Camping is an excellent way to explore the wilderness and it will become much more enjoyable if you have the best air mattress for camping. All veteran campers know the importance of a good night sleep and that is why you should pay attention to your sleeping option. After a day of hiking and walking, sleeping on an air mattress is the best way to revitalize your body for the road ahead. Compare to the hard, unforgiving and potentially cold ground, air mattresses shall take good care of your tired muscle and joint. You would wake up fresh and free of pain, which is a promising start to a new day full of activities, by sleeping on an air mattress.
However, with many models and variants around, it’s definitely not easy to choose the best air mattress for camping without careful consideration. In the case you are confused by the sheer number of market products, you should take a look at this article. It consists of reviews of air mattresses that earn worldwide recognition due to their performance and quality. Besides camping air mattress reviews, you would find a detailed guide on how to find the best camping air mattress for your needs as well.
Contents
Top 10 Best Air Mattress For Camping Reviews
| Best Camping Air Mattress | Size | Pump | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoundAsleep Dream Series - Best of the Best | Queen | Patented 1-click internal pump | $$$$$ | ***** |
| Coleman Airbed Folding Cot - Editor's Choice | Queen | 4D battery-operated pump | $$$$$ | ***** |
| Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress - Editor's Choice | Queen | 2 patented never FLAT pumps | $$$$$ | ***** |
| Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam - Best Bang for the Buck | Queen | 1 built-in electric pump | $$$ | **** |
| Coleman SupportRest Double High | Queen - Twin | No | $$$$ | **** |
| Intex Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised | Twin | 1 built-in electric pump | $$$ | **** |
| Coleman SupportRest Elite Double High Airbed | Twin | No | $$$$ | **** |
| Intex Pillow Rest Classic Airbed | Queen | 1 built-in electric pump | $$$ | *** |
| SoundAsleep Camping Series | Queen - Twin | 1 heavy duty rechargable battery pump | $$$$ | **** |
| ALPS Mountaineering Rechargeable Air Bed | Queen - Twin | State-of-the-Art Pump System | $$$$ | *** |
1. SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress | Best Of The Best
Specification
- Dimensions: 78 x 58 x 19 Inches
- Weight Rating: 500 Pounds
Why It’s The Best
Come with 40 internal air for back support, SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress is truly the best air mattress for camping in term of durability and comfort. It’s able to handle a combined weight of 500 Pounds so almost everyone could use the mattress with no trouble. The SoundAsleep mattress utilizes waterproof and puncture-resistant materials which ensure consistent performance even in less than ideal camping conditions. As an inflatable mattress with built-in pump, it could get fully inflated in 4 minutes without human interaction.
To ensure customer satisfaction, SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress allows you to neatly adjust the firmness as you see fit. By removing adding air, you could adjust the firmness of the mattress until its firmness matches your taste. To prevent unexpected sliding in the middle of the night, the SoundAsleep mattress employs a highly efficient “Sure-Grip” bottom. Beside the mattress, you would be provided with a carry bag to store the mattress when it’s deflated. In the case you like this mattress but want something smaller, there is also a twin size version. It possesses all features of its queen size counterpart along with an affordable price tag.
Pros
- Come with a reasonable price tag
- High endurance and respectable comfort
- The best inflatable mattress with built-in pump
Cons
- The cord of the pump is slightly short
- Incompatible with standard sheet
2. Coleman Airbed Folding Cot | Editor’s choice
Specification
- Dimensions: 78 x 59 x 22 Inches
- Weight Rating: 600 Pounds
Why This Is An Editor’s Choice
For people that want to stay off the ground, Coleman Airbed Folding Cot is an excellent choice with its sturdy frame and elevated sleeping position. Thanks to the use of high-quality steel, the Coleman air mattress could handle up to 600 pounds and accommodate people as tall as 6 feet 2. To give it a feel of a real bed and improve its usefulness, the cot is equipped with side tables for you to leave your belonging. Cup holders are also available which make this product the best air mattress for camping when it comes to customer convenience.
To inflate the mattress, Coleman Airbed Folding Cot comes with a 4D external battery-operated pump but you have to purchase the batteries separately. Since the cot incorporates Coleman airtight system and double valve layout, you don’t have to worry about leakage and similar issues. While it’s strong and stable, you could put the cot away with relative ease at moment notice.
Pros
- Quite versatile and stable
- A nice outdoor air mattress
- Hold in high regard by many Coleman air mattresses reviews
Cons
- The pump performance is mediocre
- Cumbersome and tricky to fold
3. Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress | Editor’s choice
Specification
- Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 18 Inches
- Weight Rating: 500 Pounds
Why This Is An Editor’s Choice
Featuring two built-in pumps, Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress is capable of offering top-notch comfort all night long. From the outside, it looked like a standard inflatable mattress with built-in pump but it actually possesses an innovative arrangement. Instead of only one pump like conventional products, the Insta-Bed mattress comes with 2 pumps: a primary and a secondary. The purpose of the primary pump is to inflate mattress while the secondary pump monitor and restore air pressure if needed.
Because of the pumps, Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress could be inflated in a short amount of time and stay that way through the night. Generally speaking, the Insta-Bed mattress is a top of the line air mattress with built-in pump. To change the firmness of the mattress, all you have to do to is to turn the dial to your preferred setting, there are 3 setting for you to choose: plush, medium and firm. With 35 circular coils on the sleeping surface, the mattress provides excellent support to your muscles and joints.
Pros
- Offer good value for its price
- A quality queen air mattress with built-in pump
- One of the best adjustable-firmness mattresses around
Cons
- Quality control is just barely acceptable
- Customers complain about loud pump operation
4. Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed | Best Bang For The Buck
Specification
- Dimensions: 60 x 18 x 80 Inches
- Weight Rating: 600 Pounds
Why We Love It
Possessing hassle-free operations and a high powered built-in pump, Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed is considered by many campers to be the best Intex air mattress in term of price. In fact, several Intex air mattress reviews have called it the best air mattress for camping on the market. With a lot of sleeping space, it’s also the best camping mattress for couples. It only takes 4.5 minutes for the mattress to get inflated which clearly show the power of the pump. The mattress top section is waterproof and because of the indented sides, your sheet would not slip away on its own while you are sleeping.
At a height of 18 inches, Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed is most comfortable camping bed which makes it easy for people to get on and off. The fiber-tech construction of the mattress contributes a lot to its admirable durability and versatility in camping conditions. In general, you could inflate the mattress using the built-in pump as long as there is a 110 – 120V electric outlet around. Nonetheless, you could always use an external pump if needed.
Pros
- Powerful built-in pump
- The best cheap air mattress
- Excellent inflatable mattress for camping
Cons
- Customer service is less than helpful
- Some user experience leaking issue
5. Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed | A Robust Air Mattress For Everyone
Specification
- Dimensions: 75 x 39 x 18 Inches
- Weight Rating: 300 Pounds
Why We Love It
Designed with the user convenience in mind, Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed possesses extra cushion, stable body and straightforward operation. The mattress is compatible with Coleman 4D pump but conventional rechargeable and battery operated pump could work too. While it only able to support a modest weight of 300 pounds, the mattress is nonetheless a quality product, especially for single person use. Therefore, if you intend to go camping on your own, this is the best air mattress for camping you can get.
Since all products were factory tested to be completely leak-free, Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed would offer consistent performance as time goes by. In its deflated form, the Coleman mattress is quite compact which mean you could carry it around conveniently and effortlessly. The mattress possesses a Wrap ‘N’ Roll built-in storage system so you need to fold, roll and store after it’s deflated. In conclusion, this is the best camping air mattress in term of simplicity.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Easy to use and simple to store
- The best inflatable camping mattress for single person use
Cons
- The firmness is not impressive
- Too tall for certain types of tents
6. Intex Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised Airbed | The Best Twin Air Mattress With Built-In Pump
Specification
Dimensions: 39 x 18 x 75 Inches
Weight Rating: 300 Pounds
Why We Love It
Quality and affordable, Intex Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is the best air mattress for camping in the twin size category. Because of the powerful built-in pump, the mattress could be inflated in less than 4 minutes with the touch of a button. The elevated height of the mattress provides commendable stability as well as makes it easy for you to get on/off. Since the top section is indented, it’s very easy to use standard twin size sheet.
To enhance customer convenience, Intex Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised Airbed employs a highly efficient and reliable 3-in-1 valve to simplify the inflating and deflating process. Because of that, you could adjust the firmness of the mattress until you are satisfied. As the Intex product possesses built-in pillow, it’s able to provide bed-like comfort to its user. About its deployment, you should set up the mattress on a level ground that is free of debris for maximum comfort.
Pros
- Come with a convenient storage bag.
- The best camping air mattress for standard trips.
- Waterproof top with vinyl beams and built-in pillow
Cons
- Tend to stretch after initial inflation.
- The weight rating is not exactly high.
7. Coleman SupportRest Elite Double High Airbed | The Best Blow Up Bed In Term Of Hygiene
Specification
- Dimensions: 75 x 39 x 18 Inches
- Weight Rating: 300 Pounds
Why We Love It
Come with an antimicrobial-treated sleeping surface, Coleman SupportRest Elite Double High Airbed is resistant to mildew, mold, odor and fungus. If you care a lot about personal hygiene, this Coleman mattress would definitely not let you down. Because the mattress is specifically designed for both outdoor and indoor uses, it’s called the best mattress for camping in term of hygiene as well as a top of the line bed for house guests.
Thanks to the high-quality SwiftRise 120V built-in pump, Coleman SupportRest Elite Double High Airbed could get ready in only 2 minutes. An excellent combination of Double Lock valve and AirTight system let you keep the firmness of the mattress at the desired level throughout the night. The mattress could be fitted with twin size sheet and while its weight rating is not remarkable, it’s adequate for single person use.
Pros
- Antimicrobial-treated sleeping surface
- The pump is strong and simple to operate
- Compatible with conventional twin sheets
Cons
- The air chambers could have been constructed better
- Not the best camping air mattress for tall and heavy people
8. Intex Pillow Rest Classic Airbed | A Quality Airbed With A Reasonable Price tag
Specification
- Dimensions: 60 x 9 x 80 Inches
- Weight Rating: 600 Pounds
Why We Love It
If you want to get the best inflatable air mattress but unable to afford expensive products, Intex Pillow Rest Classic Airbed shall be an excellent alternative. The built-in pump is a high-quality device and it could inflate the mattress in approximately 2.5 minutes. In order to ensure customer satisfaction, the top section of the mattress is waterproof and possesses built-in pillow. Therefore, the mattress performs well in camping environment and it feels just like a real bed.
However, Intex Pillow Rest Classic Airbed is a vinyl product so it’s not the best mattress for camping in term of durability. It could get punctured, torn or cut if you treat it roughly so remember to handle it gently. Furthermore, you should not use a pair of scissors or a box cutter to go through the packaging. You may accidentally slice through the mattress with those sharp tools which mean it’s probably better for you to use your hand.
Pros
- Waterproof sleeping surface
- Come with a handy duffle bag
- High weight rating and spacious
Cons
- Not an ideal blow up mattress for car
- The durability could use some improvements
9. SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress | Durable and Eco-friendly
Specification
- Dimensions: 78.75 x 63 x 8.5 Inches
- Weight Rating: 600 Pounds
Why We Love It
Due to the use of Eco-Friendly PVC which is designed for outdoor environment, SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress possesses excellent endurance. As a result, it could withstand abrasion and graze from foreign objects without being damaged. The SureGrip bottom of the mattress prevents it from sliding on its own while you are sleeping. To inflate mattress, you would be a provided with an external pump which could inflate the mattress in under 3 minutes. The pump is rechargeable so you could charge it at home or in the car.
While SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress does lose some air during the initial stretching phase, it’s not a big issue. For most of the time, the mattress ability to maintain firmness is admirable and there is nothing to worry about. With a weight rating of 600 pounds, the SoundAsleep mattress could accommodate 2 adults or 3 kids without problems. In the case the external pump dies unexpectedly, you could always other conventional pumps.
Pros
- Thick and tough
- Carry bag included
- Perfect for outdoor camping trips.
Cons
- The pump generates a lot of noise
- The valve could have been done better.
10. ALPS Mountaineering Rechargeable Air Bed | An Excellent Product With Premium Grade Comfort
Specification
- Dimensions: 60 x 80 x 8.5Inches
- Weight Rating: 500 Pound
Why We Love It:
Whether it’s camping trip in the wilderness or a sleepover, ALPS Mountaineering Rechargeable Air Bed is all you need for a good night sleep. Using top-of-the-line-fabric and efficient coil construction, the ALPS mattress possesses commendable durability and comfort. All mattresses are factory tested so only flawless products could reach the customer. It could provide a lot of sleeping space and should be able to fit in most camping tents in circulation.
To inflate and deflate ALPS Mountaineering Rechargeable Air Bed, the manufacturer provide you with a convenient rechargeable pump. It only take slightly more than a minute for the pump to get the mattress ready. When it’s time to pack up your stuff and go home, the pump require less than 1.5 minute to deflate the airbed. The pump come with a wall and a car charger so you could charge it wherever you want.
Pros
- Soft and plush
- Strong pump
- Tough fabric
Cons
- Several customers complain about leakage
- The pump doesn’t last very long
Characteristics Of The Best Air Mattress For Camping
Comfort And Thickness
Not everyone will agree on what is the best air mattress for camping on the market. No one could guarantee that the best air mattress on Amazon could satisfy your need and requirement. There is no such thing as the perfect product for everyone so it’s wise not to make your final decision without incorporating your own needs and requirements. Similar to the house mattress, the comfort and thickness of your camping mattress is purely a matter of personal preferences. The camper sleeping style also has a considerable influence on features like air bladder construction and valve design. Recommendations are useful but don’t depend on them alone.
Fortunately, products listed in this article are quite comfortable to most people whether they are back sleepers, side sleepers or stomach sleepers. If you want to know more about the connection between your sleeping comfort and the air mattress thickness in order to pick the best air mattress for camping, here are some general guidelines:
- Side sleepers: Side sleeping involves putting a lot of weight on your hip and shoulder so you should go after mattresses with a minimum thickness of 3 inches.
- Back sleepers: Depending on personal taste, back sleepers could use air mattresses with a thickness of 2 inches.
- Stomach sleepers: As this sleeping position is not exactly comfortable itself, you may want to use a premium grade air mattress with a thickness of 4 inches or above it.
Width And Length
Compare to their compact backpacking cousins, camping air mattresses are much bigger though most people do appreciate the extra sleeping space. The sizable size of camping airbeds is also an attractive feature for campers that tend to roll around in their sleep. Tall people always prefer to sleep on a large mattress as well. For the width, camping pads usually have a width between 25 and 30 inches and reach up to 60 inches in the case of queen size airbeds. For the length, standard mattresses often possess a length between 85 and 77 inches but 72 inch long products do exist.
Thermal Insulation (R-Value)
The insulation characteristic of a conventional air mattress is measured in R-Value, the higher number the better the insulation. A couple of manufacturers may not provide information about the R-Value of their products but you should keep an eye out for it nonetheless. Technically speaking, your best air mattress for camping should have an R-Value that matches the condition of your trip.
In the summer heat, products with an R-Value of 1 or 2 should be sufficient for most of the time. For 3 season use, the recommended R-Value is 3 and you should not go below that. If you intend to go on a winter camping trip, your inflatable air sleeping bed needs to have an R-Value of 5 or higher.
Weight And Bulk
Compare to backpacking, camping is far more flexible when it comes to inventory weight and item dimension. In fact, campers tend to prioritize comfort and durability over weight and bulk since they don’t actually have to carry everything on their back. That being said, you should not go overboard with your air mattress, especially if you don’t have a lot of space in your rig. Therefore, before you buy a massive king size air bed mattress, make you have the room for it. Of course, you need to take into account the space required by other camping items as well. Having the best air mattress for camping means nothing if you ignore other requirements of the trip.
Inflate And Deflate
Nowadays, many manufacturers incorporate self-inflating technology into their products so the customers don’t have to manually inflate the mattress by themselves. Most air pads in the category have a similar feature and that is the twist valve. By opening the valve, the pads will inflate on their own though you probably have to blow a couple of additional breathes to get them fully inflated. Sizable air pads could come with 2 twist valves to shorten the time it takes for the mattress to inflate and deflate.
For large mattresses such as an airbed, it’s pretty much impossible to manually inflate them so some sort of pump would be provided to the customers. There are 2 kinds of pumps: External pumps and built-in pumps. External pumps are usually battery operated and while they are not fast, these pumps do save you a lot of breath. On the other hand, an air mattress with built-in pump could be inflated within a blink of an eye without requiring human interaction. In fact, most air mattresses that are called the best air mattress for camping often come with a built-in pump.
Price And Quality
As with any other purchase, you get what you pay for. For example, the best king size air mattress is most likely come with an expensive price tag. Since you are stuck with your mattress for the length of trip, it’s advised that you get something that could last. There is no need to strain your wallet to get a top of the line mattress when you only need a basic product. It’s advised that you go after a mattress that is a balance between your camping comfort and your financial capability. With excellent models scattered across all price range, you should be able to locate your best air mattress for camping with an affordable price as long as you are willing to look.
Last Updated on January 1, 2022
