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Over the last 13 years, our experts have purchased and tested nearly 40 of the best camping mattresses. We bought 16 promising models for our current review and put them through extensive side-by-side testing. Over the years, we've tested a large range of models, from mats that inflate quickly with battery-powered motors to pads that use small hand pumps and camping mattresses that, to some extent, inflate all by themselves. A promising outing to the outdoors can quickly become a bummer if the new air mattress you purchased keeps you awake all night. To head off that problem, we've done the testing and present our results in this article.
The camping world is complex, and it boasts a multitude of products, ranging from the best tents to basics like portable camp tables, the best coolers, and our favorite lanterns. The mattresses discussed here are primarily used for campsite camping, when bringing extra luxuries only requires a short stroll from the car to the campsite. If you prefer to be elevated above the ground, see our best camping cot review. If you are looking for backpacking gear, you may want to consider a lightweight sleeping pad, which will be much smaller and easier to carry into the backcountry. We've also tested and rated a variety of camping-related products and compiled a camping list of our favorite gear, so you can skip the research and get outside.
Editor's Note: On May 1, 2024, we added two new models, the Exped Auto and Coleman Silver Springs.
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D, like other self-inflating camping mats in this review, is comprised of four inches of luxurious foam comfort. This model matches the warmth and comfort of the plushest mattresses in the test, facilitating some of the best sleep we've ever experienced outdoors. Its dual-valve system is what nudged it into the top spot. It is incredibly easy to inflate by attaching the stuff sack to the inflation valve and using the sack as a pump. The deflation valve is huge, meaning that air dumps out of it faster, and we could quickly roll up the mattress and pack it away.
If there is a downside to the MondoKing, it is simply the large packed size. It is not the biggest on our test, but it is close. And, if you camp with a significant other, you will need two. Trust us. That takes up a lot of real estate in the back of the car and the gear closet. We tested the XXLarge version for extra-deluxe sprawling pleasure, though the Mondo is available in a smaller size, meaning you might be able to fit two in your tent. This mattress is lighter than other mattresses of this type, but you aren't going to take it into the backcountry unless you have a packhorse. However, for camping adventures, this is our favorite. If you want a comfortable pad that packs down smaller, check out the NEMO Roamer.
The REI Co-op Dreamer XL is worthy of your attention for its value alone, and fortunately for anyone who likes a good night's sleep, it also offers a high level of comfort and warmth. Its expansive 78 x 32-inch plush sleeping surface puts a very insulating, four-inch barrier between you and the ground. Inflation is simple and quick with an easy-to-use pump sack and an effective double-valve system. The package is completed with an easy tote for packing and carrying around.
The main downside to this big guy is the size, especially its width. The extra-large is the smallest size, and plenty of single-person tents out there can't accommodate this, not to mention two-person tents that won't fit two (though REI does make a double version). Happily, it packs down to the same size as similar mattresses, which is still quite large but makes a difference when packing the vehicle or storing it at home. The Camp Dreamer offers similar features and equal comfort to mats that cost much more, making it a shoo-in as a high-value option. If you are on a very tight budget and ok with a very narrow pad, the Coleman Silver Springs might get the job done (but it is not nearly as comfy).
For dedicated camping, we are delighted by the plush luxury of a foam mattress. However, they have limitations, and if you are short on space, spend a lot of time backpacking, or only have a budget for only one mattress, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe might be for you. It inflates to four inches high and provides a warm and comfortable night's sleep. It also packs down to about the size of a large water bottle and weighs only a bit over two pounds, meaning you can justify carrying it into the backcountry. This could easily be the most comfortable backpacking mattress you have ever slept on while also making a decent camping mat.
Testers noticed that the NeoAir Topo Luxe made a bit of a crinkling sound when they moved around on it at night. And, while it is comfortable, it is still an air mattress with the accompanying bounciness. This mat has an R-value of 3.7, which will insulate you through the shoulder seasons but will not be ideal in the colder months. However, if you spend more time hiking to camp than hanging out close to the car, this model provides a good deal of comfort and a ton of flexibility at a fair price. If you're looking for a lightweight double camp mat for two, you can snag the Klymit Insulated Double V for a similar price, but it won't provide the same comfort as the foam mats we tested.
The Exped MegaMat 10 provides comfort equal to (and sometimes exceeds) our beds at home. Really, you can't ask for much more from a rollout inflatable foam mat. The top has a soft, comfortable feel that doesn't get sticky or sweaty even without a sheet. The one-flutter valve allows for easy adjustment of mattress firmness. Even the most fickle testers could dial in the perfect PSI for their ultimate night under the stars. This pad inflates easily with a compact foam hand pump and comes with a generously sized carrying sack, complete with a shoulder strap.
Remember that the width of the MegaMat 10 provides extra comfort, but it also takes up a lot of space in a smaller tent, meaning you might crowd out your neighbor. If you usually camp with a significant other, check out the MegaMat 10 Duo, which offers equal comfort on a two-person scale. This mat is on the expensive side, but the quality matches the price. If you camp more than a few nights per year or even want an excellent spare mattress for overnight guests, this one is worth it, and your body will thank you.
Rigid enough to cover gaps if the car has captain chairs
Easy inflation, deflation, and storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Bulky
If you want the best night's sleep possible in your car, get the Exped MegaMat Auto. Like its MegaMat siblings mentioned above, it offers uncompromising comfort. We tested it in a Kia Telluride with captain chairs which created ten-inch gaps this pad had to span. We anticipated having to fill those gaps with bags and clothes in order to support the MegaMat Auto. We were pleasantly surprised to find it thick and rigid enough that we didn't notice the gaps. When we put two single pads in our car, these gaps became a nagging issue. In addition to the most comfortable night's sleep we have had in a car, we were impressed with how easy and fast the mat is to inflate and deflate. Two valves get the air out in less than a minute. As long as you use the included velcro strap before putting it in the stuff sack, it is very easy to store.
Other than being super expensive, the MegaMat Auto is bulky. While we love how fast it is to store, it is quite big when in its stuff sack. Totally worth it, in our opinion. But you have budget space accordingly. While the included pump works fine, we still were happy to have the Dr.meter Air Pump. It can be hard to get the included pump into a good flat spot in the back of your car. The Dr.meter pump solves that issue. Those minor gripes aside, we can't imagine a better mat for your car. The downside to the car shape is that it is not quite as useful when not used in your car as the Exped MegaMat Duo 10.
While many of these mattress manufacturers claim that their mats are self-inflating, a lot of them take at least half an hour for the foam to expand, with a fair amount of additional pumping to get them fully inflated. However, the NEMO Roamer self-inflates in just a couple of minutes and includes a large inflation sack to complete the process. Its three-valve system also makes deflation a breeze, and it packs up into a squat little package about half the size of many other mattresses while being significantly lighter. While still heavy for most backpacking trips, we packed it in with us on a three-mile hike and set up camp in the wilderness, having one of the most comfortable nights of sleep ever while backpacking.
Some testers noted that the Roamer has slightly less motion-dampening than some of the other deluxe mats, making for a small degree of bounciness when they moved in their sleep. This makes sense, as it has less foam, but all agreed it is still very comfortable. The R-value for this pad is 6, meaning it is plenty insulating for very cold nights. Though we didn't test it in the coldest extremes, we slept on it during a cold, 20-degree Fahrenheit night, and the Roamer played a big part in keeping us toasty.
If you tend to roll into camp late at night, the HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad is for you. Open two buckles, and the mattress unrolls and is ready to go. With nearly 4 inches of plush memory foam, this mat rivals the comfort of almost any home mattress. An R-value of 8.8 also makes it one of the warmest models in our test. The foam is on the soft side, and because there is no way to add or remove air, campers who are finicky about the level of squish may be less happy. For most folks, however, the Foamy will ensure a very comfortable night outside, any time of year.
The top surface is made of soft and quiet nylon, while the bottom is durable and waterproof. It is also a bit slippery, and rolling up the Foamy took both muscle and skill to get it somewhat tight without slipping out from under us. Even the most accomplished roll will result in a giant package, however, so if space is at a premium, you may want to check out another model.
Want the very best mattress for camping, with room for two? Exped makes their super comfortable and plush mattress in a double-wide size, the Exped MegaMat Duo 10. This mattress has the same excellent features and construction as the single MegaMat but in a 52-inch wide version. This is not quite as wide as two singles pushed together, but it fits perfectly in the back of a pickup truck or minivan and in most bigger two-person tents. Even when deflated, sleeping on is still relatively comfy, which is good puncture insurance.
There is no denying that the MegaMat Duo is awkwardly large. Packing it up can be a bit of a pain, and it's twice the size of the next smallest mat. However, this is no big deal if you planned on bringing two mats anyway. Same with the price. It's expensive but still less than buying two of the single MegaMats separately. The Duo is an excellent choice for families with small children or even for a single individual who likes a whole lot of space.
The MegaMat Duo fits perfectly in a truck bed, facilitating a great night's sleep.
Credit: Chris McNamara
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Get the best night's sleep possible on a deluxe camping mattress.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
How We Test Camping Mattresses
We began this quest for camping comfort by combing through the range of available options before deciding on the mats discussed here. After purchasing them and throwing them in the back of the car, we took each model out on numerous camping trips. They got used in our houses when we had overnight guests, packed into our luggage for flights across the country, and lent out to friends and family for their use and feedback. Finally, we lined them all up side-by-side and measured inflation and deflation times, laying on them one after another to solidify our impressions from camping into a consensus. Throughout the testing process, we paid attention to things like insulation value, packed size, ease of use, and the most crucial factor of all, comfort.
Our testing of camping mattresses is divided into five rating metrics:
Comfort (40% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Warmth (20% weighting)
Versatility (10% weighting)
Packed Size (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is brought to you by Laurel Hunter and Matt Bento. Laurel lives in Central Oregon and is a camping aficionado. She, her husband, and two pups have crisscrossed the American West (and Canadian West) multiple times in their pickup, finding mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking, and camping adventures. As a member of Yosemite Search and Rescue and a traveling rock climber, Matt Bento has spent many nights on air mattresses and understands all of the finer points about them, as well as the value of a good night's sleep. Together, they make the dream team behind this comprehensive assessment.
The Exped MegaMat 10 is not tiny when packed.
Inflating the MegaMat with a small hand pump.
Using body weight to roll up the Camp Dreamer makes it smaller for storage.
Analysis and Test Results
Camping mattresses are generally several steps higher on the comfort scale than the typical sleeping pad. The preferred sleeping pads for backpacking are lightweight and pack down into very small bundles, providing just enough padding to help you sleep. The mattresses in this review are designed for maximum comfort. If you are only carrying it from the car to the tent, why settle for a thin mattress? Nothing beats a good night's sleep except a good night of sleep in the outdoors. Many of these options are the pinnacle of inflatable luxury that will have you looking forward to bedtime as much as you do your daytime adventuring.
If you live in your vehicle, then this level of comfort is worth its weight in gold. These are essential equipment for committed campers, reluctant campers, or those who appreciate that better recovery happens with a comfortable night of sleep. Unexpected guests? Many of these mattresses will allow them to sleep as well on your floor as they do in their own bed.
A luscious stack of camping mattresses.
Credit: Brandon Lampley
We tested the XL versions of the leading manufacturers' high-end mattresses because if we're looking for luxury, why would we choose anything less than maximum real estate? Most of them were enormous. The typical dimensions are around 77 inches long by 30 inches wide for a single mattress (6.5 feet by 2.5 feet). With so much surface area, however, you will want to consider the size of your tent before making a purchase. Many one-person tents are too small to accommodate a mat of this style, and smaller two-person tents may not fit two of them.
Value
If you're in the market for a dedicated camping mattress, it might be because you've decided you want something more comfortable than a lightweight backpacking pad or a blow-up air mattress. The next question is, how much are you willing to spend? We can help you find high-performing models that don't cost an arm and a leg. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe is a great option that will save you some money, as is the impressive REI Camp Dreamer XL. Our favorite mats all hover somewhere in the middle, including the top-scoring Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D.
Our testers found it easy to sleep in despite the rising sun thanks to the huge Camp Dreamer. The combo of foam and air let us dial in just the right firmness, appeasing even the most finicky of sleepers.
Credit: Matt Bento
Comfort
Comfort is the main reason to add one of these mattresses to your adventure kit. To test this all-important metric, we took each of them car camping. We used them in tents, in the back of trucks and vans, and loaned them out to our fellow camping companions. One person who was ready to give up on camping altogether changed his mind after a deep night's sleep on the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing. We also had house guests sleep on them on the living room floor, and we lined all of the models up side-by-side and spent an afternoon rolling around from pad to pad, carefully comparing the merits and flaws of each to make sure we got the ratings correct.
Comfort is subjective; some people like a very firm sleeping surface, while others want a fluffy down pillow top to rest on. With this in mind, we evaluated whether each mattress could be adjusted from very firm to more cushioned. We also looked at how easy it is to make adjustments and whether they impacted other mattress performance aspects. Some of the self-inflating foam mattresses are still comfortable, even when minimally inflated. We also considered whether each mattress was comfortable for sleeping in different body positions, like the back, stomach, and sides.
Another aspect of comfort we considered was whether these models held air all night or if they deflated over time. Did it cause us to feel the ground below if they lost air? Some of the thicker mats, like the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SIseemed to lose some air in the night, but we chalk that up to temperature differences between the evening and the morning.
Plush foam mattresses, like the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe, turn your truck into a comfortable night out.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
The Exped MegaMat 10, Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D, REI Camp Dreamer, NEMO Roamer, and Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI all have about four inches of self-inflating foam and a similar soft polyester topper. The HEST Foamy is just shy of four inches and is constructed of memory foam, requiring no additional inflation or time to be ready to use. All of these earned high marks for comfort. If you like the most foam possible to protect from the ground below, the Exped MegaMat Max 15 features an eye-popping six inches of air-channeled foam. None of these models felt sticky, even on warmer nights. The Exped MegaMat Duo 10, which is the same mat as the MegaMat 10 but almost twice as wide, is also notable for its high level of comfort. We put all of these in a special “supreme comfort” category that will rival your bed at home.
Spacious and designed for comfort, the MondoKing is a winner for us.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
Ease of Use
We considered ease of use to be the second most important metric behind comfort. Who wants to wrestle with deflating and packing up a large mattress when all you want to do is get out of camp and have fun? Likewise, nobody wants to spend an hour blowing up a large mattress with the power of their lungs.
Our ease of use ratings reflect how easy a mattress is to set up and inflate, deflate, and stow away. This might not be essential if you're only using your mat occasionally. But for frequent campers, a mat that's awkward to roll up and difficult to fit in its storage sleeve can be a significant headache.
Why Doesn't a Self-inflating Mattress Self-Inflate?
The term “self-inflating” is a bit of a misnomer. Most self-inflating models have foam inside that slowly expands and draws air in once the pad is unrolled. However, this process never fully inflates the pad. Typically, it gets the pad 60-80% inflated, and then you complete the inflation with a pump, inflation sack, or your lungs. Also, this self-inflation process can take up to ten minutes. Therefore, when you reach your camp spot, we recommend immediately unrolling your pad to allow the foam to expand. Depending on your pad, it might also help to prop open the inflation valve with the handle of a utensil or a blunt stick. Some models come with a toggle for this purpose. The Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI and the NEMO Roamer are both notable exceptions to the rule, self-inflating in less than five minutes.
It was quickly apparent which mattresses were a breeze to inflate and deflate and which other ones we literally (at times) spent ten minutes or more wrestling with. The Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI was faster to self-inflate than many mats. Our testers could stand and watch it take shape before their eyes, and it only requires five or so breaths if you like a firm mattress. Packing it away wasn't as streamlined. Similarly, the NEMO Roamer is a fast self-inflater, and the inflation sack is quick and easy to get the mat ready for sleep.
The included pump sack moves a lot of air fast, making inflation of the Roamer super quick.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
On the opposite end of the spectrum are the Exped MegaMat models. We had to wait more than ten minutes for the self-inflating feature to do its job. The included manual mini-pump also requires a bit of additional time to fully inflate these massive pads. That said, if you have a battery-powered pump like the Dr.meter Air Pump, just about any pad in this review can be inflated or deflated in less than a minute.
The Exped hand pump is not the fastest, but it only takes a few minutes after letting the pad self-inflate.
Credit: Chris McNamara
We were quite impressed with the Therm-a-Rest dual-valve inflation system on both the MondoKing 3D and the NeoAir Topo Luxe, which employ the stuff sack as an easy-to-use inflation pump. The NEMO Quasar uses a bottle-neck-shaped inflation sack for very efficient and speedy inflation.
Dual one-way valves, as seen here on the MondoKing, mean each one does one job and does it well. Inflation-only means you can take your time between pumps without losing air. Large deflation valves dump air quickly for ease in packing.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
The REI Co-op Camp Dreamer XL self-inflates relatively quickly if you push and hold the inflation valve. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to do this without holding it. Top off inflation with the included sack that features a fabric connection tube at the bottom for ease of use. Any of these pads can be inflated with a battery-operated pump, as well. In general, mattresses with dual valves are easier to use, as a dedicated deflation valve makes packing up in the morning much quicker. Thicker foam mattresses are often harder to roll up, so they are small enough to fit in their stuff sacks. The Exped MegaMat (10 and 15 models) feature a Sidewinder stuff sack that opens on the side instead of the top, making for easy storage while accommodating a slightly inflated mattress.
The MegaMat stuff sack is easy and awesome for quick pack-up-and-go.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
The HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad is the one model in our test that doesn't require any inflation device. Two flat buckles and a fabric harness keep it rolled for storage. Simply open the buckles, and the mattress is ready to go, making it the easiest to set up. While we love this feature, especially when we rolled into camp in the dark, the flip side is a mattress that was one of the hardest to roll up and store.
Rolling the HEST Foamy takes all your body weight and good concentration.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
Warmth
You might assume that a warm sleeping bag will provide all the warmth you need for a night outside. But what about underneath you, where your body weight crushes out the heat-trapping loft needed to keep you snuggly warm? Although often overlooked, the thermal properties of your sleeping pad play a very large part in how warm or cold you will be when you sleep outside. Not convinced? Try sleeping outside with eight inches of uninsulated 40-degree air under your body and see how it feels. For this review, we did, and it was cold.
To rate warmth, we started with our anecdotal experiences like the one described above. But we all sleep comfortably at different temperatures, not to mention the differences in sleeping bags, so we relied on the manufacturers' stated R-values. With R-value, the larger the number, the greater the material's ability to insulate against both heat and cold. The warmest and most insulated car camping mattresses are the HEST Foamy and the Exped models.
The coldest nights out were on air mattresses, which came as no surprise. Insulated air mattresses have a broader range of comfort, though, especially the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, NEMO Quasar, and Klymit Insulated Double V. However, foam core mattresses insulate much better than mats that use air to maintain their shape. One thing to keep in mind is that unless you're camping in sub-freezing temperatures, a mat with an R-value of 9 won't feel much different than a mat with an R-value of 6, but the warmer pad will have a larger packed size and is potentially more expensive.
While our testers loved lounging on the air mattress for a midday nap, it's not ideal for sleeping outdoors in chilly weather because it doesn't provide sufficient insulation.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
The truth is, we didn't realize how essential the insulating properties of our sleeping pad were until we camped out for a weekend in the mountains in near-freezing temperatures. The first night we slept on un-insulated inflatable air beds, and despite being cocooned in 800-fill goose-down sleeping bags, we were awake and cold all night long. The next night we changed mattresses, choosing those with an R-value of 6, and it made all the difference. We slept well and felt incredibly cozy. That is the difference that insulation can make.
The tester dog loves the MegaMat 10, too.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
Versatility
Versatility is a metric that takes a lot of different factors into consideration. In a nutshell, the most versatile mattresses are the ones that best answer this question: Can I use this pad right now, no matter the activity or season? The light, packable, and comfortable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe is a breeze to inflate and can even be tucked into an airplane carry-on bag, making it an excellent option for traveling, backpacking, or camping. With an R-value of 3.7, it will provide ample insulation for most three-season camping. The NEMO Quasar is similarly useful, and while it is a tad bit smaller to sleep on, it packs up even smaller.
From the above description of what a very versatile mattress offers, you can imagine what the opposite end of the spectrum looks like: heavy, bulky, difficult to use, cold to sleep on, etc. These are the kinds of things that mean you have to carefully consider the weather and other conditions before packing up your car camping mattress. The reality is that most of us only want one mattress that will work pretty much all of the time. Compared to all the others that we tested, the least versatile car-camping mattresses are the air beds, in part because they depend on their various methods of battery, mechanical, or electrical inflation systems. Should the system fail (or if you don't want to bother your camping neighbors with the sound of a motor), it would be quite a feat to have to inflate one of these babies using only your lungs. That said, it is these larger pads that can often double as an extra mattress at home when guests visit.
Some mattresses have a smaller amount of foam, therefore packing up smaller, while still providing ample comfort. Here we are enjoying a nice afternoon on the Therm-a-Rest Luxury Map.
Credit: Laurel Hunter
Packed Size
Our final test metric is packed size. Even in your car, there is limited room for lugging all the camping gear around, especially if you have a family. None of these mats come close to the compactness of a backpacking sleeping pad, with the possible exceptions of the NEMO Quasar and the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe, both of which are impressively small. Packed size is still a consideration, however, when selecting a camping mattress.
We looked at all the models in their stuff sacks side-by-side and rated them based on what was the largest (lowest score) and smallest (highest score). The emerging pattern is clear — the thicker, more comfortable foam core mats have a larger packed size, while the less comfortable air mats can stow away in smaller spaces. However, the NEMO Roamer has a neat trick of packing into half the height without being twice the width, making it much more maneuverable.
The Roamer packs up to a fairly small bundle, especially for the amount of warmth and comfort that you get.
The NeoAir is so tiny! This is also one of the best air mattresses we have slept on.
The packed size of the Quasar is impressively small.
The most packable models are the Klymit Insulated Double V, which can sleep two, the NEMO Quasar, and the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe. None of these mats are the most comfortable in our review, but they pack down small enough to fit in your luggage and won't take up too much space in the SUV if you need mattresses for the whole family. The Exped MegaMat models features a side-opening carrying bag, which is great for sloppy packing and holds extra bedding. They are are super bulky but we generally feel the bulk is worth it, especially because they are so fast to pack.
The MegaMat Auto (left) is massive relative to the Coleman Silver Spring (right).
Credit: Chris McNamara
With plenty of room for two, the Klymit Double V features v-shaped chambers that increase thermal efficiency as well as making sure you don't feel it when your partner rolls around.
Credit: Matt Bento
Conclusion
There are several things to consider when choosing a car-camping mattress, and with all the models available, knowing how to begin can be challenging. Fortunately, there are some great options available. Once you know whether you prefer a single or double mattress, ask yourself how many nights you will be camping each year. Similar to a mattress for your bed at home, some of the camping mats we reviewed can be pricey. But remember, if you are playing hard outdoors, you will want to recover well with a great night's sleep. A really comfortable mattress will help you sleep as well on the road as you do at home. We hope that this review has helped you narrow down the selection to choose what is best for you.
