Camping Air Mattresses: Outdoor Camping Comfort
Camping is a pastime that can be enjoyed by any person, in any walk of life, and just about anywhere in the world with just a little bit of research. Great for families, hikers, adventurers, children, and grandparents alike, having an enjoyable experience is what has people going back for more. But, the biggest thing that keeps many people from regularly heading out to camp is the concerns surrounding comfort.
Sleeping on the hard ground is hardly considered ideal for anyone, and it can be especially uncomfortable for those who are aging or have any physical ailments. Luckily, advances in technology have made it easier than ever to bring along bed-like comfort with very little concern to space or weight restrictions. No matter whether you are planning on backpacking into a remote area, or simply want to drive up to aside for a night or two, there is a camping air mattress made for your needs.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  EnerPlex Never-Leak Air Mattress
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| #2 |  Intex Dura-Beam Standard Single-High Airbed Series
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| #3 |  Berocia SUV Air Mattress
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| #4 |  Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed Mattress
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| #5 |  Venture 4th Self -Inflating Sleeping Pad
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Table Of Contents
- What is an Air Mattress?
- Pumps vs Self-Inflating
- Air Mattress Sizes
- Types of Air Mattresses
- — Standard Single Height Mattresses
- — Double Height Mattresses
- — All-in-One-Beds
- — Self-Inflating Mattresses
- Top Camping Air Mattresses Worth Considering
- 1. EnerPlex Never-Leak Air Mattress with Built-in Pump
- 2. Intex Dura-Beam Standard Single-High Airbed Series
- 3. Berocia SUV Air Mattress
- 4. Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed Mattress
- 5. Venture 4th Self -Inflating Sleeping Pad
- Conclusion
What is an Air Mattress?
Air mattresses are exactly how it sounds: an inflatable pad or mattress that provides a firm, supportive surface to sleep upon. Depending on their design, they can be folded or rolled for storage, and come in a variety of sizes and heights to fit your needs. They are regularly used for tent camping, RV and campers, and backpacking.
Pumps vs Self-Inflating
Air mattresses include various ways to inflate them, all of which are fairly quick and easy. Self-inflating designs built for packing down into backpacks are incredibly lightweight. These are basically pads that, when unrolled, fill with air to provide a firm, cushioning surface that helps keep you off the hard ground. They are surprisingly effective and are a popular low maintenance choice.
Larger, more traditional mattress styles require a pump of some sort to inflate them. Some have built-in battery-powered pumps, while others require a hand-pump or portable pump that you can plug into a vehicle to help quickly inflate the mattress. Some are sold with the accessories, while others may require a separate purchase. Always look for inflation directions prior to purchase to ensure you have what you need.
Air Mattress Sizes
The majority of air mattresses have a single sleep in mind, and so are almost exclusively offered in twin, full, or queen-sized options. The popularity of using camping air mattresses at home for guests has also dictated that king-sized mattresses are also available.
Because they are supported by air, these mattresses have weight restrictions- which is especially important to take into consideration if two people are sleeping upon it. This is to ensure the seams can handle the pressure weight and movement will cause. Always check weight restrictions prior to purchase to make sure you get what you need.
Types of Air Mattresses
Already mentioned are the various types of mattresses you can take advantage of, but be sure to look for these features to help you determine the best choice for your camping experience.
— Standard Single Height Mattresses
A standard, single height air mattress generally sits between 6 and 10 inches in height and are amongst the most popular choices for tent campers. They are fairly lightweight and store easily, plus they are generally very budget-friendly.
They don’t insulate well against cold surfaces, but may have a brushed poly surface to provide an insulating effect and offer a softer, more comfortable top.
— Double Height Mattresses
Double-height air mattresses are like their standard counterparts, but are much higher in height overall. These typically are 16 to 24 inches (occasionally more) in height and offer a low bed-like experience. They are great for tent camping and provide a better option for those who have a hard time getting up off the floor.
They are larger and heavier in comparison, however, due to the extra material. They also are very popular for guest rooms and sleepovers when indoors.
— All-in-One-Beds
All-in-One options are an air mattress and sleeping bag combination that has everything you need all in one product. Usually, the sleeping bag can be unzipped from a built-in and attached zipper for laundry purposes. The great thing about this design is you no longer have to worry about your sleeping bag or bedding sliding around on the mattress, or have issues with size.
— Self-Inflating Mattresses
Self-inflating mattresses, or pads, are preferable for those who prefer not to worry about having to bring a means to inflate their mattress. They are also much more compact and lightweight overall, hence why they are also the preferred choice for backpacking and hiking.
Although not as thick, they provide all you need to cushion you against a hard surface. Depending on how much you want to spend, there are designs that make you question what magic it is that makes it feel so thick and plush.
Top Camping Air Mattresses Worth Considering
These options provide you with an overview of the styles available out there for you to consider for your own camping comfort. No need to avoid a pastime you enjoy due to the fear of waking up stiff and sore. These mattresses are exactly what you need to help cushion joints and get you up off uncomfortable surfaces for a restful night.
1. EnerPlex Never-Leak Air Mattress with Built-in Pump
SPECS:
- Type: Double Height
- Height: 16 inches
- Inflation: Built-In Electric Air Pump w/ 100-volt pug
Best Double Height Air Mattress
Available as a twin or queen size option, the EnerPlex Never-Leak Mattress is built for comfort and offers a 16-inch height complete with coil-beam technology for weight distribution and support. The built-in dual-pump design allows you to fill the bed more quickly than similar designs, and has a storage area for the 110-volt cord that works with a home outlet or simple inverter for when out camping.
A flocked top creates a soft sleep surface, and the slightly raised lip along the edge helps create a firm bed edge. A non-slip bottom keeps it in place as well and was designed for both outdoor and indoor use. Plus, a welded seam design helps keep air where it belongs and makes it leak-free. It also comes with a full 2-year warranty and life-time support to provide peace of mind.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who This is For
A double-height bed option is highly soft after for firm support and easy on and off while camping. If you have a large or multi-room tent, this is a great option for all-night comfort. It also comes in an 18” and single standard, as well as other bed sizes.
2. Intex Dura-Beam Standard Single-High Airbed Series
SPECS:
- Type: Single-Height
- Height: 10 inches
- Inflation: Battery Operated OR Foot Pump
Best Budget-Friendly Air Mattress
Intex is a popular, well-known air mattress manufacturer and offers a wide range of sizes and comfort designs to get you exactly what you need for your camping experience. Budget-friendly, they are considered a go-to for many who want a simple, yet effective design. The single-high series offers twin, full, and queen options sold as is, or with your choice of battery pump or a built-in foot pump.
Lightweight, it has up to a 600 lb weight limit, making it a durable, long-lasting option. It deflates quickly and can be rolled or folded for storage, and has a 10-inch height profile for all-night- comfort. Popular for camping, it also works well for sleep-overs, guests, and even for floating on in a pool.
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Who This is For
If you are on a tight budget, but don’t want to sacrifice quality and comfort, the Intex Series is an excellent one to seriously consider. The prices cannot be beaten.
3. Berocia SUV Air Mattress
SPECS
- Type: SUV backseat mattress
- Height: 5 inches
- Inflation: Included car charged pump
Best Vehicle Bed Inflatable Mattress
Using your SUV as a comfortable place to shelter when camping has never been easier. With the popularity of fold-down seats practically making them a staple of modern-day SUV’s and similarly designed vehicles, you are presented with a surface large enough to comfortably hold 2 people.
This air mattress is designed to fit into the back of your vehicle with folded down seats. It provides a low, yet comfortable surface, and can even be folded to fit a wide array of different size spaces. Balanced and durable, the flocked top is soft, and the reinforced bottom allows you to use it outdoors, in tents, or even at home when needed.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who This is For
If you love to go exploring but hate the idea of pitching a tent in the dark, or paying for a hotel, this is an awesome alternative. Easy to fold and store, it inflates with an included car charged pump.
4. Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed Mattress
SPECS:
- Type: Backpacking, SUV Compact Mattress
- Height: 7 inches
- Inflation: Battery Operated Air Pump
Best Compact Air Mattress Design
When you want an extremely compact, lightweight, and easy to pack mattress for two (the company also makes it for the individual) the Lightspeed Outdoors Air Bed is an incredible option. With the ability to pack down into a 16×8 inch bag (with included battery-operated pump), this choice only weighs 6 lbs altogether- making it a great choice for backpacking, tent, and vehicle use.
Durable and comfortable, it comes in two styles: a single, or double valve option in the case your partner wants a softer (or firmer) sleep surface choice. The 7-inch profile is perfect for use in an SUV as well, and the TPU material is more lightweight and longer lasting than similar PVC mattress models.
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Who This is For
When you want a room to spread out when sleeping, or space for 2 when camping, hiking, and exploring- this lightweight and the compact mattress is a perfect solution.
5. Venture 4th Self -Inflating Sleeping Pad
SPECS:
- Type: Backpacking, Compact and Lightweight Pad
- Height: 1.5 inches
- Inflation: self-inflating, can add air manually to firm up more if desired
Best Backpacking Sleep Pad
Self-inflating sleeping pads can be used in just about any situation that requires a more comfortable sleep surface, but they truly are designed for lightweight, compact, packable travel purposes. The Venture 4th Pad is made to fit inside your sleeping bag to help provide a layer of comfort and warmth. By having it tucked into your bag you avoid the discomfort of rolling off it, or losing the heat and protection it can provide against the cold ground.
The puncture-proof 75D poly shell is only 1.5 inches thick, but allows for a firm option. It packs down to only 11 x 7 inches and weighs only 2.2 lbs. At 72 x 22 inches when unrolled, ti is long enough for almost everyone, and provides support for anyone up to 200 lbs.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who This is For
This is a great pad for those needing to keep their weight down and looking for a compact option. It also has an R-Value of 4 for cold weather protection.
Conclusion
A good camping mattress can be invaluable for getting a more comfortable night’s sleep that allows you to better enjoy your outdoor experience. Find the match that works with your height, weight, and camping preferences to allow for easy packing, storage, and transportation.
Thicker, more traditional style mattresses are great for tents, RV, campers and even just out in the open, while specialized designs work for backpacking and vehicles as well. Nobody says you have to limit yourself to just one style either, so choose the best for your needs and sleep the way you deserve!