The 10 Best Camping Mattresses for Couples in 2023

   
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Choosing the perfect camping mattress for you and your partner can be intimidating. With so many varieties, each with its specific features, pros and cons, and a vast range of prices, you could spend days trying to narrow down your favorite. Plus, where and how often you’re camping, the season, how far from your vehicle you’ll be, and your personal sleeping preferences are important factors when choosing your ideal camping mattress.

Both self-inflating and air bed mattresses have come a long way in the past few years. So, in searching for the best night’s sleep possible for my partner and me, I tested well-known name brands and top-rated mattresses to bring you the Top 10 Best Camping Mattress for Couples in 2021.

 

10 Best Camping Mattress for Couples Reviews:

1) EnerPlex Never-Leak Camping Series Queen Camping Airbed

[amazon box=”B07S3715FC” title=”EnerPlex Never-Leak Camping Series Queen Camping Airbed”]

EnerPlex consistently tops the charts for me when it comes to camping mattresses. Its 2-year no-leak warranty and high durability make it an ideal pick for camping enthusiasts who enjoy their creature comforts.

While the price point sits higher than your standard air mattress, I found it’s for a good reason. The EnerPlex mattress arrives with a carry bag designed similar to a backpack for easy transport and an external pump with both wall and 12V car fittings. EnerPlex claims the mattress can be inflated within 90-seconds, and they’re not far off. It took me around 2 minutes for firm inflation, and with the ‘flap,’ it’s easy to slowly let out air until your desired firmness is reached. My favorite feature has to be the innovative coil-beam construction which provides back support and prevents air from moving from one side of the bed to the other when sharing a bed.

For me, EnerPlex is an easy top pick as its small, deflated size is convenient for travel and camping. Yet, its high-quality durability ensures I’ll have a great night’s sleep every time. Plus, with their 2-year no-leak warranty and fast customer service, I felt like my money was in good hands.

Pros

  • It comes with a charger suitable for both wall and vehicle outlets, making it easy to inflate wherever there’s a power source
  • Waterproof and leak-proof, with a 2-year warranty
  • The coil-beam construction truly did provide a good level of sleep
  • Packs up small, making it easy to carry and store
  • A unique ‘flap’ makes it easy adjust the firmness of the mattress

Cons

  • The pump is noisy when inflating
  • The pump cord is relatively short, so you’ll need to inflate your mattress near your wall or vehicle then bring it to your desired location

 

2) Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person PVC-Free Air Bed Mattress

[amazon box=”B00IHX26X6″ title=”Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person PVC-Free Air Bed Mattress”]

A clear winner when it comes to value for money is the Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person PVC-Free Air Bed Mattress. Made from eco-friendly material and designed specifically for the outdoors, it’s one of my top picks for the casual camper.

Unlike the EnerPlex, the Lightspeed comes with a battery-operated pump, so I didn’t have to worry about having a vehicle nearby or trying to squeeze the mattress into a small tent door. Having said that, I did find the pump to be flimsy and took twice as long to inflate the mattress compared to electric versions. However, once the mattress is filled, the featured ‘one seam running’ prevented leaks, and I was able to enjoy a comfortable mattress for a few days without topping up the air.

Also featured are the 193 separate connectors between the top and bottom layers to allow an even distribution of weight. Compared to other air mattresses, I certainly bounced around less while sleeping with my partner, but at the end of the day, I still felt the movement.

If I’m camping in warm weather for a couple of weeks or less, Lightspeed is my go-to. Being easy to pack, inflate and deflate, I can focus on enjoying the outdoors without emptying my wallet or waking up sore.

Pros:

  • Made from eco-friendly TPU material, which is more durable than PVC air mattresses and doesn’t come with the harsh smell
  • The battery-operated pump makes inflation hassle-free, no matter where you are
  • Supports up to 550 lbs, allowing you to sleep comfortably with a partner
  • The ‘one seam running’ prevents leaks
  • Easy to deflate and pack away, so you don’t have to stress when packing up your campsite

Cons

  • Slightly smaller than your standard queen-sized bed with dimensions of 79 x 55 x 7 inches
  • With no insulating properties, the air mattress can get cold during the night and is better used in warm weather

 

3) QOMOTOP Ultra Thick Self-Inflating Camping Mattress

[amazon box=”B07Z998YRV” title=”QOMOTOP Ultra Thick Self-Inflating Camping Mattress”]

Self-inflating mattresses can be a hit or a miss for me. I find it’s harder to find the perfect firmness, but there’s no competition to an air mattress when I do. After a couple of nights on the QOMOTOP Ultra Thick Self-Inflating Camping Mattress, I can happily say it’s what dreams are made of.

Coming in at about half the price of competitors, the QOMOTOP is excellent value, and I even prefer it compared to REI and other well-known brands. Made with a good amount of PU foam, I found the mattress was comfortable to lay on even without any inflation.

QOMOTOP must’ve listened to older model complaints as their innovative dual-mode valve made inflation and deflation a breeze. When I first opened the mattress, I was surprised at how thick the foam was. However, I was even more surprised when I turned the valve to inflation mode and watched the mattress inflate to a solid firmness without any effort. As I personally wanted it to be a touch firmer, I used the carry bag to pump a bit more air into the mattress, and it was good to go.

In the world of self-inflating mattresses, the QOMOTOP is a top pick for me due to its comfortable PU foam and great price tag.

Pros

  • With extra-thick PU foam, even in the event of a leak, you won’t find yourself on the hard ground
  • Half the price of competitor brands
  • As there’s no need for a pump, you don’t have to worry about being near a power source or running out of batteries
  • The PU foam holds heat well and is ideal for all seasons
  • The ‘deflation mode’ valve made it easy to deflate the mattress

Cons

  • Deflating can be a challenge compared to air mattresses
  • Weighing in at 13.6lbs, you won’t want to carry this mattress long distances

 

4) Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress

[amazon box=”B07KG2K1ZX”  title=”Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress”]

If you’re an occasional camper looking for a good night’s sleep without breaking the bank, I’d highly recommend the Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress.

While I found the pros to only slightly outweigh the cons, the value for money ranked it higher on my list of top camping mattresses. When I first bought the mattress, I was worried about two people fitting comfortably. Knowing the PVS material takes some time to stretch out to its full dimensions, I first inflated the mattress at home, and it measured just below the standard queen bed. However, within a couple of hours, the mattress had visually stretched out, and with more air added, the mattress reached its full size.

Inflating the mattress itself was also easy. The package comes with a rechargeable pump, and after three hours of charging, I was able to use the pump a handful of times before recharging. As I’m not always camping right near my vehicle, I found it easy to inflate without worrying about wires or being close to a socket.

Overall, it’s ideal for weekend camping trips and having on hand for last-minute guests arriving at your home, but fitting two large adults would be difficult.

Pros:

  • The rechargeable pump means you don’t need to worry about being near a power source or forgetting batteries
  • Great value for money
  • The oversize carry bag makes for easy packing away
  • Flocked top is comfortable and minimizes sliding around
  • After the first use, the mattress held its firmness well

Cons:

  • Tight squeeze for two adults
  • Not recommended for long-term use as it tends to lose its firmness quicker than other air mattresses

 

5) ALPS Mountaineering Velocity Air Bed

[amazon box=”B00LGU9RFW” title=”ALPS Mountaineering Velocity Air Bed”]

ALPS Mountaineering is known for its high-quality and reasonably priced camping gear, and their Velocity Air Bed is no exception. Made from premium polyester, it’s lightweight, durable, and great for camping.

Having used ALPS Mountaineering gear in the past, I already had high hopes for what their air mattress would bring to the table, and I wasn’t disappointed. After opening the package, I was immediately impressed by how light the air bed was, weighing 5.5 lbs. After reading it was made from a specialized polyester that doesn’t stretch; I had to test it out for myself. Sure enough, after pumping it up and letting it sit for a few hours, the mattress did not lose any of its firmness.

I was surprised the pump needed to be charged for 12 hours before the first use, but as I knew this before taking off for my camping trip, it wasn’t an issue. Especially as the pump comes with a universal charger and can be charged in your home, car, or wherever there’s a power source.

What really sets this air mattress a step above the rest is its level of comfort. I found the fabric to be very cozy, and a coil system ensured there was no sagging or movement when my partner and I were sleeping.

Pros:

  • 45% lighter compared to PVC material
  • Comes with a durable rechargeable pump with a universal charger
  • Very portable, weighing in at 5.5 lbs, it’s easy to carry from car to campsite, even if there’s a bit of a walk.
  • Does not stretch or sag after prolonged use
  • The premium polyester is very comfortable to sleep on

Cons:

  • The pump needs 12 hours of charging before using
  • Price tag is higher than your average air bed, but I still found it to be a good value for money

 

6) Hikenture Double Sleeping Pad – 2 Person Camping Mattress

Weighing in at only 3.64 lbs, the Hikenture Double Sleeping Pad – 2 Person Camping Mattress is an excellent choice for short hikes or camping with no vehicle access. The light and compact design is easy to carry and doesn’t take up half of your overnight pack.

A huge perk for me was that the Hikenture was warmer and more comfortable than competitors in the same price range. As someone who doesn’t like to rely on a power source for pumping, the airbag was a great alternative to electric or battery-powered pumps, and contrary to what I thought, it didn’t take too much time or effort to reach the desired firmness.

I did notice the size could be an issue for taller couples. With a width of only 47.5 inches, it was certainly smaller than the average queen-size bed and did make a fair amount of sound with movement.

Overall, if I was an occasional camper or was looking for a good amount of bang for my buck, the Hikenture is a great fit. The material is durable enough to be long-lasting, and as long as you’re camping in nice weather, the polyester covering was comfortable and warm.

Pros:

  • The polyester pongee with TPU lamination technology is durable, waterproof, and wear-resistant
  • The mattress is easy to inflate and doesn’t require a pump
  • Quite convenient, it weighs only 3.64 lbs and was easy to fold up to fit in the carry bag

Cons:

  • The dimensions are slim for two people to fit comfortably

 

7) Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo

[amazon box=”B00AU6AVLW” title=”Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo”]

For those who thoroughly enjoy their creature comforts and at-home feel, the Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo is your home bed away from home.

I was surprised at how sturdy the Coleman Camping Cot was, even with two adults sleeping on it. The design was clearly thought out, with an easy to assemble sturdy platform complete with fold-out side tables and cup holders. The mattress sits perfectly on top and can be zipped in for added stability.

I was also pleasantly surprised at how spacious the cot made our tent. As it sits 20 inches off the ground, there was plenty of space for us to keep our luggage and other odds and ends under it. I also found being off the ground kept us warmer, and getting in and out of bed was significantly easier.

While not everyone will be bothered to lug around the heavier cot, it did make for a wonderful night’s sleep, and I’d proudly pull it out if guests were around and needed a place to sleep.

Pros:

  • As luggage can be kept under the cot, the tent suddenly feels more spacious
  • Great for home and camping use and durable enough to be used often
  • Being elevated kept us warmer, and getting in and out of bed was much easier
  • Can be used both for camping and for guests at home
  • Fold-out side tables were perfect for keeping your phone in a safe and convenient place at night

Cons:

  • The cot and mattress were significantly heavier than standard air mattresses. You wouldn’t want to carry it far
  • The mattress was noisy with two people sleeping on it

 

8) KingCamp Deluxe Series Thick Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad Foam Mat Mattress

[amazon box=”B07CBTYQ47″ title=”KingCamp Deluxe Series Thick Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad Foam Mat Mattress”]

In the world of self-inflating sleeping pads, it’s easy to appreciate the smart design and comfort-focused features of the KingCamp Deluxe Series Thick Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad. Especially for the reasonable price.

The manufacturers claim the sleeping pad sits 3 inches off the ground, and even though The KingCamp lives up to its promise of having a thick pad, I have yet to reach that 3-inch mark. Even so, I found the pad to be comfortable and plenty thick for a good night’s sleep.

The width was a different story, as it was a tight fit for two people to sleep comfortably. If you don’t mind snuggling for warmth, you won’t have a problem, but stretching out isn’t much of an option. In terms of inflating and deflating, I found another opposing story. Inflating is quick and easy, and the Jet stream foam gobbles up air much faster than competitors. However, when it came time to deflate the pad, I found it hard to get it even relatively flat, and the thick pad did not want to pack away easily.

For those who don’t mind a bulky pad and a smaller sleeping area, there’s no doubt the KingCamp Deluxe is great value for money.

Pros:

  • The smaller size fits nicely in a tent, without taking up the entire floor space
  • It holds its firmness well, and I never had to top-up air in the middle of the night
  • Very reasonably priced and comes in several colors

Cons:

  • The sleeping pad does not pack away easily and takes some work to get it back into the stuff sack provided

 

9) Exped Megamat 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad (Single & Duo)

[amazon box=”B01N2AVWUL” title=”Exped Megamat 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad”]

For those looking for a high-end sleeping pad and don’t mind a higher price tag, the Exped Megamat 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad will be your go-to for years to come.

Packed full of innovative features, I’d happily sleep on the Exped Megamet 10 at home or while camping in freezing cold temperatures. The manufacturer claims it will keep you warm even down to -54 degrees, and while I didn’t care to test this, even in colder spring weather, I was pleasantly warm. Yet, in hot weather, I never woke up sweaty or sticky.

The price tag was a bit of a sticker shock to me, but after our first night’s sleep, it’s easy to see why. The honeycomb-embossed top and Bluesign-certified insulation are incredibly comfortable, and the ‘double’ size was plenty spacious for two people. The materials were also clearly heavy-duty, and unlike other air mattresses, I never feared a random hole might appear from nowhere.

The Exped Megamat might not be for the occasional hiker, but if you’re looking to invest in a premium sleeping pad, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything nicer.

Pros:

  • It’s genuinely four seasons and keeps you plenty warm down to -54 degrees F
  • Made with heavy-duty materials, you don’t have to worry about children, animals, or mother nature damaging the sleeping pad
  • Comes with a mini pump and repair kit, so even if the unthinkable happens, you can still have a wonderful night’s sleep
  • Sitting 10 inches off the ground, even in rough terrain, you’ll be comfortable
  • Plenty spacious for two people to sleep

Cons:

  • Very expensive compared to other models
  • Weighing nearly 10 lbs, it’s not ideal for carrying long distances

 

10) Eureka! Rio Grande Camping Queen Air Bed

[amazon box=”B01BIKVTUK” title=”Eureka! Rio Grande Camping Queen Air Bed”]

The environmentally friendly and well thought out Eureka! Rio Grande Camping Queen Air Bed is packed full of features, and the high-quality, durable material means you’ll be confident your night’s sleep is in good hands.

For me, I found I had a love/hate relationship with the Eureka! Rio Grande Camping Air Bed. The fabric, made of stealth-grip, was shockingly comfortable against my skin, and as it’s used on both sides of the mattress, it prevented the mattress from slipping around during the night. The mattress was also relatively quiet and didn’t move around with 2 of us sleeping on it.

The main feature that I wasn’t sure about is the built-in pillow. While I loved the fact that I didn’t need to bring my own pillow, I soon discovered it wasn’t quite the right firmness for me. Using your own pillow isn’t really an option either, as you’d have to slide down the mattress or put your pillow on top of the built-in pillow.

As this air bed leaned towards the more expensive end, I personally did not find it great value for money. However, I have to admit; I had a great night’s sleep after finding that perfect position, so maybe I’ll give it another go.

Pros:

  • The internal stabilization system absorbs movement and keeps you and your partner from bouncing around
  • Built-in pillow reduces your need to bring your own
  • The fabric was incredibly soft and felt nice to sleep on without sheets
  • Weighing just over 5 lbs, it’s light enough to carry short distances
  • Stealth-grip material on both sides of the mattress meant no sliding around on the slippery tent floor

Cons: 

  • If you like a softer mattress, I found when the Air Bed isn’t filled to the max, it can become bouncy
  • The built-in pillow can be a problem if it’s not a good fit for you

 

Buying Guide For the Best Camping Mattress For Couples

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing your camping mattress. As sleep is an essential part of any adventure, it’s best to be sure you get it right. To make your decision easier, I’ve laid out a few scenarios and what you want to look for in each.

How often will you use your camping mattress?

There’s a big difference between using your camping mattress once a summer, using it for a couple of weekend trips, and having it turn into your bed away from home for half the year. If you’re an avid camper or like to camp for a few nights in a row, you’ll want a high-quality mattress you can rely on for comfort and durability.

I like the Exped Megamat 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad best for those who spend half their nights camping, but not necessarily in the same spots. The price tag is higher, but you can feel rest assured it’ll get you through the summer.

If I were planning to camp a lot and in the same campsite for long periods of time, the Coleman Camping Cot would be my go-to. While it can be annoying to carry to the tent, the convenience of having under-bed storage is life-changing.

On the other hand, the QOMOTOP Ultra Thick Self-Inflating Camping Mattress isn’t as high-end, but it still provides great support and comfort for the occasional camper.

What’s the temperature at night where you’ll be camping?

When selecting your camping mattress, it’s essential to have a look at the R-value. The higher the R-value, the better it will protect you from the cold ground. If you’re a summer camper, you’ll want anything above a value of 2, whereas as soon as the night starts getting cooler, you’ll want a minimum of an R-value of 5. Be aware that even if a camping mattress claims to be 3 or 4 seasons, you’ll want to make sure their R-value reflects the claim.

Air mattresses tend to have a smaller R-value than their self-inflating counterparts, which all comes down to science. Air is terrible at holding heat and actually draws heat from you. In contrast, the foam will warm up with you and keep you warm throughout the night.

Again, the Exped Megamat 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad ranked highest on this list for keeping you warm at night and can be used down to -54 degrees F. On the other hand, the Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person PVC-Free Air Bed Mattress has an R-value of 1 and should really only be used in the peak of summer – unless you love a cold bed.

Where will you be camping?

While the ‘where’ you’ll be camping won’t affect your comfort, it does have a significant impact on how easy it is to set up your camping mattress. While 10 lbs doesn’t sound heavy, when you have to carry a bulky and awkward bag for 20 minutes, that 10 lbs starts to feel more like 100. Whereas, if you know you’ll be right next to your vehicle, the weight can make little to no difference at all.

To give you an idea of the difference in weights you’ll find, the Hikenture Double Sleeping Pad – 2 Person Camping Mattress weighs in at only 3.64 lbs and folds down small enough to fit in an overnight pack. Compare this to the QOMOTOP Ultra Thick Self-Inflating Camping Mattress, which weighs a staggering 13.6 lbs. I know which one I’m not carrying far.

The snuggle factor!

You might prefer cozying up with your partner, or you may choose to have your space. Either way, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the sizing chart. Not all ‘Queen’ mattresses share the same size, and if you have a smaller tent, you don’t want to run the risk of your mattress not fitting at all. Most queen mattresses measure in at 60″ x 80″ and fit two people comfortably. However, as soon as you lose a couple of inches, your camping trip might turn from romantic to a bit too close for comfort.

 

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing your camping mattress, there’s certainly no one-size-fits-all. However, by taking the time to consider your price range, how often you’ll be using it, the weather you’ll be using it in, and how far of a distance you’ll have to carry it, the choice will become much more straightforward.

Hopefully, by reading through my reviews of the Top 10 Best Camping Mattress for Couples in 2021, you’ll have a better understanding of the different types of mattresses and the pros and cons that come along with them. And remember, even though no camping mattresses will ever replace the comfort you find at home, a good night’s sleep will have a considerable impact on how much you enjoy your experience in the outdoors. So don’t let the hard ground dissuade you from your adventures. Instead, invest in your ideal camping mattress and get out there exploring!