Queen size air mattress for camping

[MrSquished]

any suggestions of ones that are comfy and have held strong? Have had to buy some new car camping stuff because storm Ira flooded some stuff of mine in storage.

I've looked on Amazon at some of those higher ones plus also at REI and Backcountry too and can't seem to make up my mind.

 

[dullard]

My wife and I personally go with individual camping pads. It lets us have different levels of pressure (one back sleeper and one side sleeper), lets us do both backpacking and car camping, and doesn't have the problem of one person's movement hurling the other person into the air.

But people do really like queen mattresses for camping. In that case, my #1 criteria would be an R-value over 3. If the R-value is lower than that (or not listed at all), then it will only be usable in the heat of the summer.

 

[BoomerD]

Aerobed...if you have a source of 110v power..including a decent inverter.

 

[nakedfrog]

I used an Intex one a few times, used the 110V outlet in my car to fill it... but after the slow leak it developed on my last multi-day trip, I got a NEMO Roamer XL pad I haven't had a chance to use yet:

NEMO Roamer Sleeping Pad - XL Wide | REI Co-op

Camping doesn't have to mean roughing it. The spacious NEMO Roamer XL Wide sleeping pad feels like your bed at home, except it's a whole lot easier to throw in the back of your car.

www.rei.com

Hoping the lifetime warranty pans out if something goes wrong.

 

[MrSquished]

I have backpacking sleeping pads, this is for car camping only so weight is of zero concern. Just durability and comfort. And this needs to be one queen mattress because we like sleeping together and will be in a nice Kelty double sleeping bag.

 

[dullard]

I tend to trust Switchback Travel and Outdoor GearLab reviews. Both put the larger of the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 at the top of their list of air mattresses for two. The smaller one seems like it really doesn't fit two people.

Switchback Travel | Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Review

Double-wide and extremely comfortable, Exped’s premium self-inflating sleeping pad provides an excellent night's sleep for two

www.switchbacktravel.com

Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Review

The MegaMat Duo 10 is the bigger sibling of the Exped MegaMat 10, and the best choice for couples. This model is very comfortable and warm. But while it...

www.outdoorgearlab.com

 

[Zorba]

I have a Coleman that's held up for 15 years. Mostly used inside, though.

 

[Zorba]

I've tried out a queen self inflating pad from REI, can't remember the brand, but it was so comfortable but also $300.

 

[snoopy7548]

I have backpacking sleeping pads, this is for car camping only so weight is of zero concern. Just durability and comfort. And this needs to be one queen mattress because we like sleeping together and will be in a nice Kelty double sleeping bag.

Giggity.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Car camping - just go with an Intex or Coleman queen "flocked" - they make a bit less noise than the vinyl ones. We like to put a "fitted sheet" on it as well to dampen the squeeks and absorb moisture.

$15- $20 and comes with the easy to inflate/deflate valve system.

We are retiring our NorthFace Dolomite 20 and bought a Kelty TruComfort 20 on closeout as the wife sleeps cold (overnight lows in the mid to upper 40's).

 

[MrSquished]

Car camping - just go with an Intex or Coleman queen "flocked" - they make a bit less noise than the vinyl ones. We like to put a "fitted sheet" on it as well to dampen the squeeks and absorb moisture.

$15- $20 and comes with the easy to inflate/deflate valve system.

We are retiring our NorthFace Dolomite 20 and bought a Kelty TruComfort 20 on closeout as the wife sleeps cold (overnight lows in the mid to upper 40's).

I just ordered the same Kelty bag. It was over 100 cheaper than a down REI one I was on considering, so perfect

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Grass and leaves.

 

[MrSquished]

I tend to trust Switchback Travel and Outdoor GearLab reviews. Both put the larger of the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 at the top of their list of air mattresses for two. The smaller one seems like it really doesn't fit two people.

Switchback Travel | Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Review

Double-wide and extremely comfortable, Exped’s premium self-inflating sleeping pad provides an excellent night's sleep for two

www.switchbacktravel.com

Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Review

The MegaMat Duo 10 is the bigger sibling of the Exped MegaMat 10, and the best choice for couples. This model is very comfortable and warm. But while it...

www.outdoorgearlab.com

That's a lot more than I was hoping to spend but maybe I'll get their slightly cheaper version and just call it a day. Still will be just about 300. Space in my car will be at a premium so it will help as those pack up pretty well

 

[Dr. Detroit]

That's a lot more than I was hoping to spend but maybe I'll get their slightly cheaper version and just call it a day. Still will be just about 300. Space in my car will be at a premium so it will help as those pack up pretty well

You'd be insane to spend $350 on a backpacking lightweight dual air pad like the Exped for Car Camping.

$15 at WalMart - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Intex-10...ed-mattress-Pump-Not-Included-QUEEN/296501960

 

[MrSquished]

You'd be insane to spend $350 on a backpacking lightweight dual air pad like the Exped for Car Camping.

$15 at WalMart - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Intex-10...ed-mattress-Pump-Not-Included-QUEEN/296501960

I do not need an overengineered Exped for car camping but I do need some insulation as we may go camping in the mountains in the spring where it gets chilly at night. It seems hard to find a balance between the two.

 

[BoomerD]

I do not need an overengineered Exped for car camping but I do need some insulation as we may go camping in the mountains in the spring where it gets chilly at night. It seems hard to find a balance between the two.

Air mattresses tend to be colder than the foam pads. (the air inside gets cold) You COULD use a thermal reflective blanket on top...to help keep you warm.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

I do not need an overengineered Exped for car camping but I do need some insulation as we may go camping in the mountains in the spring where it gets chilly at night. It seems hard to find a balance between the two.

Research led me to this - some sort of insulation between your sleeping bag and air mattress seems to be the solution.

https://www.amazon.com/Alki-Twilight-Thermal-Mattress-Topper/dp/B07B6RZ8BG

Twilight Thermal Mattress Topper

Camping should be comfortable. Use this mattress topper for a cozy night’s sleep

www.kickstarter.com

 

[Red Squirrel]

I've always just used a normal air mattress and sleeping bag. Though I've never camped in anything colder than like -1 so heat retention was not a big issue.

 

[snoopy7548]

It might get a bit itchy, but you could use pink fiberglass insulation as as blanket.

 

[dullard]

You'd be insane to spend $350 on a backpacking lightweight dual air pad like the Exped for Car Camping.

$15 at WalMart - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Intex-10...ed-mattress-Pump-Not-Included-QUEEN/296501960

1) That type of mattress with an R-value near 1 is rated to not go below 51°F (11°C). That means it would be an absolute misery to use on many camping trips. Think about uncontrollable shivering all through the night and how much you'd pay to end that experience. Then multiply that price by 2 (2 people) and then multiply by how ever many nights spent camping. Sleeping bags can't insulate underneath you (your weight flattens it and removes that part of its insulation) so you can't overcome it with even a thick, expensive sleeping bag. Several layers of blankets might work though if placed between you and the mattress.


2) If you look at the Amazon reviews, many didn't last a month, which is the exact opposite of what was asked for.

3) At 80"x60" it won't fit inside many 2-person tents. Now, the OP hasn't said his tent size, but it is an important thing to keep in mind.

4) I'm not sure if you've done much backpacking. Here is the description from one of the Exped reviews "At 9 pounds 14.7 ounces and 27.6 x 11.8 inches when packed, the MegaMat Duo is unapologetically huge". For comparison, my backpacking sleeping pad is 1.7 pounds and has a packed size of 4.5" inch diameter x 10". Of course, you'll have to double that to add in my wife's pad. But still both of our pads combined is still about a third the weight and way, way smaller. The Exped is certainly NOT for backpacking.

 

[MrSquished]

Research led me to this - some sort of insulation between your sleeping bag and air mattress seems to be the solution.

https://www.amazon.com/Alki-Twilight-Thermal-Mattress-Topper/dp/B07B6RZ8BG

Twilight Thermal Mattress Topper

Camping should be comfortable. Use this mattress topper for a cozy night’s sleep

www.kickstarter.com

This is interesting. Thanks. Will dig deeper.

1) That type of mattress with an R-value near 1 is rated to not go below 51°F (11°C). That means it would be an absolute misery to use on many camping trips. Think about uncontrollable shivering all through the night and how much you'd pay to end that experience. Then multiply that price by 2 (2 people) and then multiply by how ever many nights spent camping. Sleeping bags can't insulate underneath you (your weight flattens it and removes that part of its insulation) so you can't overcome it with even a thick, expensive sleeping bag. Several layers of blankets might work though if placed between you and the mattress.
View attachment 57203

2) If you look at the Amazon reviews, many didn't last a month, which is the exact opposite of what was asked for.

3) At 80"x60" it won't fit inside many 2-person tents. Now, the OP hasn't said his tent size, but it is an important thing to keep in mind.

4) I'm not sure if you've done much backpacking. Here is the description from one of the Exped reviews "At 9 pounds 14.7 ounces and 27.6 x 11.8 inches when packed, the MegaMat Duo is unapologetically huge". For comparison, my backpacking sleeping pad is 1.7 pounds and has a packed size of 4.5" inch diameter x 10". Of course, you'll have to double that to add in my wife's pad. But still both of our pads combined is still about a third the weight and way, way smaller. The Exped is certainly NOT for backpacking.

I do go backpacking and my gf is thinking of potentially going with me, we just have to figure out what she might have to buy as she is not interested in buying much. but even for backpacking either Embed is kind of over the top.

Even the less thick Embed is very heavy for backpacking. My warmest Big Agnes wide sleeping pad is under 3lb. So two of those is still lighter than even the lighter Embed combined, and you can split them into two backpacks.

But room is tight so the expensive embed can be helpful here. I got an older 4 door accord. The entire backseat will be taken up by my 60lb pit mix and then a big assed cooler. So the trunk has to hold everything else from tent to sleeping bags and mattress, to our duffel bag, propane stove, grate, dry goods, hatchet and all that good stuff.

 

[dullard]

Seems like with your criteria, the closest that I can find is this:

REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed - Queen | REI Co-op

Sleep easy wherever you choose to camp on the queen-size REI Co-op Kingdom insulated air bed. Its internal insulation helps keep you comfortable in temperatures down to 40°F.

www.rei.com

It is mid-priced ($134 after you include the yearly REI rebate), fits 2, somewhat insulated (as long as you don't go to freezing temperatures at night you'll be okay with a good sleeping bag), and packs fairly small.

Read the reviews though, it does have some leak issues.

 

[MrSquished]

Seems like with your criteria, the closest that I can find is this:

REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed - Queen | REI Co-op

Sleep easy wherever you choose to camp on the queen-size REI Co-op Kingdom insulated air bed. Its internal insulation helps keep you comfortable in temperatures down to 40°F.

www.rei.com

It is mid-priced ($134 after you include the yearly REI rebate), fits 2, somewhat insulated (as long as you don't go to freezing temperatures at night you'll be okay with a good sleeping bag), and packs fairly small.

Read the reviews though, it does have some leak issues.

That was on my list, it seemed quality control had some issues as you noted. Most were good but enough seemed to fail that it concerned me on the durability side.

 

[MrSquished]

Found a big Agnes on sale for $159 and popped the trigger. Have had great experiences with big Agnes products, from tents to pads to sleeping bags. Didn't want to spend 300 and this seems like a good option to the exped.

Big Agnes Hinman Core Pad - Als.com | Every Sport. Every Season.

<h3>BIG AGNES HINMAN CORE PAD</h3><p>Hinman self-inflating pads are designed with comfort and value in mind. These rectangular pads utilize the same brass valve and durable construction of Big Agnes Two Track pads but use a solid sheet of foam and slightly different fabric to deliver an...

www.als.com

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Sounds like you should just stay in hotels.