Published 6 January 2022

Camping beds - buying guide

Invest in a decent camping bed and you might never want to leave your tent… (Scott Goodwill / Unsplash) A classic sleeping bag and roll mat combination doesn't cut it for everyone. If you're keen to boost your night-time comfort when sleeping under canvas, you need the right equipment. With that in mind, our team of experts explains exactly what to look for when buying the best camping bed.

How to choose a camping bed

There are countless types of camping beds available. Here’s how to narrow down your choices.

Portability Consider how lightweight you'd like your camping bed to be. If you’re on a backpacking or hiking trip, it’s best to stick with a simple but effective roll mat. Air beds and self-inflating mattresses can also be reasonably compact and light, with some advanced-technology options weighing as little as 500g.

Elevation Decide whether you want to sleep on the floor or not. In low temperatures, a raised camping bed – also known as a cot or stretcher – forms a barrier between you and the cold ground. It allows air to circulate underneath you for a cooler night’s sleep in warmer weather too.

Size Some camping beds fold in half and are quite bulky, while others can be packed away in a compact case. Air mattresses, meanwhile, are particularly small when deflated so are a wise choice to save on space. If you’re taller than 180cm, make sure to check the length of the camping bed you're considering as some can be a little too short.

Thickness When buying a self-inflating camping mattress or air bed, opt for a thickness of at least 5cm. For even greater comfort, you’ll want a depth of 10cm or more. The load rating is also important, whether you’re opting for a foldaway camping bed or inflatable mattress, as some can only hold people under a certain weight.

Material While it is still possiblte to buy a cheap and simple foam mattress, many camping beds nowadays are made from cutting-edge materials with sweat-wicking, thermal and breathable properties. Look out for ultra-padded mats or try an air bed with a soft flocked velvet top to stop you from sliding around at night.

Cost Basic roll mats are almost always the cheapest option, at around £5+. Raised folding beds are also inexpensive, however – prices start as low as £15.

Extra features You can find camping beds with comfortable add-ons like built-in padded head cushions. Whether you go for a basic or more advanced option, it’s always worth checking the product’s online reviews. Do customers report punctures, sagging materials or issues with the folding mechanism?

Different types of camping beds

There are four main types of camping bed designs to choose from. Here are the pros and cons of each.

Roll mats

The simplest choice, these entry-level designs are your most compact options when rolled away. However, they're also generally the least comfortable – especially if you go for the cheapest ones.

Pros

Typically the most inexpensive camping bed.
Very lightweight, so ideal for backpackers and hikers.
Can get more technical options with insulating properties to keep you warmer.

Cons

Not as comfortable as other camping beds.
Won’t fold away as small as most air beds.

Self-inflating camping mats

These designs are a step up from the roll mat. They're usually made from an airtight outer layer with a padded filling.

Pros

All you need to do is open the valve and the camping mat will inflate by itself.
Warm and insulating on the whole.
Generally easier to fit in your car than a traditional foldaway camping bed.
Come in a range of thicknesses, from around 5cm to 15cm, with plenty of choice available.

Cons

Can puncture and leak. You may also need to top them up regularly by blowing into the valve.
Can be quite bulky when packed away because of the foam interior.
Might not be the best choice for people with mobility or back issues, as you usually use them to sleep on the floor.
Can take a while to inflate and deflate.

Camping air beds

Inflatable mattresses are generally thicker than self-inflating mats and need to be blown up manually or with a pump.

Pros

Inflate easily with a hand, foot or electric pump (choose the latter for a particularly fuss-free setup).
Various widths and thicknesses available, as well as single and double models.
Can buy convenient all-in-one air beds with a sleeping bag attached.
Pack away very small once deflated – ideal if you’re looking to save space.

Cons

Risk of leaks and punctures.
Some require blowing up with your mouth, which can be time-consuming and uncomfortable.
Often lose air overnight, so you need to re-pump them regularly during the trip. (To help prevent this, choose a model featuring air valves with a one-way flow.)
Not as warm in low temperatures as self-inflating mats. The air inside inflatable mattresses can get cold, which then transfers to your body.
If you opt for a double air bed, your sleeping partner might disturb you when they roll over. Designs with internal supports and bracing – similar to mattress springs – or double chambers help to minimise this issue.

Elevated camp beds

These options are usually made from canvas stretched across a sturdy and lightweight aluminium frame. Choose from pricier models that fold away easily or cheaper options that take a little extra time to dismantle.

Pros

Spread your weight out evenly for a more comfortable sleeping experience compared to lying on the floor. As a result, they’re considered the best camping bed for bad backs.
Easier to get in and out of than floor mattresses, minimising strain on your joints.
The raised design means that uneven ground won’t disturb your sleep.
Double up as comfortable in-tent seating.
As there’s empty space underneath, this gives you extra storage room in your tent.

Cons

Elevated camping beds don’t retain as much heat as self-inflating mats and air beds.
Can also take up more room in your car than other types of camping beds.
Can add time to the set-up and take-down phase of your trip, although none of these beds should take more than five minutes to put together.
Not as padded as self-inflating mats and air beds (but you could always layer them up with a camping mattress.)

Camping bed FAQs

Is an air bed or camp bed better?

It’s up to personal preference, but air beds or self-inflating camping mattresses are best if you want a warmer and cushier base. Raised foldaway camp beds are the right choice if you’d prefer to be elevated and away from the ground.

Do you need a mattress with a camp bed?

Not necessarily, but it will improve your comfort. All you need to do is pop a foam or self-inflating mattress on top of your foldaway camping bed. Some frames will have straps built in at the corners to keep this in place.

Is memory foam good for camping?

It's not recommended as it tends to get cool and hard in low temperatures and loses its shape in warm weather. Memory foam also soaks up moisture easily, like the condensation that often appears inside your tent.