Choosing elements of your sleeping system before setting out on your trip can have a huge importance on its final outcome. Why? Because sorting out your sleeping situation on your camping trip should be the first thing you take into consideration. If you value the extra comfort and isolation provided by a nice, cushy mattress, you definitely won’t want to skimp out on something untested. Today, we seek to answer the question of what the best camping mattress is. Read on to find out!
Why Choosing the Best Camping Mattress Is Critical
Having a well-maintained and robust sleeping system is an absolute must when heading camping. Caring for the sleeping system is a surefire way of preventing restless nights spent tossing, turning, and shivering due to improper insulation from the cold, cold ground. Without creating that oh-so-necessary barrier between your body and what’s beneath it, you’ll be leaking core body temperature left and right—that’s a big no-no. Even the best possible sleeping bag you could get your hands on won’t save your skin then!
Now, the above applies to virtually any camping conditions. It becomes all the more important for avid mountaineers or bushcraft campers, who, in one way or another, end up facing harsher conditions than most. In these situations, you could even argue that sleeping pads or camping mattresses are camping safety essentials since they drastically reduce the chance of hypothermia.
Then, there’s the simple question of comfort. Even the most battle-hardened camper out there knows that spending even one night without anything cushioning your back is one night too many. Waking up with aches all over is no way to enjoy your trip out to nature, and a camping mattress works to solve precisely this problem.
Best Camping Mattress – Our Picks
We’ve talked about the “why,” now let’s get to the “what.” These are the best camping mattresses out there:
#1 Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Mat
Kicking off our list is a sleeping mat that is best suited for warmer conditions. The Ether Light XT from Sea To Summit utilizes ingenious technology to both reflect your heat back to you and prevent leakage thanks to phenomenal insulation. Note that this is not a self-inflating mattress, so you’re going to have to put your lungs to good use. However, the payoff is incredible—with the XT Air-Sprung Cells™ technology, sleeping on this mattress feels like sleeping on a comfortable plushie.
#2 Tensor™ All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
Looking for the perfect all-rounder? Well, you just found it! Those who like to backpack light and keep their gear stockpiles down to a minimum will certainly find that the Tensor™ All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad performs exactly according to your needs and expectations.
This mattress boasts durability, cushioned padding, and very respectable heat preservation capabilities, all while weighing about as much as a feather.
#3 NEMO Roamer Self-Inflating Mattress
The NEMO Roamer is a luxurious self-inflating camping mattress that combines comfort with excellent insulation, perfect for those who don’t want to compromise on quality sleep outdoors. The extra-wide design combined with the 4-inch thickness and extra padding will make you forget you’re sleeping outdoors in a tent—the experience resembles a bed just that well!
#4 Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated
The Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe is yet another incredibly well-rounded and multi-functional sleeping mattress and definitely a contender worthy of your attention. This premium sleeping mattress strikes the perfect balance between comfort and practicality, offering a pillow-like, soft sleeping surface thanks to the 3.5-inch thick padding. Additionally, it boasts engineered insulation and heat retention solutions to ensure warmth in three-season conditions. This pad is perfect for backpackers who prioritize comfort but don’t want the extra bulk.
Bonus Pick: Exped MegaMat Duo 10
Last but not least is our proposition for a two-person camping mattress, the Exped MegaMat Duo 10. This deluxe pad offers extra roominess despite not taking up that much more space in the backpack. With a self-inflating design, open-cell foam structure, and extra durability, the MegaMat provides superior insulation and warmth in virtually any weather conditions.
The Takeaway
What is the best sleeping mattress? Choosing any of the options we discussed above will lead to a restful night’s sleep out in the wild, but above all, your takeaway should be that a sleeping mattress is an essential camping item, no matter your preferred camping style.
Also, remember that after picking up a mattress, you’d be remiss not to also take care of some sleeping accessories to further elevate your comfort. Take a look at Appalachian Outfitter’s collection of camping pillows and sleeping bags to fully prepare yourself for your upcoming journeys.
You may also read: Kayak Camping: How to Plan and What to Pack