What’s the worst thing about camping? Maybe you don’t like the mealtime restrictions. It is harder to prepare food, and there is not usually a backup McDonald’s plan. Maybe you don’t like the bugs… Sprays and running away get tiresome. Maybe you don’t like being stuck with that particular person that you didn’t know was THAT annoying, and now you can’t get away. But for most of us, the worst thing about camping is the change in sleeping arrangements. Particularly when it is cold. Or when it is really cold. Or when it is really, really, really cold. And staying warm is important! I like the comfort of an air bed, but camping on an air mattress in cold weather might seem problematic. I have found, though, that even the cold can be dealt with. Sleeping while camping in the cold does not have to be tragic. In fact, with a little thought and care, and the right air mattress, you can sleep quite comfortably. The first step, as with every aspect of camping, is to be prepared.
Know your camping environment and your own limitations. I know that I will not be able to sleep if the temperature gets below zero, Fahrenheit. No matter how many blankets, or heaters, or layers of thermals, or campfires, that is just beyond my ability. But within my limits, I also know what I need to deal with the colder temperatures. I check the weather, and pack accordingly. But what to pack? There are plenty of equipment options to help make the cold bearable. The ground will be cold, and separating yourself from that cold source is the goal of packing. A frame to keep you off the ground is ideal. Frames can be used for sleeping bags, foam mattresses, and even air mattresses. I don’t like the inconvenience, but you might find it worthwhile. Insulated air mattresses are also available. Some even include heaters that can be plugged into a vehicle, although again, I find them inconvenient. And easier methods of providing insulation exist. If, like me, you want something simpler and more versatile, then consider packing extra insulating material and using it properly.
My air bed is my favorite camping gear for sleeping. And with some additional material, I can still use my air mattress for cold weather camping. Remember, if the weather is cold, the ground will be miserably cold. Your main goal in sleeping warmly is to separate yourself from that cold, cold, ground. Whatever material you choose, do not place it against the ground, but rather use it between the air mattress and your body. Let the air in the mattress take the initial sting out of the cold, and then the insulating material will be used efficiently. A foam strip, perhaps high density or memory, is the best. It is designed to keep you insulated while you sleep. It is also the most inconvenient, being hard to pack and not multi-use. Old fashioned felt is also very good. I use old felt from other projects. It packs up well, and can be used for other needs, like a blanket or picnic table. Sometimes I have used an extra sleeping bag, zipped up and placed between the air mattress and myself.
Warm, but bulky for packing. And finally, in desperate times, a folded sheet of plastic will help keep the cold away from your body while asleep. If you want to take an extra measure, you can separate yourself from the cold ground with a cot style air mattress. We recommend the Coleman QueenCot. Check out our recommended camping air mattresses here. Cold weather does not have to ruin your sleep. Camping on an air mattress in cold weather is easy, and can be warm and comfortable. Think, pack, and use your material and you will rest easy!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 This queen air mattress is the cheapest of the bunch, and is not the toughest air mattress for camping. It seems like you get what you pay for. While it is definitely suitable for camping in that it is light weight and relatively compact, the durability has to be questioned.