Camping is a great way to get close to nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. However, just because you’re roughing it in the great outdoors doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable. In fact, with the right camping mattress, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep under the stars!
There are many different camping mattresses on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 5 best camping mattresses for a comfortable outdoor experience. So whether you’re planning an epic cross-country road trip or just want a little more comfort while camping in your backyard, we’ve got you covered!
Sure, camping is fun — but just because you want to be close to nature doesn’t mean you need to be close to the ground.
And if it’s comfort you’re worried about, then finding the best camping mattress is your best bet.
Aside from providing that much-needed comfort while outdoors, a camping mattress also provides insulation to keep you warm especially during colder months. And there’s the obvious benefit of keeping yourself a few feet above the ground and away from ants and sharp rocks.
Not sure which camping mattress suits your needs? Don't fret -- here's our list of the 5 best camping mattresses this year.
1. Coleman Extra Durable Airbed
The Coleman brand is a household name in the camping world, known for manufacturing reliable and affordable outdoor gear — and the Coleman Extra Durable Airbed is no exception. Known for its durability, this mattress features a leak-free polyester combination material that’s built to last for years.
Key Features:
- Advanced coil construction for more stability
- Soft-touch brushed polyester surface
- Compatible with manual or electric pumps
- Coleman Airtight Double lock valve system
- Single height blow up with 24 air coils
Pros
- Improved robustness
- Lowered weight
- Large sleeping area
Cons
- For car camping only
- Needs plenty of space to set up
Verdict: Built with stronger construction and boasts of being puncture resistant, the Coleman Extra Durable Airbed is a quality camp bed at a mid-range price point. It packs extremely light and is great for car camping and family weekends in smaller tents.
Price: $272.43
2. Zempire Monstamat Single Self-Inflating Mattress
If convenience is what you’re looking for, then the Zempire Monstamat Single Self-Inflating Mattress is the choice for you. This full-length mattress features a 3D construction with a 150D polyester base which makes it one of the most durable and high-quality mattresses on the market today.
Key Features:
- 3D construction with 150 polyester base
- 360 degree double way valve
- Cross cored for reduced weight
- Two adjustable compression storage straps
- Durable bonded 75D base
- High volume valve
- 2-year full warranty
Pros
- Soft surface material
- Self-inflating and easy to install
Cons
- Expensive
- A bit difficult to fold
Verdict: Weighing only 7kg, this lightweight mattress is a great option for car camping. Despite its compact size, it remains thick at 10cm especially designed to withstand both the heat and extreme cold.
Price: $199
3. IFORREST Sleeping Pad
The IFORREST Sleeping pad is great for first-time campers because of the self-inflating design that makes it incredibly easy to install. This mattress has a lot of comfort features, one of which is its built-in armrests offering extra support from both sides — keeping you cuddled in between.
Key Features:
- 2.1 inches thick
- R-value 6.8
- 80D polyester foam
- 77 inches length, 29 inches in width
- Self-inflating design
- Built-in armrests and adjustable pillow
- 4 season air mattress
- 2-year warranty
Pros
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Inbuilt armrests for more support
Cons
- Takes a long time to inflate
Verdict: This mattress provides a lot of room, with an impressive length of up to 77 inches. It’s also fully insulated to withstand cold winter nights. And the best part? It also comes with an ergonomic pillow that’s just as comfortable as the mattress itself.
Price: $109
4. Exped Megamat 10 Camping Mattress
The Exped Megamat 10 Camping Mattress makes use of the most innovative camping technology. It features the brand’s signature FlatValve system that delivers rapid inflation and deflation. The valves are non-protruding and made of soft PU with no sharp edges.
Key Features:
- 3.9 inches tricot surface foam
- Air-Core channel foam with full insulation
- High frequency welded seams
- Self-inflating design with a mini pump
- Non-protruding FlatValve technology made of soft PU
- 3D construction
Pros
- Large size
- Fully insulated
Cons
- Expensive
Verdict: Enforced with high-frequency welding at the seams, the Exped Megamat Camping Mattress boasts of being 100% airtight. This mattress is also incredibly easy to pack, with a height-adjustable roll top bag with a carrying strap.
Price: $311
5. SEA TO SUMMIT Comfort Deluxe Camping Mattress
Proudly Australian-made, the SEA TO SUMMIT Comfort Deluxe Camping Mattress is a lightweight sleeping pad suitable for all kinds of outdoor adventures — from backpacking to offroad biking tours. This mattress gives you all the comfort of home, as it’s designed to mimic a spring mattress with its Air Spring Cell construction technology
Key Features:
- Delta-Core technology
- 30D stretch knit fabric
- 75D polyester with extrusion laminated TPU
- Diagonal supporting foam walls
- Large 10 centimetre sidewalls
- Integrated Airstream pump sack
- Thermolite insulation pad
- Exkin Air Sprung cells
Pros
- Good stretch fabric
- Quick and easy inflation
Cons
- Expensive
- Not compact size
Verdict: This all-around mattress provides a soft and comfortable sleeping surface at 2.5 inches thick. It features a fully insulated pad to prevent convective heat loss from the cold ground. It comes in two variable sizes: regular and medium.
Price: $188
BEST CAMPING MATTRESSES -- WHY BUY ONE ANYWAY?
Using a camping mattress is the secret to getting a well-rested sleep while camping.
Most camping mattresses are designed to simulate a regular bed to give you the comfort of your home in the outdoors. These mattresses also usually come with features that provide sufficient support to prevent back pain.
Aside from keeping you comfortable, the best camping mattress is incredibly lightweight — making it easy to travel with. Its compact size also means you have more storage space for your necessities.
BEST CAMPING MATTRESSES -- BUYING GUIDE
Camping mattresses come with different features, but here are some of the most important ones to consider:
Length and width
Most product descriptions contain details of the length and width of the mattress, so be sure to check that it's the right size for your height so your feet won't be left hanging at the end.
Weight and compact size
Ideally, what you should look for in a mattress that can be packed down small enough to fit into your backpack. A lighter mattress also means less stress on your back while walking to the campsite.
Insulation
If you're planning to go winter camping, then an insulated mattress is your best bet to provide more warmth. Most mattresses have a layer of synthetic insulation designed for colder environments, though these kinds will be more expensive.
