Waking up with a positive attitude and eagerness to tackle the day—or stress, annoyance, and disengagement. Having a cranky camping companion (or feeling cranky yourself from lack of sleep) is the last thing you want on a trip.
While camping, many variables lie outside our control—loud neighbors, whirling winds, heavy rain—but let’s focus on what we can control: your camping mattress. An excellent mat is crucial to a restful night’s sleep and, ultimately, to the success of your entire trip. You’ll wake happy and refreshed, ready to face the day.
Continue reading for our top camping mattress picks.
Best Camping Mattress
Pure Camping Luxury: Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D
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Thickness: 4.25 in
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Platform size: 77 × 25 in with vertical sidewalls
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Materials: rip-resistant shell + plush foam core
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Valves: dedicated inflate/deflate for faster setup
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Weight savings: offset-foam design cuts ~1 lb
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Why we chose it: dethroned REI’s Camp Dreamer with better R-value (7 vs 6.6), more cushioning, and far fewer durability complaints
Best Camping Mattress in 2022: Top 17 Choices
1. Comfiest for Two: Exped MegaMat Duo 10
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Width: 52 in
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Thickness: 3.9 in
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Inflation: two large valves + foot pump
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Construction: foam + air hybrid
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Price: ~$380
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Ideal for pairs or as a guest bed. Foot pump is best for topping off; self-inflate takes time.
2. Affordable Self-Inflating: REI Co-op Trailbreak
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MSRP: $75
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Thickness: 1.75 in
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Valves: color-coded inflate/deflate
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Build: simple foam core + durable fabrics
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Great value for back-sleepers and occasional campers; side-sleepers may want more padding.
3. Spacious Air Bed: REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated
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Height off ground: 6 in
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Valves: separate inflate/deflate + welded seams
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Use: families, couples, guest bed
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Drawbacks: bulky packed size; low R-value (2.6) for cold nights
4. Ultralight Air: Nemo Quasar 3D
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Type: pure air (no foam)
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Weight: > 2 lb lighter
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Packed size: very compact
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Thickness: –1.25 in vs. foam pads
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R-value: 3.3
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Perfect for backpackers who need minimal bulk—handle carefully (30-denier shell).
5. All-round Luxury: Exped MegaMat 10 LXW
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Thickness: 4 in
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Pump: mini foot pump + self-inflate
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Packing: one-way deflate + stuff sack
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Long-X-Wide lets you stretch out—ultimate luxury pad.
6. Budget Plush: REI Camp Dreamer XL
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Self-inflate: valve opens → auto-inflate, finish with pillow pump
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Thickness: ~ 4 in
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Build: plush, stable, portable
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Excellent budget luxe pad; minor valve reliability concerns.
7. Ultimate Comfort: HEST Sleep System Wide
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Base: robust inflatable
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Top layers: two foam layers + stretch nylon
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Extras: premium pump + storage bag
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Pricey but unmatched luxury—pair with a HEST pillow for glamping vibes.
8. All-in-One: REI Kingdom Insulated Sleep System 40
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Includes: pad, washable sheets, blanket
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Rating: comfort to 40 °F
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Space: roomy for two
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Perfect “hotel at camp” setup for couples in mild temperatures.
9. Compact Luxury: Nemo Roamer XL-Wide
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Packed size: half the size of other XL pads
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Valves: zero-profile + toggles to link pads
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Use: thick comfort without bulk
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Great crossover for car campers who sometimes backpack.
10. Warmest Pad: Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D XXL
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R-value: 11.4 (coziest tested)
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Size: > 4 in cushion + extra length/width
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Valves: high-flow, easy use
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For anyone craving the coziest backcountry sleep.
11. Simple Foam: TETON Sports Camp Pad
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Type: full closed-cell foam
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Cover: washable canvas
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Insulation: built-in warmth + durability
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Ideal standalone ground pad or paired with a camp cot.
12. Cheapest Air: SoundAsleep Camping Series Queen
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Pump: electric, rechargeable battery
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Comfort: roomy for two
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Top pick for budget-minded duos who want easy setup.
13. High Value: REI Co-op Camp Dreamer XL
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Surface: 11 × 70 in plush foam
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Features: foam pump + one-way valve + tote pack
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Massive comfort at a great price; oversized for some tents.
14. Home-Feel Foam: Exped MegaMat 10
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Feel: home-mattress softness
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Adjustability: one-flutter valve
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Pump: foam foot pump + carry bag
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High-end quality for car campers and sleep-lovers.
15. Double Delight: Exped MegaMat Duo 10
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Width: 52 in double-wide
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Comfort: same plush design
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Packing: bulky but replaces two pads
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Top double mattress when you need space for two.
16. Fast Self-Inflate: Nemo Roamer
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Time: self-inflates in minutes
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Pack: small, lightweight
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R-value: 6
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One of the quickest mats to camp-ready after a hike.
What Is a Camping Mattress?
A camping pad can make or break an outdoor sleepout. It keeps you:
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Comfortable (cushions pressure points)
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Warm (insulation prevents heat loss to the ground)
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Rested (easy inflation/deflation via foam pads, air beds, or hybrids)
What to Look For
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R-Value: higher = warmer
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Weight & Pack Size: critical for backpacking vs. car camping
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Noise & Slip: quiet, grippy fabrics
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Durability: tough outer layers resist punctures
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Inflation Method: self-inflating, pump, battery-powered
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Size & Shape: fit your body and tent footprint
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Material: foam, air, hybrid, self-inflating
Final Words
You’re now equipped to choose the perfect camping mattress—whether you need ultralight packability, budget value, or downright luxury. Sweet dreams under the stars!