Best Air Mattress for Camping
★★★★★
“In our opinion, the Coleman Extra-Durable Double is the Best Air Mattress for Camping currently available on the market. It offers that all-important puncture resilience to avoid going soft in the night, but remember – there’s no integrated pump.”
Camping is a popular adventure activity where you get to unwind and enjoy nature. One of the key requirements to maximize the experience is that when you finally roll into your tent, you get a good night’s sleep. For this reason, it makes sense to invest in the best air mattress for camping that you can afford.
It’s our belief that sleep is one of the most important aspects of life, and when staying at a campsite you need to feel as comfortable as you would at home. Sleeping on a rough surface can be uncomfortable and may mean you have restless and broken sleep.
In order to achieve maximum amounts of snooze, we recommend getting yourself an air mattress. These are essentially large, blow-up cushions which are big enough to lie on and are extremely comfortable. Some of the best night’s sleep I’ve had outside of my bedroom have been on a camping air mattress. The best air mattresses for camping can replenish your energy levels and give you motivation to keep exploring your surroundings.
This article is about fully inflatable air mattresses which use a pump (either separate or integrated) to force air inside. These are different to self-inflating mattresses (SIMs) which are typically thinner and less comfortable. The advantage of a SIM is that it requires no pump and therefore won’t leave you stranded if you get a problem with the pump or forget to pack it!
Some air mattresses are placed directly on to the ground, but in cold weather you can lose substantial heat that way unless the mattress was specifically designed for the job. If you’re worried about the cold then you should consider placing the air mattress on a camp bed base in your tent.
With the wide range of products on the market, deciding on the best air mattress for camping can be overwhelming. This roundup will help you navigate through some of our recommended options so you don’t have to endure any more sleepless nights.
Coleman Extra Durable Double Airbed
We’ve picked the Coleman Extra Durable Double Airbed as one of the best air mattresses for camping due to its almost unique robustness against punctures and accidental deflation. For this reason, it’s great to use at campsites with rough terrain, but also if you just want peace of mind that you won’t get a leak.
Let’s get the main negative out of the way first – there is no integrated pump. This means you need to buy a pump separately – something like the Coleman 12V Quickpump which can blow the air mattress up in under a minute.
The air mattress is nice and long – almost 2m which means that somebody over 6ft5 can still get their feet on. The fully inflated dimensions are 198cm x 137cm x 47cm, and it weighs only 4.6kg. The valve on the mattress uses the Coleman Airtight system, ensuring zero leakage, maximum comfort, and exceptional durability. It also has a double lock on the valve which means it won’t accidentally deflate unless you actually want it to.
With this bed, you won’t have to worry about slipping off and finding yourself or loved ones on the ground, thanks to its PVC-covered top and robust coil construction that give the airbed a uniform sleeping surface. There are 40 air-coils within the mattress which really help support your body and give great comfort.
Overall, we really like the Coleman Extra Durable Double Air Mattress because of that puncture proof material which has been used. It’s reported to be 47% more resistant to punctures than standard air beds, and we can well believe it. Definitely worth a look if you’re after a top notch camping air mattress.
Pros
- No chance of punctures
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Large in size – good for tall people
- Well raised from the ground
Cons
- Does not come with a pump
Vango Blissful Custom Comfort Double Airbed
The Blissful Double, a product of Vango, is one of the best air mattresses for camping there is on the UK market today. It is flocked with PVC, giving you an extra soft and comfortable surface for a good night’s sleep. With its three-layer coil construction and raised edges, you will have a stable and durable bed for the night.
The Blissful mattress uses smart technology via an integrated “Constant Comfort” pump system. This is a great design because it uses in-built sensors to detect any air leakage and instantly refills the mattress without you having to manually intervene. The motor and pump operate totally silently which means the camping air mattress is kept topped up through the night without disturbing your sleep. It’s worth mentioning that the pump requires AC power, and if you don’t have mains hook up then you would need something like a camping power pack to use it.
The surface of the Blissful is flocked which means that your sleeping bag is not going to slide all over the place. It really gives a luxurious feel to the mattress, and you don’t begrudge the purchase price at all for the quality of materials and technology on offer.
Custom Comfort Technology gives Blissful three air pressure settings that allow you to adjust your bed to your preferred firmness. The inflated dimensions are 191cm (L) x 46cm (H) x 140cm (W). Packed size is only 35.5cm x 53.5cm x 17.5cm which is pretty compact and easy to transport around, especially as the air mattress only weighs 8kg – not bad for a fully transportable double bed.
The only one downside to the Blissful is the 191cm length which equates to around 6ft3. If you’re a taller person than this (like me) then your feet will be over the edge of the bed, or you have to sleep in a slightly more diagonal position. This isn’t the end of the world, and we’re prepared to overlook it.
Overall, the Vango Blissful is the best air mattress for camping on the market at the moment in our opinion.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Has an integrated pump with automatic air top-up
- Easy to inflate, deflate and fold away
Cons
- Needs AC power – no battery option
Intex Dura-Beam Standard Single-High Airbed Series
The Intex Dura-Beam Comfort Plush is one of the best value air mattresses for camping. It’s relatively inexpensive and yet offers incredible comfort by virtue of its Fiber-Tech Technology – a way of using very firm polyester fibers which guarantees a stable and comfortable bed that leaves you well rested overnight.
With its 2 in 1 valve and large openings, you can inflate and deflate it fast – we estimate about 3 minutes for pumping up. The pump is integrated into the side of the mattress and requires standard AC mains power to operate. We found that it was extremely easy to use.
The Intex mattress is covered with soft flocking on the sleeping area, giving you extra comfort, while the bottom is covered with PVC to ensure that you have a stable bed. Dimensions when inflated are a generous 203cm x 152cm x 56cm, so this is one of the largest mattresses in our roundup. The weight is a hefty 10.1kg, so this is not one to put in your rucksack – you need a car to transport it to the campsite.
Pros
- Integrated pump
- Affordable
- Inflates and deflates quickly
- Durable
Cons
- Air valve is challenging to plug back
Active Era Luxury Air Mattress
The list of best camping air mattresses would not be complete without including the Active Era Luxury Air Mattress. This airbed is sturdy, waterproof, and made using a high-quality multi-layered material with a 15 gauge puncture resistance. The airbed comes with an integrated electric pump that fully inflates your airbed to maximum firmness in under 90 seconds and a deflation setting that you can use to deflate your bed quickly.
What if the integrated pump doesn’t work, or you are in a place with no power? Rest easy. Active Era Airbed has got you covered with a fitted air valve to which you can hook up a standard pump to inflate and deflate the airbed manually.
The inbuilt raised pillow will give your head and neck enough support and ensure that you achieve the much-needed comfort after a long day of exploring. Some people have reported that the pillow is a little high up, but we didn’t find this to be an issue – however we would have preferred the mattress to have been flat, allowing us to just use our own pillows.
Whether you sleep on the edge of the mattress or in the middle, you will encounter a nice solid and stable sleeping position thanks to the 21 structured air coils fitted within. This was one of the comfiest camping air mattresses we’ve tested.
Overall, we really like the Active Era Luxury Air Bed and can highly recommend it.
Pros
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Manual air settings available
- Has strong borders to prevent slip off
- It has an inbuilt pillow
- Comes with a repair kit
Cons
- Not high enough
Factors To Consider When Buying the Best Air Mattress for Camping
You might be skeptical about buying an air mattress, maybe because you once made the wrong decision and got frustrated, or you could be planning to buy one for the first time. Either way, it is essential to understand some of the key features you should consider before purchasing.
Regarding this, we have compiled a list of the things to look out for before buying an airbed.
Size
Air mattresses come in various sizes. There is the junior size that is ideal if you need one for kids. The queen and king-size beds are large enough to accommodate two adults perfectly. Some are single or twin size.
Therefore, when purchasing the best air mattress for camping, consider a big one that could fit at least two people to reduce the luggage you carry along while you go camping.
Material
The most popular material used to make air mattresses is PVC. However, an air mattress with multiple layers is the best. Even when you scratch one layer, an air mattress with numerous layers will have no leakage since the other layers will trap in air. Some companies have gone the extra mile to wrap vinyl, using plastic encasing to make the air mattress less elastic and more durable.
Consider an air mattress with a soft surface at the top for comfort and a rubbery bottom, so your bed doesn’t slide or move around as you enjoy your sleep.
The inside of an air mattress with a high number of coils and chambers will provide you with a more stable bed and can comfortably support up to two adults.
Pump
Whatever air mattress you choose among the wide range of the best air mattress for camping, the unifying factor is that they all need air. For this, you will need to have a pump. Some companies have embraced technology and fitted their airbeds with intelligent pumps. This pump senses air loss and automatically refills the bed giving you an undisrupted good night’s sleep.
However, an air mattress with a fully electric pump would not be a good choice for wild camping without electricity. Consider an air mattress with both automatic and manual settings for inflation and deflation where you can inflate using a spare pump and deflate with your hands.
Softness
A soft air mattress is comfortable and leaves you well-rested. However, a very soft bed tends to cave in as you sleep, which might not be comfortable. Go for a bed that is soft, firm, and with a flat sleeping surface.
Extra Storage
It is advisable to buy an air mattress that comes with a carry bag. This way, you have a place to keep your air mattress when not in use. It will save on the space it would have otherwise taken. The carry bag also ensures your air mattress doesn’t get damaged as you carry it around.
Warranty
Go for a model that has a longer warranty period. Also, enquire if the product has a partial or 100% return policy. The warranty or return policy will guarantee you a replacement or repair services if the product doesn’t meet your preferences.
Thickness
Another factor to consider before buying an air mattress is the thickness. A thicker mattress is likely to hold more weight compared to a thinner one. Should you opt for a thinner air mattress for camping, you might sink in, causing you discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why doesn’t my air mattress stay inflated for long?
An air mattress that doesn’t stay inflated for long is probably punctured. Check your bed for any leaks and have them fixed. You should also check your air valve because it will give room for some air to escape if it is loose. If that is the case, refill your airbed and adequately lock the air valve.
2. How is an air mattress deflated?
You can deflate your bed by opening the air valve to release the air. Another option is to use a pump that sucks all the air out of the air mattress.
3. How is an air mattress repaired?
The first thing is to identify the leaking area. Once you find the holes, get a patch from the stores and seal them. If you can’t find a patch, you can temporarily use duct tape until you find a permanent solution.
4. After how long should an airbed be filled up?
Inflating your air mattress all depends on you. You can inflate it at any time of the day. If it deflates when using it, you can refill it.
5. Can an air mattress be used as a permanent bed at home?
Air mattresses last longer when used occasionally. The PVC used to make it can stretch with time, making it wear fast. Therefore, while you can use it as a permanent bed at home, a typical bed will last longer.
Conclusion
Camping is fun. However, not having a good night’s sleep could ruin everything. Sleeping on the ground and waking up with pains all over your body is not one of the things you should look forward to when you go camping. Getting yourself the best air mattress for camping will ensure that you are well-rested and psyched up for more adventure.
As such, you should always have a good rest even when you are away from home. There are various air mattresses you could choose from even when you are on a budget and still get to enjoy your camping experience.
Hit the road, run away from your usual schedule, explore, have a good time, and unwind. While at it, get yourself one of the best air mattresses for camping; else, you will miss your bed and end up cutting short the days you had planned to spend camping.
Enjoy your camping.
