To choose one, “start with its intended use,” suggests Jeff Moberg, product line manager at Therm-a-Rest. (If you're looking for something elevated above the ground, we've also covered the best camping cots. And unlike air mattresses for use in the home, self-inflate pads for camping don't need a wall outlet. Self-inflate pads are the most popular among car campers and offer the most comfort and warmth. Air-inflated pads tend to be the lightest and pack down the smallest, but they are also the least durable. These are your classic thin, single layer of closed-cell foam. What Are the Different Types of Camping Mattresses?Ĭamping mattresses fall into three categories: foam pads, air-inflated pads and self-inflate pads.įoam pads are the most basic and least comfortable.
