Camping or sleeping outdoors is a great way to relax and take a break from daily stresses. Having the best air mattress to take with you on a camping trip can make a huge difference in the level of your relaxation. Especially if you’re not used to sleeping on the ground or have issues with your back.
We are all used to sleeping on soft and thick memory foam mattresses at home. However, when going camping outdoors, you won’t be able to take your favorite mattress with you. You need a mattress that’s portable and comfy to sleep on. The perfect air mattress can do exactly that.
The Best Air Mattresses for Camping
Coleman Air Mattress
Coleman’s brand is known for many years for its products. Coleman air mattress is a double support air bed that can be used indoors as well as for outdoor purposes. It comes in various different sizes like full, queen, and kids size.
When fully inflated, it has a medium firmness. Letting out some air can make it softer. It is made up of a strong and durable PVC liner. There is a weight limit is 650 lbs and the queen and full size can accommodate up to two people.
If you are a serious camper or like to sleep outdoors a lot, then the Coleman air mattress is perfect for you. It is very easy to inflate and specifically designed for outdoor camping but can be used indoors as well. It is a bit more expensive than the others we reviewed but is definitely worth it. Finally, it comes with a sturdy carrying bag and an electric built-in pump.
Specifications:
| Size | Queen/Full/Twin |
| Product Firmness | Medium |
| Material | PVC |
| Brand | Coleman |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 15.5 x 6 x 11.75 inches |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Weight Limit | 650 Pounds |
| Item Weight | 14.74 Pounds |
| Pros |
|---|
|
| Cons |
|---|
|
How to Find the Best Air Mattress for Camping
There is a wide range of air mattresses designed specifically for camping and sleeping outdoors. They are compact and easy to store. Some even fit nicely into a small backpack or duffle bag.
In order to find the best air mattress for camping, there are several other factors to consider.
Mattress Weight: Heavy vs Light
The first factor to consider when looking to buy an air mattress for camping is its weight. Some are heavier than others and buying the wrong one can ruin a relaxing night out.
If you plan on trekking through rough terrain and will have access to your vehicle, a heavier air mattress will be perfect. You won’t need to worry about carrying it around on your back or taking up too much room.
However, if you plan on biking and hiking on foot, you should consider taking a lightweight air mattress instead. They are designed to be more portable and easier to put away but aren’t as comfortable.
Air Pump: Manual vs Automatic
Before sleeping on your air mattress, you will need to inflate it with air. You can either manually pump air into it or use an electric pump instead.
An electrical air pump requires a power source which might not be available at your campsite. You can use your vehicle to supply power to it, but only if it’s nearby. You can also bring along an external battery, it will just be another item to carry along.
But, if you won’t have access to a power source, and don’t want to carry around a battery, you will need to use a manual air pump. Manual air pumps use the power of our feet or hands to inflate an air mattress. They are light and compact but take some time to fill a large mattress.
Air Mattress Size
Choosing the proper size of the air mattress when camping will depend on the size of your tent. You should take into account and leave some room to walk around and avoid stepping on others sleeping in the same tent. You can find air mattresses in Queen, Full, and Twin sizes.
Here is our Mattress Size Guide to determine which one to get.
Budget
Air mattresses come in a wide range of prices and the more options you get, the more it will cost. The size of the air mattress makes up the majority of the price you will pay. Larger ones use up more material and will ultimately cost more.
Added comfort features also play a part in the cost of air mattresses. Some higher-end ones come with pillows attached to them and made with a softer material.
Another factor that determines the cost of your air mattress is the type of pump. Electric air pumps will cost more than manual ones.
