This content is created by AP Buyline in accordance with AP’s editorial guidelines and supervised and edited by AP staff. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about AP Buyline here.
I’ve been a regular camper for more than a dozen years, and I have always paid particularly close attention to the camping mattress I bring with me to the woods. Why? Because on my first major mountaineering expedition, my old camping air mat turned out to have a leak that rendered it totally flat within 15 minutes of inflation. I effectively slept on cold, hard rock the first night and on the snow beneath my tent the second. It was not pleasant.
Now, years on and being something of a gear geek, I know that the best camping mattresses can be surprisingly soft and cozy. They can also keep you warm, properly support and align joints, and help you get a good night of rest, even on ground that would otherwise be quite inhospitable. In fact, beyond your tent and your sleeping bag, I’d argue that a camping mattress is one of the most essential pieces of gear you’ll bring with you to the wilderness.
A camping mattress can also be one of the hardest pieces of gear to choose from the staggering variety of air mats, foam pads, self-inflating mattresses and more that are out there. Don’t worry, though. I’ve tested several options, and I’ll cover the pros and cons of some of the best different types of camping mattresses.
Our top picks for the best camping mattress
Best camping mattress for backpacking
Sea to Summit Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress
I have used this exact air mattress multiple times, including on a 10-day trek through tropical jungle and snowbound mountains in northern Colombia. It packs down to the size of a 12-ounce can and, at 0.89 pounds, it doesn’t weigh much more than that either. I can inflate the thing with three or four breaths, and it deflates fully with ease as long as you roll it up slowly and steadily. If you are trying to minimize gear weight for a through-hike or mountain push, this is a sleeping pad to consider. Just note the very low insulation it affords, so make sure you trust your sleeping bag well for cold weather — or else shop on.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This air mattress weighs less than a pound and packs down to the size of a soda can, making it the perfect choice when gear weight truly matters.
Details
- Thickness: 2 inches.
- R-value: 1.1.
- Dimensions: 72 inches long x 21.5 inches wide (size regular).
- Weight: 0.89 pounds.
- Packed size: 6.5 inches. x 3 inches.
- Material: Nylon, polyurethane.
- Price on publish: $139.
Reasons to Buy
- Packs down very small and light.
- Rapid inflation.
- Wipes clean easily.
- Field repair kit included.
Reasons to Reconsider
- Noisy crinkling.
- No insulation.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This air mattress weighs less than a pound and packs down to the size of a soda can, making it the perfect choice when gear weight truly matters.
The best camping mattress for car camping
D-Hive Inflatable Car Camping Mattress
If you are a true car camper who sleeps in the back of your vehicle, then this car camping mattress is a great choice. It was specifically designed to fit into the back of SUVs or vans between the wheel well bulges, yet it’s wider at the top to give you maximum sleeping space. Its two halves inflate separately, which means minimal motion is transferred to a partner sleeping in the vehicle with you. Rated for 600 pounds of overall body weight, the mattress can accommodate two adults with ease. It is also created with an exterior material tough enough to resist punctures from clawed camping buddies. The price is reasonable, and most people find the mattress comfortable. Just consider getting your own air pump, as the unit that comes with the mattress is underpowered and generally low quality.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This inflatable car camping mattress is thick, supportive and purpose-built to go in the back of a vehicle.
Details
- Thickness: 7.87 inches.
- R-value: Not listed.
- Dimensions: 78.4 inches long x 54.72 inches wide at the top and 43.7 inches wide on bottom.
- Weight: 16.2 pounds.
- Packed size: Not listed.
- Material: 300D oxford fabric (poly/nylon blend).
- Price on publish: $125.99.
Reasons to Buy
- Fits vehicles well.
- Thick and comfortable.
- Limits motion transfer.
Reasons to Reconsider
- Included pump is low quality.
- Company does not share some details, like packed size.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This inflatable car camping mattress is thick, supportive and purpose-built to go in the back of a vehicle.
Best camping mattress for couples
Klymit Double V Inflatable Sleeping Pad
The unique deep V-shape of this air mattress’s baffles creates thick and comfortable pockets that help support your body at the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep. The Double V weighs less than 3.5 pounds — not so much considering it’s for two people — so you could conceivably bring it on a backpacking trip. If you do, make sure your hiking partner does their share by carrying more of the food or the camping chairs. I have personally slept on this air mattress multiple times and always found it plenty thick to pad against rocky or root-bound ground beneath the tent.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This spacious and supportive air mattress accommodates two adult sleepers yet is light and packable enough to bring on a hiking trip.
Details
- Thickness: 3 inches.
- R-value: 4.4.
- Dimensions: 73 inches long x 47 inches wide.
- Weight: 3.3 pounds.
- Packed size: 12 inches x 7 inches.
- Material: 750D polyester.
- Price on publish: $169.99.
Reasons to Buy
- Accommodates two adults.
- Lightweight for a large sleeping pad.
- Thick baffles provide comfort and support.
- 4.8 R-value good for use in three seasons.
Reasons to Reconsider
- Pricey.
- Stuff sack inflation is hard to master.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This spacious and supportive air mattress accommodates two adult sleepers yet is light and packable enough to bring on a hiking trip.
Best camping mattress for solo campers
Exped Ultra 5R Mummy Lightweight Backpacking Mat
Lightweight enough to bring on a backpacking trip but so thick and supportive that it can be your only camping air mattress, the Exped Ultra 5R Mummy Backpacking Mat is ideal for the solo camper. It will fit into any small one-person tent or even a bivvy shelter, but it’s wide enough at the shoulders to accommodate most sleeping positions. And with an R-value of 4.8, it’s an ideal three-season option. It can even be used in the winter as long as you have a good, warm sleeping bag or you don’t mind wearing some clothing while you sleep.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Exped Ultra Series Mummy sleeping pad will fit in any one-person tent and is versatile enough to work for three seasons of backpacking or more gear-intensive camping.
Details
- Thickness: 3 inches.
- R-value: 4.8.
- Dimensions: 72 inches long x 20.5 inches wide (size medium).
- Weight: 0.98 pounds.
- Packed size: 8 inches x 6 inches.
- Material: 20D ripstop polyester.
- Price on publish: $159.95.
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight and packable.
- 4.8 R-value.
- 3-inch thickness provides plenty of support.
- Fits in any tent.
Reasons to Reconsider
- Expensive.
- Some units develop slow leaks.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Exped Ultra Series Mummy sleeping pad will fit in any one-person tent and is versatile enough to work for three seasons of backpacking or more gear-intensive camping.
Best camping mattress for cold weather
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D self-inflating sleeping pad is probably almost as comfortable as the mattress you sleep on at home. It’s big, thick, warm and decidedly heavy — a car camping mattress to be sure because there’s no schlepping this thing on a hike. It’s even plush enough to serve as a mattress for a house guest without worrying you’re giving them short shrift. At first you’ll need to blow in a bit of air to help this mattress puff up, but it will become more elastic after a few uses and actually self-inflate.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is a plush, warm and supportive sleeping pad that’s ideally suited to cold weather car camping and can double as a guest bed in a pinch.
Details
- Thickness: 4.25 in.
- R-value: 7.
- Dimensions: 80 inches long x 30 inches wide (size large).
- Weight: 5.5 pounds.
- Packed size: 31 inches x 10 inches.
- Material: Polyester stretch knit, nylon, thermal foam.
- Price on publish: $274.95.
Reasons to Buy
- Soft and supportive.
- Thick enough to prevent any ground contact.
- Self-inflates.
- Excellent R-value.
Reasons to Reconsider
- Heavy and bulky when packed.
- Pricey.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is a plush, warm and supportive sleeping pad that’s ideally suited to cold weather car camping and can double as a guest bed in a pinch.
Best camping mattress for warm weather
Klymit Static V
The Static V air mattress from Klymit has an R-value of just 1.3, meaning it will release plenty of excess heat, and is a great choice during warm weather camping. I know this well, having used this sleeping pad during many summer camp outs where it's worth keeping camping lanternsdark to watch the lightning bugs. It weighs barely over a pound, so it’s certainly suitable for use on backpacking or mountaineering adventures, and it can support a single adult who weighs up to 300 pounds. I can inflate mine with only six or seven breaths, and it rolls out and deflates with ease, so it’s a great air mattress to have on hand when you want to make or break camp in a hurry.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Static V from Klymit has about as little insulating effect as you can get from a camping air mattress, making it ideal for hot weather.
Details
- Thickness: 2.5 inches.
- R-value: 1.3.
- Dimensions: 72 inches long x 23 inches wide.
- Weight: 1.1 pounds.
- Packed size: 8 inches x 3 inches.
- Material: Polyester.
- Price on publish: $64.99.
Reasons to Buy
- Very low R-value.
- Great price point.
- Easy to inflate.
- Packs down small.
Reasons to Reconsider
- Sleeping bag slides off the mat easily.
- Some units develop leaks.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Static V from Klymit has about as little insulating effect as you can get from a camping air mattress, making it ideal for hot weather.
Best all-foam camping mattress
BKS Foam Egg Crate Sleeping Pad
An all-foam sleeping pad has several benefits over an inflatable air mattress. First and foremost, it simply cannot deflate. There’s no way for something to spring a leak when it’s not filled with air in the first place. Second, while bulkier than most camping mattresses when packed down, all-foam pads are surprisingly lightweight. This one from BKS weighs all of 14 ounces! You will need to strap it to the outside of your pack to leave space for your gear and provisions inside, but it’s a great choice for the thru-hiker or mountaineer looking to pack ultralight.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This all-foam sleeping pad from BKS won’t ever deflate and is very lightweight, both of which make it a good choice for a long trip.
Details
- Thickness: 0.39 inches.
- R-value: 1.3.
- Dimensions: 73 inches long x 22 inches wide.
- Weight: 0.87 pounds.
- Packed size: 22.6 inches x 5 inches.
- Material: Polyester.
- Price on publish: $29.99.
Reasons to Buy
- Won’t deflate on you.
- Very lightweight.
- Good price point.
Reasons to Reconsider
- You’ll feel big rocks and roots.
- Bulky when folded down.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This all-foam sleeping pad from BKS won’t ever deflate and is very lightweight, both of which make it a good choice for a long trip.
Best camping mattress for comfort
Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat
This big, thick camping mattress is so comfortable that I reach for it any time gear weight and size just don’t matter. In fact, I’ve had people sleep on this camp mattress on the floor of my home when the guest room is taken and haven’t felt the least bit bad about it. At 4 inches thick and boasting both air pockets and foam to provide comfort and support, this camping mattress really does approximate a full-sized bed. And with a 6.5 R-value, it’s plenty warm, but not so sweltering that you’ll be kicking your way out of your sleeping bag.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Self-Inflating Foam Sleeping Pad is more comfortable than many standard beds.
Details
- Thickness: 4 inches.
- R-value: 6.5.
- Dimensions: 79 inches long x 52 inches wide (size double).
- Weight: 9.8 lbs.
- Packed size: 27 inches. x 10 inches.
- Material: Polyester.
- Price on publish: $389.
Reasons to Buy
- Thick and plush mattress.
- Self-inflates.
- Backed by lifetime guarantee.
Reasons to Reconsider
- Bulky and heavy when packed.
- Expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Self-Inflating Foam Sleeping Pad is more comfortable than many standard beds.
Best cot/mattress combo
Helinox Cot One Convertible Insulated
This combination air mattress and cot offers two major benefits. First, it keeps you up off the ground, so it really doesn’t matter whether the conditions are wet and muddy, cold and frosty or just rocky and generally uneven. All you’ll feel is a supportive, inflated surface beneath you. The Cot One Convertible Insulated also helps keep you warmer in cold weather while allowing a little excess heat release in warm weather. It’s pricey, and the setup can seem confusing at first. But having set this cot up myself at least a dozen times now, I’m confident that you’ll get the hang of it.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Helinox Cot One Convertible Insulated is a cot and air mattress in one that’s great for getting a reprieve from unwelcoming terrain or the frosty ground.
Details
- Thickness: 2 inches.
- R-value: 5.
- Dimensions: 75 inches long x 26.5 inches wide x 6 inches high.
- Weight: 7.1 pounds.
- Packed size: 26 inches x 8.5 inches.
- Material: Polyester ripstop, aluminum alloy.
- Price on publish: $499.95.
Reasons to Buy
- Elevates sleeper above the ground.
- Good multi-season insulation.
- Packs down small for adult-sized cot.
Reasons to Reconsider
- Expensive.
- Challenging setup.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Helinox Cot One Convertible Insulated is a cot and air mattress in one that’s great for getting a reprieve from unwelcoming terrain or the frosty ground.
Best budget camping mattress
Yuzonc Camping Sleeping Pad
Of course, the low price is the main selling point with this camping mattress, but it’s hardly the only one. First, note that it uses a built-in foot pump for inflation, so there’s no blowing into a valve required. That makes it a great choice if it will be shared among multiple users or used as a rental. There’s also a built-in pillow at the head and baffles that evenly distribute the weight and offer excellent support. And it’s rated safe for anyone weighing up to 400 pounds.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This camping air mat is affordable and has several clever features, like a built-in pump and molded-in pillow — just know it likely won’t last for years.
Details
- Thickness: 3 inches.
- R-value: Not listed (low).
- Dimensions: 78 inches long x 27 inches wide.
- Weight: 1.5 pounds.
- Packed size: 10.6 inches x 3.9 inches.
- Material: Polyester ripstop, aluminum alloy.
- Price on publish: $25.99.
Reasons to Buy
- Great price point.
- Built-in foot pump.
- Pillow at head.
Reasons to Reconsider
- Hard to deflate and pack down.
- Often develops leaks after only a handful of uses.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This camping air mat is affordable and has several clever features, like a built-in pump and molded-in pillow — just know it likely won’t last for years.
Why I chose these camping mattresses
Not only have I been an enthusiastic outdoorsman for many years, but I have also been professionally testing, researching and reviewing gear for well over a decade. I have personally tested most of the brands featured in this guide, and in fact I own and regularly use many of the specific camping mattresses I included. The others were selected based on extensive research, cross-referencing other expert sources and closely reading reviews and ratings from confirmed customers. You can rest assured that if a camping mattress made it onto this list, it’s been vetted.
Things to remember when choosing the best camping mattress for you
As with all gear and apparel, there’s really no best camping mattress, period. There’s just the best one for you. There’s the camp mattress that best suits your sleeping style, the conditions in which you’ll be camping, whether you’re hiking or climbing or car camping, your gear budget and other considerations. Let’s look at a few of the factors you’ll need to weigh as you consider which camping mattress you’ll want to sleep on.
Size
It all starts with size. You need a camping mattress that will accommodate your body. A camping mat that’s too narrow or too short will have you tossing and turning all night, and it won’t offer proper insulation or support. On the other hand, there’s no reason to get a camping mattress that’s way bigger than you need; that will add needless gear weight and will take up precious real estate in your tent. (Remember, when a tent says it’s designed for four people, that usually means four camping mattresses jammed right beside one another, not four people reclining with space to spare.)
Packed dimensions and weight
Some camping sleeping pads weigh less than a pound and deflate to pack down into a tube not much bigger than a can of soda. This type is a great choice for multi-day treks or mountaineering adventures. Other camping mattresses weigh 10-plus pounds and “pack down” to be the size of a footlocker. The packed size and weight of a camping mattress only really matter if you’ll be on the move, not car camping, but do consider how you’ll store the gear at home.
Mattress type
Among the mattress types are air mattresses, foam pads and hybrid self-inflating camping mattresses that use both air and foam. Choosing the right type of camping mattress for your specific use case depends on the type of outing, the level of comfort and support you need, the temperature outside your tent and your gear use capabilities. (Inflating a two-person air mattress with a stuff sack in a car camping tent on a frosty night isn’t for everyone, y’know?)
R-value (insulation)
A camping mattress’s insulation level — or how warm it can keep you, in other words — is measured in R-value. R-value is the measure of how effectively a two-dimensional barrier, like a piece of insulation used in constructing a wall or, say, a camping mattress, resists the conduction of heat. The better the R-value of a camping mattress, the more it prevents a loss of body heat, and the better it protects you from the cold ground below. A higher R-value indicates better insulation, so a pad with an R-value of 7 will keep you very warm, while an R-value 2 sleeping mat is best used on summer nights.
Noise
Believe it or not, but noise can be a serious problem with sleeping pads. Many inflatable air mats squeak, crinkle and crunch so loudly that they can disturb your sleep as you move and wake up and annoy fellow campers. In this list, I’ll mention noise where it’s an issue worth noting, and if you’re a light sleeper or you camp with folks who are, don’t overlook it!
About R-values
Let’s go a bit deeper on the whole R-value thing. R-value is the measure of how effectively a two-dimensional barrier resists the conduction of heat. Often used in the construction industry to describe the thermal properties of insulation in walls and windows, R-value is applied to camping mattresses as well. The lower the R-value, the less insulation — which is a good thing in warm weather. For summer camping look for an air mattress with an R-value value not much greater than two. On the other hand, for winter camping you will want an R-value of at least six and ideally seven.
Types of camping mattresses
There are effectively three types of camping mattresses: those that are filled with air and use baffle patterns for shape and support, those that are filled with a hybrid of foam and air, and those made from foam alone. An all-air mattress will be lightweight and sometimes well-insulated while a foam and air combination will be the heaviest and the warmest by far. An all-foam mat is usually lightweight but bulky when packed down. Consider the conditions in which you will be camping and whether you will be hiking or mountaineering when choosing a type of mattress.
What is the difference between camping mattresses and sleeping pads?
This is really a matter of semantics, but if you want to be precise, think of it like this: All sleeping pads for camping are camping mattresses, but not all camping mattresses are sleeping pads. That’s because you wouldn’t really call a 4-to-7-inch thick, extra large and heavy mattress a pad. But no one is going to look at you side-eyed if you call an air mat a camping mattress.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do I choose the right size mattress?
There is a minimalist school of thought that says only your shoulders and hips need to fit onto a camping sleeping pad. Going by this method, you’d have a pillow for your head and gear beneath your feet. I think that’s taking things a bit too far, though. I recommend you get a sleeping pad that is at most a few inches shorter than your full height. For example, 72 inches is a very common length for sleeping pads that works well for most people. As for width, make sure the sleeping pad is at least as wide as your shoulders; anything beyond that is simply added comfort.
What is the best R-value for a camping mattress?
It all depends on two things: the temperature outside and your tolerance for it. As a general rule of thumb, look for a camping mattress with an R-value below 2 for camping in hot weather and 6 or above for camping in cold weather. Take into consideration your comfort level preferences and how insulated your sleeping bag is.
How do I pack a camping mattress efficiently?
Packing a camping mattress takes patience. Go slow and steady, making sure to fold the mattress along any creases. Carefully roll it up, starting at the end furthest from the deflation valves. The faster you try to do it, the higher the chances excess air will get trapped, preventing you from fully packing down the sleeping pad. It’s a good idea to practice inflating and deflating your camping mattress a few times at home before you do it in the wild.
Are self-inflating mattresses better than air mattresses?
In terms of comfort, support and warmth, yes, they are. A camping mattress that is filled with plenty of foam and pockets of air is going to provide you the most comfortable night’s sleep you will get in a tent or rustic cabin. On the other hand, they are simply a terrible choice if you will be hiking or pushing toward a mountain summit. Sacrificing comfort for the lightweight portability of an air mattress is a no-brainer in those conditions.
Prefer to spend your time in the great outdoors off the ground? Check out our Thule rooftop tent review.
This content is created by AP Buyline in accordance with AP’s editorial guidelines and supervised and edited by AP staff. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about AP Buyline here.
