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You’re on the lookout for the best camping mattress, but you don’t know which ones are actually good. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our team tested 25 air camping mattresses, and we’ve narrowed it down to the top 8 best air mattresses you can use for camping . Our overall best pick is the ALPS Mountaineering Luxury Camping Air Pad.
Top 8 Best Air Mattresses for Camping
1. ALPS Mountaineering Luxury Camping Air Pad
Why it’s the overall best
The ALPS Mountaineering Luxury Camping Air Pad is our overall best pick because it’s comfortable, insulating, and easy to set up.
Unlike other air mattresses, it has a vertically-cored foam interior that provides extra cushioning and comfort for sleepers.
It’s 4 inches thick, and it self-inflates with its own proprietary Quikflate valve, which makes inflation and deflation quick and easy. It also has an R-value of 8.5, which means that it has good insulation and that it’s suitable for those who camp in areas with extreme weather conditions.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 4 inches |
| Sizes | 2 |
| Materials | Vertically cored foam, Qwikflate flat valve, 30D elastic fabric top, 150D elastic fabric bottom |
| Free trial period | N/A |
| Warranty length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free |
ALPS Mountaineering Luxury Camping Air Pad performance
The ALPS Mountaineering Luxury Camping Air Pad got a 9.5 out of 10 in our comfort test.
We felt quite comfortable sleeping on it. It provides cushioned support to alleviate tension from tired joints after a full day of exploring.
In terms of feel, the vertical foam interior is plush and contouring. We recommend this camping mattress for all sleeper types. It’s best suited for car camping, but it’s also suitable for use in tents and on cots.
The ALPS Mountaineering Air Pad got a 9.6 for its ease of setup.
After we unboxed it, we unrolled it and it self-inflated immediately. To adjust the firmness, you can add or squeeze air out using the Quikflate valve. It’s one of the best self-inflating pads that we’ve tested so far.
The ALPS Mountaineering Air Pad got a 9.5 in our air retention test.
I tried sleeping on it for three days, and there was no noticeable change in its comfort or firmness. That said, a number of verified consumers have experienced air leaks after using the camping mattress for a couple of weeks without deflating it.
This is normal for both newer and traditional air mattresses because they are not intended for permanent use. You shouldn’t have any problems with air leakage if you’re going to use it exclusively for camping.
The ALPS Mountaineering Air Pad got a 9.6 in our insulation test.
We experienced excellent insulation while sleeping on this camping mattress. It has an R-value of 8.5, which makes it a great option for those who camp in areas with extremely cold weather.
Overall, the ALPS Mountaineering Luxury Camping Air Pad garnered a performance rating of 9.6 out of 10.
| Feature | Performance |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 4 |
| Sizes | 2 |
| Comfort | 9.5 |
| Ease of setup | 9.6 |
| Air retention | 9.5 |
| Insulation | 9.6 |
| Trial period (days) | n/a |
| Warranty (years) | 1 |
Alternate pick: ALPS Mountaineering Velocity Air Pad
If you’re looking for a camping mattress with a built-in electric pump, check out the ALPS Mountaineering Velocity Air Pad.
At six inches tall, it’s two inches thicker than the ALPS Luxury Camping Air Pad, and it has a state-of-the-art rechargeable pump. This pump can inflate and deflate the bed within two minutes (we’ve tried and timed it).
Aside from air chambers, it also contains a coil system for comfort and support and a covering made of PVC-free Polyester Oxford fabric.
2. SoundASleep Camping Series Air Mattress
Why it’s one of the best
The SoundASleep Camping Series Air Mattress is our top pick for couples who like to go camping together.
It’s a durable, high-quality air mattress that’s made with I-Beam Air Coils and proprietary eco-friendly PVC that’s specifically designed for outdoor use.
It’s 8 inches tall, which is taller than most camping mattresses on the market. The Camping Series Air Mattress also comes with a patented, rechargeable pump that provides quick inflation and deflation.
It showed great results in all our performance tests, except for the insulation category, which is its only downside.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 8 inches |
| Sizes | 2 |
| Materials | I-Beam Air Coils, proprietary eco-friendly PVC, patented external pump, carry bag |
| Free trial period | N/A |
| Warranty length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free |
SoundASleep Camping Series Air Mattress performance
The SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress got a 9.7 in our comfort test.
It’s one of the most comfortable models out of all the camping mattresses we tested. Aside from featuring high-end materials, it also gives you the option to top off the air to get your desired firmness level.
We recommend the SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress for all sleeper types.
And since it also comes in a queen-size, it’s one of the best camping mattresses for couples who want to feel as comfortable as they are at home.
The SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress got a 9.7 for ease of setup.
It’s one of the easiest models to use out of all our tested camping mattresses.
We appreciate that the setup instructions are written clearly on one end of the mattress which is handy especially if you’re the type who tends to lose instruction manuals.
The Camping Series comes with a rechargeable external pump, which we charged for a few hours, before we tried inflating the mattress. It took no more than three minutes to reach full inflation.
The pump can be charged either at home before your trip or on the road using a car charger.
The SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress got a 9.6 in our air retention test.
It holds air very well, and we didn’t experience any decrease in comfort or firmness when we slept on the mattress.
The SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress got an 8.7 in our insulation test.
SoundASleep does not provide the R-value for their Camping Series Air Mattress. We do not recommend it for winter camping. That said, it is a good option for camping during the summer or in warmer weather.
Overall, the SoundASleep Camping Series Air Mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.4 out of 10.
| Feature | Performance |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 8 |
| Sizes | 2 |
| Comfort | 9.7 |
| Ease of setup | 9.7 |
| Air retention | 9.6 |
| Insulation | 8.7 |
| Trial period (days) | n/a |
| Warranty (years) | 1 |
Alternate pick: SoundASleep Dream Series
If you’re looking for an air bed for in-home use, check out SoundASleep’s high-end Dream Series model.
It’s made with premium materials, and it has a high 19-inch profile, which makes it one of the thickest air beds on the market. Unlike the Camping Series, the Dream Series comes with a built-in electric pump that ensures quick and easy inflation and deflation.
The pump needs to be connected to an electrical outlet, which is why it’s best for home use and not for camping and traveling.
3. Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress
Why it’s one of the best
We like the Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress because it offers similar comfort as real beds and can also accommodate most individuals and couples.
It has a 500 lb. weight capacity, and it features a built-in electric pump that can fully inflate the mattress within three to five minutes.
It’s 9 inches tall when fully inflated, and it offers medium-soft to medium support. It’s suitable for all sleeper types, but it’s best suited for side and combination sleepers.
The Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress showed great results in all our performance tests, but some users have reported issues with its air retention.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 9 inches |
| Sizes | 2 |
| Materials | Non-toxic PVC, soft-flocked top, rechargeable wireless pump, storage bag |
| Free trial period | 30 days |
| Warranty length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free |
Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress performance
The Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress got a 9.6 in our comfort test.
We found to be medium-soft to medium, which is great for side and combination sleepers. It also has a water-resistant flocked top, and a non-skid bottom to prevent the mattress from slipping out of place.
We recommend the Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress to individuals and couples alike. It’s a great option for outdoor camping, and it’s also a good car camping mattress or truck bed.
The Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress got a 9.5 for ease of setup.
The built-in electric air pump worked really well. We were able to fully inflate the mattress in a little over four minutes. We also liked that the pump’s power cord could be stored away in a built-in compartment to keep the area clutter-free.
The Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress got a 9.3 in our air retention test.
We noticed great air retention during our testing, but we do not recommend using the mattress as your regular in-home mattress. If you’re only going to use it as a camping mattress, then you shouldn’t experience any issues with air retention.
The Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress got a 9.1 in our insulation test.
Although Etekcity does not provide an R-value for the mattress, we found it to be sufficiently insulating for milder temperatures.
Overall, the Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.4 out of 10.
| Feature | Performance |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 9 |
| Sizes | 2 |
| Comfort | 9.6 |
| Ease of setup | 9.5 |
| Air retention | 9.3 |
| Insulation | 9.1 |
| Trial period (days) | 30 |
| Warranty (years) | 1 |
4. Coleman Camping Cot
Why it’s one of the best
We love the Coleman Camping Cot because it’s a 2-piece package that features a camping mattress and a foldable cot.
Available in twin and queen sizes, it’s suitable for lone campers and nature-loving couples alike.
The air mattress itself is around 7 inches tall, and the cot stands about 1 foot from the ground. It comes with a battery-operated pump, and it also features side tables on both sides of the mattress.
The Coleman Camping Cot showed great results in all our performance tests, but it does have some drawbacks, which include its heavy weight and its tendency to be noisy when there’s movement on its surface.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 7 inches |
| Sizes | 2 |
| Materials | ComfortStrong coil construction, battery operated pump, doubled-locked valve, side tables with pull-out design, storage case |
| Free trial period | 1 year |
| Warranty length | N/A |
| Shipping | Free |
Coleman Camping Cot performance
The Coleman Camping Cot got a 9.6 in our comfort test.
We liked the support and contouring that we got while sleeping on the camping mattress. It has a medium feel, and we recommend it for all sleeper types.
We also recommend the Coleman Camping Cot for couples to use when car camping or camping outdoors.
If you really want to maximize it, you can use the cot and the mattress separately. You can throw a sleeping bag on the cot and use the camping mattress on the ground. On top of that, you can also put stuff under the cot to save space in your tent.
This elevates its value and gives you more bang for your buck.
The Coleman Camping Cot got a 9.5 for ease of setup.
All we had to do was unfold it and inflate using the battery-powered pump that comes with it. It took close to five minutes to fully inflate and be ready for use.
The Coleman Camping Cot got a 9.3 in our air retention test.
We noticed some air leakage when we slept on it, and some verified consumers have reported the same thing. That said, if it gets out of hand, you can have your camping cot replaced for a new one within the 1-year warranty.
The Coleman Camping Cot got a 9.6 in our insulation test.
Although the company doesn’t provide an R-value for the mattress, we gave it a high score because it comes with an elevated camping cot. Sleeping on the cot helps minimize contact with cold surfaces and reduces heat loss.
Overall, the Coleman Camping Cot garnered a performance rating of 9.5 out of 10.
| Feature | Performance |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 7 |
| Sizes | 2 |
| Comfort | 9.6 |
| Ease of setup | 9.5 |
| Air retention | 9.3 |
| Insulation | 9.6 |
| Trial period (days) | n/a |
| Warranty (years) | 1 |
Alternate pick: Coleman Quickbed
If you’re looking for a more affordable camping mattress, check out the Coleman Quickbed.
Despite its low price, it’s well-made and it works well for both car camping and tent camping. It’s 8 inches tall, and it’s made with the same ComfortStrong coil unit as the Coleman Camping Cot. If the Coleman Quickbed has one caveat, it’s that the pump is sold separately.
5. KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Why it’s one of the best
The KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad is the best model out of all the backpacking sleeping pads we’ve tested.
It’s specifically designed for active campers and backpackers who want a functional and lightweight sleeping pad.
It’s 2.5 inches tall, and it features a unique V-chamber structure that offers adequate support and comfort and reduces heat loss. The Static V2 is 12% lighter than the Static V, which was already extremely light to begin with.
The KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad showed great results in most of our performance tests, and its drawbacks are low insulation and average air retention.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 2.5 inches |
| Sizes | 1 |
| Materials | Patented V-design, 75D polyester fabric, stuff sack and patch |
| Free trial period | N/A |
| Warranty length | Limited Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free |
KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad performance
The KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad got a 9.3 in our comfort test.
I felt a good amount of comfort and support, but it’s not as comfortable as some thicker air camping mattresses. The V-chamber design is suitable for all sleeper types, and the sleeping pad also has side rails to provide you with extra security.
The KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad got a 9.4 for ease of setup.
It does not come with a built-in or external pump so bear in mind that you need an external pump if you don’t already have one.
The KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad got a 9.2 in our air retention test.
I noticed some air leakage in the beginning, so I double-checked the rotating valve and made sure it’s completely closed. I also made sure that the cap was tightly put on.
After these adjustments, I was able to sleep on the mattress, and it held air all night.
The KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad got a 9.1 in our insulation test.
It has an R-value of 2.6, which is relatively low. It’s not the best sleeping pad in terms of insulation, so we would not recommend it for cold-weather camping.
Overall, the KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad garnered a performance rating of 9.3 out of 10.
| Feature | Performance |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 2.1 |
| Sizes | 1 |
| Comfort | 9.3 |
| Ease of setup | 9.4 |
| Air retention | 9.2 |
| Insulation | 9.1 |
| Trial period (days) | n/a |
| Warranty (years) | Limited lifetime |
Alternate pick: KLYMIT Static V Sleeping Pad
You can also try out the Static V Sleeping Pad, which is the Static V2’s predecessor.
It’s more budget-friendly, and it has a similar design as the V2, but it weighs a bit more. It’s still a lightweight sleeping pad, and we recommend it for backpackers and campers who are looking for something cheap but also durable and well-made.
6. Intex Dura-Beam
Why it’s one of the best
The Intex Dura-Beam is the most affordable camping mattress that we’ve tested so far.
Despite its low price, it functions as well as some higher-priced competitors in terms of comfort and ease of use.
It’s 10 inches tall, and it comes with a built-in electric pump for quick inflation and deflation. It’s available in three sizes, including queen, which makes it a suitable option for both solo campers and couples.
The Intex Dura-Beam showed good results in most of our performance tests, but it does fall a bit short when it comes to insulation and durability.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 10 inches |
| Sizes | 3 sizes |
| Materials | Fiber-Tech technology, built-in pump, horizontal air chambers, carrying bag |
| Free trial period | 30 days |
| Warranty length | 90 days |
| Shipping | Free |
Intex Dura-Beam performance
The Intex Dura-Beam got a 9.4 in our comfort test.
We were a bit surprised by the amount of comfort this bed provides. It’s a budget camping mattress, but its soft flocked top and 10-inch height made it feel like a real bed rather than a temporary one.
We recommend it for both individuals and couples who are looking for an affordable camping mattress that offers great value. The twin model can hold up to 300 lbs., while the queen-size model can hold up to 600 lbs.
The Intex Dura-Beam got a 9.4 for ease of setup.
The built-in pump works well. However, it’s not ideal for camping because it’s powered up by electricity. You’re going to have to use a separate pump to inflate it when you’re out on a camping trip.
The Intex Dura-Beam got a 9.3 in our air retention test.
It held air very well during our testing, and I slept on it for two nights without issue. That said, some verified consumers have reported some air leakage after extended use.
The Intex Dura-Beam got an 8.9 in our insulation test.
The company does not provide an R-value for the Dura-Beam mattress. We would not recommend it if you’re someone who camps in extreme temperatures.
Overall, the Intex Dura-Beam garnered a performance rating of 9.3 out of 10.
| Feature | Performance |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 10 |
| Sizes | 3 |
| Comfort | 9.4 |
| Ease of setup | 9.4 |
| Air retention | 9.3 |
| Insulation | 8.9 |
| Trial period (days) | 30 |
| 90 days |
Alternate pick: Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe
If you’re looking for a taller and more luxurious air mattress, check out the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe.
It’s made with the same materials as the Intex Dura-Beam, but it contains a unique dual-layer air pocket system that offers both contouring and support. It comes in three height options, and it’s suitable for individuals of all body types and sleeping positions.
The Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe is actually the number one best-selling air mattress on Amazon at the time of this review.
7. EZ-INFLATE Double High Luxury Air Mattress
Why it’s one of the best
The EZ-Inflate Double High Luxury Air Mattress is the fastest-inflating model out of all the camping mattresses we’ve tested.
We like that the built-in pump is very easy to set up and use, and we also appreciate the comfort and durability of the mattress.
At 16 inches tall, it’s one of the thicker camping mattresses on the market. It’s waterproof and puncture-resistant, and it’s made from triple-layered durable PVC.
The EZ-Inflate Double High Luxury Mattress did great in our performance tests, and its only downsides are that it only comes in one size and that it’s average in terms of air retention.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 16 inches |
| Sizes | 1 |
| Materials | Soft-flocked top, triple layered PVC, built-in pump |
| Free trial period | 30 days |
| Warranty length | 2 years |
| Shipping | Free |
EZ-INFLATE Double High Luxury Air Mattress performance
The EZ-INFLATE Double High Luxury Air Mattress got a 9.6 in our comfort test.
Its flocked top offered plush contouring, and the horizontal air chambers provided proper spinal support. We recommend the mattress for all sleeping positions, but we found that it works best for side sleeping in particular.
The EZ-INFLATE Double High Luxury Air Mattress got a 9.7 for ease of setup.
True to its name, it was really easy to set up, and it inflated to its full size in just a little over three minutes. We recommend it for outdoor camping and also for accommodating guests in your home. It’s one of the best camping mattresses we’ve tested in terms of ease of setup and use.
The EZ-INFLATE Double High Luxury Air Mattress got a 9.3 in our air retention test.
This bed’s air retention was good but not great. We didn’t notice any significant air leakage during our testing, but some verified customers have reported issues with regards to air retention.
The E-INFLATE Double High Luxury Air Mattress got a 9.1 in our insulation test.
The company does not provide an R-value for the mattress. We do not recommend using it for winter camping.
Overall, the EZ-Inflate Double High Luxury Air Mattress garnered a performance rating of 9.4 out of 10.
| Feature | Performance |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 16 |
| Sizes | 1 |
| Comfort | 9.6 |
| Ease of setup | 9.7 |
| Air retention | 9.3 |
| Insulation | 9.1 |
| Trial period (days) | 30 |
| Warranty (years) | 2 |
8. Powerlix
Why it’s one of the best
The Powerlix is one of the best backpacking pads we’ve tested so far.
It’s lightweight, durable, and it’s excellent for serious campers and backpackers.
It’s 2 inches tall when fully inflated, and it’s made with 40D nylon thermoplastic polyurethane. It has a proprietary hexagon design that’s made with body-mapping technology, which promotes ergonomic support for pressure points across your body.
The Powerlix performed well in all our tests, but some customers did experience issues with air retention after extended use.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 2 inches |
| Sizes | 1 |
| Materials | Hexagon design, inflating bag, dual-action air valve, storage bag, two repair kits, patch kit |
| Free trial period | 30 days |
| Warranty length | 1 year |
| ShippingCheck Current Price | Free |
Powerlix performance
The Powerlix got a 9.4 in our comfort test.
We liked the feel of the hexagon air cells, and it’s something we haven’t seen yet in other sleeping pads. I slept comfortably on the sleeping pad and I would recommend it for campers who are looking for self-inflating camping mats.
It’s also ideal for long-distance backpackers who need a comfortable and lightweight sleeping pad.
The Powerlix got a 9.6 for ease of setup.
Unlike other sleeping pad manufacturers, Powerlix provides an inflating bag instead of a pump to blow up the air mattress. The inflating bag has a dual-action air valve, and all you have to do is fill it with air and push it into the sleeping pad like a pump.
The Powerlix got a 9.3 in our air retention test.
Although it is made with high-quality and durable materials, we did notice some air leakage throughout the night. Self-inflating mattresses like the Powerlix tend to lose small amounts of air over time, but it’s nothing to worry about since you can always top it off with the inflating bag.
The Powerlix got a 9.7 in our insulation test.
With an R-value of 9.5, the Powerlix is one of the best sleeping pads we’ve tested in terms of insulation. It is an excellent option for those who like to camp in extreme weather conditions.
Overall, the Powerlix garnered a performance rating of 9.5 out of 10.
| Feature | Performance |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 2 |
| Sizes | 1 |
| Comfort | 9.4 |
| Ease of setup | 9.6 |
| Air retention | 9.3 |
| Insulation | 9.7 |
| Trial period (days) | 30 |
| Warranty (years) | 1 |
How we picked these air mattresses
Our process for choosing the best air mattresses is different from how we select the top regular mattresses.
Instead of looking for properties such as pressure relief, cooling, and motion isolation, we look for air mattresses that provide comfort and support for the entire duration that you need them to.
We look at an air bed’s materials, air retention, pump performance, insulation, and a couple of other factors to determine if it’s worth spending money on. In this article, we chose air mattresses that are designed for camping.
These are the five main factors we considered while choosing the above-mentioned mattresses:
- Comfort – To feel comfortable, our body has to receive ample cushioning and support to maintain spinal alignment. We specifically searched for air mattresses and sleeping pads that provide lasting comfort and support and that are made with high-quality materials.
- Ease of setup – We also looked for air mattresses that are easy to set up and use. Most of the models on our list feature built-in pumps, battery-powered pumps, and inflating bags.
- Air retention – This is a big one. The average air mattress tends to release air gradually throughout the night. That’s why we chose air mattresses that hold air well and don’t lose their shape when supporting weight.
- Insulation – This factor is crucial for those who regularly camp in extreme weather conditions. We specifically looked for air mattresses that have high R-values to ensure the best insulation performance.
- Portability – Most campers and backpackers, especially those who travel long distances on foot, prefer a lightweight and portable sleeping surface. Whether it’s an air mattress or a sleeping mat, we made sure to look for mattresses that are easy and convenient to carry.
Additional resources: learn more about choosing a camping air mattress
- National Library of Medicine: Effect of an Inflatable Air Mattress with Variable Rigidity on Sleep Quality
FAQs
The average camping air mattress is 2-3 inches thick, but there are also thicker models that provide better support and comfort.
It’s not necessary to use a frame with an air mattress, but you can definitely do it if you have a portable frame or a foldable cot to place your air mattress on.
There’s no one type of air mattress that’s best for camping. That said, we recommend looking an air mattress that provides a good mix of comfort and convenience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a serious camper or someone who just loves camping with their family once in a while, it’s important that you choose a functional and durable camping mattress.
We put in dozens of hours testing and reviewing air mattresses from the best brands to help you make an informed decision. Each air mattress on our list is durable, easy to use, and offers great value and benefits.
If you’re still not sure which camping mattress to get, go for the ALPS Mountaineering Luxury Camping Air Pad. It’s our overall best choice.
How we rate mattresses
We personally test and rate mattresses using the following strict quantitative criteria:
Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.
Aside from writing articles on mattresses and other sleep products and topics, Siegfried is a guitarist, athlete, and book lover.
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