Best camping air mattress Trying to get to sleep on the cold, hard ground can be a challenge even for the most fervid nature lover. If you have issues like a bad back or joint pain, those can be exacerbated by a too-hard surface. But that doesn't mean you have to give up what you love. For serious backpackers and campers, we recommend the Therm-A-Rest Basecamp (Est. $60 to $80) sleeping pad. This self-inflating air mattress gets a lot of love for its light weight, extreme durability and ease of use. It comes in three sizes, regular, large and extra-large. To inflate, you merely unroll the mattress, open a valve and allow it to self-inflate. Inflation comes courtesy of an expanding foam core. Most say they unroll this sleeping pad as soon as they hit camp because it can take a while to get full inflation, but some say they speed things up by adding a few lungfuls of air. In addition, some users say that the more you use it, the quicker and more consistently the Basecamp works.
You can see a complete list of the Basecamp sleeping pad's specs on the Therm-A-Rest website, but it's notable that despite being only two inches thick, users say it provides a surprisingly cushy level of protection. Back sleepers are particularly pleased; most side sleepers are as well, but some of the latter say that it's not quite thick enough for them. The Basecamp is made from 75-denier (denier is a thickness measurement used for threads and fabrics) polyester and is so durable that the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty. Many users say that the Therm-A-Rest Basecamp is plenty light enough to be used for backpacking, but there are others who prefer to pack lighter and say this sleep pad is best for car camping. For those who are hiking for the long haul, we recommend another Therm-A-Rest sleep pad, the Therm-A-Rest ProLite (Est. $50 and up). This air mattress is also self-inflating and comes in four sizes, extra-small, small, regular and large. All are extremely lightweight at 9 ounces (extra-small), 12 ounces (small), 1.2 pounds (regular) and 1.8 pounds (large).
Users rave about how small and light the ProLite feels in a pack and are surprised that it can be so comfortable, even though it's only one inch thick. However, that thin of a pad is not for everyone; and some say they use it more for insulation than for comfort. Not everyone needs a serious backpacking sleep pad, and for those who just want a basic air mattress for their tent or cabin, the Coleman Quickbed (Est. $35 and up) is a popular, affordable option. It also comes in a twin, full and queen sizes. Coleman air mattresses have been around for many years and are beloved by casual campers who say that these super-inexpensive mattress are an amazing value: comfortable, easy to inflate and deflate, and very good at retaining air. They also like the built-in carrier, which makes it easier to transport the mattress. One major caveat is that this mattress doesn't come with a pump. Coleman offers several compatible models -- including the Coleman QuickPump (Est. $25), but adding one will almost double the cost of the mattress.
The other downside of this mattress is durability; reviews indicate that its typical lifespan is three months to a year. The mattress does have a one-year warranty, but shipping costs aren't covered. Most owners say they just discard it when it stops inflating and that, for the price, it's not a big deal to just buy a new one. Another popular Quickbed option is the versatile Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed (Est. $50). This air mattress can be used as two separate twin beds, zipped together to make one king-size mattress, or stacked and snapped together for one double-high twin mattress. Like the Coleman Queen Quickbed, it comes with a built-in carrying bag but does not include a pump. Users find this mattress comfortable and easy to inflate, and they say it holds its air well. As we see with other Coleman mattress, its chief problem is durability. Many reviews say that one of the two twin mattresses either had a leak when purchased or developed one soon afterward. Mattress Reviews - Summary
Memory Foam Mattress Reviews Memory Foam Hybrid Reviews Adjustable Bed Base Reviews Memory Foam Density - Higher Vs Lower Memory Foam Vs Latex Sleep Number Bed Reviews Tempurpedic vs Sleep Number Mattresses and Sex Comparison Mattresses and (Back) Pain Research Mattress Warranties: What You Should Know Buying a Mattress Online: What You Should Know Returning a Mattress: What You Should Know Mattress Buyer's Guide For Large, Heavy Persons Ratings > Temporary-use Air Mattress Reviews Air Mattresses For Temporary / Occasional Use Unbiased Review & Ratings Based on 25,889 Owner Experiences This page reviews air mattresses for temporary use, not those for regular use. THE GOOD: Often well suited for short-term, limited use • storable • lightweight • generally affordable • adjustable firmness • little or no break-in period. THE BAD: Durability and longevity often fair at best • fast air loss possible • high maintenance • non elevated models difficult to get up off.
THE MATTRESSES: Air mattresses are made of vinyl and often have a flocked top for warmth. A hand-powered or electric air pump is used for inflation. The mattresses are designed mainly for guest use, sleep overs, travel, and camping. THE COMPETITION: See the mattress price comparison for ratings on other low-priced mattresses that are often used on a temporary / occasional / light basis. Air Mattress Ratings: Overall As a Group The ratings – based on 25,000+ consumer reviews – show how temporary-use air mattresses compare to the average mattress. Air mattresses overall have 73% owner satisfaction. Owners who use them occasionally or for a short time tend to be more satisfied than owners who use them regularly or for an extended time. There can be variation in owner satisfaction among the many brands / models. About 75% of owners describe comfort as good or better. The rest say their mattress is uncomfortable due to an inability to hold air or due to excessive firmness.
Some owners add a topper to improve comfort. About 25% of owners report durability / longevity problems, mainly air leaks resulting from punctures, splitting seams, and or valve problems. Air mattresses have a lifespan on average of no more than one year with regular use. With occasional use, 1-4 years. $8-$185 depending on size / model / features. Some come with an air pump, others do not. Despite the low price, 20% of owners say value is average or worse because of poor durability / longevity. Easy to get on and off Getting on and up off a standard elevation air mattress placed on the floor can be difficult. Height tends to range 8 to 22 inches. Most air mattresses have a weight capacity of around 300 pounds. No initial odor / off gassing A significant chemical or plastic-like odor is reported by 8% of owners. The odor can last for several days or even weeks in some cases and can make sleeping on the bed unpleasant during this time. Moving on the bed may produce some noise, say about 9% of owners.
About 6% of owners report sleeping cold, while virtually no owners report sleeping hot. Firmness can be adjusted by adding / removing air. However, filling to maximum firmness may increase risk of developing air leaks. Unlike most conventional mattresses, air mattresses require little if any break-in period. Air mattresses are generally not well suited for couples. The movement of one person will often disturb another person on the bed with an up and down motion. The need to regularly add air is often required as the mattresses tend to lose a significant amount of air daily. Easy to move, lift, handle Air mattresses typically weigh 8-20 lbs making them easy to transport carry and store, unlike conventional mattresses. Warranties tend to range from no warranty to one year. Successfully filing a claim is often difficult. The table below compares air mattresses that have 77% or higher owner satisfaction based on a sample of 1000+ owner experiences.
AeroBed Inflatable Bed for Kids Sound A sleep Dream Series InstaBed Raised with Never Flat Pump Intex Pillow Rest with Built-in Electric Pump 50 by 25 inches has 4" surround safety cushion. above average customer service. has 2nd pump to monitor and maintain air pressure. pump often not included unlike other models listed here. Standard Elevation Vs Raised Air Mattresses Standard elevation air mattresses are 10 inches or lower in height, while raised air mattresses are over 10 inches high. Raised have the advantage of being more like a conventional bed in terms of height which makes getting on and up off of the bed easier. Raised have the disadvantage of being up to three times more expensive than standard elevation. Raised can also be somewhat wobbly and lack stability due to their height. About Our Temporary-Use Air Mattress Ratings and Research Ratings are based on 25,000+ consumer reviews of air mattresses including Aerobed, Sound A Sleep and Intex brands.
Data was gathered using an unbiased, accurate methodology. – About 25% of temporary-use air mattress owners report quality issues, mainly air leaks from punctures, splitting seams, or valve problems. Air leaks usually cause the mattress to be unusable. – Air mattresses tend to have little or no warranty protection. – Most owners say their air mattress is easy to use at least initially because inflating and deflating is simple and fast. – The mattresses are often considered high maintenance as air must be added on a regular basis. – About 75% of owners describe comfort as good or better. The rest say the bed is uncomfortable mainly due to an inability to hold air or due to excessive firmness. At Amazon: A Top-Rated Air Mattress SLEEP PRODUCT RESEARCH: Mattress Reviews • Mattress Topper Reviews • Pillow Reviews • Bed Sheet Reviews • White Noise Machine Reviews • Sleeping Pill Reviews • Sleep Hygiene Products may appear on this page,