Updated October 27, 2022
After a rigorous day of adventure, there is nothing more beneficial than a relaxing and comfortable night’s sleep. Unless you are a bare-bones backpacker, the addition of a cozy mattress, cot, or bunk could be just what you need to ensure you have the best opportunity to replenish your energy in preparation for more fun and excitement.
There is a range of options available of different sizes, weights, and capabilities on the market today. As an introduction to your choices, some of the best in various categories have been selected. First, there’s a comparison table, followed by descriptions, key features, specifications, photos, and videos, and finally a basic buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom.
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpack Backpacking Sleeping Pads Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Camp Bed Reviews
- ALPS Mountaineering Outback Self-Inflating Air Mat
- Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
- Lightspeed Outdoors Deluxe 2 Person Air Mattress
- Desert Walker Camping Cot
- Exped Megamat Duo 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
- Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Mattress
- Byer of Maine Trilite Cot
- Tough Outdoors Camp Cot With Organizer
- Intex Comfort Plush Dura-Beam Airbed
- Disc-O-Bed With Organizers
Best Camp Bed Comparison Table
| Photo | Camping Bed | Weight Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | ALPS Mountaineering Outback Self-Inflating Air Mat | Wt: 6 lbs 9 oz (L), 7 lbs 7 oz (XL) Dimensions: 27" x 78" x 4" (L), 32" x 80" x 4" (XL) | $$ |
  | Coleman ComfortSmart Cot | Wt: 18.018 lbs (Reg), 19.58 lbs (Deluxe) Dimensions: 69 x 25 x 15 inches (Regular), 80 x 30 x 15 inches (Deluxe) | $ |
  | Lightspeed Outdoors Deluxe 2 Person Air Mattress | Wt: 6.16 lbs Dimensions: 79 x 57 x 7 inches | $ |
  | Desert Walker Camping Cot | Wt: 2.8 lbs Dimensions: 72.8 x 23.6 x 5.9 inches | $ |
  | Exped Megamat Duo 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad | Wt: 7.5 lbs (MW), 9.9 lbs (LW) Dimensions: 72 x 41 x 3.9 inches (MW), 77.6 x 52 x 3.9 inches (LW) | $$$ |
  | Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Mattress | Wt: 4.38 lbs (L), 5.5 lbs (XXL) Dimensions: 77 x 25 x 4.5 inches (L), 80 x 30 x 4.5 inches (XXL) | $$$ |
  | Byer of Maine Trilite Cot | Wt: 7.5 lbs Dimensions: 74 x 25 x 8 inches | $ |
  | Tough Outdoors Camp Cot With Organizer | Wt: 18.1 lbs Dimensions: 75 x 25 x 19 inches (L), 83 x 32 x 19 inches (XL) | $ |
  | Intex Comfort Plush Dura-Beam Airbed | Wt: 19.74 lbs Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 18 inches | $ |
  | Disc-O-Bed With Organizers | Wt: 60 lbs Dimensions: 82 x 36 x 32.5 inches | $$$ |
| Photo | Camping Bed | Weight Dimensions | Price |
ALPS Mountaineering Outback Self-Inflating Air Mat
An innovative rotating valve allows quick inflation and fast two-way deflation eliminating the hassle of air pumps. It has a soft 30D elastic nylon top fabric for comfort and durable 150D nylon on the bottom to resist bumps and scrapes.
Vertically-cored foam on the interior is lightweight and easy to roll up and combines with the other materials for an R-Value of 8.5 which is a high level of insulation for a warm and cozy night.
Available in L and XL sizes, the XL is large enough to accommodate a couple.
Although not suitable for cleaning in a washer, it can be wiped clean with a wet towel.
A stuff sack and repair kit is included and it is backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Dimensions: 27″ x 78″ x 4″ (L), 32″ x 80″ x 4″ (XL)
- Packed Size: 10” x 30” (L), 12” x 32” (XL)
- Weight: 6 lbs 9 oz (L), 7 lbs 7 oz (XL)
- R-Value: 8.5 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Materials: soft 30D elastic top fabric, durable 150D black bottom fabric, lightweight vertically cored foam, easy to roll up
- Rotating flat valve provides fast one-way inflation and easy two-way deflation
- Includes stuff sack and repair kit
- Warranty: lifetime against defects in material and workmanship
- Price: $$
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The durable steel frame with coil spring suspension comes in two sizes that can handle sleepers up to 5’7” and 275 pounds on the regular cot and up to 6’6” and 300 pounds on the deluxe version.
While the simple folding design does not come with carrying straps or a case, it does quickly and easily fold up to a size that will fit comfortably in your car trunk.
Rated as comfortable without using the foam mattress, the mattress provides an enhanced level of padded comfort.
Available in a choice of gray or black cover, it is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
- Dimensions: 69″ x 25″ x 15″ (Regular), 80″ x 30″ x 15″ (Deluxe)
- Weight: 18.018 lbs (Regular), 19.58 lbs (Deluxe)
- Capacity: 275 lbs to 5’7” (Regular), 300 lbs to 6’6” (Deluxe)
- Materials: durable bi-folding steel frame with coil suspension, covered foam mattress pad
- Note: no carrying straps or case, a Velcro strap holds the folded cot together
- Colors: gray or black
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $
Lightspeed Outdoors Deluxe 2 Person Air Mattress
Fabricated using TPU rather than PVC, it is durable, abrasion-resistant, and less prone to ballooning.
Inflatable with a battery-operated pump it utilizes a Boston valve and patented stabilizer system for easy inflation/deflation with an adjustable level of firmness to suit you and your partner’s preference.
It has built-in handles for easy manipulation and is sized to fit your queen-sized sheets.
Currently, it is available in aqua or green and comes at an affordable price backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
- Dimensions: 79 x 57 x 7 inches
- Packed Size: 18.4 x 9.2 x 9.2 inches
- Weight: 6.16 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 600 lbs
- Materials: sturdy, temperature-stable, abrasion-resistant TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
- Two-part Boston valve for easy inflation and deflation and adjustable firmness
- Battery-operated pump (uses 4 D batteries, not included)
- Built-in handles, oversized storage bag
- Colors: blue
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $
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The simple design is quick and easy to assemble and firmly supports campers to about 6’ tall weighing up to 440 pounds placing sleepers 5.9 inches above the ground. Campers who require more than the 23.6” width should take note.
It has its own Oxford carrying bag that it compacts into a 19.7” x 4.7” cylindrical package that is a quite manageable load for backpackers.
The pricing is quite reasonable and it comes in a range of colors.
- Dimensions: 72.8 x 23.6 x 5.9 inches
- Packed Size: 19.7 x 4.7 inches (cylinder)
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 440 lbs
- Materials: sturdy, corrosion-resistant 7001 aviation aluminum alloy frame (includes 2 x crossbars, 4 x support rods), breathable, waterproof, ripstop Oxford fabric
- Oxford carrying bag
- Bracket feet help eliminate wear and tear on your tent floor
- Colors: aqua, green, black, blue, camouflage, or gray
- Warranty: check with the seller for details on the warranty
- Price: $
Exped Megamat Duo 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
It has durable honeycomb embossed 50D polyester top fabric for a comfortable feel along with a 75D bottom, both laminated with TPU polyether for added water resistance.
With open-cell PU foam insulation, it inflates in seconds and a small mini-pump is provided in the package for you to top it off for your desired firmness.
It has an R-Value of 8.1 which indicates that the level of insulation will keep you warm at very low temperatures.
Relatively lightweight for its size, it packs into a very manageable roll-top carrying bag that fits nicely in your car.
Great for camping or for a night’s sleep on your floor at home, the pricing is a little higher than many other models reviewed here.
It comes with a 5-year warranty and is available in several single mattress sizes.
- Dimensions: 72 x 41 x 3.9 inches (Medium Wide), 77.6 x 52 x 3.9 inches (Long Wide)
- Packed Size: 22 x 11 inches (Medium Wide), 6 x 11.8 inches (Long Wide)
- Weight: 7.5 lbs (Medium Wide), 9.9 lbs (Long Wide)
- Capacity: 2 persons
- Materials: 50D polyester, honeycomb embossed top fabric, 75D polyester bottom, both with TPU polyether film laminate and hydrolysis resistant, 10cm (4″) thick open-cell PU foam insulation with horizontal air channels
- R-Value: 8.1 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Self-inflating, 2 wide, low-profile flat valves for inflation/deflation, small mini-pump provided to top it off
- Height-adjustable roll-top carrying bag
- Single models are also available
- Colors: ruby red or green
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
- Price: $$$
Therm-A-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Mattress
It boasts 4.5 inches of Stratacore foam insulation with comfortable, breathable, stretch 50D polyester knit top fabric, and a durable 75D polyester bottom, both PU coated for water resistance.
Utilizing a twin lock valve system it has two one-way valves, one each for inflation and deflation. Self-inflating in minutes the valves allow easy adjustment to get just the right level of firmness.
Available in L and XXL sizes for 2 campers it has an R-Value of 8 indicating a high level of thermal insulation suitable for cold weather.
The package includes a handy stuff sack for easy portage.
Pricing is fairly high but it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Dimensions: 77 x 25 x 4.5 inches (L), 80 x 30 x 4.5 inches (XXL)
- Packed Size: 26 x 10.3 inches (L), 31 x 10.3 inches (XXL)
- Weight: 4.38 lbs (L), 5.5 lbs (XXL)
- Capacity: 2 persons
- Materials: breathable, stretch 50D polyester knit top fabric, 75D polyester bottom, both PU coated for water resistance, Stratacore foam insulation with alternating ridges of air and foam
- R-Value: 8 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Self-inflating, twin lock valve system with 2 one-way valves, 1 for inflation and 1 for deflation
- Stuff sack with a carrying strap for easy portage and built-in pump sack included
- Color: blue depths
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Price: $$$
Easy to set up, it has a sturdy, lightweight aluminum frame with 600 Denier ripstop polyester, supported by heat-treated spring steel legs.
An added convenience is the gear pouch mounted on the side for those items you might like to access while reclining.
Fairly narrow, allowing placement of several in one tent, it packs into a convenient travel bag that is small enough to stow easily in your car and not too heavy for a bit of overland portage.
Priding themselves on good service, Byer of Maine offers a 1-year warranty that goes with the bargain-level pricing.
- Dimensions: 74 x 25 x 8 inches
- Packed Size: 28 x 7 x 3 inches
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Capacity: 250 pounds
- Materials: lightweight aluminum frame, heat-treated spring steel legs, sturdy 600 Denier ripstop polyester fabric
- Side-mounted gear pouch
- Ripstop polyester travel bag with carrying strap
- Color: green
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $
Tough Outdoors Camp Cot With Organizer
Its claim to fame is a side-mounted organizer with numerous locations to conveniently store the range of items you would like to have by your side as you recline like a flashlight, cell phone, snacks, liquids, etc.
It comes in large and extra-large sizes both designed to accommodate taller campers as large as 300 pounds with substantial width and around 16 inches of ground clearance.
Set up and breakdown is fast and straightforward, and its 18+ pounds, which is a bit heavy for long hikes, packs away in a handy travel/storage bag.
Pricing is quite reasonable and it comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Dimensions: 75 x 25 x 19 inches (L), 83 x 32 x 19 inches (XL)
- Packed Size: 40 x 6 x 6 inches (approximately)
- Weight: 18.1 lbs (approximate)
- Capacity: 300 pounds
- Materials: lightweight aluminum frame, durable steel legs, sturdy 600D Oxford canvas fabric
- Side-mounted organizer with multiple locations to store items like cell phones, keys, snacks, glasses, etc.
- Canvas travel and storage bag with carrying strap
- Plastic caps on legs to protect tent floors
- Colors: army green or dark gray
- Warranty: ask for details of the 1-year warranty
- Price: $
Intex Comfort Plush Dura-Beam Airbed
With the Intex proprietary Fiber-Tech® interior construction and plush dual air pillow top, it is exceptionally soft and supportive with a capacity of 600 pounds.
Suitability for camping is enhanced by abrasion and puncture-resistant flocked sides.
Inflation can be achieved in around 4 minutes with the built-in AC electric pump or an optional hand pump.
In spite of the large inflated size, it weighs less than 20 pounds and packs into a convenient carry bag for easy portage.
This Queen Size version comfortably sleeps two but full and twin-size versions are also available with multiple thickness options.
The pricing is very reasonable and it is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
- Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 18 inches (Queen)
- Weight: 19.74 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 600 lbs
- Materials: Fiber-Tech® interior construction, plush dual air pillow top
- Puncture and abrasion-resistant flocked sides
- Indented sides keep fitted sheets in place
- Built-in internal AC electric pump (110 – 220V) for easy inflation and deflation or an optional hand pump
- Inflates in 4 minutes
- Duffel bag for easy hand carrying/storage
- Available in several other sizes
- Colors:
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $
Constructed with a rock-solid, durable powder-coated steel frame and sturdy water-resistant PVC-coated 600D polyester, it can be configured as stacked bunks, side-by-side cots, or as a bench.
With tool-free assembly, setup is fairly easy with a bit of practice.
Suitable for tall campers with a weight capacity of 500 pounds per cot, everything packs into 2 easy to manage carrying bags.
2 side organizers give you spots to stash accessories and the rounded frame prevents sinking into the ground.
Considering how much you get for the money, pricing is reasonable, though at the high end of the range of the beds reviewed here. Ask for details of the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Dimensions: 82 x 32.5 x 36 inches
- Dimensions Per Cot: 79 x 28 x 11 inches
- Bag Dimensions/Packed Size (2 Bags): 32.5 x 15 x 5 inches per bag
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Capacity: 500 pounds per cot
- Materials: powder-coated, anti-rust steel frame, water-resistant, PVC-coated 600D polyester fabric
- Package includes 2 cots, 2 carry bags, 2 side organizers, and 2 locking straps (1 in each bag)
- Can be set up as bunks, separate cots, or a bench
- Rounded frame won’t sink into the turf
- Colors: black, camo, navy, or green
- Warranty: ask for details of the warranty
- Price: $$$
Camping Bed Buying Guide
Types of Camping Beds
There are three basic categories of camping beds to consider, foam pads, inflatable mattresses, and cots.
- Foam pads or mattresses are typically lightweight and can be rolled into a relatively compact package making them easy to carry and if light enough come into the consideration of backpackers. For ordinary use at home or for more than one sleeper they often are not the most appropriate.
- Inflatable beds are typically designed to be very comfortable. Some are self-inflating and very convenient. Others require a power source like batteries or an electrical outlet or a hand or foot pump. Many inflatable beds are durable and comfortable enough to use regularly at home as well as when camping.
- Cots, popular since the early days of military applications, are the most basic form of camping bed. The simple design is durable and easy to set up and places the sleeper up off the ground. Only providing a low level of softness, that feature can be enhanced by combining the cot with a foam mattress as Coleman did with the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot. There are a few models so lightweight, like the Desert Walker Camping Cot at only 2.8 pounds, that a backpacker could consider using one. Most when packed, however, are a little bulky and often fairly heavy.
Dimensions, Weight, Weight Capacity, Packed Size
These specifications listed in the review above are all important to consider in selecting the best camping bed for your needs.
- Dimensions – This refers to the length, width, and height or thickness of the assembled or inflated camp bed. You want to make sure the length and width will accommodate the stature of the sleeper. For example, a 6’ camper will want at least a 72” length and preferably longer to make sure it comfortably fits. Likewise, a wide-body person or someone that tends to move around or roll in the night will not want the most narrow of cots or mattresses.
- Weight – This is a consideration for durability and for how much effort is required to move it around. Only the most lightweight camp beds are in consideration for backpackers, while on the other hand if the distance from the car to the campsite is not too distant, a 20 or 30-pound packed weight may not be too much.
- Weight Capacity – You’ll want to make sure that the weight of the sleeper or sleepers is not too much for the rated capacity provided by the manufacturer or risk a breakdown of the bed.
- Packed Size – This regards the dimensions of the bed in its unassembled or uninflated form as it is packaged for transport. It’s important to know this so that you can plan how much space is needed inside or along with your other baggage as you carry the bed from the vehicle to the campsite, and also how much space is required in the vehicle, itself.
Durable Materials
For the cots, the aluminum and steel in the framework are generally durable enough for the weight capacity recommended by the manufacturer. When steel is employed, look for something to promote corrosion and rust resistance like a powder coating. Regarding the fabrics on cots and mattresses, look for a high Denier rating of 50D or greater. Ripstop or tear resistance is important, especially for nylon. PU, TPU, and PVC can all be used as a coating on fabrics for water resistance.
R-Value
When using a foam pad or mattress, the R-Value is a useful measure, especially for colder climates. The R-Value is a way of expressing how well a material insulates or blocks the flow of temperature from one place to another.
A pad with a high R-Value will insulate the camper from the cold ground and keep the camper warmer. Likewise, the warmth from the camper’s body and the air surrounding him/her will not dissipate (as quickly) when the R-Value of the pad is high.
Many of the best foam pads have chambers inside that reduce air circulation within the pad which helps to achieve a high R-Value.
If you are camping in warmer climates the R-Value won’t be as important to consider.
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpack Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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