Air Mattress For Camping

One of the best camping air mattresses today, this Zooobelieves air mattress is famous for being so durable that it can stay 100% pumped even when run over by a motorcycle!

Of course, we had to have it!

After testing it out on a few trips and backyard and car camping, we found more than that. This air mattress is also amazingly easy to inflate, deflate, and pack away, snagging it this review’s Editor’s Choice award. 

If anything, it sure looked a bit small to us at first glance. Well, I’m 5’10,” but I was able to have a good night’s rest on it. But its width is a whole different story. 

Aside from that…

…if you’re not very particular about the size (after all, we want something easy to pack and carry for trips and camping), it’s amazingly easy to use overall. 

It’s packed flat, and all I had to do was remove the cap and the cork of the valve to use its self-inflating features. 

Well, it’s not totally self-inflating. But you won’t have to tire your lungs doing CPR just to fill it out with air. All you will have to do is to step on the valve several times (or you can also use your hands) in a pumping motion to inflate this camping cot. 

In case you’re wondering…

…it took me just four minutes as I pumped really fast. And yes, gave me a much-needed dose of exercise, too! 

Now, if you’re looking for a camping air mattress for a disabled loved one or one with issues on their feet or legs, then they might need someone to assist them. Or, as mentioned previously, you can always use your hands. 

To add to that…

…it also has a double-decked valve. The first is for completely deflating it, and the other is for slowly releasing air to adjust the firmness of the mattress. Yes, you can definitely decide the level of softness or firmness according to your preference. 

After that, the cot was definitely very firm, just like how I prefer my other air mattresses. 

What’s cooler is it has snaps along its sides, so you can take more than one if you want a bigger sleeping space and just attach the air beds to each other!

Well, we did that to use it as a picnic area!

Now, onto the burning question. 

Did it leak air throughout the night?

To test it out, I let my 200-pound in-laws sleep on it during our weekend camping. The next morning, we checked it to see that it did not lose air, not even the tiniest bit. Honestly, I wasn’t really very surprised as this brand is already known for this quality. But it’s still cool to experience it firsthand!

It’s also waterproof as if it’s not cool enough.

Deflating and packing it away was a very easy affair, as well. Just open the valve and roll it away. It sure is much heavier than the regular camping air bed, but it’s definitely very worth the extra weight. 

This AKASO camping air mattress is quite literally a dupe of the Zoobelieves air bed. They’re so similar in many ways. But there are differences, too. One of them is the Akaso air bed’s agreeable price, making it this review’s Best Value air mattress. 

It has the same construction as our Editor’s Choice air mattress, with the “self-inflating” feature to the bed itself. 

They’re both a bit narrow, alright. But they also both have snaps or buttons on the sides so the air mattress can be attached to another one for a bigger sleeping space. 

As for preparation…

…it’s also a breeze. It has the same pumping valve as the Zoobelieves one. Just use your feet to pump, and it will be ready in about a minute. Yep, much faster, too. 

But what’s cooler is you can also use an electric pump or a manual pump if you want a more instant result. Additionally, you can also definitely inflate it by blowing air from your mouth. 

Yep, that’s 3-way inflation for you!

It took me less time than the previous mattress as this is also much lighter and thinner than the Zoobelieves matters. 

It’s only 2.7 inches thick. But the upside is that it also means that it’s very lightweight and portable. It took less space in our van and carrying it was so easy that I almost forgot it was on my back the whole time. 

So that’s for you who want to prioritize portability more than anything else. 

Suffice it to say…

…it came as a surprise to us that its maximum weight capacity is around 600 pounds! Isn’t it unbelievable considering its thickness?

But it was indeed true. We tested it overnight with several dumbbells on it, and it didn’t break at all nor sustain any damage. 

If anything, we lost a tiny bit of air during the 12 hours of the overnight test. But it’s still firm enough not to let the sleeper feel the ground. 

I also like how it has this cellular design and overall ergonomic shape. It just felt like I was being massaged by the surface of the mattress. There’s also a pillow-like design on the head area if you don’t want to bring an extra pillow on your trip.

Since we’re mainly looking at the best camping air mattresses with an emphasis on camping, one of the most important metrics is a mattress’ portability. 

This Sleepingo air mattress for camping proved to be the most portable and easy-to-carry camping air mattress on the market, making it this review’s Top Pick. 

This baby isn’t only comfortable, but it folds and packs down to a mere size of a folding umbrella or a water bottle! 

Aside from packing real small, it’s also very lightweight. 

So if you’re not a regular traveler…

…you’d love this impressive little air bed. Not to mention, it can also fit perfectly inside a tent without getting all the space from your other camping stuff. 

Only 2 inches thick, it’s surprisingly firm once inflated. It could actually go rock-firm if you blow more than needed, so that’s for those of you who prefer a firm bed to a soft one. 

As for leaking, it didn’t leak at all, even after a 200-pound relative slept on it for 10 hours and sat on it for 3 more hours. 

But here’s the kicker…

…it has nice ergonomics, with cellular air pockets that let the mattress adjust to your shape and size so you can lay down comfortably. It can also relieve tension in your body after a long day of adventures. 

Another surprising thing about this 2-inch-thick mattress is its rip-resistant quality. Made of nylon, its fabric is quite thick and definitely rugged, which made me think that it’s made with rough rocks and terrains in mind. 

Moreover…

…can you believe that it’s also insulated? It has thermal insulation for temperatures 32 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Definitely made for the great outdoors. 

On the other hand, leaving it under the blazing sun could make it leak air as it can affect the plastic valve. 

You can inflate this guy by blowing into it. They say it would take 10 to 15 breaths to fully inflate it. It took me 28 breaths the first time, and it got better at 17 breaths the next. That’s because there’s actually a technique that involves the valve when breathing into it. 

You’d want to seal the air with the flap inside first before blowing again. Yep, a bit challenging, but it ended up being very firm, so that’s no big deal for me. 

It comes with its own carry bag and once packed inside the bag, it’s just the size of a water bottle or a folding umbrella! 

Make way for one of the best air mattresses on the market. It’s thick, it’s durable, it doesn’t move around, and it’s big, among many other great features. 

Also, if you’re looking for the best camping air mattress for your family, then this is one of the best options for you. 

At 9 inches, it’s already bigger and much thicker than most on this list. If you’re using it solo or even with one companion, it’s already very spacious enough, with more room to move around and enjoy a good night’s rest. 

But aside from that…

…it can also fit a small family or a few children, so it has become our favorite air mattress for car camping or picnics after testing it out!

But aside from its thickness and size, it also has a very durable and comfortable design. The highlight of its construction is its 4th generation wave beam internal construction. 

Thanks to these beams, it’s much firmer and sturdier than the regular air bed. I also noticed that the air inside it didn’t shift around and to the sides like how I experienced with other poorly made air mattresses. 

Now, just so you know…

…on our first three nights of use, we noticed that we lost some air overnight, about a quarter of the air inside. But we continued to monitor it, and it stopped happening after the third night. 

Turned out that some users also testified that this air mattress tends to deflate a tad bit on its first use. After that, it stayed the same as ever. 

In fact…

…the next three nights, we didn’t deflate it at all. Simply put, its firmness stayed for days without leaking. 

Aside from this, it also has a flocked top that’s very nice to the touch, like suede or felt fabric. But it has more uses other than that. 

It also helps with the air mattress’ insulation. Although upon testing it, the insulation wasn’t exceptionally great, it can still be felt, so I can still appreciate it. 

It also has an anti-skid bottom so that it won’t move around throughout the night. 

Now, this is interesting. 

If you’re more of a car camper or a road tripper, then you’ll love these very versatile twin air mattresses. 

Okay, I mean air mattress. But it actually has four separate chambers, so you might as well call it a twin mattress as it can also hold two to three people at a time. 

Moreover…

…it has a concealed divider line that separates these chambers. You can inflate just the other half of this mattress along with one or two inflatable pillows, or you can inflate it fully without the integrated pillows…your call!

It’s actually made for car use, but it’s so big that we also use it outside our cars and inside our tents. 

It fits perfectly inside my Kia with the pillows inflated but turned up. It’s actually good, as they prevented our little Shih Tzu from going to the driver’s seat!

For road trippers…

…just fold your passenger’s seat up and have a blast inside while lying on this car mattress in the middle of the road!

What’s nicer is it has side flaps that are also softly inflated. They actually made my night in the tent really comfy and homey, as it felt comfortable even when I rolled to the side of the mattress in the middle of the night. 

Setting it up wasn’t difficult, as well. It comes with an electric pump that you can connect to the cigarette lighter socket of your car and let it do its work. 

It took me under 15 minutes to fully inflate it, but I didn’t break a sweat at all.

What’s cooler…

…is its double-layer flocking lets you use both sides of this mattress. One side is blue, and the other one is tan. But they both have the same suede quality that’s very soft to the touch. 

It comes with a repair kit and a carrying case which add more value to it than it already has. 

Another one for the car campers!

This air bed from Zone Tech has not only four chambers but 6! So there you go for perfect customizability.  

It has three chambers on each side, so you can choose whether to inflate the whole thing or just half of it, especially if you have a small car. The left side of the mattress is much smaller than the other so that you know. 

Just like the previous mattress…

…it also has integrated pillow sections, you can fold it up or down depending on the situation. As for me, I always love it when camping air beds have this as I like using it as a soft headboard. 

Suffice it to say, it also felt like home!

If you’re a tall person, your legs might hang off on edge, but just a tiny little bit, and it didn’t change the comfort I felt, anyway. 

It can fit one to two people, and it was wide enough for me to lay diagonally when I tried it solo. 

It has just enough thickness to lift me up from the ground but not too thick that it felt stuffy inside the car. But the cool thing is it has a great weight capacity of around 600 pounds. 

Inflation is just the same as the WeFly SUV air mattress. It came with a cable that I plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter socket; although it could use a few more inches of length, it still worked out well in the end. 

As for my favorite part…

…as if the pillow sections aren’t enough, it also comes with a pair of inflatable pillows! Not just that, but it also includes another pair of filler pliers to complete the chill vacation vibe!

The carry case it comes with is also pretty cool in its design and is very easy to carry. 

Looking for something lighter and more basic? Well, the next mattress on this list isn’t very basic. It’s unique, actually. But it also has straightforward features that make it very perfect for backpackers. 

This air bed from PowerLix is as simple as it can be. Except for its inflating system and design. 

It has a cellular design, but instead of simple cells, this one has hexagonal cells. This doesn’t only relieve tension from your body’s pressure points, but it also effectively shapes itself to accommodate your body’s curves!

Although it tends to make some noises…

…I say it can’t really be helped due to its material. But man, it sure was surprisingly comfy and even homey, especially when I tell you that it’s only a couple of inches thick!

Yes, it’s quite thin at two inches. It’s also a bit narrow, but it was able to accommodate me, anyway. 

Also, one of the reasons why it tends to make those little noises is because it’s also 100% waterproof. It doesn’t absorb water, so we’re even able to use it as a pool floater. 

That said, that also makes it very easy to clean. Now, the noise isn’t that bad anymore, isn’t it?

As if that’s not enough…

…it’s also quite durable. Of course, we had to test it out on the rough ground to be able to know!

It didn’t tear at all nor lose air during the 3-day trial. Quite surprising for something that’s very light. 

But that’s not even the highlight. 

The real highlight is the inflatable bag that comes with it!

Yes, it obviously looks like the mattress’ carrying bag. But it’s also the air pump.

You’ve read that right. 

To inflate this little guy, you just have to put air inside the bag (swoosh it around to collect air, then quickly close it and seal it in) and connect its valve to the sleeping mat’s valve. Then just squeeze all the air out of the bag and into the mat until the mat’s fully inflated.

Easy? Well, it’s up to you. It took me two and a half minutes to fully inflate it. Not so bad.

But that’s not all. 

You can also use the inflatable bag as a waterproof bag and a vacuum laundry bag, as it can also be sealed!

As for its comfort, not gonna lie, but I could almost feel the rough ground when I was sitting down on this sleeping bag. 

But that’s because all my weight was concentrated in one area only. Once I was lying down, it felt stable and even plush under me, with my weight being distributed well. 

Simply put…

…it’s not a luxurious experience, but it’s very convenient and comfortable. Just perfect for a nice camping trip.  

Lying on this thick EnerPlex queen air mattress felt like sleeping on the water’s surface.Like, really. 

And that’s a bit interesting as it’s firm to the touch. Made with proprietary coil beam construction underneath, it’s not your regular soft and mushy mattress. 

It has the right ratio of softness and firmness, which only a few camping air mattresses have achieved. It’s also just a tad bit bouncy, so take note of that if it’s a deal-breaker for you. 

In addition to that…

…we loved how the beams inside gave our tired bodies the perfect support at the right places, and I’m talking about my spines when I was lying face up. It felt so good and relaxing that I forgot that I was sleeping in the middle of a camp!

After two weeks of not deflating it, no air ever leaked, and it was still as firm as day one even after weeks, so I guess it’s also a good air mattress for home if you’re looking for one. 

Inflating it was a straightforward affair. You’d need an outlet, though. But I could pump it out with the cigarette lighter outlet of my car. 

At 9 inches, it’s very thick and perfect if you want to have as much distance as you can from the ground. 

Another great thing about it is it comes not only with a carrying pouch but also three different universal nozzles that you can also use with your other inflatables! Talk about value for your money. 

Not satisfied with a 9-inch thick mattress? Then we found a bigger alternative for you. 

This Sierra Designs sleeping air bed is more than 10 inches thick, so we didn’t feel that we were on the ground at all. Close your eyes, and it will almost feel like you’re back in your bedroom at home!

On the other hand…

…it has a very durable surface so as not to be easily puncturable. As a result, the surface didn’t feel as cozy as a home bed. It could get cold, especially if you’re camping during winter. 

But we didn’t let that ruin it for us. I simply put an insulated sleeping bag (of sheet) over it, so it became fuzzy and warm.

With its TPU-coated material, it’s stretch-resistant, which is good because there are fewer chances of the fabric ripping. 

It also made the mattress very firm. And when I say firm, I mean that it could be so firm that you’d want to under-inflate it to achieve a homey, cozy ratio of softness and firmness. 

The downside is the other person (if you’re sharing the bed) could bounce when you move. But that’s not much of a big deal for me as the mattress itself made me sleep like a log, anyway!

Aside from that…

...it also has a built-in pillow. I didn’t think much of this feature until I had to pack really light. I realized I could leave some of my pillows at home because this queen size air mattress has built-in ones!

It comes with a two-way Boston valve that makes inflation, deflation, and packing up very easy.

This Active Era proved to be one of the most durable air mattresses on our list. And also one of the coziest ones!

Made to mimic the luxurious coziness of the regular home bed, this comfortable air mattress has a wave beam technology that amazingly held my whole weight without any gaps at all, which I always found lacking in other camping mattresses. 

Some either have great support on the head but none on the lower side of the body and vice versa. 

But this one is one solid piece! I also have a tendency to roll over throughout the night, and it felt good that the whole surface felt stable and durable. 

On the other hand…

…it just falls short on insulation which it didn’t feel like it has. You can make it better by putting a lining under the mattress or over it. I prefer to put my sheet over the mattress just so that I won’t feel the PVC material. 

Speaking of the mattress top, it has a flocking that’s very soft to the touch, almost like a microfiber blanket! It’s also skin-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about letting the children use it. 

As for the preparation, it comes with two pumping options. 

The first and the main one is a rechargeable pump. It inflated my mattress to my liking in just under a minute, which is quite a feat. 

On the flip side, you’d have to remember to always carry a power bank with you in case it runs out of charge. 

The second option…

…is the foot pump. The good old foot pump. But contrary to the product descriptions, it wasn’t that easy for us to use the foot pump. 

In fact, it’s not located on the upside of the mattress but on the backside, so we had to flip it out. We also had to remember to put something on the ground so that the mattress won’t be punctured by anything sharp. 

Suffice it to say, I’d just settle with the electric pump. Just gotta remember not to leave my power bank at home.