In case you’re low on time, the very best air mattress for tenting is the ALPS Mountaineering Velocity PVC-Free Air Bed.
For some, a sleeping bag is all that’s wanted for a great campout.
However, should you’re like me and also you get pleasure from taking lengthy journeys, then it’s best to look into getting one thing comfier. A sleeping bag may be acceptable for the primary evening or two, however your again shall be aching after some time.
Thankfully, air mattresses have come a good distance and may present nice sleep for campers.
Air mattresses preserve your physique in tip-top form no matter how a lot time you spend within the nice outdoor.
You may be pondering, “I can only afford a sleeping bag.” What you may not know is that there are some bang-for-buck air mattress choices on the market simply ready to be purchased. Your again will thanks!
Best Camping Air Mattress: Our Top Recommendations
Still confused? Compare all of them by measurement, value, supplies, and extra!
ALPS Mountaineering Velocity PVC-Free Air Bed
Sizes: Twin, Queen | Pump Type: Rechargeable Air Pump | Weight: 3.75 to five.5 lbs | Weight Limit: 250 to 500 lbs | Additional Features: Rechargeable Pump
The ALPS Mountaineering Velocity Air Bed is our high choose. Made with Polyester oxford cloth and a coil system, it makes it sturdy and comfy on the similar time.
But past that we additionally the love the rechargeable pump. Too many battery pumps fail, and who needs to be manually blowing up your air mattress should you don’t need to?
Coming in two sizes, Twin or Queen, the ALPS Mountaineering Velocity Air Bed just isn’t solely light-weight, however can maintain 250 and 500 lbs respectively. You actually can’t go incorrect.
Pros:
- Two choices in Twin or Queen – each of which may maintain 250 and 500 lbs respectively
- Comes with a chargeable air pump, so that you don’t have to purchase one
- Made with a PVC-free light-weight polyester oxford cloth
- Includes stuff sack
- Lightweight coming in at solely 3.5-5 lbs
Cons:
- Slightly mid-range pricing, in comparison with funds pleasant choices
Coleman Quickbed Airbed
Coleman makes good tenting merchandise at a good higher worth.
The Coleman Quickbed is not any totally different. Not solely can it assist as much as 600 lbs, however solely weights 8.1 lbs and folds up properly.
It’ll maintain commonplace full-size sheets, although you’ll have to get the pump individually.
As with any airbed, leaks are frequent, however as a funds pleasant possibility, you recognize what you might be entering into.
Pros:
- Budget pleasant
- Fits full-size sheets
- Compatible with numerous air mattress pumps
- Comes with a 1-year restricted guarantee within the occasion you get a lemon
Cons:
- Pump offered individually
- Workmanship isn’t nearly as good as different air mattresses and leaks are frequent
Best for: Those in search of a tenting air mattress on a funds
Etekcity – Camping Air Mattress
Sizes: Queen | Pump Type: Electric air pump | Weight: 8.7 lbs | Weight Limit: 450 lbs | Additional Features: Multi-use valve, air pump
Although the ALPS Mountaineering air mattress is my favourite, Etekcity’s is available in an in depth second. It’s barely much less comfy however is a little more reasonably priced.
The first flaw is that this air mattress is made out of PVC, not TPU. It’s a sturdy materials however makes this heavier than LightSpeed’s mattress. It comes with a two-year guarantee, giving a robust testomony to its robustness.
The motive that I ranked this mattress so excessive is the truth that it’s each leak-proof and nearly silent.
Some different air mattresses are usually fairly noisy if you’re shifting round them, however you gained’t have that drawback right here. Regardless of how a lot I shift my physique, I don’t hear a peep from this mattress.
It additionally comes with a chargeable electrical pump to make sure that you don’t run into any issues when attempting to set it up.
Overall, it is a dependable selection should you’re in search of a extra reasonably priced various to the Lightspeed Outdoors mannequin.
Pros:
- A two-year guarantee enables you to sleep properly at evening understanding your mattress is assured.
- Leak-proof – so that you gained’t get up to a deflated mattress.
- Extremely silent even for stressed sleepers like me.
- Includes a chargeable electrical pump.
- Priced properly for such a agency mattress.
Cons:
- Made out of PVC fairly than TPU, making this one a bit heavier.
Best for: stressed sleepers who don’t wish to preserve their tenting mates up with their nocturnal motion, and don’t thoughts the additional weight.
Lightspeed Outdoors – 2 Person PVC-Free Air Bed
Lightspeed Outdoors is at all times certainly one of my go-to producers once I’m in search of new gear for an upcoming tenting journey. I’ve fairly excessive requirements, however their air mattresses at all times meet (and exceed) my expectations.
I’ve by no means been disenchanted but, and this mannequin was no exception.
One of the issues that makes this specific air mattress the very best is that its dimensions will match any queen-sized sheets. This cuts down in your expenditure because you gained’t have to purchase new sheets only for the air mattress.
It additionally comes with a carrying bag for simple transport and a high-quality battery pump that may provide help to get the entire thing crammed up very quickly in any respect.
The undeniable fact that this package deal contains just about all the things you want means you’ll spend much less in the long term.
Pros:
- Any queen sheets match the air mattress, permitting you to make use of the sheets you’ve got at dwelling.
- It comes with a carry bag for packing comfort.
- Folds up good and small, which is essential for tenting.
- A battery-powered pump is included within the package deal, so that you don’t have to purchase one.
- Made out of TPU (fairly than PVC) which helps you chop down on weight.
Cons:
- Costco sells an identical mattress at a a lot lower cost. BUT, the Costco model is designed in another way and is nowhere close to as comfy or sturdy.
Best for: any camper. This air mattress is the entire package deal!
SoundAsleep – Camping Series Eco-Friendly Air Mattress
Sizes: Twin, Queen | Pump Type: Electric air pump | Weight: 9 to 13.6 lbs | Weight Limit: 300 to 400 lbs | Additional Features: Air pump
This air mattress is on the pricier aspect of the spectrum, however it’s properly value it. SoundAsleep is without doubt one of the high producers at this time, and this mattress is not any exception.
It is available in two sizes — queen and twin. The twin variant is definitely fairly reasonably priced compared to the bigger mannequin, however you will get whichever one suits your wants greatest.
The twin saves on weight however may be too small for some large fellas (like me). The queen is sweet should you’ve acquired a plus one or have a bigger group.
Much just like the Etekcity air mattress, this mannequin from SoundAsleep comes with a chargeable electrical pump. This ensures that inflation and deflation are a stress-free expertise for all customers.
It additionally comes with a carry bag for simple transport akin to if you’re mountain climbing to your campsite.
Pros:
- I-Beam air coils present superior assist, letting you
- Two sizes assist you to select a value primarily based in your wants.
- The rechargeable electrical pump inflates the mattress in 3 minutes.
- A 1-year guarantee retains you sleeping properly by way of all seasons.
- Extra thick Eco-Friendly PVC is rugged and resilient.
- Carry bag makes it straightforward to move this air mattress.
Cons:
- The queen variant is pricier than different fashions on this checklist, however nonetheless top quality.
Best for: campers with a looser funds who need top-notch again assist.
SoundAsleep – Dream Series Air Mattress
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King | Pump Type: Built-in electrical air pump | Weight: 12.3 to 23.2 lbs | Weight Limit: 300 to 500 lbs | Additional Features: Waterproof high, inside pump
SoundAsleep is a premium model, and its Dream Series is the cream of the crop. I do know I stated that the earlier possibility was fairly premium, however the SoundAsleep Dream Series takes the that means of premium to a complete new stage.
This collection is accessible in 4 sizes from twin to king. This collection is accessible in 4 sizes from twin to king. It’s not quite common to see king-size air mattresses for tenting. But, I need to admit that the ingredient of luxurious that it brings is undoubtedly fulfilling.
As you may think about, this stage of high quality doesn’t come low-cost, however it’s properly value the associated fee should you ask me.
SoundAsleep is dedicated to offering sound sleep, so they offer you a full 12 months guarantee. But, I don’t anticipate that you just’ll want to make use of it since this air mattress is totally dependable.
The one-click inside pump is certainly top-notch. It inflates and deflates the mattress with none trouble in minutes. It actually doesn’t get any simpler than this.
Its raised, double-height building implies that you’ll be increased off the bottom and thus hotter. Some tents have fairly skinny flooring, which isn’t a good suggestion. Getting a taller air mattress will be sure that the chilly floor doesn’t leech the heat out of your physique.
Pros:
- Four sizes to select from – all the way in which as much as king-sized.
- One-year guarantee guarantees that this mattress will pull by way of.
- The inside pump requires no annoying setup or hoses.
- Double-height building retains you off the bottom (heat & dry).
- SureGrip materials on the underside reduces sliding greater than every other air mattress.
Cons:
- Not precisely reasonably priced, however properly definitely worth the value
- Bigger and extra cumbersome, however rather more comfy than lighter mattresses.
Best for: campers who prioritize consolation and ease above value and weight.
REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed – Queen
Sizes: Queen | Pump Type: Manual | Weight: 5.8 lbs | Weight Limit: N/A | Additional Features: Internal Insulation for Comfort as much as 40 levels, Includes Manual Pump
So far, we haven’t checked out insulated air mattresses. The REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Matress comes with an R-value score of two.6 that means that it’ll present heat for shoulder seasons when it isn’t fairly freezing, however shut.
It is a handbook pump possibility, however for a queen solely weighs 5.8 lbs (not too shabby).
Pros:
- Insulated R-value of two.6 for added heat and luxury as much as 40 levels
- Comes with a stuff sack and included handbook pump
- Welded seams improve sturdiness
Cons:
- You’ll wish to improve the handbook pump
Best for: Campers who need some insulation, however don’t wish to pay winter insulation costs.
Therm-a-Rest – MondoKing 3D
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL | Pump Type: Self-inflating | Weight: 4.3 to five.5 lbs | Weight Limit: N/A | Additional Features: Internal pump, 7.0 R-value Rating
If you’d favor a self-inflating foam mattress versus an air-filled one, you’ll positively benefit from the MondoKing by Therm-a-Rest. I personally lean in the direction of air mattresses, however that doesn’t cease this from being a high-quality product.
Although expensive, you’ll save on setup time. You don’t want an air pump for this mattress. All you do is throw it out and let physics take over because it inflates it in seconds.
One factor that I actually like in regards to the MondoKing is the truth that you should use it at dwelling simply as rapidly as you’d use it whereas tenting. The versatility issue positively helps justify the upper value of this product.
Pros:
- Foam building means you don’t have to lug an air pump to the campground.
- Lightweight – solely 5 lbs.
- R-value of seven.0 means the insulation is high notch for winter
- Versatile utilization – can be utilized whereas tenting or when your in-laws come to go to.
- High-quality building that gained’t break or tear.
- Its 80” size implies that campers of any peak can sleep comfortably with out their ft hanging off the sting of the mattress.
Cons:
- Definitely expensive; nevertheless, the again assist may be value it.
- Foam doesn’t flow into properly, offering heat. It may not be optimum for summer time tenting, however nice for winter.
Best for: campers who need a premium self-inflating mattress that they will use on their subsequent tenting journey, or as a visitor mattress when family go to.
Buy Direct by way of Therm-a-rest
Best Air Mattresses for Camping – Compared
Choosing The Best Camping Air Mattress
As you would possibly’ve realized by now, there’s a sure stage of intricacy when selecting the correct air mattress. To clear the air, I’ll now stroll you thru just a few of the issues it’s best to think about earlier than making your determination.
Mattress Type
Not all air mattresses are created equal. There are several types of air mattresses which you could select from, and every sort comes with its personal distinctive set of execs and cons.
Air pump mattresses are comfier, preserve you increased off the bottom, and are even higher for youngsters. However, you’ll want to hold a pump together with you should you plan on utilizing such a mattress which can add to the burden. Even the mattress in itself will probably be denser than most self-inflated mattresses.
Self-inflated mattresses, they too have their very own benefits and downsides. The most vital advantage of utilizing them is the truth that they’re very gentle and straightforward to move since you may merely roll them up on the finish of your journey.
Every professional comes together with a con, although. Self-inflated foam usually supplies much less assist than air mattresses that you just pump up. You’ll even be extra susceptible to creepy crawlies since these pads are nearer to the bottom.
Overall, the controversy on pump-up vs. self-inflated will probably go on for years to return, so simply choose whichever one fits you greatest.
Material
Whether you’re choosing a tent, sleeping bag, and even an air mattress, pay shut consideration to the product’s materials.
For occasion, one materials might fare higher than one other in chilly climate. Knowing that truth beforehand will provide help to make an knowledgeable determination.
Vinyl and PVC are the 2 commonest supplies for tenting air mattresses. Some producers incorporate different components (like a laminated end) to extend their sturdiness. Self-inflated variants are normally fabricated from polyester or nylon, which may be a extra comfy floor.
However, there has additionally been a pattern of late to make use of PVC-free supplies akin to the highest two air mattresses that we featured.
Some pad fashions have a coating utilized to their backside in order that it might preserve a agency grip on the bottom even below slippery or windy circumstances. Whichever possibility you go along with, simply be sure that the product is made out of the correct materials for the job.
Insulation and R-Value
The R-value of a fabric is the resistance to warmth movement by way of that materials. The increased the quantity, the higher the insulator.
Most tenting air mattresses wouldn’t have any R-value score. They don’t present insulation, and are due to this fact greatest for summer time tenting.
Self-inflating air mattresses and pads then again normally have an R-value score and right here is the right way to choose its use:
- Summer – R-value of 1.0 to 2.0
- 3-Season – R-value of two.0 to 4.0
- 4-Season – R-value of 4.0 to six.0
- Extreme Cold – R-value of 6.0 and above
So as you may see, an R-value of two.6, just like the REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed – Queen goes to be excellent for 3-season tenting.
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D at a R-value of seven.0, goes to be excellent for winter tenting.
Inflation Type
An air mattress pump is a tool used to inflate air mattresses, air bumper, pool floaty, and different comparable gadgets.
The pump inflates the product by forcing air into it by way of a gap at one finish. There are a number of differing kinds:
- Manual Pump – You are going to be the one doing all of the work right here, usually with a foot pump and hose that attaches into the port
- Battery Powered Pump – This is a conveyable tenting pump usually utilizing D-type batteries, with the intention to inflate the air mattress within the tent
- Electric Pump – This sort of pump will run solely on electrical energy, and you’ll due to this fact have to fill the tent at your automotive or with a conveyable battery
- Built-in Electric Pump – Similar to the electrical pump, solely this pump will reside within the air mattress itself
- Rechargeable Electric Pump – This is our favourite possibility. You cost it forward of time, after which can inflate the air mattress within your tent
- Self-Inflating – Also an excellent possibility, as a result of no work is required in your half. The mattress itself will self-inflate.
No matter what you choose, just be sure you are ready. If you’ve got a battery operated pump, be certain to convey further batteries.
If you’ve got an electrical pump, be sure to have a correct energy supply at your automotive or the campsite (most campsites wouldn’t have electrical available).
Size, Weight and Weight Limit
The excellent news is which you could get a tenting air mattress in any measurement from Twin to King.
The dangerous information, is that they’ll all weigh differing quantities from 3.75 lbs to 23.2 lbs.
So if weight is an element in any respect for you, it would be best to double examine the burden of the air mattress.
Lastly, you’ll wish to assess the burden restrict. The common tenting mattress begins off at 250 lbs and go all the way in which as much as 600 lbs in weight capability:
- Twin – 250 to 300 lbs
- Twin XL – 350 lbs
- Full – 300 to 500 lbs
- Queen – 450 to 600 lbs
- King – 500 to 600 lbs
Just double examine all the things to just be sure you are good! Also see: greatest tenting mattress for {couples}.
Accessories
Some folks suppose that equipment are nothing greater than a ploy by producers to squeeze each vivid inexperienced greenback out of your pockets. However, I contend that some are literally genuinely helpful and will provide help to escape sure sticky conditions.
For occasion, having a restore equipment with you on tenting journeys will make it straightforward to patch up any leaks which may develop in your air mattress. It’s in no way unusual for a tear to happen whilst you’re in your strategy to the campsite, and also you may not even discover it till you begin pumping up the mattress.
There was this one journey the place my boys and I have been questioning why the mattress wouldn’t inflate regardless that we have been pumping for a stable 10 minutes. It seems {that a} unfastened department had punctured that mattress.
Thankfully, I had my restore equipment with me and was in a position to seal the outlet and set all the things up as deliberate. Beyond restore kits, you’ll additionally discover that carry baggage or spare pumps might be helpful.
I’m not saying it’s best to hoard equipment, however some issues are “better to have and not need, than need and not have.”
How to inflate an air mattress?
Like we talked about above. Inflating a tenting air mattress will rely completely on the inflation sort.
Once you’ve got your energy supply discovered it’s a easy 5 step course of:
- Step 1 – Roll out the mattress in a transparent space contained in the tent
- Step 2 – If there are a number of air valves, be certain all however ONE are closed
- Step 3 – Place the pump with the proper connector into the air valve
- Step 4 – Turn on the pump, or start handbook inflation
- Step 5 – Once full, disconnect and rapidly shut and lock the air valve
That’s it! You’ve now pumped up your air mattress.
And in fact, deflation is so simple as opening the air valve launch and giving the air mattress a while to deflate.
Air Mattress FAQs
Why do air mattresses deflate in a single day?
Air contracts because it cools, and expands because it will get scorching. And as a result of temperatures drop at evening, any air in your air mattress begins to contract and compress down because it will get colder.
Therefore, you get a mattress that deflates. Of course this may be brought on by a small leak, gap, or improper use, however more often than not it’s being brought on by the temperature change.
What are the disadvantages of sleeping on an air mattress?
One of the principle disadvantages with sleeping on an air mattress is that they deflate just a little all through the evening because the air will get colder.
Typically we’ve to high off our air mattress every day to get it again to the correct consolation stage.
Another large drawback of utilizing an air mattress when tenting is the dearth of insulation. The air mattress does nothing to assist preserve you heat, and truly will do the alternative.
Are self-inflating air mattresses good?
Self-inflating mattresses are an excellent selection for tenting as a result of they inflate themselves in solely an hour or two, and normally have higher insulation and r-value than commonplace air mattresses.
Because most self-inflating mattresses are insulated and include an r-value, they’ll do a greater job than a regular air mattress at maintaining you heat all through the evening.
You also can select the very best r-value on your tenting wants.
Why is sleeping on an air mattress so chilly?
Air mattresses are normally made with only one piece of fabric (vinyl or plastic), which absorbs warmth and chilly from the encircling setting.
Because there isn’t a insulation, if the bottom is chilly, your air mattress may also be chilly.
How do I preserve my air mattress heat whereas tenting?
The smartest thing you are able to do to maintain your air mattress heat whereas tenting is put an insulation layer (blankets, foam, mattress toppers) straight on high of the air mattress.
You may even use further garments or sheets. Anything that helps put a layer between you and the air mattress ought to preserve you a lot hotter than sleeping straight on it in your sleeping bag.
How do I preserve my air mattress inflated in a single day?
We have by no means owned a regular air mattress that didn’t deflate or change form as a consequence of temperature modifications all through the evening.
This is the place getting self inflating mattress with insulation will assist. Not solely will it preserve you hotter, however it gained’t deflate fairly as a lot.
Our Verdict
I hope that you just discovered this information useful. There’s definitely quite a bit that goes into the choice of which air mattress to get. But, the data that I coated on this article ought to make it simpler for you.
Personally, I’ve to say that the ALPS Mountaineering Velocity PVC-Free Air Bed is my high pick of the 5 choices that I coated right here. There are some things that led me to favor it over the opposite excessive picks.
For one, its PVC-free building actually takes the sturdiness to a complete new stage. The rechargeable pump that comes with it’s also top-notch.
I’m gonna go away you right here however make sure you keep tuned for my upcoming items and share this text with a pal or two if it helped you out. Happy tenting!