Finding the Best Mattress for Camping and Backpacking

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We are going to look at three types of mattresses that can be used for camping and / or backpacking purposes. We will look at the benefits and drawbacks of an air mattress, foam mattress, and a self inflating mattress.

Air Mattress

These mattresses can be found in dimensions ranging from 1 "in height and 3 feet in length all the way to 12" in height and the size of a California King Sleep Number. They require some type of pumping of air into the mattress in order to inflate. This can be manual or with a small motor.

Benefits – This is a good choice when one is choosing to car camp or stay at a campsite. This is a good option when weight and bulk do not play a factor in one's camping experience.

Drawbacks – As mentioned before, the size and weight of this product is often the largest drawback. The plastic materials used to coat this product are often slippery and users may complain about excessive movement. You do not want to use an air mattress in cold weather camping due to heat loss factors.

Foam Mattress

For camping purposes these mattresses are normally found with dimensions 1-3 "in height and with a maximum size comparable to a twin mattress.

Benefits – This is great option for many campers and backpackers. This is often the first choice for many ultra-light backpackers given the low weight. This is a good choice in cold weather camping as well because of effective insulation properties. In addition you do not have to worry about puncturing with a foam product.

Drawbacks – The largest concern of a foam mattress is the bulkiness. Some people complain about its stiff and rigid materials which take away from the comfort found in such products. Rigid materials will result in a bulkier product.

Self Inflating Mattress

This is a new product that incorporates the benefits of both an mattress and a foam mattress into one product. These mattresses average 1-2 "in height and are usually 6-8 feet in length. sealed with an air valve to allow air to enter or escape.

Benefits – As mentioned before, this product takes the benefits of both air and foam into play. This product often packs the smallest because the foam is compressible. This product also insulates well given the foam within the mattress. Important to note that one may want a taller mattress height in colder weather conditions. Many users find this product the most comfortable given the air and compressible foam materials used because the firmness is adjustable.

Drawbacks – Although this product compresses smaller than most foam mattresses it can be found to be heavier. This product is often only ounces heavier, but to an ultra-light backpacker this difference is often enough to make the choice. In addition this product is can puncture, although field repairs are relatively simple.

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