A camping air mattress is a small synthetic mat that’s designed to roll up for travel. It provides a soft cushion to sleep on and helps keep campers off the cold ground when tent or tarp camping. These mattresses range in size from single to king and some offer room for two. Most of these models are self-inflating, meaning they use a twist valve to expand and fill the foam with a few breaths. The premium options like Therm-a-Rest’s MondoKing use updated valves with dedicated inflation and deflation functions to shorten setup times.
While many models require manual inflation with a nozzle, others can be inflated using a built-in electric pump. A battery-operated option is best for car camping, as it saves time and makes it less likely that the pad will accidentally puncture. The weight of an air mattress also matters, especially if you plan to carry it to your campsite on foot or by backpack. Lightweight options that can be blown up with a breath can save a pound or more in pack weight compared to self-inflating mattresses that need an external pump.
If you sleep in your car or SUV, take a look at the Umbrauto Wide Car Air Mattress (with pump) and the Umbrauto Car Camping SUV Air Mattress. For a mattress without a built-in pump, a Cordless Rechargeable Camping Air Pump saves your lungs.
The most comfortable camping mattress for most car campers is the Exped MegaMat Duo 10. This double-wide model uses the same excellent construction as the single version and offers enough room for most adults to sleep comfortably. However, it’s not as comfortable for back sleepers or those who value plush and supportive padding. Another notable flaw is its 1.5-inch thickness, which is thinner than all other models we tested. Sea to Summit does make a thicker version of this model, however it’s not quite as comfortable and costs $10 more.
Shop the gear
- Umbrauto Wide Car Air Mattress (with pump)
- Umbrauto Car Camping SUV Air Mattress
- Cordless Rechargeable Camping Air Pump
- Matrix Air-Cell Memory Foam Camping Mattress
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