Most people who claim they don’t enjoy camping are simply lacking in the proper gear.
The Scandinavians have an adage: “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes”, and we say the right camping equipment can result in an unforgettable holiday for all the right reasons. After a winter cooped up indoors, who would resist the opportunity for time spent in wide open spaces under the sun?
Camping trips offer a quick getaway from the rigamarole of life, some much-needed adventure and a breath of fresh air in the best possible sense.
Straight off the bat, you’ll need a good tent (one that you’ve set up at home before - there’s nothing worse than arriving and realising you’re missing a crucial element or that it’s faulty. Take it from someone who learned the hard way), a decent sleeping bag and something to set that bag upon. Camp beds that lift you off the floor completely are ideal, but they can add extra bulk and weight that will frustrate anyone travelling to a campside using public transport.
However, an inflatable or roll mat option can offer some cushioning against the ground while being fairly lightweight designs. If you’re feeling really fancy, laying a roll mat on top of a camp bed is the God Tier of outdoor sleeping options.
They’re ideal for festivals, trekking and travelling too, with many strapping easily onto the exterior of camping backpacks.
From all foam roll mats to quick-inflate beds, here are our favourite camping mattresses that will have you looking forward to your next trip under the stars.
See our favourites below
TREKOLOGY UL Camping Mat
An ergonomic design that cushions and cuddles your slumbering body, this mat ensures you get the proper rest needed for a day full of excitement and adventure. It keeps you 10cm off uneven, cold ground and blows up by mouth or pump through the extra large valve. Despite being heavy duty, it’s fairly light with a total weight of 750g making it easy to carry with the rest of your kit.
Add the matching travel pillow (£16.99) to your order to make it even more comfortable.
Buy now £42.99, Amazon
ReadyBed Double Inflatable Camping Air Bed and Sleeping Bag
We’re all for anything that makes our lives easier, and this airbed with an integrated sleeping bag has won us over for streamlining the camping experience. The top-rated design offers plenty of room with double bed-size proportions and can inflate in 60 seconds with the help of a pump (not included). As well as an attached XL sleeping bag, pillows are included too! Less things to pack means less chance of forgetting something crucial. Comes with a carry bag and repair kit.
Buy now £70.00, Argos
Yawn Double Air Bed
It will take just five minutes to get this spectacular air bed up and running, and while it’s rather heavy, your hard work heaving it in and out of the car’s boot will be rewarded when it’s time for bed.
It looks and feels like a proper bed standing 45cm high, and comes complete with a headboard to stop your pillows from tumbling off. Carrying a maximum load of 200kg, the built-in motor inflates and deflates quickly while the flocked top means you won’t slip and slide in your sleeping bag or on your sheets at night.
Also available at a single (£69.99) and king (£89.99).
Buy now £79.99, Very
Trinordic Camping Mat Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Mattress with Pillow
Damp ground is the enemy of good sleep. Drift off whatever the ground conditions are like with this sleeping mat which will protect you against the cold damp ground on the other side of your tent’s groundsheet. The hexagon-shaped pads can support and distribute weight more effectively, so you won’t wake up feeling like you’ve gone 10 rounds with a grizzly bear by daybreak. Easy to inflate and deflate, it folds down into a carry back that can fit into the palm of your hand.
Buy now £35.99, Amazon
Coleman Campingaz Convertible Quickbed Airbed
A sumptuous raised single bed that can convert into a lower double when required, this design offers a multitude of options for the avid camper. Made from durable multi-layer PVC inside boasts a supportive coil structure with a flocked surface for a more comfortable night’s rest. Inflate it by mouth or with an electric pump and sleep soundly knowing the airtight system and double lock valve won’t leak air overnight.
Buy now £34.99, Very
JÖKEL Sleeping Mat Ultralight Inflatable Camping Mattress
Who better than the wholesome Swedes to inform our outdoors sleeping situation? This lightweight mat is made up of connected air pads, offering extra cushioning against the ground and there’s no worry if you don’t have a pump: it inflates in just 10 - 15 breaths, and you can inflate and deflate it in just two minutes. It even comes with a repair kit so you can fix holes if they appear quickly. A free eye mask is included to ensure even better rest after sundown.
Buy now £32.95, Amazon
Berghaus Peak Compact Self Inflating Mat
As one of the leading names in outdoor living, Berghaus has a reputation built on excellent camping products. This mat is a prime example. It has a special valve that lets it self-inflate and is covered with ripstop fabric that prevents it from tearing, so you can use it again and again without worry. It works best on sleepers weighing 100kg or less and comes with a drawstring bag for easy carrying and storage.
Buy now £35.00, Go Outdoors
Vango Comfort 5cm Self-Inflating Camping Mat - Single
For some, 5cm may not seem like much, but in camping terms it makes a world of difference. The Vango camping mat lifts single sleepers off the ground using a cyclone flip valve that’s easy to inflate and deflate quickly, helpful if you arrive at your pitch just before dusk. There are soft touch flocked finishes to add to the comfort and it comes with a carry bag and securing straps to keep it in place when you’re on the move.
Buy now £40.00, Blacks
Gelert Raised Double Airbed
A great option to have at home for extra guests (once allowed) this flocked airbed sits on a double layer of raised platforms, completely clear of the ground. There’s enough space for two to sleep and it comes with not only a carry bag but a built-in mains powered electric pump for easy inflation.
Buy now £44.99, Sports Direct
Bestway Unicorn DreamChaser Airbed
Kids will go wild for camping when it includes this cute unicorn-themed airbed. Suitable for children aged 3+, the fantastical design has a recessed centre to stop them rolling off while the multicoloured tail acts as a backrest for support while seated. Our only issue with it is that they don’t make it in an adult version.
Buy now £19.99, The Range
Verdict
Single sleeping campers will do well with Trekology’s padded camping mat - it’s lightweight but at 10cm tall, incredibly comfortable. If there’s two of you to think of (or a single person who likes the space of a double bed), spare yourselves the fuss with ReadyBed’s all-in-one option. Either option will have you looking forward to bedtime while camping, not dreading it.
