The Best Air Mattress For Camping: A Complete Guide

> See the Invoker FlexFoam Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

Why buy the Invoker Sleeping Pad?

Why is the Invoker sleeping pad the best air bed for camping? The best air mattress on Amazon overall, this Invoker product is the top rated air mattress for camping we’ve discovered.

If you want a one-size-fits-all air memory foam mattress, buy one for each member of the family. Then everyone can simply and comfortably go car or tent camping, easily able to inflate their own bed.

This one would also make a great overnight guest bed for home use.

>> Check prices for the Invoker FlexFoam Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

Investing in a self-inflating air mattress makes setting up camp so much easier.

This Coleman product offers all sorts of other practical features too. It’s thinner than most air mattresses, so fits well into small tents with sloped sides.

The thinness doesn’t make it uncomfortable, however. It inflates really well – and even better – it stays well inflated throughout the night. I’ve tried lots and lots of air mattresses and this is one of the best I’ve slept on to stay inflated all night.

I’m a side sleeper and have also found this to be the best camping mattress for side sleepers, too.

My one complaint is that it had a really strong plastic smell out of the box. I was worried that it would fill my tent with a toxic smell, but I left it out for several days (inflated) to air before my trip and it completely lost the smell, fortunately.

This is the best camping mattress for two when you’re seeking a lightweight product.

While it’s not quite as light as the sleeping pads listed under the backpacking category, it is a durable, comfortable option. Quick inflation and deflation valves make blowing this one up a breeze, with no other equipment needed. It comes with a carry bag, too.

When comfort is your top priority, this is the best Coleman air mattress for two.

This waterproof, Queen-sized mattress is twice as high, making it much easier to get out of bed in the morning. A reinforced coil construction offers a good level of support, while the velvety top layer is super soft to sleep on. Airtight dual sealed valves also ensure there’s no air leakage during the night.

Coleman are one of the best-known outdoor brands around, and this Queen sized air mattress looks and feels a lot like the bed you’d sleep in at home.

This mattress can be inflated to double height in just 3 minutes. If you want the best air mattress for a heavy person, then this could fit the bill as it can support up to 600lbs. A quilted top makes it ultra comfortable too.

This great value product is one of the best Intex air mattress options.

Like the Coleman SupportRest Elite, it inflates in around 3 minutes. It can also support 600lb maximum, making this another winner for those seeking the best air mattress for heavy people. Sturdy, ‘Fiber-Tech’ construction offers support and comfort, and there is even a built-in raised pillow.

The Coleman product listed previously also makes list of the best queen size air mattress for camping options.

Comfort and support are assured by the double-height, coil construction and velvet-like sleeping surface.   A standard queen-sized sheet fits this perfectly.   As this can support up to 600lbs, it is also among the best air mattress for plus size people products.

If you want comfort, then this Coleman mattress might just be the best single air bed for camping.

It can support up to 300 pounds, so is ideal for those searching for the best camping air mattress for a heavy person.  Dual-sealed valves prevent air leakage, while the cozy velvety top and strong, supportive coil construction complement this double height Coleman air mattress.

This single air mattress from Zaltana offers great value for money.

It comes complete with a dual action hand pump for fast inflation. Aircoil support and a plush surface ensure a high level of comfort, while leak-proof valves prevent overnight air loss.  As it can support 300lbs, this air bed is also suitable for those wanting the best air mattress for a big guy or gal.

This King Koil air bed for one comes with a built-in pump and inflates in just 3 minutes.

It can be deflated down to a compact size for transportation and a carry bag comes with it. A coil beam construction and soft fully flocked surface ensure all-night comfort and support.

The added height ramps up the comfort level further – and makes it easier to get into and out of, too. However, this does mean that it’s not good for smaller tents with sloped sides or very low roofs. This is a great option if you have a larger tent and are looking for the luxury and comfort of a super high air mattress.

Those seeking the best back seat air mattress for a truck, car or SUV should like this Sibosen mattress.

It has a generously-sized sleeping area, so is also perhaps the best car camping mattress for couples or children. The included electric pump inflates it quickly via the cigarette lighter socket, and it also features an anti-drop, anti-collision design for safety.

This is among your best mattress for car camping options.

Designed to be used over the back seat or even in the trunk, this mattress can be folded over to fit the available space. It can also be used as an outdoor camping air bed. An air pump, backseat filler and tote bag come with it. The mattress is big and robust enough to sleep up to 3 people, or support 650lbs in weight.

Whether you want the best SUV air mattress or one for the family car, this model is compatible with 99% of vehicle back seats.

It can be inflated in a couple of minutes via the included electric air pump. A stuff bag and two inflatable pillows also come with it. The flocked surface is cozy and comfortable and you can even choose between 2 colors.

This sleeping pad from Invoker ensures happy campers – it has rave reviews for both comfort and practicality.

The ultra-thick memory mattress is made from memory foam for a smooth and uninterrupted sleep. A strong, waterproof, and virtually silent air bed, this Invoker product can be used during all seasons and features innovative self-inflating technology.

If you want a compact, lightweight product then this might be the best travel air mattress for your camping trips.

This sturdy, comfortable double air bed has a built-in foot pump plus inflation and deflation valves to make setting up camp quick and easy, and for transportation there is a carry bag included. The manufacturer says it suits back, side or stomach sleepers too.

If you like your home comforts, then a double height air bed like this one might be just right.

A quilted top makes this product feel ultra luxurious, while the built-in ‘SwiftRise’ pump makes easy work of inflation. A Queen sized airbed can also be a good camping option as many tents will state how many air beds of these dimensions they can accommodate.

This one also packs down to the size of a water bottle. While it’s slightly heavier than the Sleepingo at 17 ounces, it offers some impressive extra features.

The Apollo Air is water resistant, and in the interests of comfort has an ergonomic design. It can also stop the ground from taking your body heat, making it suitable for all-season use.

Anyone seeking the best lightweight air mattress for camping surely must take a look at the BeyondHOME

This ultra light camping pad weights just 1.5 pounds. When packed down into the included carry bag, its dimensions are not much bigger than a water bottle. This heavy duty, super durable mattress has a lifetime guarantee and offers the sleeper 2.1 inches of comfort. It comes in single and double options.

The third option for those seeking the best air mattress for hiking or backpacking is one from Ecotek Outdoors.

A unique feature of this one is the quick and easy inflation, made possible by the one-way valve system. This one can also be used all year round, and is wear and weather-proof. You can even use this sleeping pad with a hammock.

This Invoker sleeping pad scores highly on comfort as well as practicality.

The memory foam mattress ensures a great night’s rest, and the self-inflating feature makes it super quick to set up. This air bed is also waterproof, whisper-quiet, flexible and strong. It is suitable for all season use and comes complete with carry bag.

Anyone who wants the best self inflating mattress for camping would surely be happy with this Qomotop product. 

You can choose between single and double sizes, and it is a great all-season option. While it’s not the cheapest or lightest camping mattress around, this one offers the ultimate in comfort and convenience. It’s also the best backpacking air mattress for side sleepers.

If you want the best air mattress with built in pump at a great price, this sturdy Intex product is difficult to beat.

This mattress inflates in just over three minutes and even features an integral pillow.  Queen or Twin sizes are available.  The larger version is capable of supporting up to 600lbs in weight, and it also comes complete with a carry bag.

If your chosen air bed doesn’t come with a pump, or you’d like invest in a better one, look no further than this Coleman product. This is the best camping air pump we have tried, with rapid inflation or deflation powered by a rechargeable battery.

The battery recharges using regular 120V power, which lasts for most camping trips, though if you’re traveling a lot and pumping up your mattress frequently, you may need to recharge it (if you need a generator, check out my Guide to The Best Generators for Camping). As an alternative to the rechargeable model, you can also choose from a 12V model that you can recharge from your car’s cigarette lighter or a 120V model that you can charge from a generator.

If the worst does happen and your air mattress develops a tear, all may not be lost.

This US made Tear Aid Fabric Repair Kit is ultra tough and can fix holes in canvas, nylon, plastics, rubber, neoprene, polyester and more. T he clear patch is barely visible, has a matte finish and is UV resistant. Within each pack are several differently-sized patches, reinforcement filament, alcohol prep pads and full instructions.

• Best 4-Person Tent
• Best 6-Person Tent
• Best 8-Person Tent
• Best Truck Tent
• Best Tent for Beach Camping
• Best Winter Tent With Stove Jack
• Best Tent Stove
• Best Canvas Tents With Stove Jacks
• Best Large Tents for Camping 
• Best Portable Hot Water Showers 

• Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping
• Best Tent Heaters
• Best Tent Fans
• Best Generators for Camping
• Best RV Generators
• Best Camping Fridges
• Best Yeti Coolers for Camping
• Best String Lights for Camping
• Best Solar Lights for Camping
• Best Portable Air Conditioner for Tent Camping

• Other Travel Products

James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents.  He has visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks.

He has rafted through the Grand Canyon; rappelled down slot canyons near Zion and Arches; hiked among the hoodoos in Bryce and the enormous trees in Sequoia; admired the waterfalls in Yosemite and the colored hot springs in Yellowstone; seen moose in Grand Tetons and seals in the Channel Islands, and much more.

Read more…