Camping is a fantastic way to spend more time in nature and bathe in the beauty and healing power of the wilderness. But, as beneficial as camping can be, a lot of people are apprehensive about it because they assume that it will be uncomfortable. Enter the best air mattress for camping!
Thanks to advances in technology, camping is made even more comfortable thanks to air mattresses and you can now catch forty winks with the same level of comfort as you would at home.
But, there are a lot of different companies out there claiming to be the best so we decided to sort through the best options to bring you the following helpful guide.
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Best Camping Air Mattress
To help you find the best air mattress we created the following guide that includes the pros and cons of all the best options as well as helpful tips on what to look for when shopping. Keep reading for more!
1. Coleman Camping Cot and Air Mattress
First, on our list of the best air mattress for camping, we have the QueenCot. This versatile air bed offers a combination of uses between an indoor bed and a camping bed. It can be utilized beyond just camping.
It comes with a detachable elevated cot and can handle a weight of up to 600 pounds. For all intents and purposes, this mattress almost functions as an actual mattress. On the sides, you’ll find tables that provide useful storage for things like a book, spectacles, a small clock, or a smartphone.
Thanks to its elevated design this air mattress isn’t prone to leaks and can actually prevent leaking on the sides and you don’t have to worry about your mattress or sheets getting damp during the night either no matter how cold or wet it gets outside.
Plus, it’ll keep you at an elevated height to keep you off and away from the cold ground. The best part is that you can always remove the cot frame whenever you feel like it and only use the mattress if that serves you better.
2. Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed Mattress
Next, we have the Lightspeed Outdoors mattress which is the best air mattress for camping as a couple. Its design includes a patented pressure management mechanism that’s designed to increase the comfort level even higher while the stabilizer system will enable you to control it for even better optimization.
This portable air mattress comes with 192 separate connectors which enable you to customize its setup to suit your needs. It’s worth noting that there’s a seam running right through the entire mattress to help prevent leaks and once you’re done using it, you can easily roll it up and pack it into your pack for easy storage.
Another great thing about this air mattress is the fact that it’s constructed from eco-friendly TPU material and can be effortlessly inflated using the included DC electric pump.
All told, this is a great air mattress to take with you on a hiking or climbing trip because it won’t take up too much space in your backpack, especially if you’re splitting gear carrying with a partner.
3. Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set
Intex is a well-known camping fear manufacturer that offers great value for money and they don’t disappoint with this affordable air bed with two pillows.
It’s large and durable enough to handle up to 600 pounds of weight which translates to 2 or even 3 adults depending on what each person weighs.
But, its affordable price comes to bear when it comes to the warranty and customer service which aren’t the best.
It’s also not the most comfortable but it’ll get you through the night and it’s not like sleeping on the ground. It’s also a great option for campers who want to stay close to the earth but comfy.
4. Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed
If you’re looking for the best air mattress for fun and comfort then you’ve found it. The Intex airbed can reach a height of up to 22 inches off the ground for easy mounting while being incredibly comfortable too.
It’s perfect for use in a roomy tent or even in a normal room. To inflate it, this airbed comes with an electric pump designed for itself which is super easy to use.
But because it requires electricity, this pump may not be suitable for someone who doesn’t have access to an electrical outlet, which is why it might be a good idea to look for a manual alternative instead.
Otherwise, this comfy airbed is even topped with plush flocking on the surface which makes for a very soft surface and it comes with horizontally shaped air chambers to keep the body completely comfortable so you can enjoy a truly restful sleep.
5. JLDN Air Mattress with Built-In Pump
Also worthy of being considered the best air mattress for camping, the JLDN Air Mattress Full Airbed offers real value for money.
This air mattress is like a normal mattress that you have at home which means that it can handle two people at the same time or three kids.
A great feature of this air mattress is the fact that it only takes 8 minutes to fully inflate and you can deflate it in just 3 minutes.
So, you’ll be able to pack up and get going as soon as you want. It’s also worth noting that you can use this mattress both indoors and outdoors.
6. SoundAsleep Series Air Mattress
The SoundAsleep is the best air mattress for camping outdoors. It features ComfortCoil technology to optimize support and comfort while ensuring that you’re able to catch as many zzzs as you can handle.
It’s available in two different sizes, namely twin and queen depending on your needs. It’s also constructed from very durable materials that are rugged enough to handle the elements and use in the outdoors. This includes a “Sure-Grip” bottom that’s designed to keep the mattress from sliding away.
You’ll also be glad to know that this air mattress is completely water-resistant but you should still ensure to keep it dry should it rain.
7. Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress
Next, we have the Insta-bed raised air mattress which is available in three different comfort levels namely firm, medium and plush.
It comes with a primary pump that is easy to use allowing you to adjust its firmness to suit your unique sleeping needs. It’s just like having your customized mattress at home.
Not only that but this mattress even comes with a silent sensor that keeps tabs on your comfort level during the night so that it can automatically adjust accordingly. But, this mattress is still not perfect even with all of these features that it comes with.
This includes only being able to be inflated using an electrical cord. This means that you can only use it on a site with access to electrical outlets. It’s also pretty big and weighs 22.4 pounds and it has been known to experience defects due to having a built-in pump too.
8. King Koil Twin Air Mattress
Another contender worthy of being named one of the best air mattresses for camping is the King Koil.
You might be familiar with this brand for its ability to make high-quality products and this particular model comes with features like a raised edge that can replace a pillow if need be, a waterproof quilt top, and a built-in pump for ease of use.
It’s made from eco-friendly PVC material with coil beams that work to offer back support as you sleep. It takes about 3 minutes to inflate it using the included pump but of course, you’ll need an electric outlet for that to work.
All told, the King Koil is the best air mattress with a loved one because none of you will need to sacrifice your comfort or sleep while on it.
How to Pick the Best Air Mattress for Camping
When looking for the best air mattress for camping, you want to keep the following considerations in mind:
Material
A majority of air mattresses are constructed from a material known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Although durable, the only caveat with this material is that it’s not environmentally friendly so if that matters to you then you should pick mattresses that are made from sustainable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
Thickness
When it comes to mattress thickness, this is determined by how high it is off the ground. For the most part, you’ll want a thicker and more elevated mattress if you plan on getting out there and camping in the dead of winter or if you value comfort overall.
But, if you don’t mind being closer to the earth and grounding then you could get away with a much thinner mattress.
It’s important to keep in mind that a thinner mattress typically causes the cold to penetrate easier than a thicker one so the weather conditions will also determine the thickness of the mattress you choose.
The majority of air mattresses are incredibly elevated and can be up to a foot and a half off the ground.
R-Value
This refers to a mattress’ ability to resist heat flow. Basically, the higher your mattress’ R-value the better its ability to insulate and protect you from the cold ground. For context, sleeping pads typically have an R-value of 1 to 5.
If you’re camping mostly in the summer then it’s fine to pick a mattress with an R-value of 2 or less while all-season mattresses typically have an R-value of more than 4 to ensure that they can handle all weather conditions including cold winters.
Durability
Since you’re going to use your mattress outside it’s also important to ensure that they’re built tough to handle all kinds of different conditions. Consider the manufacturer, materials, and the design of the air mattress as well.
Comfort
If you want to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep then you should ensure that your air mattress is thick and comfy enough to keep you happy even without a sleeping bag or a sheet.
Pump
The best air mattress for camping on this list comes with a pump and this is a standard feature. But some models come without this which means you’ll have to buy them separately.
Weight
Consider how large and heavy your mattress is as this will determine how well you’re able to travel with your mattress and how easy it is to use.
The lightest and smallest ones typically weigh about 0.5 to 3 pounds and they’re ideal if you’re traveling alone because they’re designed for single use.
Air Chambers
Air chambers or coils that are vertically positioned are another feature that provides added support while you sleep. This will help to keep you balanced and prevent sagging as well.
If you notice that your mattress’ air chambers look like rows then they’re probably dealing with an option that’s not so supportive.
Price
Look at your budget and consider how much you’re willing to splurge on your air mattress. You get what you pay for as with anything so you want to make sure that the mattress you pick is versatile and durable enough for use both indoors and outdoors and this usually costs a bit more.
Keep in mind that the more often you use your mattress the more durable it’ll need to be. But if you’re only going to take it out for trips a couple of times a year then you can get away with a relatively affordable mattress keeping in mind that affordable doesn’t mean cheaply made.
Final Thoughts
Well, we hope this guide has helped you to find the best air mattress that meets your needs. If you still can’t decide then please allow us to recommend the Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo.
This elevated air mattress is one of the most well-known brands on the market, you can use it indoors and outdoors, and it’s built tough for reliable use.