Camping is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy nature. A good night's sleep is essential to fully enjoy the day.
The choice of your sleeping surface plays a crucial role in this. In this article we discuss the different types of sleeping solutions and help you make the best choice. Whether you are looking for an airbed, a self-inflating sleeping mat or a camping stretcher, we list all the options.
Airbed: Comfortable, but less insulating
An air mattress is a popular choice for campers looking for a thick and soft sleeping surface. Air mattresses offer great comfort and are easy to inflate with a pump. However, they also have disadvantages:
Insulation: Airbeds insulate less well against cold surfaces, unless you use an insulated model.
Inflation Time: It takes time and additional equipment to inflate an air mattress.
Risk of leakage: Air mattresses can develop a leak, which can disrupt your night's sleep.
Stretcher: Sturdy and off the ground
A stretcher is a raised camp bed that provides stability and prevents you from lying directly on the cold ground. Properties of a stretcher are:
Stay dry and warm: You are higher up, which helps against rising cold and damp.
Durable: A good stretcher will last for years and provide consistent support.
Less compact: Stretchers are often heavier and take up more space.
Self-inflating mat: The ideal balance
A self-inflating mat often offers the best combination of comfort, insulation and ease of use. These mats have a foam core that fills itself with air as soon as you open the valve. Properties of a self-inflating mat:
Good insulation: Thanks to the foam filling, a self-inflating mat offers excellent heat insulation.
Easy to use: No pump required; the mat largely fills itself.
Durable and leak-resistant: Less likely to leak than an air mattress.
Compact storage: Lighter and easier to roll up than a stretcher.
Sleeping mat test results: What does the research say?
Various tests have evaluated the performance of different sleeping mats. Here are some general findings:
Insulation (R-value): The R-value indicates how well a mat retains heat. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. For camping in colder conditions, a higher R-value is essential. Self-inflating mats generally score high here, with R-values ranging from 4.5 to 6.0, meaning they are suitable for temperatures as low as -10°C or even lower.
Comfort and Durability: Testers note that self-inflating mats strike a good balance between comfort and durability. They conform to the body and provide consistent support, resulting in better sleep quality. They’re also less prone to leaks compared to air mattresses. In addition, tests show that sleeping mats provide a very stable sleeping surface and are the most comfortable to sleep on in a mattress at home.
Noise level: A frequently mentioned advantage of sleeping mats in tests is that they do not make a creaking sound when moving. This is in contrast to air mattresses, which can often make a noise with every turn. As a result, a sleeping mat contributes to a quieter and more comfortable night's sleep.
Ease of use and firmness: The self-inflating mechanism is experienced as very user-friendly. Most quality sleeping mats inflate almost completely by themselves. For people who want a firmer mattress, an external pump can easily be used to add some extra air. This makes it possible to adjust the firmness of the mat entirely to your own preference.
Which sleeping option suits you?
For adventurous campers: When weight and pack size are important, a lightweight sleeping pad or air mattress is often the best option. For cold conditions, an air mattress with insulation or an insulated cover can be a good addition.
For luxury campers: Insulation and sleeping comfort are the most important here. A comfortable sleeping mat is often the best choice, because it is most similar to a mattress at home and retains optimum heat.
For 'loft beds': Those who prefer not to sleep directly on the floor and want to get up easily, should choose a stretcher. For extra comfort, a stretcher can be combined with a sleeping mat or air mattress.
Conclusion
While each option has its pros and cons, a self-inflating mat typically offers the best combination of comfort, insulation, and ease of use. When looking for the best camping sleeping pad, look for insulation, thickness, comfort, and pack size.
Remember that personal preference and specific camping conditions will always play a role in your choice. If possible, test different options to find what suits you best.
