Camping Sleep Systems - Buying Guide
David Scotland
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Air beds vs Camp Beds vs Self Inflating Mats

With so much choice available, air beds, camp beds and self inflating mattresses have offered campers a viable choice between three sleep systems - each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Sleep systems have had huge innovation and research and design over the years, which have moved them forward into the 21st century.

A good night’s sleep is essential to the success of any camping expedition, whether it is a mountain ascent or a family camping trip. It is important to choose the right sleep system for your needs, to ensure you are properly insulated from the cold ground, and comfortable.

Air beds

Air beds are the most traditional form of sleep system, using air to create an elevated sleep platform, which will keep you off the ground whilst you sleep. Often used at home as spare beds, they are very popular and are available in a multitude of sizes, shapes and designs. The main advantage is ease of use, the compact pack size when not in use, and portability. However, they do have their drawbacks, and they are prone to weakness and deflation, leaving you flat on your back in the morning.

Types

Flocked PVC

A budget style, which has a flocked topper, for additional comfort, and to prevent your sleeping bag from sliding from the air mattress. These are usually the most budget friendly sleep mats.

Cotton

More durable and robust, and less likely to develop a leak or puncture. However, they are more expensive than regular flocked PVC versions. For the cost of a cotton one, you can most likely purchase a quality version instead.

Built-in Pump

Some now feature a built-in pump, which can be plugged into your mains or 12v, to take the trouble from inflating and deflating.

Advantages:

  • Compact pack size
  • Easy to use
  • Available in a plethora of sizes

Disadvantages:

  • Can be prone to punctures.
  • Can be hard to locate punctures.
  • Heavy
  • Uncomfortable compared with mats.
  • Air pump may be required to inflate / deflate.

Camp Beds

Camp beds have been in the market for some time, starting with the basic army bed, which is designed to get you off the ground, and give some elevation from the cold ground. They have evolved since, with better ranges of double, xl and more comfortable designs. You can now find beds with memory foam toppers and mats attached to the top for additional comfort and insulation.

Types

Army

Basic camp beds, which require setting up, which can take some patience, as they can be quite fiddly.

Steel or Aluminium

These are stored folded, which then unfold for use and the steel or aluminium ends, give the bed its strength and structure.

Double

Double camp beds have become highly popular. Essentially, it is two single ones joined together. It is important to know, this type has a steel bar running directly down the centre splitting the bed into two beds. Ideally, it is good to use a double with a self inflating mattress on top.

Shop all Camp Beds

Advantages

  • Elevation from the ground.
  • Insulation from the ground.

Disadvantages

  • Cumbersome pack size
  • The heavier option of the three.
  • Sometimes can need setting up

Mattresses

There are two types of mattress available, both are typically made from foam, and offer a basic or premium comfort, depending on the quality of mat that you choose.

Roll Mats

The most basic style, usually available for less than £10. This will just provide a base of insulation from the cold ground underneath.

Self Inflating Mattresses

A self inflating mattress is a much more luxurious style of mattress. They are an enclosed memory foam with valves on the end, which allow for inflation, and deflation. The memory foam will expand, and offer a much greater comfort than a cheap mat or an air bed. Mattresses are available from a 3cm depth, all the way up to a 16cm depth, the larger the depth the larger the pack size. There are different pack sizes, which are ideal for different styles of campers.

Small Pack Size

These typically offer less depth, and comfort, but they will pack down small, making them ideal for backpackers, Scouts and cyclists, who need a portable mattress.

Luxury

This style has a larger pack size, but often has a greater depth, and will offer much better comfort and luxury. The more depth, the more insulation that you have from the ground, which will make you warmer, and more comfortable.

Advantages:

  • No pump involved
  • Uses valves to inflate and deflate.
  • Better insulation from the ground
  • Memory foam offers more warmth.

Disadvantages

  • Can be prone to small holes
  • Some valve systems are better than others.
  • Can be difficult to pack away.

Shop all self inflating mattresses

Conclusion

Each camper has a preferred set up, personally I like the combination of both a self inflating mattress and a camp bed, as the bed will give great elevation from the cold ground, but the mattress will offer the comfort to make your sleep set up really luxurious. However, this set up is only ideal if you are travelling to your camping location by car, as the pack sizes and weights are heavy.

Each system or product has its own strengths and weaknesses and some people prefer different things. I would highly recommend going into a store to see what you prefer, and what feels more comfortable.

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