Looking for the best portable mattress for camping? You have come to the right place.
We have put up this camping mattress guide to help you navigate multiple options when looking to get a portable mattress for camping.
Camping is a great way to spend quality time outdoors. It offers innumerable physical and health benefits for both adults and young people. However, camping is quite complex as it entails a sea of products, ranging from tents, stoves, tables, chairs, and mattresses among others.
One of the most important camping gear is a mattress. A camping mattress plays a critical role in ensuring that you sleep comfortably. It will also elevate your body above the surface and provide the cushioning and insulation that you need to fall asleep easily.
That said, the best portable mattress for camping come in handy as they are easy to pack and transport.
They also provide a solid night’s sleep whether you are camping in the backcountry or spending a night out in your backyard.
Below are eight portable mattresses for camping to consider when going on your next camping trip. Let’s take a look.
Best Portable Mattress for Camping-Our Top Picks
1) EnerPlex Air Mattress with Built-in Pump
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The EverPlex Air Mattress is the best portable mattress for camping, Home & Portable Travel.
It has a built-in pump that inflates it fully in less than 2 minutes. It also comes with a pump to inflate it when you are camping or traveling.
Made with versatility in mind, this multipurpose mattress is suitable for use as a floor mattress at home or a portable bed for traveling, not just camping. Besides, you can inflate or deflate it to a certain level depending on your needs.
Another outstanding facet of the mattress is its durability. It is made with a puncture-resistant PVC which also provides non-slip stability. It also has a premium comfort top flocking to prevent air leakage once it is inflated.
Features
- Built-in pump
- Sizes -13/16/18 inches
- Puncture-resistant PVC material
- Sturdy coil beam construction
- Double height inflation
- For indoor or outdoor use
- Fastest inflating pump on the market
Pros
- Quick set up
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Multipurpose
- Portable
- Durability
- Waterproof
- Non-slip stability
Cons
- Plastic smell
- PVC can be toxic when exposed to high heat
2) Hazli Memory Foam Camping Mattress
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If you are wondering how to camp in comfort, the Matrix Air Cell Memory Foam Camping Mattress Pad is your answer.
This memory foam camping mattress pad will give you a comfortable night’s sleep in any camping environment.
The mattress is built with durability and safety in mind. It features a matrix air cell memory foam technology which maximizes durability.
Furthermore, it doesn’t contain harmful fillers or dangerous components so it is perfectly safe for family use.
This camping mattress rolls into a compact size for convenient storage and easy transportation. It also comes with a breathable soft cover to add comfort.
The cover is 100% waterproof to keep the mattress dry in all environments. It is also machine washable for added convenience.
Features
- Waterproof mattress cover
- Available in different sizes: Kids 62’’ X 26’’ X 3’’/Single 75″x30″x3″/Twin 75’’ X 36’’ X 3’’/Twin Xl 80’’ X 40’’ X 4’’
- Matrix air cell memory foam technology
- Free of fillers and dangerous components
- Tightly sewn buckles and straps
- Non-slip bottom for hard floor or tiles
- Durable & Safe
Pros
- Machine washable cover
- Soft and comfortable
- Reasonably priced
- Waterproof
- Easy to fold and carry
- Multiuse: camping/foldable/guest bed
- For indoor and outdoor activities
- Features a pocket to keep your things in
- Great fit on all family cars, Tesla models, Jeep Wrangler, and other SUVs for car camping
Cons
- Slightly heavy
3) BETTER HABIT SleepReady Portable Floor Mattress
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When it comes to versatility, it is hard to go wrong with the BETTER HABIT SleepReady Portable Floor Mattress.
It is a perfect rollaway bed for guests, camping, college dorms as well as an overnight stay.
For camping, this portable floor mattress is much more convenient than an air mattress. It is soft and ultra-comfortable.
It also comes waterproof bamboo sheet, a water-resistant bottom that is non-slip, and a removable cover that is machine washable.
Moreover, the mattress is made with premium stitching, fasteners, and zippers to enhance durability.
Also included are an easy-to-carry handle and a top-entry travel bag for easy loading.
Features
- 3” quality memory foam
- Sleep ready
- Certi-PUR-US certified
- Non-slip water-resistant bottom
- Premium stitching, fasteners, and zippers
- Sizes: Single – 75 X 25 X 3 Inches / Twin – 75 X 36 X 3 Inches
Pros
- Easy to carry handle
- Versatility
- Machine washable removable cover
- Light and portable
- Non-slip water resistant
- Premium stitching, fasteners, & zippers
- Low VOC emissions for indoor air quality
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-weight people (best use up to 230 lbs)
4) Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Air Mattress with Internal Pump
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The Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Air Mattress is the best portable mattress for camping for budget buyers.
Even at a remarkably inexpensive price, this air mattress doesn’t cut corners on comfort, durability, and quality.
It offers an unmatched support system that you need to have a comfortable night’s sleep.
Besides, it comes with a pillow top system for added comfort and a unique edge construction which provides more sleeping space and mattress stability.
With a weight capacity of 300 lbs, this mattress is suitable for both adults and kids. It also comes with an internal pump for fast inflation and deflation, and a carry bag for easy storage during transportation and when not in use.
Features
- Velvety surface
- Edge support comfort
- Comes with a convenient hand-carry bag for storage and transport
- Internal pump for inflation and deflation
- 300lbs/ 136kgs maximum weight capacity for the 13inch
- (600 lbs) for the 22inch
Pros
- Unmatched comfort and support
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Inexpensive
- High build quality
Cons
- It starts to leak after some time
5) EZ INFLATE Double High Luxury Air Mattress with Built-in Pump
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Camping gets better and more fun when you use a high-quality mattress like the EZ INFLATE Double High Luxury Air Mattress.
It offers great comfort and unparalleled support to ensure that you have a good sleep all night.
When inflated fully, this air mattress supports a weight of up to 600 lbs. It boasts a coil beam technology which provides real-mattress comfort as well as support.
It also has a 16” height to raise your body from the surface and an ultra-soft flocked top which provides non-slip stability when you lay on it.
Another highlight of this travel-friendly air mattress is its durability. It is made from a triple-layered, durable PVC which is puncture resistant and waterproof for use in any environment.
To top it all off, this air mattress is very easy to inflate and deflate and comes with a carrying bag for easy transportation.
Features
- 300 or 600 lbs /weight limit
- Ultra-soft flocked top
- Coil beam technology
- Triple-layered, durable PVC
- Waterproof and puncture-resistant
- Travel or camping mattress
Pros
- Quick to inflate and deflate
- Very comfortable
- Holds the air well
- Lightweight and great for travel
- Carry bag included
- Non-slip stability
Cons
- The pump does not automatically stop when fully inflated
How to Choose the Best Portable Mattress for Camping
When shopping for the best portable mattress for camping, here are the key things to keep in mind.
Your Camping Style
We all have different camping styles with a call for different camping mattresses. If you are backpacking, you will need a compact and ultra-light camping mattress. On the other hand, a memory foam mattress will be easy to pack in an SUV, but difficult to carry on a trail.
Size and Weight
Different camping mattresses come in different sizes and weights. Pay attention to how big the mattress is when packed and how heavy it weighs. For backpacking, ensure that you get a compact and lightweight mattress that won’t weigh you down when carrying it.
R-Value
R-value is the measure of how insulated the camping mattress is. The higher the R-value is, the more insulated the mattress is.
If you plan to use the mattress for all seasons, look for a product that has an R-Value of 3 or more. For cold-weather camping, you will need an R-Value of at least 5.5.
Durability
Generally, camping mattresses are durable by design. When making your selection, look at the Denier rating which quantifies the mattress’s durability. Mattresses with a high denier rating offer better resistance to scratches and tear for greater durability.
Type of Mattress
Lastly, consider the mattress types. There are 4 common mattress types that are suitable for camping. They include air pads, air mattresses, foam pads, and self-inflating pads.
Air mattresses require a heavy-duty inflation pump to be inflated and deflated. They will lift you off the ground and give you great insulation even in the coldest weather conditions.
Air pads require inflation with the breath, pump sack, or pump. They are light and compact in size and the best option for backpackers.
Self-inflating pads have an open cell foam that expands when the valve is released. They have the cushiness of foam which provides great support and unmatched comfort.
Foam pads have closed-cell foam which makes them durable and denser than the other types of mattresses. Foam pads are also suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications, not just camping.
FAQs
- What is the most comfortable mattress for tent camping?
If comfort is what you are looking for in a mattress for tent camping, look for a thick foam mattress that supports your body and offers adequate cushioning from the hard ground.
- Which is better for camping air mattress or foam mattress?
It depends on your camping needs and preference. Air mattresses are typically lighter than foam mattresses. They are also more compact and perfect for backpacking experiences.
On the other hand, a memory foam mattress is often times more comfortable. But it is much bulkier and heavy.
- How thick should a camping mattress be?
At least 3 inches. A 3-inch self-inflating or foam mattress will provide adequate cushioning and ensure that you have comfortable sleep. They will also provide lots of insulation which is essential when camping in the cold.
Final Thoughts
The best portable camping mattresses come in different styles, sizes, and designs so you to choose a model that blends perfectly with your individual needs.
All the mattresses we have mentioned above will offer the cushion and support that you need to appreciate nature and the great outdoors while camping. Look at the features that make each mattress a good purchase and decide accordingly.
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