We understand how it feels like to travel the entire day and want to have a good night’s sleep. Just imagining the soft and comfortable mattress under the bright stars makes you want to travel over and over again. But, how can you be sure that the camping mattress that you have meets your expectations?
We’ve reviewed many camping beds and sleeping pads to give you the 16 best products on the market today. We’ve covered almost all categories that you may think of. In this article, you’ll find the top double camp bed, self-inflating mattress for camping, kids camping beds, folding camp beds, and camping beds for dogs.
For us to accomplish this, we have evaluated and tested each of the products in terms of comfort, warmth, versatility, weight, packed size, ease of use, and durability.
Best overall camping bed and pad
1. Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 80” x 30” x 4.25”
Weight: 5.5lbs.
Material: Polyester, Polyurethane
R-Value: 7
We’ve chosen the newly improved Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D as our best overall camping bed because of its updated valves that take the air in and out of the mattress without too much effort, and because of the comfort it brings. If you’re willing to carry a large mattress for a better sleeping experience, this is your go-to camp bed.
What we like about the MondoKing 3D Twinlock Value is that it provides great comfort, and is easy to use and versatile. You’ll feel that you’re sleeping in a luxurious sleeping pad because of its soft polyester cover, which is non-sticky and non-slippery. We tested its XXL size, which is 80 inches long and 30 inches wide, giving you enough space to find your ideal position. The vertical sidewalls let you feel protected and not feel like you’re slipping off the edge.
Also, with the updated one-way valves for both taking the air in and out, you can easily adjust the softness of the four-inch foam. Plus, with the addition of the new StrataCore Foam as its thermal core, the MondoKing 3D has a wave-like surface that both reduces the weight of the mattress and makes it easier to pack.
Out of all the camping mattresses we’ve tested, our campers always chose the MondoKing 3D because of the comfort it brings. It has an R-value of 7, which is lower compared to its previous version (11.4). Although, we still find ourselves warm against the cold breeze in our camping area. We believe that this camp bed is a four-season camping mattress. We didn’t sweat during our summer getaway and didn’t feel the cold in our backs during winter.
Perhaps what has been improved the most on the MondoKing 3D is its valves. You’ll find each at the bottom corners of the mat, labeled “In” and “Out.” These valves are visibly larger than those on the previous model, which means that you can get the air in and out faster and that they are much easier to use.
While we were testing it, we tried different methods to inflate this camp bed. The stuff sack that can also be used as an inflation sack is a big plus because you won’t need to blow the entire thing by mouth. You can also leave the valve open because it’s also a self-inflating camping mattress.
Deflation is quicker now because of the valve, but just like all other air mattresses, you have to exert more effort when it comes to letting the air out. We had to smash and roll the MondoKing 3D at least twice to ensure that all the air was out and to fit it back in its stuff sack.
What we don’t like about the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D is that the packed size is a bit too large. You won’t be able to bring it around in quick backpacking trips because it’s a mere 5.5lbs. Also, we read some online reviews about the durability of the polyester that stated it can easily be torn. Luckily, Therm-A-Rest offers a lifetime warranty with all their products.
Overall, the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D is a great buy that provides superior comfort, R-value, and versatility. And although you may not bring it in your typical backpacking trips, we totally recommend this in all your four season trips.
If you want to learn more about the comfort, warmth, versatility, weight, ease of use, and durability of the Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D, you can read our full review here, in which we covered all the details, features, pros, and cons of this camping mattress.
A camping mattress will definitely increase the comfort level of your campsite. This will allow you to rest better and enjoy your trip more. If you follow our suggestions, you can make your camping mattress even more comfortable than it already is.
Best double camp bed and pads
2. Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm Inflatable Camp Bed
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 72” x 25” 2.5”
Weight: 1lb. 4oz
Material: Nylon. Polyurethane
R-Value: 6.9
The Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm Inflatable double camp bed is one of the best camping mattresses in terms of comfort-to-weight ratio. With its newly upgraded valve and great insulating system, you’ll definitely feel luxurious in the middle of the wilderness.
What we like about the NeoAir Xtherm is that Therm-A-Rest prioritized comfort, stability, and warmth. This mattress was designed for all four seasons, so you can bring it on all your camping trips. Besides, the insulation system uses air baffles honeycombed construction, which is covered with a reflective metallic coating.
The advantages of this type of construction are the higher R-value, which provides the heat, and a thin and lightweight camp bed. Although you may find an irritating crinkly sound when you use it for the first because of these air baffles, after a couple of nights, the sound lessens. If like most of our campers, you are a side and back sleeper, then you’ll feel very comfortable on the NeoAir Xtherm.
This upgraded NeoAir presents the new WingLock valve of Therm-A-Rest, which consists of two parts in general. One is a black one-way valve that you can twist so that the air won’t escape, even while you’re blowing the air in. The other one is a pair of side wings that you can twist to activate the one-way mechanism that enables the pad to deflate rapidly.
While we were testing this sleeping pad, we didn’t really notice the time difference when we were inflating the bed by mouth or with the pump sack since Therm-A-Rest claims that it inflates the bed three times faster. We did, however, noticed the rapid deflation when we activated the valve. Other than the valves and higher R-value, there are no other upgrades from the previous model.
In terms of packability and weight, we really love how compact the NeoAir Xtherm is. If rolled up properly, it’s almost the same size as a 1-liter bottle and can therefore easily be stored in any of your backpack’s pockets.
The only downside that we see with the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm is its price. If you’re looking for a lightweight, compact, comfortable, and reliable double camp bed for all four seasons, then this should be at the top of your choices.
Want to learn more about the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm? Check our article here, where we gave a detailed review of this product and explained why we chose it as one of the best double camp beds on the market today.
3. Exped MegaMat Duo 10
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 77.6” x 52” x 4”
Weight: 5lbs. 9.6oz
Material: Polyester
R-Value: 8.1
The Exped MegaMat Duo 10 is one of the most comfortable and warmest double camp beds we’ve ever tested. The only downside to this double camp bed though is that it’s extremely big so you can’t bring it on your backpacking trip.
What we like about the MegaMat Duo is that the comfort is above that of your average sleeping pad. The foam used in this bed not only insulates your body from the cold, but also has great padding that focuses on pressure points, like shoulders, hips, and feet, which may sink deeper compared to other body parts.
Additionally, since this pad is self-inflating, there’s somewhat a comforting feeling that the pad is less inflated than a regular air mattress. What’s more is that the polyester fabric is non-slippery and non-sticky, which means you can easily roll around in the double-sized bed without worrying about going over the edge. With its foam and fabric, this pad absorbs the other person’s movement, allowing you to sleep peacefully.
When it comes to ease of use, you may find it difficult to both inflate and deflate the MegaMat Duo. Since it’s a self-inflating pad, we suggest that you open its valve at least 15 minutes before you plan to use the mini-pump. If your sleeping pad is new or was stored in a tight space, we recommend that you open the valve and let the air in about an hour before the mini-pump.
Deflation is the same as on other sleeping pads. Since the MegaMat Duo is bigger than a regular pad, it will take twice as much time to completely deflate it. We suggest that one person folds the mattress while another person sits on top of it.
We especially love how Exped has provided the camping mattress with an extra-large stuff sack. So, even if you deflate the camping bed to at least 90% of its air, you can already put it back inside the sack with extra space remaining.
Lastly, with an R-value of 8.1, we can definitely say that the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 is perfect for any season. We tested it in the summer and it wasn’t hot enough for us to sweat. We also tested it in the winter and felt comfortable enough to sleep like a log.
What we don’t like about the MegaMat Duo 10 is that it’s really expensive and huge. You can’t easily bring it on all your adventures and move it around on your campsite. It’s also worth noting that the inflation can take too long for some people.
Best kids camping bed
4. Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 62” x 38” x 11”
Weight: 8lbs
Material: Vinyl
R-Value: N/A
If you’re looking for a reliable kids’ camping bed that you can trust, the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed should be at the top of your list. With this bed, you don’t need to worry about your child falling off the edge or having a hard time finding their ideal sleeping position.
What we like about the Hiccapop travel bed is that it has built-in bed rail bumpers that protect your child from falling off, even if they toss and turn in the middle of the night. Most of our kid campers enjoy this inflatable bed the most because they felt comfortable and safe. In some cases, a couple of kids were playing inside the bed and we didn’t notice any signs of air leaks.
Considering all the products that we tested, we can say that this bed is reliable and durable. It’s enforced with vinyl and reinforced with weld-seams that are 40% thicker compared to its direct competitors (as advertised by Hiccapop). And, we tested this toddler bed to its limits.
During our camping trip, which lasted four days and three nights in the Rocky Mountains National Park, we let our toddler campers use the Hiccapop travel bed. Our first inflation only took us 30 seconds with the help of the included electric pump. The first two nights were good as we didn’t have to re-inflate the bed. Although, on the third night, we had to inflate some more air because it had deflated because of all the kids playing on it.
Deflating and packing the bed is easy because we just had to push all the air out, roll the bed, and put it on the extra-large stuff sack included in the package. We were also happy because we believe that the kids are safe from chemicals and toxins that are found in other products.
Some issues that we found in the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is that in some online reviews, customers mentioned they received defective products. Some of the seams were not carefully done, which is why the bed had air leaks that caused deflation faster than usual. The great thing about this company though is that they have a lifetime guarantee on all their products.
Other reviews mentioned that with the price of the Hiccapop toddler bed, it would have been great to have built-in pillows or blankets included in the package. Overall, we personally didn’t experience any air leaks and our kid campers were happy with how this bed performed.
Read our full review of the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed to learn more about this mattress and why we like it so much.
5. Shrunks Portable Outdoor Toddler Travel Air Mattress
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 57” x 25” x 8”
Weight: 6.6lbs
Material: Plastic and Polyester
R-Value: N/A
The Shrunks Portable Outdoor Toddler air mattress is one of the most renowned kids’ camping beds on the market today. Almost all our kid campers were satisfied with its comfort, and the adults were happy about its inflation and deflation duration, compactness, and safety.
What we like about the Shrunks Portable Toddler bed is that our kid campers will choose this camp bed over and over again because of its comfort. The air mattress itself is like other models; what differs the most is its inflatable guard rails on the side. These rails prevent kids from falling off the bed, which is a big help for most parents.
This camp bed also comes with a custom-made bed sheet meant to specifically fit so that you won’t have to worry about bringing your kids’ bedsheets from home. Additionally, the included pump is a big help to inflate the pad. After just two minutes of manual pumping, we were able to completely fill-up the pad and set it up.
We were surprised by how light the air bed is, even with air inside. It was easy for us to move it around in our camping area or let it stand against the walls of our inner tent. It’s also easy to deflate and store at the house or inside the car, and pick up whenever needed.
The only thing that we didn’t like about the Shrunks Portable Toddler bed is that most of its materials were made from plastic. Some of our kid campers mentioned that the new air bed had a strong plastic smell and can make them feel cold at night. Other than that, we believe that this is a great choice for your kid’s camping trips, and we recommend that you pull-out the mattress to let the smell fade before the trip.
Not sure about which kind of camping mattress to bring for your next camping trip? We’ve got you covered! We listed the pros and cons of each kind of camping mattress to help you figure out which one will suit your needs. What to choose between camping cots, sleeping pads, airbeds, and hammocks? Read our article to find out.
Best camping beds for dogs
6. Kurgo Waterproof Dog Bed
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 25” x 36” x 1.5”
Weight: 2.2lbs
Material: Microtomic Ripstop Material
R-Value: N/A
To protect our dogs during our camping adventures, it’s important to have the right camping bed for them. We have tested and proven the Kurgo Waterproof dog bed and believe that it’s one of the best products on the market today.
What we like about the Kurgo Waterproof dog bed is that our dog feels comfortable in it, in almost any given season. Not only that, but since we have our dog beside us inside the camp, our kid campers were happy enough to play within the dog bed as well.
Insulation also plays a big part in this dog bed. We tested it in the summer and our dog slept soundly, without trying to get out because of the heat. Also, on rainy days and during the winter, our dog didn’t whimper because of the cold nights, and happily tucked themselves in bed.
We also love the fact that the material used on this bed is fur retardant. We didn’t have to worry about any fur staying on the bed. All we had to do is shake the bed off, let the fur fly away with the wind, and we had ourselves a clean bed afterward.
It’s also great that this camping bed for dogs is machine washable. When we returned from our trips, we just had to put the pad in our washing machine and let it do the trick. For it to dry, all you have to do is hang it outside and let the sun do the trick. Weighing just 2.2lbs., carrying it around and storing it in your backpack or trunk is easy.
The only thing that we’re not convinced about regarding the Kurgo Waterproof dog bed is that it might not be strong enough for the teeth and nails of our furry little friends. We suggest that you trim the nails of your dogs down before actually heading toward your travel destination.
Read our article to get a full review of the Kurgo Waterproof dog bed where you’ll see all of its features and why it stands out the most out of its competitors.
7. Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 35” x 26”
Weight: 1.6lbs
Material: Nylon, Synthetic and Polyester
R-Value: N/A
The Ruffwear Highlands dog sleeping pad is one of the most versatile and comfortable camping beds for dogs. With its great insulation, durability, washability, and comfort, there’s no doubt that your fur baby will sleep in this bed like if they were sleeping on a cloud.
What we like about the Ruffwear Highlands dog sleeping pad is that our dogs can snuggle, curl, and stretch inside the bag. We tested it in the sand while we were at the beach, and on grass and in the woods while we were backpacking in the mountains. Just like humans, dogs want to rest in a comfortable place right after a strenuous hike, and this dog sleeping pad is great for that.
The insulation is great even during the rainy season, but if you’re planning to let your dog use it in the winter, we suggest you get the Ruffwear dog pad, which is sold separately. This further boosts the insulation and makes the bed comfier.
We’re also happy with how easy to clean the bag is. During our trips, we only had to shake off the dirt and fur, and the bag was ready to roll and go. When we got home, we simply tossed it into the washing machine and it was as good as new.
What we especially love about this bed is the setup. It has a half-length zipper where you can zip up and still have your dog on the lookout. It’s easy for the dog to both go in and out of the bag, even when it’s fully zipped. Besides, the bed is waterproof so there would be no issues at all when it comes to cleaning it.
Durability is also not an issue with the Highlands dog sleeping bag either because it can handle all the rumpus that your dog can make to get comfortable.
The only downside we see to the Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag is that it’s quite expensive compared to other products. Also, if you want better insulation, you would need to purchase the Ruffwear Sleeping Pad, which adds to your expenses.
Best self-inflating mattress for camping
8. Coleman Comfort Single Air Camping Bed
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 188 x 82 x 22 cm
Weight: 2.3kg
Material: Polymerizing Vinyl Chloride (PVC)
R-Value: N/A
Camping has never been easier with the Coleman Comfort Single Air Camping Bed. Comfort, durability, no air leak, and a thick camping mattress are what you can expect from this bed. If you’re looking for a reliable air bed that can last throughout your trips, this should be your top choice.
What we like about the Coleman Single air bed is that comfort and relaxation are the top priority. During our day-long hike, we were surprised by how soft the bed was when we laid down at night. We didn’t have to worry about air leaks while we’re asleep because of the Support Lock System. Indeed, this bed is equipped with a double-lock valve that tightly secures the air inside.
Since it’s a self-inflating mattress, all you have to do is open the valve and let the air in. If your Coleman is new, we suggest you open the valve an hour before you plan to go to bed to ensure that it gets enough air inside. But if you’ve already used it a couple of times, a good 15 minutes allowance would be good enough.
Also, we love how lightweight and compact this camp bed is. We used it during our trekking, week-long camping trip, and even when we had unexpected guests in the house. So, if you’re in search of a good camping bed that can be easily brought around, this can be the air bed of your dreams.
What we don’t like about the Coleman Comfort Single Air Camping Bed is that it’s not very comfortable if you’re a side sleeper. Thus, we suggest you bring an additional pillow with you to ease the uncomfortable position. Another thing to take note of is that there are no pumps included in the package, unlike other products that allow you to use their stuff sack as an inflation pump. Other than that, this is one of the most versatile self-inflating mattresses for camping.
You can check our full review of the Coleman Comfort Single Air Camping Bed, in which we thoroughly explained the features of this camp bed and why we consider this as the best self-inflating mattress for camping. We also summarized its pros and cons, so that you’ll know what you can expect.
9. Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 72” x 20.5” x 3”
Weight: 57.8oz
Material: Polyester
R-Value: 8.5
The Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5 is one of the best self-inflating mattresses camping on the market today. With an R-value of 8.5, you’ll surely feel warm, even in below-freezing temperatures, not to mention the comfort that Exped has included in the mat itself.
What we like about the DeepSleep Mat is that it’s more comfortable than its direct competitors and available at a lower price. If this is your first time using a sleeping pad on your camping trips, you’ll surely be surprised by how soft and quiet this one is. Since we’re experts in testing mattresses and camping, we’ll break down to you why it’s so soft.
Exped used a 75D polyester with a honeycomb embossed as this mattress’ insulation system. This means that even if you’re in a rocky area, you won’t feel the sharp stones underneath the mattress. This fabric is also soft on the skin and won’t make rustling noises if you move around.
Exped, however, removed one layer of foam in this sleeping mat, compared to their other products. We found out that one layer can make a big difference when it comes to the softness of the pad. Yet, compared to other models, the DeepSleep Mat is still a cut above in terms of comfort.
Also, inflating the pad is easy. Give it around 30 minutes with the valve open and you’ll have an almost full pad. However, this package does not include a pump, so you can either blow the air in or purchase a pump. We suggest the latter option to avoid lightheadedness and to save you some time.
Besides, deflation is super easy since you can open the valve and use your own weight to let the air out. Once you’re done with this, you can roll the pad to remove the air that remains inside. The stuff sack included is fairly big, so even if you haven’t gotten rid of all the air, you can store the mattress away.
There are only two things that we didn’t like about the Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5 sleeping pad. First, it’s quite heavy, and second, it is large when packed. Thus, we don’t recommend that you bring this along during your backpacking trips since you can’t divide the materials with your co-hikers and it can be too heavy to carry by yourself. Although, we do suggest that you bring it if you’re traveling by car.
10. Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Mattress for Camping
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 183 x 128 x 8 cm
Weight: 5.8lbs.
Material: Polyester and Polyurethane
R-Value: 4.1
One of the most comfortable and warmest self-inflating mattresses for camping is the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI. With its 4.1 R-value and thick cushioning pads, you’ll surely forget that you’re sleeping on the ground with this pad.
What we like about Comfort Plus SI is that it has both specific shapes for men and women. For men, you’ll find a typical rectangular shape that can fit almost all men’s body types. For women, it has an oval shape that is wider on the hips, making it ideal for women’s dimensions.
Almost every one of our campers who tested this mattress gave it a high rating for its comfort. The upper knitted material used feels like it stretches with the air going inside and doesn’t feel like it’s plastic compared to other products.
Also, we especially like how the insulation feels. Even when we camped during the rainy season, we didn’t feel any cold seeping through our backs, which is why we can recommend this as a four-season air mattress. Although, it might come in handy to bring an additional blanket or pad with you. Plus, you won’t need to think about experiencing potential air leaks throughout the night since the mat is big enough to still separate you from the cold ground.
What we don’t like about the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI is that it’s heavy and bulky. With 5.8 lbs., it is not ideal for backpacking trips. Also, when it’s rolled up and stored inside a stuff sack, this self-inflating mattress for camping is so big that you wouldn’t want to put it inside your car.
Therefore, we suggest that you bring this air mattress when your planned campsite is within your car’s reach. Also, this mattress might be a bit too expensive for some people, so you should check your budget and ideal weight for backpacking first.
Over time and because of wear and tear, your mattress may leak air. This will not be a big deal as long as you know how to repair a leaky air mattress. We have a few tips and tricks that you might find useful if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Best folding camp bed
11. Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 24” x 72” x 4.5”
Weight: 2lb 10oz
Material: Nylon, Ripstop Polyester, and Aluminum Poles
R-Value: N/A
Considered one of the lightest and most compact folding camp beds on the market today is the Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot. Weighing around 3 lbs., it can be put inside a small stuff sack and is reliable in the cold. You surely won’t regret purchasing and using this cot!
What we like about the Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot is that it offers a big difference in air mattresses. First of all, if you’re like us and spend a lot of time lying down in bed after a hiking trip, you probably usually feel lower back pain. However, with this cot, you’ll still feel comfortable and somewhat relieved from your journey.
Unlike sleeping pads though, there is no insulation system in a cot. Rather, it elevates your entire body from the ground, giving you enough space not to feel the cold. Choosing to use a cot in the summer is ideal, but if you’re going to use it on the cold winter nights, we suggest that you put (even a thin) sleeping pad right under your back.
You’ll find lots of pieces to assemble with a cot. Among those are one long rectangular ripstop polyester fabric, which is where you lie on, two shock-corded aluminum poles to support the sides of the cot, and eight two-piece bow frame (semi-circle) bars with two plastic feet. It only took us 2 minutes, with a helping hand, to fully assemble the cot. But once you’ve done it a couple of times, it’ll surely become faster and easier.
We noticed a lot of useful features while using a cot. First, you can choose to use it as a bed to lie on, but also as a reflective material for your photoshoots or as a wind barrier if you’re waiting outside and expect strong winds. Plus, the Ultralite Cot effectively blocks the cold from passing through, so it’s a big help if you’re camping somewhere cold.
What we don’t like about the Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot is that it’s quite expensive compared to other models or air pads that have a great insulation system. Plus, it’s a bit shorter than other cots. Although, it’s very reliable, durable, ultralightweight, and versatile, so you can bring it in almost all your travels.
If you want to learn more about the Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot, check out our full review here, in which we have detailed all the specifications, features, pros, and cons of this product.
12. NEMO Cosmo Insulated 3D Sleeping Pad
Click to view on amazon.com.
Dimensions: 76” x 25” x 3.5”
Weight: 2lbs 10oz
Material: 75D Nylon Fabric
R-Value: 3.3
We chose the NEMO Cosmo Insulated 3D as one of the best foldable camp beds because of its compact size, lightweight, and versatility. Weighing just around 3 lbs., you can surely carry this around on any campsite.
What we like about the Cosmo Insulated pad is that it’s thin enough to be easily brought around, but also comfortable enough to sleep on it soundly. Besides, the nylon fabric doesn’t feel plastic-y and is soft on the skin.
The edges (head and foot area) of this sleeping pad are longer than the rest of the mattress, which helps your pillows not slip off the edge. Since the area where you lay is about 3 inches above the ground, we still felt the hard stones on the ground. Thus, we suggest that you clear the ground below the pad before inflating and lying on it to ensure that you’ll have no bumps on the back.
Additionally, it has an R-value of 3.3, which is why we don’t recommend you to use it in the winter. If you’re planning to bring it with you during the rainy season though, we suggest that you bring additional blankets or choose a chunkier sleeping pad. The Cosmo 3D is a great choice if you are camping in the summer and planning to carry a lightweight pack.
The package includes an integrated foot pump so it only takes a couple of minutes to fully inflate this sleeping pad. Although, because of its thinness and low height, side sleepers might get a hard time sleeping on it. Deflation is also fairly easy, but you might struggle folding or rolling it. It took us a couple of tries to actually make it fit in the stuff sack again.
Among the things that we didn’t like about the NEMO Cosmo Insulated 3D sleeping pad is its thinness, low R-value, and the fact that it can be a bit uncomfortable for some people. Nonetheless, it’s the best choice for people who are weight-conscious and still want a comfortable sleeping pad.
One common misconception about camping is that you won’t be able to sleep properly and comfortably. This is not always the case. We’ve been on numerous camping trips and we have mastered the art of sleeping and waking up comfortably while camping. Read our article to learn our tricks.
Best camping beds and pads: Comparison table
| Foto | Camping Beds and Pads | Material | Dimensions | R-Value | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mattress | Polyester, Polyurethane | 80" x 30" x 4.25" | 7 | 5.5lbs |
| 2. Therm-A-Rest NeoAAir Xtherm Inflatable Camp Bed  | Nylon. Polyurethane | 72" x 25" 2.5" | 6.9 | 1lb 4oz |
| 3. Exped MegaMat Duo 10 | Polyester | 77.6" x 52" x 4" | 8.1 | 5lbs 9.6oz |
| 4. Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers | Vinyl | 62" x 38" x 11" | N/A | 8lbs |
| 5. Shrunks Portable Outdoor Toddler Travel Air Mattress | Plastic and Polyester | 57" x 25" x 8" | N/A | 6.6lbs |
| 6. Kurgo Waterproof Dog Bed | Microtomic Ripstop Material | 25" x 36" x 1.5" | N/A | 2.2lbs |
| 7. Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag | Nylon, Synthetic and Polyester | 35" x 26" | N/A | 1.6lbs |
| 8. Coleman Comfort Single Air Camping Bed | Polymerizing Vinyl Chloride (PVC) | 188 x 82 x 22 cm | N/A | 2.3kg |
| 9. Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5 | Polyester | 72" x 20.5" x 3" | 8.5 | 57.8oz |
| 10. Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Mattress for Camping | Polyester and Polyurethane | 183 x 128 x 8 cm | 4.1 | 5.8lbs |
| 11. Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot | Nylon, Ripstop Polyester, and Aluminum Poles | 24" x 72" x 4.5"Â | N/A | 2lb 10oz |
| 12. NEMO Cosmo Insulated 3D Sleeping Pad | 75D Nylon Fabric | 76" x 25" x 3.5" | 3.3 | 2lbs 10oz |
How can I make a camping mattress more comfortable?
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with an air mattress that’s out of air? Are stones constantly poking your back while you’re trying to sleep during a camping trip? Would you want to sleep soundly after a day-long hike?
If your answer to these questions is yes, then you should read on.
In this section, we’ll give you some tips and tricks to make your current camping mattress comfortable. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to turn your cold sleeping pad into a haven in the wilderness.
1. Treat it like a real bed
You might think that the typical way to sleep while camping is to just toss your mattress and lie down on it. For some people, this could be enough. But if you’re like us and need to feel comfortable even when out in the woods, then you’d want to bring a couple of things with you.
To make your camping mattress feel like a real bed, you should bring a couple of blankets and sheets. If you’re planning to go on a trip in the winter, you can also bring a comforter with you. We know what you’re thinking: “This means more weight on my backpack.” Well, if you’re weight-conscious, you can opt not to bring any of this stuff, but we’re sure you’ll miss the good comfort.
2. Get the pad out of the floor
Feeling the cold ground when you wake up in the middle of the night can sometimes be a nightmare. Even if you’ve covered yourself with sheets, you’d surely toss and turn around if the foam underneath you turns cold.
If you’re not using a cot, we suggest that you put something between your camp bed and the ground. For instance, you could look for foam tiles. These are simple, inexpensive, lightweight, and extremely efficient.
Most of our campers usually put foam tiles on the entire floor inside of their tent. Not only does it effectively reduce the cold beneath your bed, but it’s also a great way to soften the ground while you walk or partake in activities inside.
3. Get your favorite camping pillow
Most camping pads and mattresses include a built-in pillow, but it’s not nearly as good as having your movable pillow while you’re trying to find the perfect position. Having the perfect camping pillow will surely increase the level of comfort that you’re going to experience.
There are hundreds of camping pillows available on the market today. These pillows differ in size, shape, level of comfort, and weight. If you haven’t found the perfect one yet, you can check out the products sold by Therm-A-Rest, Sea to Summit, and Nemo, to name a few.
These are just three of our tips to make your camping mattress comfortable. If you want to learn more about the different types of mattresses, their uses, and more, please read our full article, in which we further discussed camping beds.
Are camp beds better than cots?
Some people would like to argue that camp pads and air mattresses are better, but we believe it depends on each camper’s preferences and where you’re planning to camp. To answer this question, we’ll dwell a little deeper on their pros and cons.
Sleeping position
Your sleeping position can help determine what type of bed is right for you. The fabrics used in cots would typically stretch out once they’re set up, so it’s best for campers who sleep on their backs and those who don’t constantly toss and turn during their sleep.
If you’re a side sleeper, however, you can opt for an air bed since it can distribute air inside to support your weight. It’s also a great choice because it provides support to all the pressure points on your body.
Sleeping size
A camping cot is made for one person only. Although, some cots are extra-long to accommodate taller and heavier campers. Air mattresses, however, are made of different sizes and can be used by multiple people. You’ll find single, double, queen, and king-size air beds on the market today.
Storage space
If you have a small tent, it’s not advisable to use cots because it covers a lot of your space with its long frames and stands. Also, cots do not have the same versatility and flexibility as camp beds because of their poles. Unlike air beds, cots can’t easily be deflated and carried around whenever you don’t use them.
The good thing about camping cots, however, is that since it’s elevated from the ground, if you have a large tent, you have an additional storage space at the bottom, where you can put your shoes, small packs, etc.
On or off the ground
Speaking of grounds, knowing the weather where you’ll be camping is vital if you’re torn between a camp bed and a cot. If you’re going to camp in the summer, you can confidently use an air bed. But if you’re camping during the rainy and winter season, we suggest that you use a cot to ensure that you won’t get cold and wet on the ground.
Durability
If your concern is mostly the durability and lifespan of your bed, we suggest that you use a camp cot because aluminum frames and stands are strong, unlike air beds, which you can encounter accidental punctures, faulty valves, and air leaks.
Conclusion
With thousands of camping beds available on the market today, it can be difficult for anyone, and especially a beginner, to choose what type of bed is right for them. If you’re torn between what product to pick, we suggest that you think about what type of sleeper you are and what you expect from the bed.
If you’ve decided between an air bed and a camping cot, it’ll be much easier for you to choose a specific product. The brands and models that we have listed earlier are just some of the products that you can choose from, but they are considered the best on the market.
