Derek Adams
When it comes to planning your outdoor escapade, choosing the best camping bed suddenly becomes the star of the show. After all, with the right inflatable camping bed, even the chilliest campsite can transform into a cosy oasis.
But hold on tight because knowing the packed size is crucial. You'll need to make room in your boot for your tent and all the other essentials. Need help navigating the sea of options? Our airbeds vs. camp beds vs. sleep mats explainer has your back.
Pair one of these beds with the best sleeping bag, and you're in for a dreamy slumber under the stars. Need a tent to match? Check out T3's best tent guide. Please note: the portable cots below are mainly for car campers. If you're a backpacker with space constraints, check out our guide on the best camping mats.
Our current favourite camping bed is the Quechua Ultim Comfort. It's ideal for a comfortable night's rest without being heavy, and it's affordable! Vango's Shangri-La II 10 combines the best features of a camping mat and an inflatable mattress, and it's perfect for couples. For side sleepers, we recommend the Quechua Inflatable Bed Base (with a mattress, of course).
This air-and-foam mattress offers excellent comfort and ease of setup. With an 8 cm depth, it's ideal for a comfortable night's rest without being heavy, all at an affordable price.
The Vango Shangri-La II 10 combines the best features of a camping mat and an inflatable mattress, offering a stable, soft-touch sleep surface that self-inflates without needing a pump.
For extreme camping comfort and as a spare bed, this 25cm deep inflatable bed offers warmth and luxury, safe from punctures, albeit in a slightly bulkier package.
Matt heads up the outdoor vertical at T3 and can often be found testing camping gear when he’s not writing about it. He’s taken part in countless overnight adventures, from bikepacking trips across Wales’ Elan Valley to multi-day trail running events in the Peak District, and plenty more in between.
The best camping bed to buy right now
Best overall
If you're in the market for a reliable and well-designed self-inflating camping mattress that requires no effort to set up, make a beeline for the Quechua Ultim Comfort. It's a sterling choice that provides excellent comfort while being effortless to set up and fold down. For the price, it performs superbly well in all temperatures, making it a shoo-in for car camping, caravanning, the beach and even the patio or garden on a warm summer's day. A depth of just 8cm may seem extreme, but if you're not too heavy, this exceedingly competent air-and-foam mattress will provide a very comfortable night's rest under the stars without breaking the bank.
Read our full Quechua Ultim Comfort Inflatable Camping Mattress review.
Best for couples
The Vango Shangri-La II 10 is just about the comfiest camping bed we've ever slept on. It sits somewhere between a shallow inflatable camping mat and a chunky inflatable mattress and takes the best points from each, with a stable, flat sleep surface covered with soft-touch fabric. In fact, it feels most like sleeping on a foam mattress rather than an air mattress.
We tested the 10cm deep option, but it's also available in 7cm and 15cm tall versions, as well as single and double in each. One big draw is that you don't need to pump it up – just switch the valve to the right side and leave it to self-inflate. The same clever valve can be flipped to the other side when it's time to pack up.
In this mode, it'll let air out but not in, which makes packing up much less painful. The main downside is that when packed, the Shangri-La II isn't small or light, but if you have the space, it's a major step up from a traditional air mattress.
Read our full Vango Shangri-La II review.
Best for side sleepers
If you're after extreme comfort when camping and maybe even a spare bed for home visitors, this really is the ultimate camping bed for you. A full-size inflatable single bed base which can be paired with another for a full (140cm) wide double bed, this really is luxury.
It's a massive 25cm deep, too, lifting your snoozing form up into the warmer air in the tent, as well as being so far from the cold floor that you may as well be in a hot air balloon. Another important benefit here is that the chances of puncturing your mattress with a sharp stone are near zero, as it's safely elevated.
The downside is that this is a bulky item even when packed and not light enough for long-distance carry, in spite of the handy stuff sack. However, when in search of a literal home-from-home sleeping experience, this is at the top of the list – just add the inflatable mattress of your choice and sink deep into dreamland.
Read our full Decathlon Quechua Inflatable Camp Bed Base review.
Best for comfort
The Coleman Extra Durable Airbed is the best camping bed if you're looking for a simple but comfy option that will last. Strong PVC makes it resistant to punctures – one of the biggest drawbacks of air mattresses – while a double-lock valve system ensures no leakages.
It folds and rolls into a cover with a handle for easy transportation, and this is attached to the mattress, so you don't have to keep an eye on where that extra bag has gone. Flocked PVC isn't too noisy when you sleep on it or wriggle about in your sleeping bag. You can opt for regular height or a deeper version for a little more luxury.
Read our full Coleman's Extra Durable airbed review.
Best for pregnant people
For the quickest set up possible, try the Outwell Posadas foldaway camping bed. With no assembly required, this bed simply folds out in seconds for a ready-made bed. It’s not the lightest on the list by any stretch, so it's better suited to car camping and longer camping holidays where comfort during sleep is exceptionally important. So it depends what you feel is more effort – carrying it or setting it up. There's a built-in padded head cushion for extra comfort, further boosting your chances of sleeping well (and feeling rested) when camping.
Best for car camping
The Coleman Supercomfort Self-Inflating Mattress quickly became our go-to for car camping trips where comfort matters most. It’s not the lightest or smallest mattress out there, but if you're driving to camp and want proper, at-home comfort, it’s hard to beat.
At 7.5cm thick (there is also a plusher, 12cm version), the mattress combines air and foam to create a soft yet supportive sleeping surface that easily outclasses thinner mats or airbeds.
We particularly appreciate the insulation it provides, keeping the chill of the ground at bay, even on colder nights. Set-up is refreshingly simple: you just roll it out and use the clever stuff sack pump system to inflate it fully. No huffing, puffing, or separate pump needed.
Once inflated, the Supercomfort feels sturdy and durable, and although the surface isn't plush like a memory foam mattress, throwing a sheet over it made a noticeable difference in comfort for me. It’s also wide enough to spread out without feeling cramped, a huge bonus after long days outside.
While we wouldn’t haul it into the backcountry, for car camping where weight and packed size don’t matter as much, the Coleman Supercomfort delivers a seriously good night’s sleep.
Read our full Coleman Supercomfort self-inflating mattress review.
Best camping cot
The Helinox Cot One Convertible represents a higher-end camping cot option, but its superior craftsmanship and features justify the investment for those seeking the best camping experience.
Constructed with a proprietary DAC aluminium alloy frame, the Helinox Cot One Convertible strikes an optimal balance between strength and weight. Its innovative lever system simplifies setup and takedown, ensuring a hassle-free experience at the campsite.
One notable feature of the Helinox Cot One Convertible is its height of 16cm (approx 6.2 inches) off the ground, which provides ample clearance and allows for convenient storage space underneath. This elevated design helps to minimise contact with the cold ground, enhancing comfort and warmth during nights spent outdoors.
The cot's durable polyester ripstop fabric offers just the right amount of give for comfort while remaining firm and supportive.
Read our full Helinox Cot One Convertible review.
How to choose the best camping bed for you
When choosing camping beds, consider factors like your preferred sleeping position and whether you need additional features such as adjustable firmness or built-in pillows.
You should prioritise portability, especially if you'll be carrying the bed on hikes or backpacking trips. Choose a lightweight option that folds or rolls up compactly for easy transportation and storage.
Durability is crucial for outdoor use, so choose a bed made from robust materials capable of withstanding rugged terrain and varying weather conditions. Look for reinforced seams, sturdy frames, and resistance to punctures or tears. Consider the size of the bed relative to your tent and sleeping area to ensure a comfortable fit without overcrowding your space.
Ease of setup is essential, particularly if you'll be assembling the bed frequently. Opt for beds with simple designs and quick inflation or assembly methods to streamline the setup process. Consider the versatility of the bed—some models can double as chairs or loungers during the day, providing added functionality and value for your camping trips.
How we test the best camping beds
Testing camping beds involves assessing their comfort, durability, portability, and setup ease.
We begin by evaluating comfort, lying on the bed to gauge its cushioning and support. We consider factors like padding thickness, firmness, and overall feel. Next, test durability by examining the bed's construction materials and seams for strength and resilience against wear and tear.
Portability is another crucial aspect to test, as camping beds should be easy to transport and set up. We assess the bed's weight and size when packed for storage and transportation, ensuring it fits comfortably in your vehicle or backpack.
We also consider any additional features or functionalities the bed may offer, such as adjustable firmness settings or built-in storage compartments, as these can enhance the overall camping experience and add value to the bed.
FAQ
What type of camping or trekking mattress should I choose?
Inflatable mattresses offer excellent comfort and pack down small but can puncture easily and require manual inflation. Self-inflating mattresses combine foam and air for a balance of comfort, insulation, and convenience, though they’re bulkier than inflatables. Foam pads are the most durable and lightweight option, providing reliable insulation but less comfort due to their firmness and bulk. For backpacking, prioritise lightweight and compact options (inflatable or foam), while self-inflating pads are great for car camping where comfort matters most.
Do you need a mattress on a camp bed?
Whether you need a mattress on a camp bed depends on personal preference and the type of camp bed you're using. Some camp beds, such as inflatable airbeds, provide sufficient cushioning and support on their own, resembling traditional mattresses.
However, foam-based camping mats or cots may benefit from an additional mattress or sleeping pad for added comfort, insulation, and support, especially when camping on hard or uneven surfaces.
What are the different camping bed types?
Inflatable airbeds offer plush comfort and are ideal for car camping, providing a luxurious sleeping experience akin to a home mattress. Foam-based camping mats are lightweight and durable, suitable for backpacking and wilderness exploration. They may lack the same level of comfort as airbeds but are resistant to water absorption and punctures.
Self-inflating mats combine the convenience of airbeds with the durability of foam mats, automatically inflating when unrolled. Hammocks provide an alternative sleeping option, suspending campers above the ground for a unique camping experience.
Reviewer panel
Matt looks after all things outdoors on T3 and is a keen hiker/camper. He curates this list with the help of internal and external experts.
As well as playing drums with his bandmates in Red Box and testing BBQs, Derek is a keen camper and has access of to 18 acres of private woodland and a lake, allowing him to test all sorts of camping equipment in peace.
Ruth used to look after T3's Outdoors and Wellness channels before moving to our sister publication Techradar as a Homes Editor. She tested a few camping beds in this guide and many other outdoor accessories for T3.
Mark Mayne is a keen climber, mountaineer and scuba diver, he is also a dedicated weather enthusiast and self-proclaimed flapjack consumption expert. He's tested a ton of outdoor gear for T3 in the past, including camping beds.
