What Is R Value And Why It Matters
R-Value is a measure of how well a camping mattress will insulate you from the cold ground. The higher the R-Value number, the better its insulation.
A good camping mattress will not only comfort you from the lumps and bumps of a campground, but it will also work with your sleeping bag to keep you warm. R Values are additive, which means you can put one mattress on top of another and add both of their R Values together for increased insulation though this is a backpacking practice, and not one often used for car camping.
The R Values of the mattresses on our list are generally high and will provide you with great insulation no matter the weather, though we recommend an R-Value of 5 or higher for winter camping. Common sense logic would assume that the higher a mattresss R-Value the thicker and heavier it will be, but thats not always the case. The interior foam and air insulation components are what really matter.
Most camping mattresses will list the R-Value right on the product . The REI Camp Bed has an R-Value that works through winter.
Not all camping mattresses have listed R Values as its not a measurement required by any regulatory body. The NEMO Cosmo 3D has a recommended outdoor temperature limit instead of an R-Value, while others dont provide any relevant rating at all even if they have decent insulation. Its up to you to be a conscious consumer.
Zooobelives Airlive 2000p Extra Wide Camping Mattress
ZOOOBELIVES Airlive 2000P click on the image for more pictures
The Airlive2000p is a thick camping mattress with plenty of plush support. With an R-value of 4 it is preventing cold getting you from the ground.
Fully inflated, it measures 76 x 28.7 x 4, so its a a good 4-5 inches wider than other camping mattresses. Youll be pleased to hear that this camping mattress has a built in pump which inflates in 2-3 minutes, but it does not need electricity.
The Airlive 2000P is easy to carry and transport thanks to its packed size of 12 x 6.7, and it comes in a zipped drawstring stuff sack. It weighs only 3.9 lbs.
Why youll love it
- Extra wide
- 4 thickness and extra cushioning
Our Analysis Comparisons & Test Results
The Therm-a-Rest Mondoking 3D is a self-inflating sleeping pad thats specially fitted for one-person tents.
However, it can also connect to another pad, creating the Therm-a-Rest Mondoking 3D Double.
This pad features an excellent heat output, making it ideal for camping during colder weather.
It also has good buoyancy for its size, and can be effectively used in both mountain and forest environments.
We love the fine tuning
the pad will inflate automatically when you open its valves, and campers can adjust its firmness fairly easily by blowing up the mattress or allowing it to deflate.
When fully inflated, the pad measures a sizable 77 x 25 x 4 inches thick, and weighs a little over 5 lbs.
While this is certainly a little larger than the other pads, the added surface area really adds to the pads comfort.
But enough of all that: lets compare the Thermarest Mondoking to some of its closest rivals!
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Review: Thermarest Mondoking 3d
By:Roxanne Harbitter+ Save to a List
Does anyone else just assume they arent going to get restful sleep if its not in your regular bed? When Im backcountry camping , I just assume I will be tossing and turning throughout the night with that crinkly sound of the sleeping pad reminding me Ive turned over for the one-hundredth time. I know I have to really tire myself out aggressively before I can get a few hours of restful slumber. The MondoKing 3D is a sleep changer.
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If you liked this list, youll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:
Heather Eldridge is an accomplished backpacker and camping aficionado. She cut her teeth on winter camping and rock climbing trips as a youngster then went on to thru-hike over 6,000 miles of Americas longest trails. She now lives on a farm in Oregon where she works as a full-time gear tester, writer, and photographer.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.
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Best Valve Types For Camping Mattress
Its important to consider the type of valve you prefer in a camping mattress.
Twist and pull valves have been a camping mattress staple for ages. If youve ever inflated a camping mattress or sleeping pad, youve probably used a twist and pull valve.
They are easy to use and work well, but theyre often not as air-tight as we wish they were. Many, though not all, dont hold air in while youre inflating the mattress, so you have to prevent this by using your mouth as a makeshift gasket or twisting the mechanism closed between breaths. Theyre also protruding and bulky, but they do get the job done.
A classic twist and pull valve. REI has since updated the REI Camp Bed with new flat valves, which is the way things are trending
Flat valves are the new kid on the block. Flat valves are less conspicuous and hold air better during inflation than traditional twist and pull valves. As a result, mattresses equipped with flat valves like the NEMO Cosmo 3D can pack down smaller and are easier to inflate or deflate. Some mattresses, like the Exped MegaMat Duo, have separate flat valves for inflation and deflation.
The Exped Megamat Duo have dual flat valves. One inflates automatically and has a small pin to let out a small amount of air for fine-tuning. The second is a full deflate valve.
Bag-style or stuff sack pumps can also attach to flat valves, making for a quick-and-easy hand pump for those of you who would rather not waste your breath.
Weight And Packed Size
We have discussed on the versatility section that this inflatable mattress is considerably heavy that you will need a vehicle to transport it however this is not complete bulky equipment if you are going to put it in your car.
The large size of MondoKing has a measurement of 77 inches length, 25 inches width, and 4 inches height when you unfold it. The rolled size is 7 inches long and 26 inches wide but the packed size is 10.3 x 26 inches. The size is not a struggle and will not be eating up huge space in your car.
We have carried this around with our vehicle and we can express that you can spare more spaces for your other bags or gears. This will still be dependent on how you pack your things.
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Bestviewsreviews Ranking And Score For Therm
This product received a total score of 9.06 out of 10, based on review sentiments and user opinions related to 7 features:
Alps Mountaineering Comfort Series
Type: Self-inflating MatDimensions: 77 x 25 x 2 in. Weight: 4 lbs. 1 oz.R-value: 5.0What we like: Great value and decent comfort.What we dont: A bit thin for side sleepers.
It is tough to locate a good self-inflating sleeping pad to get under $80, but the Alps Mountaineering Comfort Series accomplishes that with a wide margin. Blending foam, atmosphere, and a tough polyester shell, the Comfort Series, true to its name, provides good warmth and enough comfort for camping. A distinctive feature is the maze of plasticky dots on the bottom of the mat, which help to continue to keep it from sliding about during the night. The trick functions and the suede surface finish on the topside does an equally good job keeping your sleeping bag in place.
Intended for the price, the Comfort and ease Series self-inflating technology works well and the mat is durable enough to last for a lot of seasons. It is a little bit thin at 2 inches for the 25-inch model , so side sleepers will probably need to look elsewhere. For the periodic camper, budget seeker, and back sleeper, this is all youll need for a good nights rest under the stars.
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Progreat For Camping Use Even In Cold Weather
It’s a great mattress to use when camping outdoors at any season, even during winter. You’ll be well-insulated from the frozen ground because it has a high ” rel=”nofollow”> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-value_ of 11.4. Other cheap camping mattresses only have an R-value of 4 or lower. An R-value level tells you the capacity of a material in protecting you from the cold. The higher it is, the better the protection.
How To Clean A Camping Mattress
To get the most out of your camping mattress, clean it after every time someone sleeps on it.
Most of the dirt that has accumulated on it, should be easy to remove with a moist cloth or sponge dampened with warm water and mild soap.
After it has dried, a little sprinkle of baking soda will keep any unpleasant odours away.
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The Best Camping Mattresses Of 2021
The best camping mattresses are essential to a fun and relaxing outdoor vacation. If youre not getting a good nights rest, youre not going to enjoy the wilderness to its fullest. Camping mattresses offer comfort, insulation, and are subject to a number of individual preferences. Do you like a firm or soft mattress? Are you sleeping alone or with a partner?
Weve identified the best of the best and assembled a thorough list for you below. After examining each camping mattress for qualities such as R-Value, weight, and comfort, we listed out the best camping mattresses across a variety of construction types. Each is unique with its own restful merits, and youre sure to find one that fits the bill.
This list is more geared towards camping mattresses used in car camping, road tripping, and overlanding. If youre looking for backpacking sleeping options, check out our guide to the Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking.
Very Comfortable But Poor Quali
- Familiarity: I’ve used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Weve had 4 of these and had to return 3 of them after one trip due to delamination. The pads are super comfortable but Im opting for something else. Ive essentially slept on the ground for a week because mine delaminated right away. The fabric comes apart from the structure and blows up like a huge weird pillow.
- Familiarity: I’ve put it through the wringer
- Fit: True to size
- Size Bought: Regular
One pad to rule them all!! This is by far the best car camping pad on the market. It is extremely comfortable and I sleep better on it than on my own bed. The only downside is deflated pads are rather large so you must account for that when packing. This is a must-have for any car camper.
- Familiarity: I’ve used it several times
- Fit: Runs large
- Size Bought: Regular
I am super impressed with the comfort level, the lack of crinkle when moving, and the warmth. I highly recommend this pad when you arenât low on space and want to be comfortable in the backcountry. Worth it!!
- Familiarity: I’ve used it several times
- Size Bought: XXL
Had several nights of glamping with this. It was great. If you have time to unfold it and let it self inflate for a while, it only took about 5-10 stuff sack blow ups to have it ready to go. Super easy to set up, and adjust. Very warm. There are a couple videos on Thermarests website on how to use the features. Very easy. Would not be good for backpacking.
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Our Analysis And Test Results
Teasing out the differences between camping mattresses is really about looking at all of the details. When you are sleeping on 4 inches of foam, you are going to be comfortable, and the mattress will be insulating you from the cold ground. The updated MondoKing 3D is exceptionally comfortable and warm. However, it is large when packed , but it is just slightly easier to inflate and deflate, making it our new Editors’ Choice.
Coleman Air Mattress With Camping Cot
If youre more of a glamper than a camper, then the Coleman Air Mattress with Camping Cot is your best choice for home-away-from-home comfort. This set includes a strong steel folding frame, an air mattress and Colemans 4D battery-powered pump.
With a bed height of 22 inches, you wont struggle to get in and out of bed and as youre sleeping far off the ground, you shouldnt feel the cold. While this mattress does take up a fair bit of space, you can use the area under the bed for extra storage. There are even two sewn-in side table flaps complete with drink holders that can be used to hold lighter items such as books or maps.
Thanks to its ComfortStrong coil system, the air mattress remains stable all night long, even if your sleeping partner tends to move around. The DoubleLock valve ensures leak-free inflation and will keep your bed intact for the duration of your trip, while the sewn-in cover ensures that your mattress wont slip off the frame.
As you can imagine, this set is fairly bulky and heavy. It folds up into the included wheeled carry bag, that is comparable in size to a small tent so its really only suitable for when youre parking up at a campsite.
While its not for everyone, if you want to enjoy your camping trip with a real bed and have the space available, then this model makes a good choice.
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Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person Air Bed
This two-person air bed by Lightspeed Outdoors is a good budget choice if youre an occasional, summer-time camper. At 80 inches long and 55 inches wide, its bigger than most standard two-person camping mattresses.
Made from a strong abrasion-resistant TPU, you wont have to worry about it developing a leak when using it outdoors. With an inflated thickness of 7.1 inches, this air mattress is comfortable even for side sleepers, ensuring you wont end up with your hips touching through to the ground as can happen with thinner models. Thanks to its independent connection system between the top and bottom layers, this mattress will remain stable even when youre sleeping with a partner, for reduced motion disturbances and a better nights sleep.
Its Boston valve allows you to finely adjust the air levels to just the right amount of firmness for extra comfort. This model uses the included battery-powered pump to inflate, so you can use it off grid just make sure that you have spare batteries available so you dont get caught out. Also, as it weighs just under six pounds, it may be a little heavy if youre planning to carry far from your vehicle.
This air mattress doesnt have an R-value, and as uninsulated mattresses tend to be rated around one, youre unlikely to want to use it during the winter months. However, if youre looking for a fairly high air mattress for summer camping that can take two people and wont break the bank, this model makes a decent choice.
Sierra Designs Air Bed Mattress 2
- Weight: 6.1 lbs.
- Best For: Car Camper
The Sierra Designs Air Bed is a classic pump mattress, the kind you probably slept on in spare rooms as a kid or adult. This one has a slight camping bent, in that its made with durable materials, weighs only 6 pounds, and has a battery-operated pump so you dont need a wall outlet.
If you want a basic air mattress for the outdoors, this is a good choice. That said, air mattresses typically run quite cold because that they have no real insulation, unlike many of the other mattresses on this list. If you plan to use it in warm weather only and want a mattress that works in the home and camp , this is a good choice! It can also easily double as an in-home guest mattress.
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A Little Pricey But Works Well
- Familiarity: I’ve used it several times
- Fit: True to size
- Size Bought: Backcountry.com
I’ ve been using the MondoKing sleeping pad all summer long , sleeping out in the backyard under the stars. Combined with the Marmot Trestles 0 sleeping bag, it’s been a delight! The sleeping pad works very well…very comfortable…and keeps one warm from the cold ground. Yes, it’s too big for backpacking. Also, it’s a little pricey but should last a long time. As we head into the fall and winter seasons, I will continue to use it and see how it goes. Thank you Therm-a-Rest and BackCountry for this good sleeping solution…Cheers and Namaste!
- Familiarity: I’ve used it several times
- Fit: True to size
- Size Bought: XL
Just spent a week glamping on a lovely back porch in northern Vermont. This mattress is so comfortable. Typically after a week on a camping mattress I begin to have back back pain. I had none of that at all with this. It wasnt all that cold but if I had used my traditional air mattress which has no r value I would have needed a warmer sleeping bag. This mattress will allow me to extend my glamping season even longer into early winter.
- Familiarity: I’ve used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit: True to size