Best Camping Mattresses of 2023
Camping is all about relaxing and sleeping under the stars. The right camping mattress can be a real game changer, and some options are so comfy that you may just forget you’re not on your mattress at home.
We’ve been doing a lot of laying around in beautiful places to put together this list of the best camping sleeping mattresses on the market. It was hard work, but somebody had to do it.
Last Updated: September 28, 2023
The NEMO Roamer & Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D are made with foam & inflatable chambers for maximum cushioning
Quick Recommendations
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
- Best camping mattress overall:Exped MegaMat 10 LXW &MegaMat Duo 10
- Best value mattress: REI Camp Dreamer XL & Camp Dreamer XL Double
- Luxury pad for multi-day trips:HEST Sleep System – Wide & Dually
- Best budget camping pad:REI Camp Bed XL
- Complete summer sleep system for two:REI Kingdom Insulated Sleep System 40
- Luxurious & compact camping mattress:NEMO Roamer XL Wide
- Warmest inflatable camping mattress:Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D XX Large
- Thick, comfortable camping mattress with pillow attachments:Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe – Large
- Durable & affordable foam pad:TETON Sports Universal XL Camp Pad
- Affordable queen air mattress:SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress
If ultimate comfort is what you’re after, you’ll love the HEST Sleep System
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A CAMPING MATTRESS?
PRICE – To us, it’s worth paying a bit more for a high-quality camping mattress that’s reliable and comfortable since we’ll use it a lot on year-round adventures. That said, you don’t have to break the bank to up your sleep game. We’ve found great pads at high, low, and mid-level price points.
- Best value mattress: REI Camp Dreamer XL
- Best high-end mattresses: Exped MegaMat 10 LXW, REI Kingdom Insulated Sleep System 40 &HEST Sleep System
- Best budget mattresses: REI Camp Bed XL, TETON Sports Universal XL Camp Pad & SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress
The REI Camp Bed XL (orange) isn’t as cushy as some, but it’s compact, affordable & versatile
COMFORT – The days of waking up with an achy body due to a crappy, uncomfortable camping mattress are over! Technology has improved, and modern camping pads are getting better and better. The following pads are plush, and supportive, and offer a luxurious outdoor sleep experience.
- Most comfortable mattresses: Exped MegaMat 10 LXW, REI Camp Dreamer XL, HEST Sleep System, Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe – Large, Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D XX Large & NEMO Roamer XL Wide
The REI Camp Dreamer XL & Exped MegaMat 10 LXW are some of the comfiest car camping mattresses on the market
EASE OF USE – Comfort plays a big part in how we feel about a camping mattress, but it’s only part of the equation. If a pad is great to sleep on, but a huge pain to inflate, deflate, and pack, it will really take away from your experience. Our favorite pads are convenient and designed with ease of use in mind.
- Easiest mattresses to inflate, deflate, and pack up: Exped MegaMat 10 LXW, REI Camp Dreamer XL, HEST Sleep System & TETON Sports Universal XL Camp Pad
Pads like the REI Camp Dreamer XL & Exped MegaMat 10 LXW self-inflate partially, so all you have to do is top them off
DURABILITY – Camping mattresses are generally made with thick material and are pretty durable, but some are more rugged than others. Whenever you’re using an inflatable pad or mattress, it’s a good idea to carry a repair kit with Tenacious Tape or self-adhesive patches just in case. If you tend to be rough on gear, go with one of the following durable mattress picks.
- Most durable camping mattresses: Exped MegaMat 10 LXW, HEST Sleep System & TETON Sports Universal XL Camp Pad
The HEST Sleep System is very durable & one of the most comfortable options out there for extended trips
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY – Keepingweight and bulk to a minimum isn’t as important for car camping as it is for backpacking. But a light and compact pad will ultimately be easier to carry and take up less space where you store your gear.
- Lightest/smallest pads:REI Camp Bed XL & NEMO Roamer XL Wide
- Heavier/bulkier pads:HEST Sleep System & REI Kingdom Insulated Sleep System 40
If you’re short on space, choose a pad that’s comfy, yet compact like the REI Camp Bed XL
SLEEP SYSTEMS FOR TWO – You can use two separate mattresses side-by-side for more versatility if you do a mix of camping solo and with a partner, but many couples and families prefer to sleep on 2-person mattresses. Double mattresses don’t have a space in the middle, so you can easily share bedding and cuddle up without drifting apart.
- Best camping mattresses for couples: Exped MegaMat 10 Duo, REI Camp Dreamer Double, HEST Sleep System Dually & REI Kingdom Insulated Sleep System 40
The REI Kingdom Insulated Sleep System 40 has fitted sheets & a quilted blanket to mimic your bed at home
Best Camping Mattresses of 2023
BEST CAMPING MATTRESS OVERALL
MSRP: $260
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 77.6 x 30.3 x 4 in. (Long X-Wide)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs. 9.6 oz.
STYLE: Self-inflating
PROS: Comfortable, spacious, durable, easy to inflate, deflates quickly, convenient stuff sack design
CONS: Expensive
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a super comfortable, cushy camping mattress that’s durable and easy to use, you can’t beat the Exped MegaMat 10 LXW. This pad is four inches thick, so you won’t feel pressure points or bottom out if you toss and turn. It self-inflates most of the way, so all you have to do is top it off for the perfect pressure. And when your trip is over, the one-way deflation valve and top-loading stuff sack make packing up the MegaMat quick and easy. We prefer the Long X-Wide version because it allows us to sprawl out, but the Regular and Duo sizes are also excellent if your space is limited. If you’re ready to get awesome outdoor sleep and wake up feeling incredibly refreshed, you’ll love the Exped Megamat.
BEST DOUBLE MATTRESS OVERALL: Exped MegaMat Duo 10
BEST VALUE MATTRESS
MSRP: $179
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 78 x 32 x 4 in.
WEIGHT: 6 lbs. 6 oz.
STYLE: Self-inflating
PROS: Excellent value, comfortable, spacious, easy to inflate, deflates quickly, pump doubles as a pillow, easy to pack
CONS: Not quite as durable as the Exped MegaMat, a bit bulky
BOTTOM LINE: The REI Camp Dreamer XL is a comfy and easy-to-use camping mattress at an excellent price point. The thickness of this pad makes for a lavish outdoor sleeping experience, but it’s still relatively lightweight and portable. The Camp Dreamer is also one of the most efficient pads we tested as far as self-inflating. Once you open the valve, the mattress fills with air on its own, and all you have to do is top it off with a couple breaths. If you’re looking for a really comfortable and convenient camping pad that costs less, the REI Camp Dreamer XL is one of the best on the market by far.
BEST VALUE DOUBLE MATTRESS:REI Camp Dreamer XL Double
LUXURY PAD FOR MULTI-DAY TRIPS
MSRP: $499 (often on sale for less)
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 78 x 30 x 7 in. (Wide)
WEIGHT: 29 lbs.
STYLE: Inflatable base with foam topper
PROS: Very comfortable, very durable, includes high-quality pump, quick & easy to inflate/deflate, washable cover, pocket for small items
CONS: Very expensive, heavy & bulky
BOTTOM LINE: Everything about the HEST Sleep System is high-quality and built to last. It’s hands-down one of the most comfortable and luxurious camping mattresses we’ve ever slept on. The inflatable base is really durable and creates a smooth, bump-free platform, while the memory foam topper is soft and warm. The HEST Sleep System is expensive and too heavy and bulky to carry far, but it’s well worth the tradeoffs for extended, multi-night trips close to your vehicle. We highly recommend the wide version as the regular size feels a bit too narrow for us.
MOST LUXURIOUS MATTRESS FOR TWO:HEST Sleep System Dually
BEST BUDGET CAMPING PAD
MSRP: $139
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 78 x 30 x 2.5 in. (XL)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs. 4 oz.
STYLE: Self-inflating
PROS: Affordable, compact, lightweight, quickly self-inflates, dump valve for quick deflation
CONS: Not as thick and cushy as some
BOTTOM LINE: The REI Camp Bed XL is one of the best affordable camping mattresses around. It offers an excellent balance of comfort and packability, which is ideal for those with limited space to store gear. It has a comfy foam top and a soft fabric surface that wicks moisture and keeps you in place. While the Camp Bed isn’t as thick as some of the other mattresses on our list, it’s still very relaxing and provides a great night’s sleep at a budget-friendly price. The Camp Bed is offered in regular, but we prefer the XL size since the extra width is comfier for our arms.
COMPLETE SUMMER SLEEP SYSTEM FOR TWO
MSRP: $299
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 79 x 56 x 6 in.
WEIGHT (w/ COVERS): 15 lbs. 9 oz.
STYLE: Air mattress
PROS: Includes washable sheets & blanket, spacious, includes pump, quick deflation
CONS: Expensive, a bit heavy and bulky, no micro adjustments
BOTTOM LINE: For pairs who want a bed-like feel, we recommend the REI Kingdom Insulated Sleep System 40. This high-quality air mattress comes complete with sheets and a quilt for an all-in-one, convenient bed in a bag. The Kingdom System offers unrestricted movement for rotisserie sleepers, and the covers are easy to wash between trips. The Sleeping System is rated to 40 degrees, so it’s just right for summer camping, though you may want to throw a blanket or sleeping bag on top if you’re a cold sleeper. The Kingdom Sleep System is an excellent option for families and couples looking for a comfy, inclusive bedding solution for warm-weather trips.
LUXURIOUS & COMPACT CAMPING MATTRESS
MSRP: $250
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 78 x 30 x 4 in. (XL WIde)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs. 8 oz.
STYLE: Self-inflating
PROS: Comfortable, spacious, compact, lightweight, quickly inflation & deflation, toggles to connect mattresses
CONS: Expensive
BOTTOM LINE: TheNEMO Roamer XL Wideis amazingly lightweight and compact for a camping mattress with such generous dimensions. It weighs a few ounces less than comparable pads and it’s about half the size of others when packed. On top of that, there are a lot of little details that make the Roamer truly great, like flat zero-profile valves, a welcoming fabric sleep surface, and toggles to hitch two or more mattresses together. If you want to have all the comfort of an XL thick mattress and save space at the same time, the Roamer is one of the most ideal options available.
WARMEST INFLATABLE CAMPING MATTRESS
MSRP: $275
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 80 x 30 x 4.25 in. (XX Large)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs. 8 oz.
STYLE: Self-inflating
PROS: Comfortable, spacious, easy to inflate, pump sack included, quick deflation
CONS: Expensive
BOTTOM LINE: We’re big fans of Therm-a-Rest for their backpacking sleeping pads, and their MondoKing 3D is just as comfy, reliable, and easy to use as we would expect. Most of the mattresses on this list are well insulated, but with an R-value of 11.4, the MondoKing is the warmest of all the mattresses we tested. It has over four inches of cushion and generous dimensions for anyone who loves to stretch out. We also like the durable, high-flow valves, which are really important for mattresses with such impressive volume. If you’re looking for a really spacious and cushy mattress to take your camping slumber to the next level, the MondoKing will make you feel like royalty.
THICK, COMFORTABLE CAMPING MATTRESS WITH PILLOW ATTACHMENTS
MSRP: $259
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 79 x 29 x 4 in. (Large)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs. 13 oz.
STYLE: Self-inflating
PROS: Comfortable, spacious, quickly self-inflates, quick deflation
CONS: Expensive, included stuff sack is too tight
BOTTOM LINE: Just like the name suggests, the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe (L) is a really cushy, luxe camping mattress. What sets it apart is its soft sleep surface that’s designed to keep Sea to Summit pillows from slipping and sliding out from under your head. The valve on the Comfort Deluxe is one of our favorites too. The mattress self-inflates partially, then you can top it up and make micro-adjustments with the one-way insert. When it’s time to pack up, you can squeeze every last bit of air out as you roll the pad up without any annoyingly sneaking back in. If you’re looking for convenience and comfort, you can’t go wrong with the Comfort Deluxe. We prefer the Large Wide version of this pad, but Regular and Double (2-person) sizes are also available.
DURABLE & AFFORDABLE FOAM PAD
MSRP: $110
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 80 x 30 x 2 in.
WEIGHT: 6 lbs.
STYLE: Foam
PROS: Affordable, durable, spacious, washable cover, pocket for small items, convenient (no inflation/deflation, puncture risk, etc.)
CONS: Bulky, thin (unless paired with a cot), less cushy and comfortable than some
BOTTOM LINE: The TETON Sports Universal XL Camp Cot Pad is simple, affordable, durable, and easy to use. Its fully-foam construction makes it one of the most hassle-free mattresses on our list. It’s tough, comfy, and provides great cushion and warmth. We also love that it has a soft, yet durable canvas cover that’s easy to strip off and machine wash. TETON Sports Camp Pads are designed to work as stand-alone ground pads, but they also fit perfectly with TETON Camp Cots of the same size. If you like to get up off the ground and have a camping tent with room to stand up, we recommend the pad-cot combo, especially for longer trips. The regular size has generous dimensions, but theOutfitter is also available for those that need a larger pad.
AFFORDABLE QUEEN AIR MATTRESS
MSRP: $120 (often on sale for less)
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 79 x 63 x 8.5 in.
WEIGHT: 14 lbs.
STYLE: Air mattress
PROS: Affordable, spacious, quick inflation, relatively compact, rechargeable electric pump included
CONS: A bit heavy, no micro adjustments
BOTTOM LINE: The SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress is a solid option for couples or families on a budget. It’s basic, but spacious and comfortable. What sets the SoundAsleep apart is that it comes with a great electric pump that runs on heavy-duty rechargeable batteries. That means you can quickly pump up your mattress wherever you are with minimal effort, and you won’t have to buy batteries either. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable mattress that will sleep two comfortably, we highly recommend the SoundAsleep Air Mattress.
The HEST Sleep System has a memory foam top & an inflatable base to create a soft, yet supportive sleep surface
CRITICAL CAMPING MATTRESS CONSIDERATIONS
SIZE – For the best experience, make sure to take dimensions into consideration when you’re choosing a camping mattress. If you’re tall or a tosser-turner, you may want to size up to a long, wide, or XL version to give yourself plenty of space. Check the floor dimensions of your tent to find out what mattress(es) will fit best. You may also find our Tent Size Guide helpful.
Make sure to consider the floor dimensions of our tent – you may need to size up to accommodate wide, cushy pads
THICKNESS – Thicker mattresses tend to feel more cushy and comfortable. They cradle your shoulders and hips when you lay on your side, and you won’t bottom out when you sit up. It used to be the norm to use thin pads for camping, but these days it’s not uncommon for mattresses to be three or four luxurious inches thick. That said, there are some excellent low-profile options on our list if you prefer a more minimalist approach or space-savings is a concern.
Thick mattresses are generally comfier, but thinner pads are less cumbersome to store & transport
INFLATION STYLE –
- Self-Inflating: Some pad and mattresses are self-inflating, which means they automatically take in air when you open the valve. Just leave them alone for a while, then all you have to do is top them off with a few lung-fulls of air to firm them up. Self-inflating pads are convenient and easy, though they aren’t totally work-free.
- Pump mattresses: Air mattresses that use pumps have their benefits too. A hand pump or electric pump can quickly fill a high-volume pad, and you can get the mattress as firm as you prefer. With pumps, there’s no lung power required, and you aren’t blowing moisture inside the pad either, which can get cold and mildewy. The downside is that you’ll have to remember to bring the pump, have working batteries or a power source, and the correct nozzle every time.
Many of the pads on our list are self-inflating, but a few require a manual or electric pump
MICRO-ADJUSTMENTS – In some of the descriptions above, we use the term ‘micro-adjustments.’ What that means, is that you can easily let small amounts of air escape to dial-in the precise level of firmness you want. Usually, this is done by pressing a small release button in the value. This feature allows you to adjust your mattress any time – even in the middle of the night, without worrying that all the air will escape when you pull the plug.
the REI Camp Dreamer XL self-inflates quickly & the valve allows for quick deflation
COTS – If you’d like to get higher up off the ground, you may want to consider using a cot in addition to your camping mattress. Cots can be nice on long trips and can be helpful for older folks. A couple of our favorites are: TETON Sport Camp Cot and REI Kingdom Cot 3.
Adding a cot, like the TETON Sport Camp Cot, provides extra comfort & it can double as a seat
Need More Gear Advice?
If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:
The SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress is a convenient & affordable option for couples & families
Why Trust Us?
We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:
- Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
- We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
- We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
- We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
- We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
- We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
- We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.
We own and use all of the camping mattresses we recommend
MORE INFORMATION
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