Best Camping Mattresses of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Super comfy with 4 inches of cushioning
• Easy to inflate and deflate
• Great for cold weather camping due to high R-value
• Lots of room - feels like a bed, not a camping pad

Reasons to Avoid

• Bit on the pricey side
• Large packed size - not for backpacking
• Heavier than some other options

The Important Specs

• R Value: 11.4
• Materials: Polyester, urethane foam
• Dimensions: 80 x 30 x 4 inches

Review Roundup

Stepping into the camping mattress market is the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D, a product that aims to bring the comfort of your home to your outdoor adventures. Let's dig deeper into what scores this product high points on many camper's list.

Crafted with Therm-a-Rest's proprietary foam, the MondoKing 3D provides excellent cushioning and insulation. The foam expands and molds to the contours of your body, giving you that cloud-like feel as you sleep. It's like you're not sleeping on a portable camping mat; it's like you're cuddling against your cozy mattress at home.

Seeing the MondoKing 3D for the first time, you'll immediately notice its thickness - it measures 4 inches thick! After talking to many campers online, it's clear that this thickness is appreciated. This factor scores this camping mattress a big thumbs-up as it ensures that you don't feel the uneven terrain underneath. This thickness also creates a decent barrier against the cold ground.

The versatility of the MondoKing 3D is also praised across reviews. You can use it for car camping, base camping, or in your RV, scores it big in the versatility department. However, due to its size and weight, it might not be the best pick for lightweight backpacking or hiking.

The most appreciated feature as per user reviews? The dual valves! The two valves allow for a speedy inflation and deflation. Quite a few users mentioned how the MondoKing 3D inflates to full thickness in no time, and equally important, how quickly it packs away when you're ready to hit the trail.

Durability is a key feature for those looking for outdoor gear, and that is where the MondoKing 3D shines. Constructed with robust materials and quality stitching, the majority of customers found it to be a reliable addition to their camping equipment. Cases of punctures or other durability issues were few and far between.

However, no product is without its flaws. The weight and bulk of the MondoKing 3D, while offering fantastic comfort, were the most common downsides cited by users. If you're hiking into the wilderness, be prepared to trade off a bit of comfort for the added weight and size. Furthermore, the price point, while reflective of its high quality and comfort, could be a hindrance for budget campers.

Other minor issues raised included difficulty rolling the mattress up tightly to fit back into its sack, and occasional noise from the mattress material during usage.

That sums up the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D from the point of view of fellow campers. It's luxurious, comfortable, a solid choice for any stationary camping situation, but may not be the best fit for weight conscious individuals or those on a tight budget.

Reasons to Buy

• Incredibly comfortable for a camping mattress
• Easy inflation and deflation process
• Excellent insulation for cold nights

Reasons to Avoid

• Bulky when rolled up
• Takes a while to fully inflate

The Important Specs

• Packed Size: 31.1 x 9.8 inches
• Material Type: Brushed 50D Polyester, TPU Polyether Film Laminate
• Inflated Dimensions: 77.6 x 30.3 x 3.9 inches

Review Roundup

The Exped MegaMat 10 is a camper's dream come true. It takes the comfort of your bed and brings it outdoors, working magic on rocky grounds and uneven surfaces. Many customers praise its impressive 10cm thickness that provides excellent support, erasing any memories of bump-filled nights on lesser camping mattresses.

This camping mattress is known for its self-inflating design, which is both handy and practical. Reviewers appreciate not having to huff and puff to inflate their mattress after a long day of hiking or just having fun around the campsite. There's a small, built-in pump for topping off the inflation to your desired level of firmness, which makes customization easy.

The MegaMat 10 wears a durable face fabric that's able to withstand those unavoidable camping abrasions. Many customers acknowledged its durability and noted the ability of this product to resist punctures, which can be a real life-saver out in the wild.

As for size, the Exped MegaMat 10 offers ample sleeping space, proving perfect for tall campers or those who simply enjoy a bit of extra lounging room. It conveniently packs down into a reasonably small bundle, making it easy to stuff into a car boot or a backpack. Some users have remarked that it can be a tad bulky, but the comfort payoff seems to overshadow any drawbacks on this point.

In terms of heat retention, the MegaMat 10 boasts an R-value of 8.1, promising to keep you warm even when temperatures drop. The majority of users reported being pleasantly surprised by its excellent insulation during cold camping nights. However, a few experienced campers suggested that it might be a bit too warm for summer outings.

Overall, the Exped MegaMat 10 scores points on comfort, durability, size and insulation. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. A few reviewers have pointed out that the self-inflation can take a bit longer than expected, and some found the deflation and packing process to be tricky, at best.

Reasons to Buy

• Hugely comfortable for a good night's sleep
• Dual-valve technology makes inflation/deflation a breeze
• Rugged build quality and material for longevity
• Excellent insulation for cool nights

Reasons to Avoid

• Takes up more space than other mats
• Higher price point
• Not the lightest for backpackers

The Important Specs

• Material: Polyester and TPU laminate
• Dimensions: Wide Regular: 76 x 25 x 4 in
• Packed Size: 26 x 10 in

Review Roundup

When it comes to camping mattresses, the Nemo Roamer packs a punch in terms of comfort, durability, and portability. One feature that gets rave reviews is its thickness and firmness. Its self-inflating properties bring it up to 4 inches, which provides a great layer of comfort between you and the ground. Users particularly loved the fact that despite its substantial size and comfort, the mattress packs down impressively well into a portable pack size.

Another major plus for the Nemo Roamer is the dual-sided valve system. It’s a user-friendly feature praised by campers as it allows for quick inflation and deflation. The valves are also capped, reducing the risk of accidental deflation during the night.

Durability is a serious consideration for any camping gear, and the Nemo Roamer holds up well here too. The mattress’s fabric is resilient, built to resist wear and tear, and stands up well to rocky or uneven terrain. Customers have commented positively about its avoidance of punctures, ensuring you won't have a flat bed in the middle of your camping trip.

Some customers, however, did point out a few downsides. The sheer size and thickness of the mattress, while great for comfort, can be a bit of a hassle when it comes to packing and storage space. It definitely falls into the luxury camping category and is probably not the best fit for minimal backpackers who need to save on space. Some customers also found the price a little steep compared to other camping mattresses on the market.

Some users did also mention that the surface material of the mattress can be a little noisy when moving around. While not a deal breaker for most, light sleepers might find this a bit disruptive. Overall, the customer feedback has been largely positive, with most users agreeing that the Nemo Roamer offers a great balance between comfort, durability, and ease of use, as long as you’re willing to sacrifice a little backpack space.

Reasons to Buy

• Affordable without sacrificing quality
• Adequate insulation for three-season camping
• Easy to inflate and deflate

Reasons to Avoid

• Not ideal for winter camping
• Can be bulky to pack

The Important Specs

• R Value: 3.1
• Materials: Polyester with an antimicrobial treatment in the interior
• Dimensions: 72 x 21.5 x 2.75 inches
• Packed Size: 6.3 x 8.7 inches

Review Roundup

The Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI defines comfort without costing an arm and a leg. It is a surprisingly affordable option, considering the high level of comfort it provides. Its self-inflating feature is lauded by many campers, making it easy to set up after a long day on the trail.

The mattress boasts Sea to Summit's trademarked Delta Core Technology, aimed at providing an optimal balance between support, warmth, and weight. Not only does this mattress function well in compact tents, but it is also a hit with campers who appreciate a fuss-free and reliable gear that promotes a good night's rest.

Given its high-quality build and cost-efficiency, the Camp Plus SI has been deemed a great value-for-money option by several customers. The mattress also proves durable, with many customer reviews stating that it lasted for multiple seasons without decrease in performance.

Despite the praise, it doesn't come without minor critiques. Some users found it a bit bulker than expected, which might be a bit of a setback for backpacking enthusiasts. Also, a few customers expressed their wish for a higher R-value to handle the chill of freezing temperatures.

Even with these small gripes, many still consider the Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI a top contender in the budget camping mattress niche. It has proven popular among those who crave quality comfort without straining their wallets.

Reasons to Buy

• Offers an unrivaled level of comfort
• Massive size perfect for two persons
• High R-value does an excellent job of insulating
• Easy and efficient inflation and deflation process

Reasons to Avoid

• Not ideal for solo backpackers
• Requires significant space in your tent
• Price might be too high for some budgets

The Important Specs

• R Value: 9.5
• Material: 75D Polyester, TPU Polyether Film Laminate, hydrolysis resistant
• Dimensions: 77.6 x 52 x 3.9 inches
• Packed Size: 27.6 x 11.8 inches

Review Roundup

Whether you're cocooned in the back of your van or slogging it for a wild campsite, the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 can make all the difference. This spacious mattress offers comfort and warmth in spades. With an R-value of 8.1, the MegaMat Duo 10 stands its ground even against -48°C temperatures, making it an excellent option for year-round campers.

The MegaMat Duo 10 measures up at a generous 77.6 x 52 inches, providing ample space for two sleepers. Additionally, the 3.9 inches of loft ensures you're well-insulated from any rough or cold ground. If you're worried about extra comfort, take a load off. The open-cell PU foam offers a memory-foam like feel that's hard to match.

While we love the comfort and warmth, let's chat about the weight and pack size for a moment. Weighing 9.9 lbs, this product certainly isn't the lightest. If you're a hiker or backpacker planning to carry your home on your back, this mattress might not be your first choice. But for those setting up camp near their vehicle or for family camping trips, it's more than perfect.

Okay, we've sung its praises, but what about the negatives? Some users have mentioned the inflation and deflation process can be quite slow. This isn't so great when you're excited to hit the sack after a long day's adventuring. And, while the included Mini Pump is helpful, it doesn't make the process lightning-fast.

So, let's peek out from our tents and look at the price tag. The Expad MegaMat Duo 10 isn't cheap. But from the reviews we've read, most customers agree it's worth every cent. After all, you can't put a price on a good night's sleep in the great outdoors, can you?

Reasons to Buy

• Exceptional comfort
• Easy to inflate and deflate
• Premium quality material
• Convenient shape and size
• Suitable R-value for moderate climates
• Good value for money

Reasons to Avoid

• Not the most durable option
• Fairly bulkier compared to other models
• Might be insufficiently warm for extremely cold conditions

The Important Specs

• Shape: Rectangular
• R Value: 2.6
• Material: Polyurethane foam
• Pack Size: 26 x 7 inches
• Dimensions When Inflated: 72 x 20 x 2.5 inches

Review Roundup

The Hest Foamy has quickly become a favorite amongst camping enthusiasts having firmly secured its spot as one of the best offerings in the camping mattress foam niche. It packs a punch by combining comfort and portability into one neat sleeping solution for outdoor adventurers.

Its unique selling point is its superior thickness, giving it an unparalleled plushness that's a treat to relax on after a long day of hiking. This mattress goes all out on comfort, making it an ideal buddy for side sleepers who might find less-padded mats a nightmare on rocky terrain.

Maintaining a balance between comfort and portability can be quite the juggling act. But the Hest Foamy manages it impeccably by employing a unique rollup design. This magic trick saves campers lots of space without compromising on the plush foam goodness it provides for the sleep.

Despite these positives, it's not all rainbows and unicorns with the Hest Foamy. Some purchasers have raised concerns online about its heat retention. There's a risk of waking up sweating on warmer nights, and while it's not an issue in colder climates, those camping in hotter regions might want to consider this aspect.

Another point worth mentioning is the mat's weight. Although it's convenient to pack, it’s a bit heavier than your average foam camping mattress. This might not be a big issue for car campers, but backpackers might want to weigh (pun intended!) this factor before making a purchase.

Adding to the durability score, the hardy exterior material doesn’t just resist wear and tear, but also holds up well against sharp rocks and twigs. Users mention that their mats have survived multiple camping trips without any noticeable damage, making it a good value for money in the long run.

Wrapping up, it's worth mentioning the slightly higher price point of the Hest Foamy. Despite it being a notable investment, a majority of users still believe that the premium comfort, durability, and convenient design justify the cost. From what we've seen in customer reviews, it seems the Hest Foamy has indeed managed to create a niche for itself amongst camping enthusiasts.