When you go camping, would you rather sleep on the cold, hard ground (with the snakes and small animals) or above the ground on a comfortable mattress? Well, then, if the answer is the latter, read on.
A camping mattress is a portable, inflatable air mattress. These camping beds vary in size from a small one person mattress, barely bigger than a sleeping bag, to full and queen size sleeping systems that fold out with a steel frame and wheels. You can rough it all day and sleep great all night.
These portable sleep systems role up into a small package for easy storage and transportation. It takes just a few minutes with an electric air pump to inflate them to provide support that rivals your bed at home. They usually come with some kind of fabric on the sleeping surface to make sleeping on it more comfortable.
Camping mattresses can also double as temporary sleeping arrangements in your house when houseguests stay over, your kids have a sleepover, or when you are traveling with your children and don't want to pay for extra beds at the motel. They are designed to be lightweight, durable and easy to pack. Some even fit into a backpack.
Most camping mattresses can be inflated either via mouth through a valve or with a special air pump that includes a car adapter as an option. They are made of waterproof vinyl for easy cleaning and low maintenance.
They provide a raised sleeping surface, so that if there are any leaks in the tent floor, you won't get wet. The support of the air also hides the unevenness of the ground, as well as insulating you from the cold. Most have a built in, inflatable pillow and a fabric sleeping surface.
When choosing a camping mattress, a lot depends upon what kind of camping you're going to be doing. If your staying in one place, a larger, more comfortable but heavier mattress may be okay. If you are backpacking it and camping in a different location every night, weight becomes an big issue.
Sleeping mats are a lightweight option for backpackers on a budget. They are made from foam, and - all in - they are the lightest sleeping solution, as well as the cheapest. They can fit on top of your backpack or attach beneath it. The tradeoff for the lightweight and price is durability. Since they are made of foam, they can rip easily if you are not careful. They also don't protect you from small stones or other irregularities on the ground as an air mattress would.
Regardless of the type of camping you are doing, a good night's sleep is an important part of any camping adventure. Not sleeping well can ruin your fun the next day. It makes sense to look at what kind of camping you do and how often you camp out. Do you travel by car to one spot or constantly move around on foot, and consider whether you might need extra sleeping arrangements in your home from time to time when choosing a camping mattress.