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.Having the best queen air mattress for camping can turn an average trip into a great trip.
It goes without saying that having a soft and comfortable bed to sleep on in your tent is a lot better than sleeping on the ground with only a thin roll out foam pad between you and the cold earth.When it comes to choosing the right queen size air bed, there are a few considerations to make:Weight - How heavy is the air bed? This will matter more to you if you are doing some hiking as part of the trip. Comfort - The whole point in buying an air mattress is to increase your comfort levels.Durability - While it can come at a price, having an air mattress which will last you for years makes a lot of sense.Pump - How does the air mattress inflate? Does it have a built in pump which requires a generator? Or does it come with a battery powered pump, or even a manual pump?For more information on choosing the right air bed, check out our best air mattress guide. You might also like our post about the most comfortable camping bed. SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress Interior air coils = strength and comfortRequires a generator for power inflation4 min inflation
Includes headboardRequires a generator for power inflationFast & simple inflation Lightspeed Outdoors 2-Person PVC-Free Air Bed Pressure can be easily adjustedUses battery pump (included) for easy inflationVery lightweight Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set Includes two inflatable pillows and a hand pumpWaterproof and soft topEasy to transport The DetailsHas 40 air coils for maximum supportEasy to use one click pump for simple inflation and deflationWill pump up to full in under 4 minutesCan be used at home or when campingSlip proof bottom to prevent sliding aroundThick, soft and comfortable topComes with a one year guranteeComes with a carry bag Excellent durability - will last you for years Eas to use and inflates very quickly at the touch of a buttonExcellent customer serviceGreat comfortDeflates effectively and can be tightly stored awayGreat value for the price More expensive than other optionsRequires a generator or inverter to power the pump when camping
This queen air mattress is a top of the line product. While primarily designed for home use, it can be used for camping provided you have a generator to power the pump. This is one of the best air mattresses available today and as such comes at a high price. In this case, the higher cost is worth it. What you get is a sturdy and durable air bed. It is very comfortable and incredibly easy to use. To top it all off, the customer service is outstanding. Where other manufacturers will forget about you once the sale is made, these go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction. The DetailsHas the comfort and stability of a normal bedSimple and fast to set upComes with a carry bagIncludes a built in pumpFeatures a comfortable headboard Will last you for yearsThe headboard keeps your pillows from falling off the end of the bedTurns camping into a luxurious experienceStrong and durable Requires a generator or inverter to power the pump when campingComes at a price This is another best air mattress which is primarily designed for inside use.
That being said, customers have happily used it camping to turn their sleep into a five star experience. It will require a generator for pumping up though. What we love the most about this queen air mattress is the headboard. With any other air mattress you will constantly be searching for your pillow which has leaped off the edge. With this airbed however, your pillow will stay put. It does come at a higher price, but is well worth it. The DetailsComes in three colors: blue, green and brown/blueTwo way valve allows you to adjust the firmnessExcellent durabilityEasy inflation and deflationUses an included battery operated pump (batteries not included)Weighs just 6 pounds Good balance of price and valueWill reliably hold the airSmall and light enough to hike or trek withWill hold a lot of weight despite its low profileOdor freeGood customer service Some customers have had to replace theirs within a few monthsComes with an overly large carry bagFeels a little like sleeping on a water bedLow quality air pump (although they are easily replaceable)
This best queen air mattress for camping has a lot going for it. The price is perfectly reasonable, and what you get is a fairly reliable camping bed. Its notable benefits are its light weight and small size. It can easily be carried when hiking and will give you much more comfort than a roll out pad. Having said that, the comfort is not as high as a premium air bed. It tends to feel a little bit like a water bed, which can become irritating depending on your comfort demands. It is however designed to be a light weight camping air mattress, and that's exactly what it is. The DetailsIncludes two inflatable pillows and a hand pumpWaterproof and soft topValve allows for easy inflation and deflationWill support up to 600 pounds8.75 inch profile Very cheap for an air mattressEasy and quick deflationRolls up tight for easy transportationWill inflate in approximately 10-15 minutesPerfect for camping Requires manual pumpingPillows are pretty uselessQuestionable weight support limitQuestionable durability