7 Factors to Find the Best Camping Bed Ever

Date Posted:19 September 2019

Camping doesn’t always mean sleeping on the floor. Find out how to sleep in luxury with the best camping beds.

What pops into your mind when you think of sleeping outdoors?

Do you envision yourself huddled on the floor of your tent wrapped up in a sleeping bag? Or do you see yourself sleeping in a luxurious bed made for the great outdoors?

Sleeping outside doesn’t necessarily equal sleeping on the cold hard ground. Getting a good night’s sleep is important to maintain energy and alertness for the next day’s activities.

If you’re uncomfortable instead of resting peacefully, your vacation may be memorable – but not for the reasons you want.

If the idea of sleeping on the ground sends you into a panic, know that you have options.

Some of the best beds for camping in a tent don’t involve sleeping on the floor at all.

Take a look at your sleep system options for the next time you head out into Mother Nature. Sleeping outside has never felt so good!

Camping Bed Types

Camping beds or cots are one of the most common ways to sleep in a tent. They have numerous benefits like:

Easier to get in and out of
Extend your living space
Keep you warmer at night

They’re not your only option, though.

You can also find airbeds that come in a variety of sizes and heights. The options for the best camping bed for two include double and queen-sized pillow-top airbeds. They’re so comfortable you may wonder why you ever slept on the floor!

Seven Essential Factors When Choosing a Camping Bed

Are you a minimalist cot camper or a luxury airbed outdoorsman?

Regardless of your preferences, there are certain factors you need to consider when buying a new bed.

Just like buying a bed at home, you need to make sure that the fit and comfort is just right. Unlike choosing a bed for your bedroom, though, you also need to pay attention to other details that can make or break your trip.

Take a look at the considerations below so that you can pick out the best camping beds for your trip.

1 – Weight

Weight is a big issue, especially if you’re going out into the backcountry. However, if you’re car camping, you may not mind a little extra weight for better comfort.

Fortunately, camping beds run a full range of weights for a variety of needs.

If you’re considering a camping cot, an average aluminium frame weighs around 9kg. Heavy-duty, steel, or oversized cots may weight a bit more. The same goes if you opt for extra padding.

On the other hand, there are also lightweight varieties that weigh no more than a kilogram.

Air beds weigh along the same lines. Single beds come in various weights, however some of the best air bed options for camping can weigh around 9.5kg for a queen-sized pillow-top design.

2 – Size

On average, a camp cot is around 63.5cm wide and 190.5cm long when assembled. The range can vary, though, depending on whether you get a longer cot or a short one.

There are also wider designs that go up to 101.6cm across for campers that want a little more room. The best folding camp bed for you supports your entire body from shoulder width to feet.

Air beds, on the other hand, tend to come in sizes similar to mattresses. For example, you may choose a single, double, or queen-sized mattress that’s similar to the one you have at home.

In addition, camp cots also come in stackable bunk-style designs to fit more people in a small amount of space. Generally, you can also use stackable cots side by side. Because of the design, though, they tend to be a little heavier than standard aluminium camp cots.

3 – Portability

Portability is important if you only plan on spending a day or two at a campsite before moving on. It’s also important if you want to carry a camp bed while backpacking.

The actual packing weight and size depend on the manufacturer. Some make beds that break down completely and weigh as little as a kilo.

Airbeds can also pack small when fully deflated. However, the more padding you have the heavier it may be.

4 – Assembly

How quickly can you set up your bed?

This is an important factor depending on how much work you’re willing to do. Some camp beds and camping stretchers unfurl at the joints like a folding chair. Others require proper assembly – and time – before you can use it.

Air beds are a little more straightforward. You need to unroll and inflate to make it usable.

Some models come with a pump to make it easier. Be aware that that’s not always the case and you may have to purchase one separately.

The best camp beds for adults includes assembly that’s simple for you. As you may imagine, “easy” is subjective.

Find out just how simple it is to assemble your sleep system by trying it out before you go camping. This allows you time to practice and fix any problems you may have assembling.

The last thing you want is to run into problems making your bed when you’re out in the wilderness.

5 – Fabric

When it comes to camp beds, the fabric is very important. It can make a difference in how durable and comfortable the bed is.

Many modern camp cots use a single layer of nylon or polyester fabric. These fabric types are supportive as well as easy to clean.

Cotton canvas fabrics are a little more retro but they’re harder to keep clean. They’re also a heavier fabric.

Mesh fabric is an option if you want to keep cool in warm weather.

Most air beds have a soft velour type of fabric top. Some come with extras like a pillow-top design for extra comfort.

Beyond the fabric and top, it’s important to look at how puncture-proof the airbed material is.

Antimicrobial surfaces and anti-leak valves are also important for air bed upkeep. Some of the best inflatable bed for camping options have dual valves for easy inflation and deflation.

6 – Frame

Most airbeds don’t come with a frame, but there are some manufacturers that make a hybrid air mattress/camp cot. Instead of resting on the floor, they have their own fitted metal frame to suspend the bed.

These hybrids are one of the best blow up beds for camping because they feature the best of both worlds.

Camping cots, on the other hand, generally come with a lightweight aluminium frame. If you check out options for the best double camp bed, you may come across cots that fit two people. Bigger cots like this generally have a heavier frame material like steel.

7 - Comfort and Support

Generally, camping cots use a spring system, fabric tension, or both to provide support. The best camping beds for tents have adjustable tension systems or spring systems for added comfort.

Some camping beds come with extra padding for comfort. This added padding makes these bed systems heavier. However, it may be worth it for the extra plushness.

You can also use a camping pad or mattress topper on a camping cot for extra cushion and insulation.

Just be careful of cheap and poorly designed models. These beds may have ill-positioned crossbars that poke you in the back all night.

Are you looking for the best double air bed for camping? A queen-sized pillow-top option is one of the more luxurious models on the market. Just remember to measure your tent adequately to make sure you can fit your mattress inside comfortably.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep with the Right Camp Bed

The best camp beds for tents comfortably fit everyone in your party without sacrificing comfort. This may seem like a tall order. However, there are plenty of options to choose from to make it work.

If you have children, you can choose a bunk bed with stackable camp cots to accommodate them. Stackable cots aren’t just for children, though. If you have a relatively high tent ceiling but limited floor space, it may be a good option for adults.

On the other hand, air beds are also a good option for those who want the comfort of air support while they sleep. Many air beds are comparable to beds at home. Some even come equipped with pillow-top designs for extra comfort.

When you’re picking out the best camping beds for your next excursion, there are a few things to keep in mind. The weight and size vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

If you’re a car camper, you may have a little more leeway regarding the size. If you’re going into the backcountry, though, choose models that are light and easy to assemble.

In addition, you also want to make sure that your camp beds are comfortable. Make sure it has adequate support and padding for your needs.

Don’t lose sleep on an uncomfortable bed. When in doubt, test it out first.

If you’re ready to see your sleep system options, take a look at the camp bed page on our online store. Find exactly what you need to end a perfect day out of doors.

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7 Factors to Find the Best Camping Bed Ever

Camping Bed Types