You only try camping without an air mattress once. Trying (and failing) to fall asleep on the hard ground which isn’t only uncomfortable but cold is an experience you are unlikely to want to repeat.
A good air mattress is an essential solution. Although not suitable for backpacking or lightweight camping, if you are going by car you owe it to yourself and your family to invest in a good night’s sleep by getting one of the best air mattresses. These have come on significantly from the old, often sweaty, leak-prone inflatables that were more suited to jumping on in the pool and severely tested your lung capacity blowing up. They now have luxury surfaces, easier inflation, and are constructed for you and your partner’s comfort. All the following airbeds will help you get a restful night under canvas.
EnerPlex No Outlet Needed Luxury Series Queen Air Mattress
Inflates without electric
Blowing up your airbed is the last thing you want to do after setting up camp. This one comes with a wireless pump that will inflate the mattress in 90 seconds up to six times on one charge, with no electrical outlet needed. Once it’s up, the coil-beam construction gives firm support and a leak-free piece of mind. Handily, three universal nozzles are provided for all your inflatables and it comes with a carry bag.
Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo
Do-it-yourself glamping
For campers who don’t like sleeping close to the ground, here’s a three-piece solution of an air mattress, battery-operated pump, and foldable cot. A clever sewn-in cover keeps the mattress on the cot which even has side tables for home-from-home comfort. The airbed itself is factory-tested for leaks and has coil beam construction for enhanced support. Don’t forget you get an under bed storage area too!
EnerPlex Never-Leak Camping Series Twin Camping Airbed
Air support with no leaks
Airbeds need to offer you support as well as softness. This EnerPlex mattress has coil beam construction to hold your weight comfortably all night with a luxury flocked top on the puncture-resistant PVC. Its 9” profile sees it pack up small for storage. When it comes to inflation, the included high output pump will plug into a 12v car charger as well as a wall plug.
WEY&FLY SUV Air Mattress Thickened and Double-Sided Flocking Travel Mattress
Comfort in cars and under canvas
Designed for use in the back of an SUV or car, this mattress works well in tents too. It has doubled-sided flocking for comfort and can take up to 260lbs of weight. Inflation is helped by an included DC 12V air pump which you can plug into any car cigarette lighter socket.
Bottom line
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A good air mattress is essential for a successful camping trip. Sleeping on the ground, even with a high-quality sleeping bag, is far more uncomfortable and colder than you would expect. The best examples are easy to inflate, don’t leak, and offer a soft surface but also comfy support throughout the night. Our pick for a restful night’s sleep with an effort-free set up is the EnerPlex No Outlet Needed Luxury Series Queen Air Mattress. Having a wireless rechargeable pump makes inflation a cinch which is welcome after you’ve put up your tent. Once inflated, it offers a very comfortable sleeping experience.
If you want real home comfort, the Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo is worth considering. What the foldable cot adds in weight and bulk to your kit, is made up for by a proper bed-like sleeping experience that is hard to beat.
