Updated on Aug. 22, 2024
After a day of pitching the tent in the woods, hiking or fishing, here are the best camping mattresses for a good night's sleep under the stars.
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Camping in the wilderness can be an amazing adventure but in reality, sleeping on the hard terra firma can be a less than comfortable experience.
Avoid sleepless nights even when roughing it by choosing the right camp mattress or sleeping pad. Here’s our rundown of the best camp mattresses to put a cushy layer of foam or air between you and the cold, hard ground.
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So you can stay toasty on frigid nights, the NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad places a warm barrier between you and the terrain. Trusted by mountaineers and winter backpackers, the NeoAir, with patented Triangular Core Matrix, delivers an outstanding warmth-per-ounce ratio with an R-value (insulation rating) of 6.9 to maintain proper body temperature, even in extreme conditions. It comes in multiple sizes and is super lightweight (about 1-1/2 lbs.). Plus, it squeezes into a bag the size of a water bottle. Pump sack, stuff sack and repair kit included.
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Memory foam has revolutionized the sleep industry, so it stands to reason that a comfy camp mattress would be made of it as well. The Better Habitat CertiPUR-US SleepReady memory foam floor and camping mattress is a three-inch solid memory foam pad that conforms to the body and provides temperature control and pain-relieving support as you snooze. This Better Habitat mattress will never deflate during the night and comes with a fitted, waterproof terrycloth sheet and non-slip, water-resistant bottom for extra moisture protection.
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Comfort is important when backpacking, but so is weight and pack size. The high-tech Nemo Switchback foam sleeping pad covers all the bases. Weighing a mere two pounds, the pad has a metalized thermal film layer to trap more warmth around campers’ bodies, even at high altitudes. And despite being less than an inch thick, the Axiotomic dual-density foam optimizes compression and resists abrasion, providing outstanding comfort when it’s time to hit the sack out on the open trail.
The queen-size REI Co-op Camp Dreamer Double Self-Inflating Deluxe Bed provides couples with one of the softest places to land after a full day exploring the great outdoors. The sleep system comes complete with a four-inch-thick air mattress that can actually self-inflate, taking away one of the most frustrating parts of setting up your camp sleep situation. Because the mattress is on the heavier side (a little under 10 pounds), it’s best suited for van and RV camping. It also boasts an R-value of 6.6, which makes it best for adventures in extreme cold conditions.
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You’d be hard-pressed to find a better camp mattress for the price ($39) than the Coleman Self-inflating camping pad with pillow. The durable, water-resistant polyester shell offers individual campers extra cushioning thanks to its soft, tufted design. It has a built-in pillow so there’s no more supporting your head and neck with a rock-like backpack and the clever compression straps make it effortless to squeeze out the air as you roll it up.
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Snuggled atop the deluxe Hest Sleep System Sleeping Pad ($399), you might think you’ve been booked into the Ritz. The top-of-the-line pad with two-layered, open-cell foam construction, hugs the body to relieve pressure while keeping the spine in proper alignment. If you’re prone to aches and pains or suffer from nagging lumbar issues, this glamorous camping mattress may prove to be worth the extra Benjamins you’ll spend.
The spiritual successor to the brand’s Velocity Air Bed, which was forty percent lighter than many other air mattresses on the market, the ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed has an internal coil system to distribute weight more evenly, creating a firm surface to cradle the body comfortably. The twin mattress supports up to 250 pounds and the queen, up to 500 pounds, yet weighs less than four and five pounds, respectively. You can recharge the AC/DC electric pump using a wall or car charger, and it inflates and deflates the bed with a flip of a switch. Comes with 110V AC, 12V DC and universal valve adapters and a lifetime warranty.
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Going glamping in a yurt or want to sleep up off the floor of your tent? The Coleman camping cot and air mattress combo is a great choice. Supported by a strong steel frame, the mattress’ AirTight system and Double Lock valve have been factory tested to be leak-free. Not only that, the bed incorporates slide-out side tables with cupholders and, because it sits off the ground, there’s room underneath to store your camping gear, giving you more room to spread out and relax. Want more? These are the best camping cots for all types of campers.
We started by looking for single-sleeper and two-person options in various styles and price points. We evaluated value based on brand trustworthiness, expert reviews and customer testimonials. Finally, we used our expertise to select the top picks, covering a range of styles and budgets.
Some air mattresses are designed for outdoor use and can go directly on the ground, but adding a ground cloth or closed-cell foam pad can increase comfort and warmth. The R-value is cumulative, so extra layers help with insulation.
Not necessarily. Air mattresses lift you off the ground, which can help with insulation, but sleeping pads designed for cold weather may provide better warmth. Sleeping pads are typically heavier, so warmth and weight are a trade-off.
A mattress pad can add comfort and warmth to an air mattress, though it increases the bulk. You’ll need to weigh the added comfort against the extra weight and space it takes up.
