Jimmy HubbsSustained sitting, standing and walking postures create stress on our backs over time. So, if you want to relax during the in-between hours of office or take a break from an outdoor adventure, you will need the best portable bed to lie on. Low-quality sleeping mattresses aggravate back pains and diminish relaxation.
Some floors have a hard, rough, and unlevel surface so it would be wise to pick a mattress that will protect your back. But what is the best camping mattress out there? Is it good enough to sustain heavy weights?
These beds come in different designs, features, and prices. Today, we will show you four of the greatest camping mattresses that you can find in the market, and how they have performed so far for its users.
Outdoorsman Lab – Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight Sleeping Pad is perfect for those who are into outdoor adventures. Weighing only 14.05 oz, it’s amazingly lightweight, which will work great for serious backpackers and hikers. It can be compressed inside a compact storage pack like the size of a water bottle and can be easily inflated to 2.2 inches thick.
This thickness offers a temperature rating of R-value 2.2, which already provides a decent amount of insulation, but not as much as keeping you from the extreme cold.
It has a user-friendly valve that allows efficient inflation of the air pad with just 10 to 15 breathes. The port is double-sealed to help in preventing air leaks.
A great number of users are satisfied with the product, but many are also frustrated with regards to its quality and durability. Some users say that after two hours of usage, the sleeping pad was found to be completely flat. When sleeping on this mattress, you have to be careful for any sharp objects as it might puncture the surface.
If you want to have an affordable camping mattress that is lightweight and gives exceptional comfort, then this can give a bang for the buck.
Fun Outdoor Quiz
Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad is a cheaper option yet performs quite impressively. It is super lightweight, durable, and can be stored inside a bag like an umbrella for portability.
The material of the exterior fabric is very durable but thin, limiting the temperature insulation it provides. If you easily get cold, then you might have to bring extra blankets when you use this one.
Inflation is lightning fast. With just 8 to 9 breaths, it can be inflated up to 2 inches via its inflation hole.
Its cushion does a good job of providing comfort on your back, butt, and hips so you can sleep without any pain until the morning. A downside on this sleeping pad is its compatibility with sleeping bags. Its surface does not grip when you place a sleeping bag, so the latter slides down. This is an area where the product needs to be innovated.
If you are looking for a long-term and durable sleeping mattress, this might not hold long. But for general purposes and infrequent use, this is a worthy buy.
Also read: Best Backpack for Bad Backs
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress is pricier than most air mattresses and that is because of its high-tech features. Unlike the conventional breathing method for inflation, this one utilizes a pump that automatically inflates and deflates with just a press of a button.
The material is adequately thick and durable to accommodate heavier weights. During its inflated state, the 40 internal coils inside the mattress spring into action to provide greater comfort during sleeping.
The SureGrip feature on its surface ensures ample gripping, preventing its users from slipping or sliding. The width, height, and depth are enough to accommodate even two individuals.
All of its advanced features, however, have made this thing heavier than the others. It is still portable but a weight of 9 kilograms could be substantial for those who are light-travelers. This is ideal for camping trips that are not too far.
As a whole, this product covers all must-haves of a camping mattress so it doesn’t have any noteworthy weakness, except for the fact that it is not ultralight. If you are alright with this and fine with the slightly expensive price, this would be a great product to have.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Ultralight Foam Backpacking Mattress
As the name implies, Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Ultralight Foam Backpacking Mattress is incredibly lightweight but solid as well. This is why adventurers are fond of this product. It’s like they are not bringing anything along with them. There is no significant weight added.
Unlike other portable mattresses that need to be inflated first, this can be unpacked almost instantly. This is particularly useful for long treks and you want to take quick breaks to save time.
In terms of transportability, you can conveniently strap it at the back, sides, or front of your backpack. It all depends on how you want to carry it. It is highly manageable and can be used in tandem with sleeping bags or hammocks.
The egg-crate design on its surface allows air to sufficiently pass through and provide comfort as you sleep. The closed-cell feature also helps in reflecting radiant heat to warm your body during cold temperatures. Additionally, it also aids in providing coziness to your back, allowing your body to relax.
Its disadvantage over other competitors is its thinness, which might not be as comfortable as the thicker mattresses. Nevertheless, this product has proven to be quite versatile with an affordable price tag.
Conclusion
All the reviewed mattresses perform excellently, but among the four, however, I’d say the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress would give you the greatest level of sleeping experience. It has an astounding thickness that will protect your back for all types of terrain. Furthermore, inflation is effortless with an automatic pump included.
Following behind are the two inflatable mattresses of Outdoorsman and Sleepingo. Both these mattresses are very compact, quick to bloat, and relatively thicker
Last on the list is Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Ultralight Foam Backpacking Mattress. This does not mean it has the least quality but only because it is the thinnest.
William Fowler
Karin Williams