Camp Beds

What camp bed should you get?

When camping you want to be able to sleep well and that means finding something comfortable to sleep on and that also insulates you from the cold and damp. During the night you actually lose a fair amount of body heat and therefore you need some form of insulation to minimize this heat loss. You need something portable that’s good quality and that can stand the outdoors.

The Airbed

This is probably one of the most popular camp beds because whenever I go camping there are plenty of people pumping up the air beds most nights! They do provide great insulation and are quite comfortable. The downside is that they are heavy and you do need to pump them up and then deflate them at the end of the trip. Some airbeds have integrated pumps which make it easier. Most have a fabric coating which makes them more cosy. I used to use an airbed but found that the air inside got cold and during the night I would wake up feeling too cold! I sorted this out by placing a fleece blanket under my sleeping bag and this was a big improvement. Now I have a trailer tent and therefore fortunate to sleep on a real mattress!

Traditional Camp Bed

Camp beds are durable, have a solid frame and are fairly quick to put up. They shouldn’t need repair and are generally comfortable to sleep on. If you tend to sleep in the recovery position then they are not comfortable (I know because this is how I sleep!). I ended up with bruises on my knees but I do bruise easily! We have recently given our camp beds to my sister-in-laws kids and they love them. They are handy to use at home too if you have some unexpected visitors.

Foam Mats

There are 2 types: closed-cell and open-cell. The closed cell mats are really easy to use and take up hardly any space at all when rolled up. They are extremely lightweight and compact and so ideal for backpacking. The surface is slightly ridged but they are very comfortable and provide great insulation. If you were camping in winter you would need something thicker though. The open-cell foam mats have a layer of foam that is enclosed in a nylon sheath and sealed with a valve. When you are ready you open the valve and blow air into the mat until it is inflated before closing the valve. They are very comfortable and a lightweight alternative to the air bed. They come in different sizes and lengths to suit. I really like these personally.

Best Selling Camp Beds

queen camp bed Queen Airbed with built in pump – amazon discount here. This is really popular. Durable, doesn’t require pumping up every night and is very comforatble. Quick to inflate and deflate.
XXL camp bed This camp bed is XXL size and very comforatble indeed – amazon discount here. Great for tall people and those of us who like to sleep in the recovery position! Very sturdy.