thinner mattresses, as some are almost 1.5 feet from the ground.
Price:
The frequency of your woodland excursions or guests sleeping on your living room floor can (and should!) affect how much you are willing to pay for an air mattress. If you spend most summer weekends camping, you might consider getting an air mattress that guarantees a restful night’s sleep. If you only use it a few times a year, it’s worthwhile to investigate less costly air mattresses that can keep you off the ground without breaking the bank.
Durability:
Ensure the air mattress you buy will last a long time, especially if it’s one of the more expensive models. High-quality materials make the most resilient air mattresses, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or textile-reinforced polyurethane plastic or rubber. Make sure the material of your mattress can withstand varying temperatures and uneven surfaces.
Portability:
We do not advise utilizing any mattresses on this list for long-distance hiking or backpacking trips. None of them would be regarded as backpacking mattresses.
However, some mattresses may be carried around more quickly than others. Verify the carrying bag type and the weights specified in the essential specifications.
Choosing your equipment is critical based on the experience you hope to have.
Final Verdict:
What are the best air mattresses for camping? We hope this blog answered your question and provided you with various potential options to choose from. Each one catering to a different set of needs.
However, if you’re still unsure where to put your faith, give us a chance to our recommendations. For more information on mattresses check out our Air Mattresses guide for indepth details.
Our Recommendations On What Are The Best Air Mattresses For Camping:
We fiercely believe investing money into an air mattress that offers well-rounded benefits is crucial if you’re a regular camper. Therefore, we suggest ordering Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Air Mattress. It’s the winner of our list, and you’ll also hear the same opinion from many other mattress guides.
It ticks all the boxes for comfort, inflation/deflation, support, and durability. Moreover, if you agree with our list, check out other mattress blogs on our website. Or comment down below which one you think is the best air mattress for camping.
FAQs
Are air mattresses suitable for camping?
Air mattresses provide less insulation with an R-value of one to three, which is ideal for spring or summer camping. When it gets colder in the winter, values that are closer to five or higher are preferable. For all seasons, everything in between is suitable. More warmth can also be obtained by using sleeping bags.
What is the difference between an air bed and an air mattress?
An air mattress is commonly used for camping or as a temporary guest sleeping arrangement because it is usually more lightweight and portable than an air bed. An air bed, on the other hand, is generally bigger and more sized like a regular mattress.
Are Bedsheets allowed on an air mattress?
It is not only feasible but also necessary to use sheets on an air mattress in order to have a decent night’s sleep. As we’ve seen, choosing the correct sheets can have a big impact. They ought to fit the dimensions of your air mattresses, have deep pockets, and be cool and breathable.