Depending on what kind of camping trip you are taking you may want to include one or two creature comforts to make it that little bit more comfortable. One of these comforts can come in the form of a lovely, comfy air mattress, which is why we have scoured the web to compile this list of the best air mattress reviews for you. we have whittled the list down to only the most popular and best air mattresses so that you don’t need to waste your time trawling through heaps of web sites and review pages to try and figure it all out on your own. Simply take a look at our list of air mattresses below and click on each link to read our review before deciding on which one can bring you the best nights sleep on your future camping trips. Our list of reviews has been updated for 2015! There are a few things that you need to consider when buying an air mattress to take camping. Air beds are measured in much the same way as regular beds – i.e. single, double, queen, king etc and this speaks for itself.
What you really need to be careful of however is the actual height of the mattress when it is fully inflated. If you are in a tent that has slanted walls then some mattresses can be too tall and come in contact with the walls, even if it technically fits in the floor area. Another important factor is the type of pump that it comes with. For larger air beds you will definitely want to look into getting one with an electric pump and deflate mechanism so you can just plug it in and let it go. For smaller air mattresses you may want to settle for a manual foot pump, but you are paying for the luxury of not having to do it yourself with an electric one. Durability will often correlate to the price of the mattress you are looking at. Typically the more durable construction will require a higher price, but this is not always the case if there are discounts or sales on at any given time. Our list of reviews at the top includes only mattresses that are available online at heavily discounted prices so go and check them out now to grab a bargain.
Skip to Search Form Skip to Page Content FREE shipping in Greater Boston Area! “i was short on time, and on a pretty tight budget, but my mattress was delivered this morning and it's great.” “Luckily, I came across the yelp reviews for The Boston Bed Company on Comm.” “After a disatrous experience at City Mattress (see full review there) we were in urgent need for Queen split boxsprings.” Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about The Boston Bed Company.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. Hand or foot pumps get the job done, too, but those pumps take more time and work than electric models.