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What Is The Most Comfortable Type Of Bed For Camping?

What Is The Most Comfortable Type Of Bed For Camping?

Sleeping Great While Camping

A quality sleep during camping is very important, lack of it can completely ruin your trip. Although we can’t expect our camping nights to be very comfortable and luxurious, this doesn’t mean we can’t sleep comfortably in our camps.  At this point, camp beds come for rescue. Having a camp bed may not be capable of providing a luxurious night but it will surely make you sleep comfortably.

It is one of the best decisions to invest in a good quality camp bed whether it’s a lightweight air mattress or a snuggly foam mat. A camp bed should be the first priority in your camping essentials list.

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camping bed cushion

Why Should You Buy Camping Beds?

Camping bedding not only keep you above the ground and protect you from insects, uneven/rough ground, wild tiny plants but also provides you with a comfortable sleep.

A camp bed is a must in case you have a bad back. In case you’re camping in the middle of hills or mountains, then a camping bed is a must. These beds serve a multi purpose, you can use them as a comfy seating arrangement during the daytime and can store your luggage and other supplies beneath them.

The best part is, most of the camping beds come with many features like temperature regulators and self-inflating abilities, so you can sleep comfortably in all types of climate. They are also highly portable and lightweight which makes them very easy to transport.

Camping beds come in different shapes, sizes and varieties. You can easily select the one which is more suitable for you. They are a must-have on truck camping, bike camping, car camping and other types of camping.

Also, they are much more comfortable than regular sleeping bags. In one line, a camping bed can be your promising partner in the wilds.

camping bed and mattress

How To Select The Best Camping Bed?

When it comes to selecting a camping bed, different campers have different requirements. Below are some questions that may help you to assess yourself to determine your needs.

  • Where are you camping – whether on a rocky area or uneven ground?
  • What are the climatic conditions?
  • How are you going to transport your bed – via car/RV or hiking?
  • Are you having a bad back or bad knees?
  • Who will be using the beds? – kids or adults
  • How long do you want it to last?
  • What features do you want in your camping bed?
camping bed single

Making The Right Decision

Purchasing a camping bed requires you to male right decisions depending upon your needs. You should consider the size, weight, structure, comfort level, durability, portability, budget etc. while selecting the bed.

Although it is not possible to get a camping bed that fulfils all these features, you can get a specific bed that suits your main purpose. So, the first thing becomes deciding your purpose.

Generally, comfortable and luxurious camping beds are hefty and non-portable which makes them unsuitable for longer camping trips. Similarly, the lightweight and portable beds come at a fairly high price. So, it all depends on your requirements and your budget.

In order to purchase the best camping bedding, you should consider the following five factors.

camping bed memory foam

1. Frame And Structure

A good camping bed should have a strong and durable frame as well as structure. The frame should be strong enough to provide support without putting you in discomfort.

Majority of the camping beds come with an aluminum frame as it is more durable and lightweight. Aluminum makes an excellent frame for a camping bed.

On the other hand, steel frame structures are usually designed to withstand heavy weights. While purchasing a bed, you should check out its weight rating which will provide you with all the information regarding the frame structure and the quality.

The lighter the weight, the better it would be for you. However, strength does matter.

As far as the structure is concerned, camping beds are available in three types of leg designs: vertical, X style and C shaped legs that are connected through a horizontal bar. If you’re buying a bed for outdoors then, get yourself vertical or X style legs because C shaped are not meant for outdoors.

Also, if you are going to use your bed inside a tent, then make sure the bed has rubber caps on the legs otherwise the bed could easily puncture or tear due to uneven tent floor.

A stronger and rigid frame will determine :

  • The weight your camping bed can bear
  • Whether it moves when you turn
  • How long it is going to last

Consider the following points for judging the strength of a frame :

Type of Metal: Aluminium frames are lightweight but less sturdy than the steel frames. On the other hand, the steel frames are sturdy and long-lasting but can easily get rusty. Also, the powder-coated steel frames will prevent rusting and are also long-lasting than the normal steel frames.

The thickness of Legs: Thicker legs makes the frame sturdy but also heavy.

Shape – Cross-legged beds withstand heavyweights compared to the straight legs.

camping bed sale

2. Size

Another important factor you should consider while purchasing is the size of the camping bed. Most of the standard sized beds come in a dimension of 25in width and 75in length.

This is the ideal size which is suitable for a majority of the adults. However, if you’re taller or heavier than average, you can customize your bed accordingly. Extra-long beds can go up to 40 inches. Similarly, shorter camping beds are available for kids and petite people.

camping bed mat

3. Weight

Weight of the camping bedding and other accessories plays a huge role. It decides how easy or difficult it is to carry them to the campsites. While the aluminium camping beds weigh around a maximum of 20 pounds, steel and other metals make the bed slightly heavier.

Heavier camping beds are obviously difficult to transport especially when you’ve to hike. Also, most of the beds come with a padding layer that adds to the weight as well as the price of the bed.

Cots which are super lightweight are the best option for outdoors as they weigh only 2 pounds. However, they are slightly expensive. Consider purchasing a lightweight camping bed if you move around a lot or if you’re a hiker.

camping bed with mattress

4. Fabric

Majority of camping beds are made out of polyester. The reason is, this fabric is rigid as well as durable. Another advantage of polyester fabric, it is easy to clean and maintain. Other than polyester, cotton is also a widely used material for camping beds but this type of fabric is heavier and gets dirty easily which makes it not suitable for outdoors.

Also, mesh fabric can be considered for camping in summers or humid climates.

You should consider the following factors while judging the quality of camping bed fabric :

  • The thickness of the bed is given in denier (D). Higher the value of D, more durable and waterproof will be the bed.
  • Nylon is thin and light fabric making it suitable for transport. It is best for making hiking mats
  • Polyester fabric is waterproof. So, it is suitable for canoe or kayak camping. It is widely used in folding beds and mats.
  • RipStop fabric is easy to repair and prevents the rips from getting bigger.
  • Polycotton fabric is more breathable, stronger and lighter than polyester and cotton. It is also waterproof.
camping bed inflatable

5. Portability

Portability is another factor you should keep in mind while purchasing a camping bed for yourself. It decides the storage, durability and whether it can be easily transported or not.

You can determine this factor on the basis of overall size and weight of the bed. Some camping beds can be disassembled, while some can be folded down to a compact size.

You should consider the portability of your camping bed especially if you’re a hiker. Coming to the downside of a portable bed, they are low in height and sit close to the ground. This makes them less sturdy and less durable. So, while purchasing a bed, make sure it is a bit portable.

foam for camping bed

6. Ease To Set Up

The camping bedding should be easy to set up for obvious reasons. You surely don’t want to waste hours on assembling and de assembling the bed instead of enjoying your trip.

While some beds are tough to set up and come along a detailed instruction manual, some can be just unfolded and they are ready to jump in. It is a good idea to avoid such beds that take very long to set up.

However, you can go for modern cots which surely takes some time to get assembled but once set, they can be kept for 3 to 5 days without doing anything. Cots are most recommended beds for longer trips.

camping bed toddler

7. Comfort Level

Spring mechanism and the fabric tension are the two factors that determine the comfort level of the camping beds. A majority of modern beds come with adjustable spring systems, which means you can adjust them according to your comfort level.

Some beds also come with an additional padding layer for providing extra comfort. In fact, you can buy a padding layer separately depending upon your requirements.

But remember, luxurious and comfortable beds tend to weigh slightly higher than the regular beds. They are a bit expensive too. So, if you don’t mind the added weight and you have a flexible budget then you can definitely get such kinds of beds. Moreover, if you want a lighter but comfortable bed, you can go for camping pads.

camping bed with frame

8. Quality

The overall quality of the bed is the most important issue you should address. The quality should be such that it doesn’t compromise on the budget. At the time of analysing the quality of the bed, you can consider the following factors :

  • Folding beds are lower in cost than the self-inflating beds and foam mattresses
  • Airbeds come in the affordable category and are available in different sizes.
  • Airbeds which are manually inflated are cheaper than the self-inflating ones.
  • Double height airbeds are expensive than other kinds of camping beds
  • Higher airbed models don’t deflate and puncture easily.

Now that we have discussed all the general information and important factors about the camping beds, it is the time to discuss the best type of camping beds, so that you can shop the best one for yourself.

camping in bed of truck

Different Types Of Camping Beds You Can Choose From

1. Self-Inflating Camping Beds

Self-Inflating beds are the most popular type of camping bedding. The best thing about them is, they come with an air mattress foam and additional padding.

They get inflated automatically once the valve is opened. You don’t need to do any extra task to set them up which make them more convenient.

Apart from providing great comfort, they are also lightweight. These beds are available in all shapes, sizes and design. Moreover, they are affordable and easily available. So purchasing them is not a difficult task.

Pros

  • Comparatively lightweight
  • Suitable for all types of camping and hiking destinations
  • Easy to set up
  • Comes with an additional padding
  • Provides great space

Cons

  • Not suitable for side sleepers
  • Low-cost models are not of great quality
camping bed

2. Double Height Air Beds

As you may already get an idea, these beds sit high above the ground and make it easier to get in and get out of them. Meanwhile, they also protect from various ground hazards and insects. If you want a luxurious and highly comfortable camping bed, then double-height airbeds are perfect for you.

They are probably the most comfortable beds in this list. Talking about their drawbacks, they require a lot of time to inflate. Also, you need to carry at least a 12v air pump with you which may add to your baggage. They cannot be inflated manually.

Pros

  • Most comfortable camping beds
  • Provides added height
  • Available in different sizes
  • Offers comfortable sleeping position

Cons

  • A good quality pump is required to inflate
  • Can’t be inflated using a manual pump
  • Takes a lot of space.
  • Lack of insulation
  • Highly expensive
  • Not that durable
double height camping matress

3. Hammock

Hammocks may not be suitable for sleeping at nights but are a must-have for camping trips and outdoors. They make a perfect place for taking short naps and reading while they rock.

Hammocks are loved by kids too and carrying them is absolutely no problem because they’re compact and light-weight. Also, they’re best in summers as they offer full airflow. The only problem with hammocks is, you need to find a suitable place to tie them.

Pros

  • Easy to pack and carry
  • Great for kids

Cons

  • You may not always find a place to tie them
hammock camping

4. All-in-One Beds

All-in-one-beds are readymade beds that come along an air mattress. They are specially designed for camping purposes. You will also get a sleeping bag with these beds and moving around from one spot to another is easier with them. Sleeping bags are also loved by kids which make them kid-friendly. Further, you can get these at really affordable prices from most of the stores.

Pros

  • Multi-purposes
  • Easy to pack and set up
  • Available as single as well as double beds
  • Kid-friendly

Cons

  • Not that comfortable in cold climates.
  • Moving and turning is difficult in these camp beds.
hammock camping

5. AirBeds

Airbeds and air mattresses are used widely for camping and hiking purposes. They are among the most popular camping beds which are easy to transport and easily available at most of the local stores as well as online. They provide great comfort to the elderly campers as well as kids. However, the addressable issue with these types of beds is, you always need to carry a pump in order to inflate them. You may not be able to use them in case you forget to pack the pump. Also, they require a regular top-up.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to carry.
  • Available in different sizes
  • Transportation is easy

Cons

  • The air pump is required for inflating
  • Regular top-up is necessary
  • Takes a lot of tent space
  • Cheap models tend to deflate and puncture
  • Not suitable for cold climates due to lack of insulation
  • Not that durable
double height camping matress

6. Carp Fishing Beds

Yes, you’ve read it right. Carp fishing beds are a surprisingly great addition to the camping beds. They offer great comfort as compared to the other types of camping beds.

The added advantage of the carp fishing beds is that they serve a dual purpose. You can use them as a comfy seating arrangement during the day time and a comfortable bed during the night. They also come with adjustable legs, it means you can adjust them according to your needs.

Some of the carp fishing beds also come with a spring base and a memory foam layer that adds to the comfort. Good thing is, they are also available in bigger and shorter sizes. The downside of these beds is their hefty sizes which makes them difficult to carry around.

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Suitable for all the grounds
  • Serves dual-purpose – sitting arrangement and bed
  • Memory foam for added comfort
  • Available in bigger sizes

Cons

  • Difficulties in transport
  • Bulky
  • Comparatively expensive
carp fishing camping beds

7. Folding Beds

Finally, the most used camping bedding. Folding beds are widely used by the campers and hikers because they are highly portable and provide great comfort.

Folding beds tend to be a bit heavier but the weight is totally manageable, as they provide sufficient storage space beneath them. Also, they are easy to set up anywhere. Once assembled, you’re sorted to up to a week. They are perfect for the back sleepers but side sleepers may face some discomfort due to their narrow size.

Pros

  • No additional pump for inflation
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to set up
  • Inexpensive
  • Sturdy
  • Provides a good height
  • Provides additional storage space
  • Available as single and double beds

Cons

  • Narrow size may be an issue for the side sleepers
  • May not fit big sized person
  • Slightly heavier
  • Transportation can be an issue
folding camping bedding

How Much Do Camping Beds Cost?

Camping beds generally range from $40 to $450. The cost of beds also depends on certain things like the additional accessories like repair kits, air pillows, air pumps etc.

You can buy anyone that fits into your budget perfectly. However, it is highly recommended to make the right decision by purchasing a good quality bed rather than getting a cheaper one to save a few bucks.

What Is The Most Comfortable Type Of Bed For Camping?

Although most of the camping beds are specially designed to provide more comfort, you can go for double-height air beds if you want a night of better sleep and luxurious experience. The only issue is, these beds are a bit expensive.

What Is the Most Comfortable Air Mattress For Camping?

Memory foam air mattresses are among the most comfortable mattresses for camping. You can check out Rei Camping Mattress and high-density foam mattress.

What Is The Most Comfortable Type for Bed For Bad Backs?

If you have a bad back or bad knees problem, then the right camping bed selection is very important. You should get a bed with an additional padding layer which is capable of providing enough support to your back. Also, avoid beds that are narrow. You can go camping pads as they’re perfect for people with back issues.

Is It a Good Idea To Invest In A Camping Bed?

Absolutely yes!

Don’t shy away from spending a little extra on a good camping bed. The reason is pretty simple, good sleep and proper rest are much needed after a long exhausting day in the wilderness. Also, cheap quality beds are not durable and comfortable. So, it is a good idea to spend a little more on a high-quality camping bed especially if you’re a regular camper or hiker. It is totally worth the investment.

That’s all about it!

We have provided a comprehensive list of the different types of camping bedding you can choose from along with their pros and cons. We hope this post helps you in purchasing the best and the comfortable bed according to your requirements.

hammock camping