A comprehensive guide to find the best camping mattress for your needs. Be it a narrow double (queen), single, roll-up, extra-wide, self inflating or bed-frame/mattress combo you are looking for, look no further: I’ve dug out the best camping mattresses for you.
So if you’ve had enough of adding extra days to your leave from work just to regenerate after sleeping it rough, you probably need a decent camping mattress. Just like with other mattresses, a good mattress can make a huge difference to your mood and state of mind. After all, it’s hard to enjoy any break while having a massive pain in the back.
Let’s have a look which are the best camping mattresses for a good night’s sleep in a tent.
Best Camping Mattress 2021
- Best roll-up camping mattress HiHiker Camping Sleeping Pad
- Best self inflating camping mattress EnerPlex Never-leak
- Best single camping mattress Better Habitat Certi-Pur
- Best extra-wide camping mattress ZOOOBELIVES Airlive 2000P
- Best camping mattress for bad back WELLAX FlexFoam camping mattress
- Best lightweight camping mattress Sleepingo Camping Mattress
- Best camping mattress for couples: Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D
Better Habitat CertiPUR-US SleepReady Memory Foam Camping Mattress
Better Habitat Certi-PUR – click on the image for more pictures
If you’re tired of crappy air mattresses that offer poor comfort and durability, this memory foam mattress from Better Habitat is a great upgrade.
While slightly more expensive than other mattresses, the 3″ thick foam and quick roll-and-go compactness are just a few of the features that justify the price.
The machine-washable hypoallergenic cover, which blocks allergens and dust mites for all you allergy sufferers, is where it really shines.
The bottom is nice and grippy, storing it is simple with the top-loaded carrying bag, and it still provides amazing support to people weighing 230 pounds or more. Certainly one of the better foam mattress options available.
Why you’ll love it
- Roll-Up for Easy Carrying and Storage
- Hypoallergenic Cover
- 3 Inches of Thick Support
- Kids, Single and Twin Sized Options
EnerPlex Never-Leak
EnerPlex Never-Leak – click on the image for more pictures
With a name like Never-Leak, you better be sure you’re selling a legitimate product.
Fortunately, Enerplex does not let down. This mattress inflates in 2 minutes using the included pump (which does require a power source) and is available in twin or queen sizes, as well as two colour options.
You won’t be able to feel the ground beneath you thanks to the 9-inch coil-beam construction, which is designed to provide firm support for proper back alignment.
It caters to heavier weight loads, is waterproof, and comes with a 2-year warranty. It has an airtight valve and multiple charger options (use your car while camping).
Why you’ll love it:
- Heavy duty
- 2-year warranty
- 90 seconds inflating
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D – click on the image for more pictures
The Mondo King is Therm-a-Rest’s exclusive top notch product. It’s ideal for use at campsites, on boats, or when relatives come to visit.
It is quite unique in a sense that it is a self-inflating camping mattress, but it also has a foam core.
This mattress also has a fascinating feature in that you can add many pads to it to make one big bed, and the distance between mattresses is almost non-existent due to how they interlock. It is made of high-quality materials and, when combined with the foam core, provides a lot of stability on uneven surfaces.
Anyone hoping for a luxurious night’s sleep, should think about this alternative.
Why you’ll love it
- Made in USA
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 2 sizes: large (75″ x 25″) and XX-Large (80″ x 30″)
- Interlocking with other mattresses, easy to double it up
Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
Sleepingo Sleeping Pad – click on the image for more pictures
If you need something lightweight for your backpacking travels, this inflatable sleeping pad is a perfect choice.
With dimensions of 75 x 25 x 2 inches and a compact size of a water-bottle, this pad is designed for single-person use.
It is surprisingly tough for such a small object, as it is made of 20D heavy-duty nylon that can survive tears and spills.
It is ultralight, weighs only 14.5 oz (0.5 kgs), so it really is hard to notice when tucked away in your backpack.
The Sleepingo camping sleeping pad is designed for side or back sleepers and will not bottom out no matter how you sleep. The air cells raise you throughout the night, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready to go.
While there is no weight restriction, if you weigh 350 pounds or more, add an extra breath or two for extra support.
If you have any issues with your Sleepingo mattress, they provide a hassle-free lifetime replacement, and at this price range, it’s an easy option to make.
Why you’ll love it
- Ultralight and convenient to carry
- Heavy duty, tear-resistant material
- Lifetime warranty
- More than friendly price-point
WELLAX UltraThick FlexFoam Sleeping Pad
WELLAX Ultra-thick Camping Mattress – click on the image for more pictures
The WELLAX 3″ ultra thick sleeping pad provides your body with the optimal comfort and warmth your body craves for after a long day. The perfect choice for a good night’s sleep and mornings without back-pain.
As your weight is supported by the UltraFlex Memory Foam mattress, you will experience no back pain or annoying discomfort from rocky terrain or bumps beneath your feet while sleeping.
The WELLAX UltraThick sleeping pad rolls out from a compact 10 x 7 inch size to 77 x 28 inches, and then self-inflates to a 3 inches of thick padding for a restful night’s sleep.
The high insulation rating makes this an appealing option if you are sleeping in colder weather, and the size makes it ideal for all body types.
The fabrics used are of great quality, this sleeping pad is virtually tear resistant thanks to the rip-stop material, and has has an R value of 9.5.
Why you’ll love it
- extra thick, no more back pain
- tear-resistant
HiHiker Camping Sleeping Bag
HiHiker Sleeping Bag – click on the image for more pictures
HiHiker claims that this compact backpacking sleeping bag won’t strain your neck, and thanks to the pillow that comes with the bag you’ll sleep as comfortably as at home.
Well, bold claims, but that’s true that Hihiker has included a soft travel pillow in the outdoor gear set to provide support for your neck and head and to prevent strains.
This travel sleeping bag is easy to pack away, lightweight, making it incredibly easy to transport and ideal for backpackers on the hike
It is also a 4-season sleeping bag from 25 degrees F: the heat retention technology and stitching will keep you warm on a cold night, and the double sided zippers will allow you to open the sleeping bag and get some fresh air.
Both the mattress and pillow are fully waterproof and machine washable, and the ergonomically designed pillow also doubles as lower lumbar support when sitting upright.
Traveling with a 75-inch bed has never been easier because it rolls up to a relative compact size (around 20 litres) and is made of durable, ripstop material that will last for years.
Why you’ll love it
- choice of plenty of colors
- 4-season sleeping bag
- lifetime warranty
YISSVIC Camping Mattress with Built-in Pillow
YISSIVIC camping mattress – click on the image for more pictures
The YISSVIC sleeping pad is a great choice if you are looking for comfort, durability and ease of transport in a camping camping mattress, for a very friendly price tag.
The YISSVIC camping mattress’ surface is made of 40D nylon, which is both wear-resistant and moisture-proof. The inside structure is comprised of TPU, which has great bearing capacity and impact resistance, making this camping mat ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities.
The mat is 3 inches / 10cm thick, so you won’t feel like you’re on the ground.
It is very easy to inflate in minutes thanks to its built in hand/foot-pump, the inflated size is 74″ x 262 / 190 x 65 cm. Deflating is even easier, and it rolls up into the carry bag, which has a size of only 31 x 15cm.
Why you’ll love it
- Built-in pillow
- Built-in pump
- 40D durable nylon top
- Thick and comfortable
ALPS Mountaineering Outback Self-Inflating Mat
ALP Mountaineering Outback – click on the image for more pictures
This mat has a vertical core for added strength. Vertical coring improves airflow during deflation, making this mat easy to roll up with just one person.
ALPS makes this 4-inch thick mat in both large and extra-large sizes, so you’ll always have loads of room.
With taking pride in using quality materials, the Outback uses 30D fabric on the top, which makes it elastic and soft. The base is made of 150D plastic, which offers the mat a lot of grip and stability wherever you set it down.
This camping mattress has an R value of 8.5 which is great to keep you warm.
ALPS also includes a repair kit in case of a leak. The 2-foot carrying bag allows you to take it wherever you wish to rest your tired head.
Why you’ll love it
- High quality materials
- Great comfort, extra thick mattress
- Vertical cores for added strength and ease of use
ZOOOBELIVES Airlive 2000P Extra Wide Camping Mattress
ZOOOBELIVES Airlive 2000P – click on the image for more pictures
The Airlive2000p is a thick camping mattress with plenty of plush support. With an R-value of 4 it is preventing cold getting you from the ground.
Fully inflated, it measures 76″ x 28.7″ x 4″, so it’s a a good 4-5 inches wider than other camping mattresses. You’ll be pleased to hear that this camping mattress has a built in pump which inflates in 2-3 minutes, but it does not need electricity.
The Airlive 2000P is easy to carry and transport thanks to it’s packed size of 12″ x 6.7″, and it comes in a zipped drawstring stuff sack. It weighs only 3.9 lbs.
Why you’ll love it
- Extra wide
- Built in pump
- 4″ thickness and extra cushioning
Summary
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what defines a good outdoor bed. Consider where you will use a mattress, who will sleep on it, how luxury you want it to be, and how frequently you will use it. Nothing is more frustrating than losing a night’s sleep because of your bed, but any of the options we’ve offered will make it a little easier to get that relaxing (and much longed for) sleep out in the wild.
Frequently asked questions
What does the R-value of mattress mean?
R-Value is a measure of how much resistance to heat transfer your mattress has. The higher the R-value of a sleeping pad or a mattress, the greater it will resist heat transfer and keep you insulated from the ground.
What is the best camping mattress material?
Polyester and nylon are the most commonly used materials in camping mattresses. Nylon provides a high level of durability, whereas polyester is waterproof and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for campers with children.
You might be interested: Tent materials, fabrics, specifications and all the acronyms. FAQ.
How much does a camping mattress weigh?
Camping mattresses come in a variety of sizes and weights – it all depends on your camping style. Some mattresses fit neatly in a truck bed, while others are ideal for single sleepers, and larger mattresses are ideal for multi-person tents. The only time you need be concerned with mattress weight is if you intend to transport it for an extended length of time.
How to clean a camping mattress?
To get the most out of your camping mattress, clean it after every time someone sleeps on it.
Most of the dirt that has accumulated on it, should be easy to remove with a moist cloth or sponge dampened with warm water and mild soap.
After it has dried, a little sprinkle of baking soda will keep any unpleasant odours away.
How to store a camping mattress?
Inflatable mattresses are very easy to store because they deflate and just roll up easily to a relatively compact size.
To reduce the possibility of moisture, larger foam mattresses can be stored upright or flat in a cold, dry environment.
On top these, there are some foam mattresses that are particularly popular due to they roll-up