This will offer more cushion and surface area and prevent the camper from pressing into the center of the mattress where the insulation layers tend to live.” A side sleeper may want a thicker and wider pad, especially if they flip sides throughout the night. “The width and thickness of the mattresses should factor in your sleeping style. “It is also important to understand which shape and size you will need,” he adds. The R references resistance to heat loss. “The main factors to consider are warmth, weight, comfort and packability.” Are you camping close to your car and have the luxury to go big? Or are you backpacking and need something small that fits in your pack? It's worth noting that warmth is measured in R-value, an insulation scale that ranges from less than 2 (barely insulated) to 5.5 or more (highly insulated). To choose one, “start with its intended use,” suggests Jeff Moberg, product line manager at Therm-a-Rest. (If you're looking for something elevated above the ground, we've also covered the best camping cots. And unlike air mattresses for use in the home, self-inflate pads for camping don't need a wall outlet. Self-inflate pads are the most popular among car campers and offer the most comfort and warmth.

Air-inflated pads tend to be the lightest and pack down the smallest, but they are also the least durable. These are your classic thin, single layer of closed-cell foam. What Are the Different Types of Camping Mattresses?Ĭamping mattresses fall into three categories: foam pads, air-inflated pads and self-inflate pads.įoam pads are the most basic and least comfortable.

Queen size sleeping mat