Camping season has arrived, but which mattress is worth packing? An expert rigorously tested 28 to find the best for durability and comfort.
Best Camping Mattress Overall: Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft
The Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft regular wide camping mat merges comfort with packability, making it a practical option for family camping holidays and backpacking alike. It feels soft and warm to lie on, is wide enough for back or side sleepers, and side rails gently cradle you while you sleep. Lumpy ground is imperceptible through its 11.7cm loft, even when sleeping on your side. It has a packed size not much larger than a 1-litre water bottle. The regular wide single mat is fine for sleepers up to 5ft 10in; taller people may prefer the large version. The surface generates some static if you roll around too much. Weight: 850g. R value: 4.7.
Best Budget Camping Mattress: Decathlon Simond MT500 XL
Decathlon’s Simond MT500 XL inflatable trekking mattress is comfortable and versatile for summer camping. Its vertical air-filled chambers absorb uneven ground and larger stones with ease. The generous width and silicone patches on the surface help prevent sleeping bags from sliding off. It packs down to a rucksack-friendly size. Younger family members disliked feeling the vertical grooves when lying directly on the mattress, but these were barely perceptible inside a sleeping bag. Weight: 600g. R value: 1.5.
Best Double Mattress: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Tent Floor Pad
The Big Agnes Rapide SL insulated tent floor pad is extremely comfortable, tapered to fit in most two-man tents, insulated enough for colder months, and packs down small enough to fit into a backpack. Stones and rough ground are imperceptible through its surface, and motion transfer is minimal. It is relatively narrow for a double mattress, designed to fit the average two-person tent. Larger couples or those wanting more space may find it cramped. It was also relatively difficult to get the deflated mattress back inside its stuff sack. Weight: 1.22kg. R value: 4.8.
Best Self-Inflating Mattress for Luxury Camping: Vango Shangri-La Lux 16 Grande
The Vango Shangri-La Lux 16 Grande solves many issues of self-inflating mattresses by incorporating a built-in rechargeable pump, allowing inflation, deflation, and packing within minutes. It took under a minute to fully inflate, approximately the same time to deflate, and the pump could repeat this process five times before recharging. At 16cm thick, it easily absorbs lumps, bumps, and sharp stones. It provides bed-level comfort on a hard floor. Weighing 4.4kg with a packed size of 82 x 22cm, it is not one you would want to carry far from your car but fits in most cars. The built-in pump does not automatically cut out once the mattress is fully inflated, so you need to monitor the process to avoid overinflating. Weight: 4.4kg. R value: 13.
Best Sleeping Mat for Expeditions: Alpkit Radiant Insulated Inflatable Camping Mat
The Alpkit Radiant is a lightweight and compact sleeping pad with excellent insulation, suitable for all sorts of outdoor adventures including winter expeditions. It provides superb cushioning on rocky ground and wins extra points for its relatively low price, high thermal resistance, 100% recycled outer fabric, and water-resistant surface. Its high R value should keep you warm in all weather conditions. Weighing only 600g, it easily fits inside a rucksack. The surface of the mat is a little shiny and slippery. Weight: 600g. R value: 7.2.
Best of the Rest
Coleman Supercomfort self-inflating double sleeping mat: Wide and comfortable with minimal motion transfer, but bulky and difficult to deflate and pack. Weight: 6kg. R value: 12.9.
Sea To Summit Ether Light XR: Lightweight and comfortable with a clever pillow system, but relatively expensive. Weight: 665g. R value: 4.1.
Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe insulated: Winter-ready comfort with a tough, stable design, but relatively expensive and heavy for its class. Weight: 907g. R value: 7.
Easy Camp Kestrel: A budget-friendly mat for smaller sleepers, but not the most comfortable and narrow. Weight: 945g. R value: 3.
Outwell Dreamscape insulated: Lofty comfort without clamminess, but requires foot pump to inflate. Weight: 1.7kg. R value: 3.8.
