Camping is a very old but still very popular activity than many people do recreationally. It often involves overnight stays outdoors, although it is most common to have some sort of shelter in the form of campervans or tents. One of the biggest confusion and difference in opinions comes when deciding what kind of sleeping gear you need for you camping trip. Some campers always use a sleeping pad while others opt for the more comfortable looking air mattress.
There is a big difference between the two and its important to know which is the right option for you and the area surrounding your camping site. This article will discuss the benefits and drawback of each of these option as well as suggesting some of the best sleeping pads and air mattresses available for camping.
In this blog post, I will cover the following:
- The difference between a sleeping pad and an air mattress
- Benefits and drawbacks of a sleeping pad
- Benefits and drawbacks of an air mattress
- The importance of selecting the right option for you
The difference between a sleeping pad and an air mattress
Sleeping pad
A sleeping pad is essentially a large, lightweight pad that can used for sleeping. It is its lightweight feature that makes it suitable for camping, and is a staple in the majority of camper’s backpacks. One of the most convenient features of a sleeping pad is that there is no need to pump air into it and therefore, you don’t need to carry a pump around with you while camping.
A sleeping pad produces thermal technology to provide the right amount amount of heat to keep warm during the colder nights which is another feature that makes it so well suited to camping. The most simplest and cheapest form of a sleeping pad is the closed-cell foam sleeping pad. It’s main source of insulation comes from the foam with an outer protective layer.
Another type of sleeping pad is the self-inflating sleeping pads which are currently the most common. These sleeping pads offer more comfort than the foam sleeping pads, yet don’t require much work as all you have to do is unroll them. As the foam inside the sleeping pad absorbs the air, it begins to inflate itself.
You can also find some manual inflatable pads that require you to use your mouth or an air pump. Many campers have agreed that these manual inflatable sleeping pads are not as comfortable as the others that are available and don’t produce as much heat either. These types of sleeping pads usually require lots of research before purchasing as you need to ensure you select the one that is right for you.
Air mattress
An air mattress is a large inflatable mattress that requires air to be pumped into it. It is much larger and thicker in size compared to a manually inflatable sleeping pad, which means it would be more effective to use an air pump rather than your mouth.
Because of newer emerged camping technology, most new air mattresses are self-inflating and only require a wall outlet to inflate them with an electric pump. However a hand pump can also work well for some of the more cheaper air mattresses.
An air mattress is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or material fortified urethane plastic or elastic. Once deflated, the air mattress can be compacted to fit into a backpack which is what makes it suitable for camping.
Benefits and drawbacks of sleeping pads
Benefits
- Perfect for ultralight campers
- Lightweight due to their thin design
- Foam and self-inflating pads cannot be punctured, making them safe for outdoor use
- Easy to compress down to a smaller size to fit in your backpack
- Very affordable
Drawbacks
- Heavier people will most likely need to buy an expensive one as the strength of a sleeping pad is calculated for average-size males and females.
- Manual inflatable pads can be damaged or punctured as there is no foam inside
- The majority of foam mattresses are not as compact and will need to be carried on the outside of your pack
Below are some of the most recommended sleeping pads for camping:
Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
This particular sleeping pad is made from foam that is 2 inches thick. Sleeping on poorly-padded pad can be very uncomfortable. However, the padding embedded in the Sleepingo Camping pad is very comfortable and helps campers wake up feeling refreshed and well rested. In addition to this, it is 100% water-resistant, perfect for rainy nights at camping sites.
Click here to find the Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad on Amazon.
Gear Doctors Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad
If you are keen to protect the environment but still want maximum comfort, then the Gear Doctors Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad is a great option for you, as Gear Doctor are well known for the environmentally friendly materials they use in their products. This sleeping pad is made from a 75-denier polyester foam that is non-allergenic, which is perfect for people with sensitive skin, as they can be confident that their skin won’t react to the foam.
Click here to find the Gear Doctor Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad on Amazon.
Benefits and drawbacks of air mattresses
Benefits
- Varying thickness sizes which means you can find one to suit your size and weight
- Have more of a cushion effect than sleeping pads
- Increased distance from the ground so you can sleep better
- Well suited for glamping
Drawbacks
- More expensive than sleeping pads
- Requires more maintenance as it can get punctured
- A lot heavier than sleeping pads and my not be suitable for camping or backpacking
Below are some of the most recommended air mattresses for camping:
Sea to Summit Compact Deluxe si
This is one of the most well known and comfortable self-inflating air beds currently available. It’s wide, soft and luxurious, and distributes weight in the same way a regular mattress does. This air mattress inflates to four inches thick and does a good job of keeping you warm, even if you’re sleeping outside. This air mattress weights 1.8kg, and like most air mattresses, it’s not suitable for hiking, but is ideal for camping at a campsite.
Click here to find the Sea to Summit Compact Deluxe si air mattress on Amazon.
Coleman Extra Durable Double Airbed
This airbed is great for festivals and sleepovers, as it provides a balanced combination of ease and comfort. It can be very easily blown up with a foot or electric pump. In addition to this, it has interior coils which help to spread weight. One of its most popular features is its durability. It can be dragged through music festivals, family camping trips and it still resists well to punctures.
Click here to find the Coleman Extra Durable Double Airbed air mattress on Amazon.
The importance of selecting the right option for you
When it comes to deciding whether a sleeping pad or an air mattress is better for camping, it’s important to base you decision on how and where you will be using it. A sleeping pad is a good option if you need something lightweight, compact, versatile, easy-to-use and affordable. Its also great for the outdoors as it is so lightweight.
However, an air mattress is more suited for you when weight is not going to cause any issues such as campsites, back garden sleepover or glamping trips.