Air Mattress in Camping

Benefits of Using an Air Mattress in Camping

Air mattresses are simply portable mattresses that you can inflate when you are ready to use them, and then deflate for easy storage and transportation. When you take an air mattress along on your next camping trip, you’ll be able to sleep comfortably in just about any conditions.

With a good air mattress, you won’t have to worry about the smoothness or evenness of the ground beneath your tent. Even if the tent pad is covered in pebbles or tree roots, you won’t feel them when you sleep on an air mattress.

An air mattress can also help you stay more comfortable regardless of the temperature, because the mattress itself provides a layer of insulation between you and the ground. You can even purchase air mattresses with different levels of built-in insulation, which is beneficial when selecting air mattresses for use in particularly warm or cold climates.

What to Look For in an Air Mattress

Puncture Resistance

Make sure to select an air mattress designed for the rigors of outdoor use. When using an air mattress in camping, there is always a risk of puncture caused by items beneath your tent. Look for an air mattress that has a fairly thick base and a textured bottom to minimize the likelihood of puncture damage from rocks, twigs, or other outdoor hazards. Waterproof air mattresses are best for camping, because they aren’t harmed by dew or water that builds up on the ground.

Size

When selecting an air mattress, it is important to consider its size when deflated and inflated. Air mattresses may be purchased in sizes ranging from twin to king, just like regular bed mattresses. Be sure there is sufficient room in your tent for your fully inflated air mattress.

The deflated size of your air mattress is important in terms of storage and transportation. For example, if you are planning on using your air mattress when backpacking, selecting one small enough to fit in your backpack when deflated is a must. If storage space in your home is at a premium, select one that easily fits in the available space.

Ease of Setup

It’s also important to choose an air mattress that is quick and easy to setup. Pumps are included with most air mattresses. Select a model with a pump that is likely to work in your most frequent camping environment. For example, if you will use your air mattress primarily for backpacking, an electric pump isn’t going to be your best choice. Instead, a manual pump or battery operated model will probably be best for you.

If your favorite air mattress model doesn’t come with the type of pump you want, keep in mind that many retailers, such as Camping Comfortably, sell pumps separately.

Air Mattress Options

Air mattresses are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, which makes it easy to find one that meets your comfort and space requirements. It’s wise to try a few different kinds while shopping in order to select the style that will work best for you.

Available Styles Include:

• Comfort control
• Double height
• I-Beam
• Memory foam
• Pillow top
• Raised pillow top

Where to Buy Air Mattresses

Air mattresses are available in many local sporting goods and general merchandise outlets, as well as from a wide selection of online retailers. Resources for purchasing air mattresses include:

• Academy Sports
• Amazon.com
• Avid Outdoors
• Cabela’s
• Comfort Channel
• Coleman.com
• REI.com and REI retail stores
• SpareBed.com
• Sports Unlimited
• Target
• The Comfort Store
• Wal Mart

Enjoy Your Air Mattress

The first time you use your new air mattress in camping, you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy one sooner. Being certain of a comfortable place to sleep when you go camping can be very reassuring, especially if you’ve ever experienced an uncomfortable night on a rocky campsite.

There are added benefits to owning an air mattress. Even if you primarily plan to use it for camping, it can be very useful for other situations. An air mattress is a cost- effective way to expand your home’s sleeping areas. When you have your own air mattress, you can easily turn your living room into a guest room for unexpected company or a slumber party.