Here's how it works: Anybody can ask a question The best answers are voted up and rise to the top I've been camping since I was a teenager in the scouts, and I've never really had a very comfortable night out. As an adult with a girlfriend, 20 years later, I'd like to just throw some money at the issue and be done with it and have ourselves a comfortable bed for car camping. ("Car camping" meaning we will have the car next to the campsite and don't care about weight or size much.) This Memorial Day weekend, we went out with a few other couples, and I don't think a single person had a successful sleep. We brought a feather bed as an experiment and it was pretty terrible, feeling only slightly better than the ground (warm though). Other people spent 30-60 minutes fussing with getting their air beds inflated, and then they leaked or went flat by the morning. I've used self-inflating Thermarest pads and I'm sure those are the best for backpack camping but they aren't great and they get quite expensive once you start buying two of the XL ones.
Are there other choices I'm missing? Or is there an air mattress option that isn't fussy and frustrating? ALWAYS bring a patch kit for an air mattress. If your airpad is going flat something is wrong (though perhaps the wrong part is just getting a cheap mattress). Get a pump that you can plug into your car (you're car camping after all). Buy memory foam to lay out on top of your pad. Do not inflate your mattress to be completely taut. give (unless you like sleeping on a rock). Buy a mattress with a foam top (and yes, then slap more foam on top of it). "Field Test" before camping. Buy it, inflate it at home, then leave a backpack on top of it overnight. If it's flat in the morning, return it. For car camping, don't bother to shop for "camping" mattresses, just get a quality air mattress. When we car camp the night before a canoe-camping trip, we bring an extra comforter from home and put it on top of the Thermarests, under our sleeping bags.
We also bring pillows. These combine to produce a luxurious sleep as far as we're concerned. I've also slept on my fair share of air mattresses, mostly in houses, and if they don't go flat they're fine. They shouldn't go flat - if they do, patch them. Since you're car camping and you don't have to worry about carrying things to the site, the general answer is to layer until you're sufficiently comfortable. If one foam pad isn't enough, lay down 2. If you're worried about the air mattress deflating, bring a patch kit as well as extra pillows and comforters just in case. But at least you'll have peace of mind and enjoy your trip. Also, since you mentioned "ultimate", you may want to look at Car Top Campers: Personally I love a good 4" memory foam mattress topper. I often prefer that to a bed even at home. If you sleep on your back, it's definitely the best option and I've tried air mattresses, cots, blankets, and all combinations of those. The topper will take a bit of room even when you compress it (use motorcycle tie downs), and it won't be the lightest option but if you're going to camp out of your car or near your car, you should try it.
They can be found for ~100$ at Walmart. I use two Coleman queen size air matress stacked on top of one another. Between I use an emergancy blanket to reflect heat to me and not the ground. With a few well placed strips of anti slip padding, and its like the Ritz of the outdoors. As for inflation for $30 you can get a powered inflator to run off your car lighter, just rembered to use a cupple of lung fillers just befor bed for fermness and your set for a total of $130 CDN It's tough to beat. I agree with the above and recommend Therm-a-rest for anytime of camping provide its within your budget, there a little expensive but well worth the long-term investment if you intend to use them again. I car camp 30-40 nights a year. I use a twin air mattress if camping by myself or a queen air mattress if I'm sharing. I used to think that a queen for just myself would be best but found myself sinking in the middle. One tip that I always use is to give the air mattress a little extra air right before going to bed.
Hot air expands during the day and "stretches" the air mattress. At night the cool air causes the air inside the air mattress to condense so therefore I give it a boost of additional air to provide the comfort it should provide. I also let a little air out in the morning so as it gets hot during the day it doesn't stress the mattress and cause possible leaks. A battery operated pump is much more convenient than one you have to hook up to your car. I always keep extra batteries...just in case. I also bring an extra air mattress...just in case. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google Sign up using Email and Password Post as a guest By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service. Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged gear camping or ask your own question.Having a peaceful sleep is important to stay rested, alert and relaxed, but getting enough shut-eye can be challenging beyond the walls of your home. Investing in a quality cot, mattress or sleeping pad is one of the best things you can do to get your 40 winks when outdoors.
There are plenty of options to choose from and you'll need to make some important decisions to determine the best piece of gear to suit your needs and budget. Cots can help you keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter by keeping you off the ground. Cots are comfortable but they're also bulky and heavy. Many campers are willing to accept these characteristics, though, for the assurance of a good night's sleep. Most cots are constructed using an aluminum frame with fabric stretching across that becomes taut once assembled. An advantage of cots is they raise you off the ground. Elevation helps with air circulation to keep you cool in hot conditions; it also separates you from its chill in cool weather, which helps combats heat loss. The generous width and length of cots also offers space for moving while sleeping. Another benefit of the cot is that you can store gear underneath you. The bulk and assembly size of cots makes them impractical for minimalist camping, but they're a great choice for a hunt camp, cottage or even as a back-up spare bed for guests at home.
Cots are available in a wide price range, and high-end models are on par with similarly sized air mattresses. Air Mattresses and Sleeping Pads The difference between the terms air mattress and sleeping pad is a grey area. Generally, mattresses represent a larger, cushier inflatable option. They are also called air beds. Sleeping pads are smaller, delivering comfort in a compact size. Sleeping pads come in inflatable and foam models. Here's a quick overview of some important considerations for mattresses and sleeping pads. Size — The length, width and thickness of a mattress or pad are the main factors that influence comfort and insulation. The majority of sleeping pads sold are for one person. Mattresses mimic traditional beds and are available in single to king sizes, so there are plenty of options to suit a range of slumbering scenarios. Air mattresses either need to be aired up using a portable air pump or some come with the pump installed. Sleeping pads come in a range of sizes from small to extra large, letting you pick a model to match your body size and sleeping requirements.
If unconcerned about bulk, invest in a larger model to give yourself room to move during sleep. Some pads are 3/4 length, which helps save on space. Consider this option if you're under gear constraints for weight and bulk (such as canoe camping or hiking). The trade off is some of your body will be exposed to the floor, which isn't a major issue in the heat of summer but it can ruin a night's rest when in cool climates. Thicker mattresses and pads will offer lots of cushioning and be more comfortable than thin ones. Pad thickness also provides insulation. This might not be an issue if you're sleeping indoors, but when outside in cool temperatures, a thicker sleeping pad makes a big difference in insulating you from the cold ground. Closed-Cell Foam vs. Inflatable Models — Another big decision is whether to buy closed-cell foam model or an inflatable model sleeping pad. Both types have pros and cons. Larger air mattresses (or air beds) are great if you have ample space to transport and set up gear.
Some models, like Truck Bedz, are designed to fit inside the bed of a truck. Certain air mattresses need to be inflated with a pump. Models, like the Coleman Double High Quickbed, feature a built-in battery operated pump to inflate the bed. Self-inflating mattresses and sleeping pads are mainly designed for individual use. To self-inflate, simply unravel the mat and it expands. Close the valve and you're ready to snooze. Of course, you pay for this timesaving technology. If tent camping, consider buying a mattress with a gripping material on its side. This keeps the mattress from sliding on the tent floor and shifting from underneath you during sleep. A common combination is using a foam pad in addition to a self inflating one for increased insulation (and cushioning). Bring both models for cool weather camping and secure them together with straps. During warm conditions just leave one at home. When choosing an inflatable model, pay close attention to the quality of the valve.
I can recall awaking from more than one slumber while camping because the air mattress valve came unplugged during the night. Today's models have improved significantly, but be sure to review this feature on a mattress. If you have the option of a better value, buy it. Pumps like the Coleman CPX 6 Quick Pump are handy and are available in AC 120 volts, DC 12 volts, or rechargeable configurations. Given the characteristics of self-inflating mattresses, you'll need to keep them constrained during travel. Store the mattress by rolling them to release air, and then secure the mattress using straps or a stuff sack. The latter protects the mat from dirt and water. Another inexpensive but handy item is a mattress repair kit. Most mattresses feature fairly robust exteriors, but it's not armor. Carrying a repair kit ensures you can fix a tear before it worsens and inflate again in the field. Air pumps are handy to inflate air mattresses. You can purchase powered models for AC 120 volts, DC 12 volts or rechargeable models.