5 Best Camping Mattresses and Sleeping Pads in 2024
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Are you looking for the best camping mattresses?
It can be hard knowing what to look for when choosing a camping mattress. You might need a lightweight camping sleeping pad or a high-end mattress depending on your camping style and comfort needs.
My husband and I take our two girls camping an average of once a month. We find it relaxing to go “off-grid” and get outdoors for a weekend. My first camping trip with my husband was when I was 4 months pregnant. We had no sleeping pad or camping pillow and quickly realized that was a huge mistake. I didn’t sleep well at all!
Fast-forward to two kids later. We had cheap camping pads with no insulation and decided to take our baby and toddler camping in November. It was so cold we had to stop by a store for extra layers and foot warmers! I’m glad we were at a lake in the middle of a suburb, so it was easy to adjust.
This guide to the perfect camping mattress is based on trial and error. We’ve tested the best camping mattresses for families and narrowed down our guide to the ones we’ve found best for tent camping and backpacking and winter camping.
The best camping mattress or sleeping pad provides comfort and warmth while camping. It’s a crucial part of your camping sleep setup when packing for camping.
Even in the summer months, the nights can get chilly, depending on where you are, and you don’t want a regular air mattress that will just soak up the cold ground’s temperature.
Other features to consider when deciding which mattress for camping is best for you include size, weight, and ease of setting up.
What are the Best Camping Mattresses?
Here are my top picks for best camping air mattresses based on what our Camp Squad friends and I have used.
When you come back from a long day of hiking together, you’ll want a comfortable setting for your kids’ nap time and for everyone to sleep well at night.
The last section and summary provide more advice on what to look for in a camping mattress.
Now, let’s dive into the best camping mattresses.
Best Camping Mattress Comparison Chart
| Camping Mattress | Weight | Size | Inflation Method | Material | Extra Features | Best for |
| HeyTrip Self-Inflating | 6.4 lbs | 78” x 30” x 4” | Self-inflating | Polyester, foam | Cell phone holder, bag pump, carrying strap | Tent Camping, comfort, cold weather |
| DEHUMI Sleeping Pad | 1.87 lbs | 78.5” x 24.5” x 2.7” | Built-in foot pump | Nylon, waterproof | Buttons to connect two pads, built-in pillow | Budget-friendly, light packing |
| Exped DownMat 9 | 2.69 lbs | 13” x 7” x 6” | Pump bag | Polyester, fill-power down, waterproof | Schnozzel Pumpbag, responsibly sourced down | Tent Camping, comfort, cold weather |
| Klymit Static V2 | 16.33 oz | 72” x 23” x 2.5” | 10-15 breaths | Polyester, water-resistant | Side rails and V-chambers for comfort | Lightweight, backpacking |
| Exped Megamat Duo 10 | 163.3 oz | 77.6” x 52” x 4” | Mini Pump or Self-Inflating | 50D Polyester, TPU Polyether Film Laminate, Hydrolysis resistant | Mini pump, sidewalls, bluesign®-certified materials, carry bag | Couples camping, family camping, car camping, luxury |
1. HeyTrip Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
Weight: 6.4 lbs Size: 78'' x 30'' x 4'' R-Value: 9.0 Inflation Method: Self-inflating Material: Polyester, foam Extra Features: Cell phone holder pocket, soft top fabric, storage bag doubles as bag pump, carrying strap Best for: Tent Camping, comfort, cold-weather
The HeyTrip Self-Inflating Camping Pad is among the best car camping mattresses for all four seasons.
The self-inflating feature works well. After unrolling the camping mattress and opening the valve, it inflated within a minute or two.
It is 4″ thick, so it offers excellent insulation and is one of the most comfortable options out there.
After using it a lot and switching to our smaller sleeping pad (to fit more camping mattresses in our smaller tent), it didn’t self-inflate quite as quickly, BUT this is still the best self-inflation function in a camping mattress I have seen.
The takeaway: if you have the camping mattress rolled up for a long time in storage, self-inflation takes an extra minute or two.
REI suggests storing unrolled, flat, and half-inflated camping mattresses at a consistent room temperature. We store our sleeping pads deflated, rolled up, and in the garage. This is not really a consistent temperature as the garage gets hotter and colder than the rest of the house.
A great feature of the HeyTrip camping mattress is that the storage bag also has an inflating valve connector.
You can use the air in the bag to inflate the camping mattress if you want a firmer sleeping pad than what the self-inflation gives you.
A side pocket is also the perfect size for your cell phone.
Just a side note: we were gifted this camping mattress for a sponsored Instagram post a while back, but we loved it so much we included it in this list.
2. DEHUMI Sleeping Pad
Weight: 1.87 lbs Size: 78.5” x 24.5” x 2.7” R-Value: 2.8 Inflation Method: Inflate with built-in foot pump Material: Nylon, waterproof Extra Features: buttons on side to connect 2 pads together, built-in pillow Best for: budget-friendly, light packing
The DEHUMI sleeping pad comes in three different color options: green, blue, or navy. My favorite feature, though, is the foot pump.
It works to quickly inflate the camping mattress. No more manually inflating the mattress; just use your foot on the pump, and within half a minute, you’re good to go.
Another bonus feature is buttons on the side to connect 2 of the DEHUMI camping pads.
As a mom with little kids, I find this helpful. My toddler always snuggles up with me on my sleeping pad when we go camping, no matter how good of a setup she has on her own.
This particular camping mattress is our friend’s, and she confirmed it is comfortable to sleep on. As a camping roommate, I can also confirm it is not one of those loud, crinkly-sounding sleeping pads that make a lot of noise if you turn in your sleep.
The DEHUMI sleeping pad’s R-value is only 2.8, so it’s perfect for spring through fall but not freezing temperatures.
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The biggest complaint I have read in reviews (and agree with) is that the pillow has to inflate for the mattress to inflate fully.
Although this mattress is comfortable, I prefer a camping pillow tucked into my sleeping bag to one attached to a camping mattress.
The DEHUMI is lightweight at under 2 pounds, but it is not an ideal camping mattress for backpacking due to its size and the bulkiness of the foot pump.
Perfect for our best camping mattress title and a solid choice.
3. Exped DownMat 9
Weight: 2.69 lbs Size: 13” x 7” x 6” R-Value: 7.1 Inflation Method: Inflates with pump bag in under 2 minutes Material: Polyester, fill-power down, waterproof Extra Features: Schnozzel Pumpbag, responsibly sourced down Best for: Tent Camping, comfort, cold weather
The Exped DownMat 9 is on our list of best camping pads and mattresses. Unfortunately, it’s not longer for sale, but the Ultra 7R is Exped’s similar product.
It is comfortable, easy to inflate, and works well in cold weather.
I even used the pump bag one-handed to fill the sleeping pad with air because my toddler was napping in my arms (and would wake up when I tried to put her down).
We took it on a snow camping trip (and winter desert camping and many more trips since) just outside of Las Vegas, so we could test out how it held up in very cold weather.
The Exped DownMat 9 is my husband’s go-to sleeping mattress (mine is still the larger HeyTrip sleeping pad), and it does great with its claim of comfort and handling cold weather.
Also, I don’t think I will ever again buy a camping mat without some pump bag or pump sack.
Once you don’t have to blow air into a mattress (self-inflating or not), you never want to inflate a mattress manually again.
4. Klymit Static V2
Weight: 16.33 oz Size: 72” x 23” x 2.5” R-Value: 1.3 Inflation Method:Inflates with 10-15 breaths Material: Polyester, water resistant Extra Features: Pattern of side rails and V-chambers for comfort Best for: Light weight, backpacking
The Klymit Static V2 is my husband’s warm-weather sleeping mattress for camping. It’s comfortable and lightweight.
As the one who sets up the sleeping pads while my husband sets up the rest of the camp, I can tell you from experience that they’re easy to inflate.
The only problem is that the valve is a little tricky to close without air coming out while you close the cap.
The Klymit Static V2 is one of the best sleeping pads for backpacking because it is so lightweight.
If you are car camping or tent camping, make room for a sleeping mattress that is slightly thicker, heavier, and easier to inflate/deflate.
It isn’t a lousy sleeping pad (and we’ve had some bad ones), but it isn’t my favorite.
5. Exped Megamat Duo 10
Weight: 163.3 oz Size: 77.6” x 52” x 4” R-Value: 8.1 Inflation Method: Mini Pump or Self-Inflating Material: 50D Polyester, TPU Polyether Film Laminate, Hydrolysis resistant Extra Features: Mini pump, repair kit, carry bag Best for: Couples camping, family camping, car camping, luxury
The Exped Megamat Duo 10 is one of the best camping mattresses for couples or parents with little kids. Out of the mattresses on our list, it’s the widest and meant for 2 people to fit comfortably.
I want the Exped Megamat Duo 10 because it can fit me and both my girls while they’re still young. When we go camping, my 7 and 4-year-olds argue over who gets to sleep by mom (my husband and I sleep on the sides with the girls in the middle of the tent). This inflatable camping mattress can solve the issue of trying to fit 3 across 2 pads that don’t even connect.
The Exped Megamat is surprisingly easy to inflate with the mini pump. Plus, it self-inflates partially, saving some effort.
The sidewall design adds to the comfort level, and the high R-value makes it the right camping mattress for any season.
Its only downside is that it’s pretty bulky, even when packed down, and definitely on the heavier side. It’s used for car camping rather than backpacking.
What is a Camping Mattress or Sleeping Pad?
The term “sleeping pad” for camping is often used interchangeably with “camping mattress.”
A camping mattress is an air mattress with foam inside that is meant for camping. The foam allows for more cushion and insulation while you sleep.
Regular air mattresses can work but are often bulkier and need electricity or a hand pump to inflate.
The air in the mattress matches the temperature of the ground, so in colder weather camping, a regular air mattress will not help with any insulation.
A sleeping pad is thinner than a camping mattress and is typically made of synthetic material. It offers some comfort and insulation in a lighter design, which is better for storage space and backpacking.
It would help if you considered a few things when looking for a camping mattress or sleeping pad.
What is an R-value?
The R-value of camping mattresses is generally the deciding factor in what weather you should use them for. This number indicates the mattress’s insulation capacity.
An R-value of 5.0 or higher is good for winter and cold-weather camping, while an R-value of under 5.0 is best for three-season camping and warmer weather.
We’ve found the best cold weather pad for car camping is slightly longer, wider, and thicker than your average sleeping mat.
Camping Mattress Buying Guide Details
- Weight
- Size
- R-Value
- Mattress Inflation Type
- Weather
You might find a nice, comfortable sleeping pad but then realize it doesn’t have good enough insulation. A mattress without proper insulation wouldn’t be a good choice if you’re camping in the snow or cold weather.
If you’re backpacking in warmer weather, a heavy, highly insulated camping mattress is probably not necessary.
Look at what type of camping you’ll do and when you will be camping.
Then, you can narrow down the best camping mattress for you.
Best Camping Mattress Summary
The best backpacking and camping mattresses are self-inflating with a high R-value.
Number one for overall tent camping comfort and function goes to the HeyTrip Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad.
I love it, and if there’s room, I will always choose this one. It’s easy to inflate/deflate, wide enough for when my youngest needs to sleep next to me, and very comfortable.
Our choice for the most accessible camping mattress to inflate is the DEHUMI Sleeping Pad.
The foot pump (once you figure it out) works fast. Hands-free and easy. The foot pump is the most unique feature of the DEHUMI.
If you’re looking for something lighter and smaller than the HeyTrip Sleeping Pad but a little more comfortable than the DEHUMI, your choice should be the Exped DownMat 9.
The responsibly sourced down makes a big difference in this camping mattress, making it an excellent choice for colder weather or added comfort. The bag pump also allows for easy camping sleeping pad inflation.
Are you going backpacking and needing something lighter? Then, try out the Klymit Static V2. It’s comfortable enough and only weighs 16.33 ounces.
Whatever your choice, take good care of your camping mattresses and carry a patch kit.
Most sleeping pads come with at least one patch in case a rock or something punctures your sleeping mat while camping. We’ve received some suitable patch kits from our Nomadik Subscription Box.
FAQ
The best camping mattress matches the comfort and insulation level you are looking for, as well as any weight or size requirements you might have. I prefer the HeyTrip Camping Mattress if you are looking for a self-inflating, comfortable sleeping pad for tent camping.
A campaign mattress filled with foam and air will be the most comfortable to sleep on when camping.
Choose a good brand, such as HeyTrip or Exped, a comfortable sleeping bag, a sleeping bag liner, and a camping pillow. If it’s really cold, adding in a Rumpl down blanket will add comfort and insulation.
A camping mattress that combines the use of air and foam in a mattress is the best option.
A sleeping pad is completely worth investing in. Make sure you look at insulation, comfort, size, and weight when choosing your sleeping pad for camping.
