Good air mattress for tenting?

So we had a cheap self-inflating one the lasted 5 nights until I think something sharp got it, never did find the leak. Any recommendations?

 

Self inflating pads would be my recommendation, especially if you camp in cooler weather. I've had two of the Therm-a-Rest Trail Comfort series (no longer available) for several years. One had to be patched in the field when my wife leaned back on a cactus when we were hiking the South Rim in Big Bend several years ago. Both still hold air with no problems.

 

depends how much you want to spend. There are a bunch out there now. $50 - $5-500. When I have the fam I just grab a Aerobed brand (brand is key) and blow it up off the truck as it has a built in pump. Never had issues. If you want a more compact one then there are a bunch of camping ones that are solid. Depends I would say if its leisure or backcountry

 

I have had a whole bunch but the REI Camp Dreamer is really the best I have ever used. Not cheap, worth every penny.
https://www.rei.com/product/147924/rei-co-op-camp-dreamer-xl-self-inflating-deluxe-bed

 

Get a pad that is insulated! the ground sucks up body heat!

 

My $.02 on this.

Get a Big Agnes or Term-o-Rest pad for backpacking. You're going to pay a lot more for them, but they come with a lifetime warranty. I've been using Big Agnes for the last 6-7 years for backpacking, and they stand behind the warranty. If I get a leak I'll send it back, and have a brand new one in about 2 weeks.

Mike

 

for backpacking, thermarest neoair xlite, for glamping, exped megamat.
both worth the money.

 

For cold weather, you want to avoid using your breath to inflate, rather use their optional pump method. You want to avoid adding moisture that can degrade the thermal properties of the insulation.

 

This. Also get a couple of Z rests to throw on top for winter camping.

 

Been reading here and elsewhere on air mattresses. Never been a fan myself due to leaks and they have always seemed cold to me. And no never tried the REI gear. But decided on this one for a little more $ and no air to mess with. A bit on the heavy side but rolls up nice.

$160 Better Habitat SleepReady Portable Floor Bed | 3" 100% CertiPUR-US Memory Foam | Twin, Single | Sleeping Pad, Camping Mattress | Roll Out, Foldable, Waterproof Cover, Travel Bag | 1 yr Warranty

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072BJF9FW/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A15B93V0MWD21G&psc=1

 

On the inflatable with air type, adjust the amount of air for comfort. Fully inflated will be uncomfortably hard. I find just enough air until pad is in its proper shape, and not much more.

 

gotta look at the R values.
Thermarest has a newer extra-R value but slightly heavier neoair for colder camping.
I personally use the women's neoair xlite for the extra R values (I don't mind that my feet fall off the end of the pad, I can insulate/raise that with jackets/clothing)

 

Right on. But I also have to look at comfort values for my back. Love me some memory foam for that very reason. I may try air again someday.

Edit: And that someday I reference above will be warm weather camping. I could see using an air mattress then. Seems the memory foam holds heat.

 

Backpacking or trunk camping?

My cheap air mattresses started lasting a lot longer when I added a leaf rake to my camp kit...

 

One of these came with my truck. Great for weekend car / tent campers. Very comfy. Chambered. The battery will inflate/deflate ~5X before it needs charging. Once the pump sucks the air out, this becomes very easy to fold tightly. The vertical height is 11" or so which could become a problem in some situations.

https://truckairbedz.com/Airbedz

 

GF has this one, and I've gotta agree, it is really damn good. I find myself accidentally trying to use hers instead of mine on our camp trips

 

Recommend storing the self inflating type in the inflated position, only compressing it for portable transport. It will inflate easier when needed and last longer. Same goes for sleeping bags.

 

Check out Exped.
http://www.exped.com/usa/en/product-category/mats?f[0]=field_mat_line:1120
I use the DownMat for cold weather camping and the SynMat for warmer weather.
Both are light weight, pack small and use internal pumps or inflation bags.
They also have a line on larger mattresses for truck camping.

 

Same here, I used to use air mattresses, but they develop leaks and were a pain to insulate. I now use a bouldering pad as my mattress.

 

Memory foam tends to stiffen/harden in cold weather, found that out the hard way when I had a memory foam topper in my Westy.