While camping outdoors, sleeping options are very limited, which frustrates most men and women. The best tents protect people from the rain and UV but have hard floors. Portable hammocks are comfortable but less protective from the elements. To sort this issue, use the air mattress for camping. Their foldable and portable designs are perfect for traveling.
Moreover, most models have lightly padded beds that create a comfortable sleeping area outdoors once inflated. Herein, we have reviewed some of the best brands that will make your outdoor trips special. They are comfortable, easy to set up, and can last for many years.
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Camping items such as folding camping tables and camping cots are invaluable. However, to create a comfortable resting area, you will also need a new air mattress for camping. They have a thick and soft feel that cradles the body comfortably. They are also portable as they use air as a cushion and can withstand abuse from the sun and rain while in use outdoors. The top brands are:
Best Overall
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Air Mattress
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Air Mattress has a 20-pound design, making it easy to transport. It measures 77x25x2.5 inches and has a patented Triangular Core Matrix design, consisting of a foam core nestled in pockets of air. Its unisex design is suitable for men and women. It also has a rugged WingLock air valve that makes inflation and deflation a breeze using one of the best hand pumps available in stores. However, you cannot blow it by mouth.
Smart Pick
Coleman Inflatable Airbed
Coleman is a 78 x 58 x 14-inch insulated mattress with an R-value of around 2.75. Thus, it stays warm in cold weather, making outdoor camping adventures fun. It has 48 in-built coils for support, leak-proof seams, and a double lock valve that keeps air in after inflating. The queen size bed weighs 17.11 pounds. Its quilted top is slip-resistant while the free 4D hand pump in the pack makes its inflation effortless. You need batteries for it to work.
Budget Pick
KingCamp Anti-Rollover Air Mattress Pad Bed
The anti-rollover mattress from King Camp is a comfortable sleeping pad that fits in cars, camping screen houses, and Alps mountaineering tents. It measures 3.9 inches thick but is lighter than most sleeping bags at around 4.4 pounds. The top is a stretchy 30D polyester fabric (100%) with a protective TPU coating. The latter prevents water from penetrating its core. This 76.8×51.2×3.9- 5.1-inch mattress has a one-year warranty. You also get a repair kit for patching up leaks when needed.
Buying Guide for Air Mattresses for Camping
When pressure builds up in some parts of your body such as the elbows and hips, you may experience pressure sores. The sores are in some cases so painful that they inhibit your productivity and fun during camps. To keep your pressure points free from pain while camping, it is advisable to buy yourself an air mattress. Consider these factors to find the best one for an upcoming trip.
Size: The size of an air mattress dictates the number of people you can accommodate. If you intend to use your mattress with multiple people, you should get a large one. It is also important to account for your body size when choosing the ideal size of an air mattress. If you have a big body, a small mattress will be uncomfortable and will not deliver the expected benefits.
Sturdiness: When buying an air mattress for camping, get one with a weather-resistant material. The outdoor conditions will sometimes be harsh and can damage your mattress. It should therefore have a tough, waterproof material that will keep you comfortable and remain in good condition.
Washability: Your air mattress is bound to get dirty during camps. You will use it outdoors where it will easily gather dirt. The ideal mattress should therefore be easy to clean using little water since too much water may be unavailable.
Top 5 Air Mattresses for Camping in the Market this Year
You will love having one of these air mattresses during your next camping trip. They are comfortable, durable, and weatherproof.
1. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Air Mattress
To enjoy a fruitful backpacking experience in the coming holidays, you will need a tent. Pop-up models are the best as they are lightweight and easy to set up. You will also need a comfortable sleeping area. While the best sleeping bags are ideal, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm backpacking mattress offers the best experience. The air mattress is large (77x25x2.5 inches) and therefore suitable for men and women of all cadres. It is also warm due to its Patented Triangular Core Matrix design. The system consists of a foam core nestled between pockets of air that cushion the body of its users. It guarantees restful sleep.
A Therm-a-Rest NeoAir air mattress is easy to set up due to its rugged WingLock air valve. This fixture is compatible with most hand and electrical pumps. As such, its set-up takes minutes. The valve also deflates quickly, saving people time. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir weighs 20 pounds and comes with a free pump and a repair kit. You also get a stuff sack for safe storage or transport.
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Our Verdict:
The high R-value of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm air mattress makes it good for camping in cold weather. It is comfortable as well and made from a premium fabric that lasts for many years. To make trips fan, the company offers a free pump and sack with each one.
2. Coleman Inflatable Airbed
Coleman products are durable and designed to work seamlessly in harsh environments. This inflatable airbed, for instance, is a travel-worthy accessory that will make your camping trips fun.
Coleman Inflatable Airbed has a battery-operated fan that inflates it fast while setting up a sleeping area. You also get an insulated zip-on topper that creates a plush and warm sleeping area. You can remove and clean the tipper when needed.
Coleman has an R-value of around 2.75 and is therefore suitable for camping in cold areas. Moreover, if you are a heavy unit and need a slot of support while sleeping, this is the product for you. It has 48 in-built coils that offer better support to offer a comfortable sleep. All parts are leak-free (seams and double lock valve). Inflated fully, it will retain its shape for as long as you need.
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Our Verdict:
The double-sealed seams of a Coleman air mattress are leak-proof. It also has a warm zippered top (2.75 R-value) and 48 coils that spread the weight of users to deliver better sleep. You will like it.
3. KingCamp Anti-Rollover Air Mattress Pad Bed
KingCamp is a 3.9-inch air-sleeping pad that creates a comfortable sleeping area in cars/tents. It is also lighter than traditional sleeping bags, making it one of the best for hiking, camping, and backpacking. You will love the superior design of this air-sleeping pad. Its top, for instance, is stretchy 30D polyester (100%) with a TUP coating. The material is warm, comfortable, and withstands abuse for long. You can haul it to and from the mountain a few times without it ripping. Seams are leak-proof while its spacious design (76.8×51.2×3.9- 5.1 inches) can fit two adults. Thus, camping with a spouse will be fun.
KingCamp weighs 4.4 pounds. As such, you can roll and carry it in a backpack without taking up the whole space. It also has a premium valve system that enables you to inflate it in two ways. You can use your mouth or a battery-operated pump to get it to work. Each air mattress has two free repair kits and a one-year warranty.
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Our Verdict:
KingCamp is one of the few air mattress pads that you can inflate by mouth. Though light, it is comfortable and lasts for many years.
4. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir All Season Mattress
With Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, expect a 20×72-inch all-season camping mattress that weighs just 1.5 pounds. Therefore, it is a perfect travel item for women and men who love camping. Its top is 100%, which is soft yet durable.
Moreover, it has reflective ThermaCapture layers that reflect body heat to keep people warm. During a chilly night, you can use it on the ground without feeling cold or irritated.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir is popular among campers due to its ease of use. Its speed valve, for instance, enables you to inflate it by mouth, eliminating the need for pumps. Thus, you can create a stable and supple loft easily, which is a plus. You get a free repair kit for fixing leaks and a stuff sack for safe storage when not in use.
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Our Verdict:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir has a warm, stable, and supple loft that is comfortable all year. Its polyester top is smooth and durable, while a free repair kit in the package will help you to repair leaks.
5. Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress
Etekcity has an upgraded high loft design (9-inches) that offers a soothing “bedroom” experience outdoors. It is large (queen-size) and has an inflatable design that is easy to set up when needed. The rechargeable air pump built into the air mattress does the heavy lifting for you. It is robust, quiet, and has a 2-year warranty.
Etekcity is a USA-made product, liked for its longevity. The top has passed all US-CA prop 65 tests, making it one of the safest in the niche. It is also durable, soft, and has a wave beam interior that creates a stable yet and soft platform. It supports 650 Ibs.
The multi-layer flocked top of Etekcity is not only puncture proof but also waterproof. It does not leech water when rain on and dries faster to stop the growth of mildew or mold. It is also thicker than similar brands (up to 20%) looks stunning (brown and white).
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Our Verdict:
Etekcity is a puncture-proof air mattress for camping made from a leak-proof PVC fabric. It is comfortable, durable, and portable.
Final Thoughts
Air mattresses for camping create a comfortable resting area for adults and kids. They are portable and made from water-resistant materials that are ever warm. If you are tired of carrying a heavy camping cot or sleeping on the floor while camping, buy one now.