While we go camping, we can get close to nature by shedding many modern conveniences. But a good night’s rest is also necessary with the right essentials and preparations to enjoy the beautiful night sky and fresh air while sleeping. You will need the right products to make a sound sleep. Sleeping Pads vs Air mattress which one will give you complete pleasure is totally up to you. The camp bed may include sleeping pad, sleep mattress or sleeping bags. But you need to choose the right gear for your camping purpose which will make both your journey and sleep comfortably. Let us find out sleeping pads vs air mattress which one will the perfect gear for your camping trip.
How Sleeping Pads work for camping?
Sleeping pads are generally enclosed in a plastic case with an air valve. When air goes in the pad it makes it compact for sleeping purpose. Generally, sleeping pads are thin and can be set up n any place for sleep. So, while going on camping you can set up this pad anywhere in the ground or tent for a comfortable sleep. Sometimes the campgrounds are not suitable for the sleeping pads so they are puncture prone in nature.
Advantages of using a Sleeping Pad:
- provides you with comfort because of having padded foam and cushions.
- Lightweight and easily portable to a distant place.
- Less costly than air mattresses
- Proper insulation feature added
- Provides you with Warmth
Disadvantages of using a sleeping pad:
- Less Durable than air mattresses
- Consists of minimal inflation
- Thin consistency
- Accommodation for a single person.
How do Air mattresses work in camping?
Air mattresses are considered as the most comfortable bed for sleeping in camping. It is made of PVC, having a container filled with air. It will provide you with a very simple sleeping solution in the campground. Air mattresses can be fit in the tents also. The thick consistency of the air mattress makes your sleep comfortable and flows with your curves of the body. It can also be set for family or couples because of its large capacity for sleeping.
Advantages of the air mattress for camping:
- Comfortable and compact product
- Convenient and easy setup
- Thick consistency
- More durable than sleeping pads
- Easily portable to a distant place
- Easy to clean anytime
Disadvantages of the air mattress for camping:
- Heavier than sleeping pads
- More expensive than sleeping pads
- More maintenance required
Difference between Sleeping Pads and Air mattress for camping:
1. Freeland Camping Sleeping Pad:
This camping sleeping pad has a lightweight and compact feature. This pad is helpful for family, couples or group camping because of its slip joint design. It can be also used for hiking, slumber parties or overnight guest sleeping arrangements. It has an added feature of a comfortable cushion. The fabric of this pad is polyester which is soft and can act against tear. The pad also offers insolation and firm support. It is a self-inflating sleeping pad with compression straps. This bag packing sleeping pad comes with a storage sack for easy transport. The pad consists of dual free-flow and non-leaking air valves. It also includes one patch of extra kit for emergency purpose. The Sleeping pad is easy to inflate and deflate. It can be used in any area for sleeping purpose.
Pros-
- The lightweight product comes with a free storage bag.
- Comfort and warmth.
- Easy transportation.
- Simple with functional features.
- Perfect for camping.
- Inflate and deflate
- Easy setup
- Takes less space in the ground.
Cons-
- Single person accommodation
- Need to join the splits to increase the sleeping capacity of more people.
- Minimal inflation.
- Manual pumping system.
- Thin consistency.
2. Etekcity camping air mattress:
The Etekcity camping air mattress can be considered as one of the best camping mattresses for a relaxing camping trip. The sleeping mattress is made with comfortable flocking top and non-toxic material. You can enjoy the quality and sound sleep by using this best inflatable mattress. It has a unique inner construction which makes it more durable and can be used in any weather for better performance. Setting up of this sleeping mattress is quite easy. This mattress comes with a portable electric rechargeable pump which gives it a perfect consistency and desired firmness by pumping air. It also includes a carry bag for easy transportation. This air mattress has a complete airtight feature with no leaking and noise. The firmness of this mattress is adjustable according to your need and never sinks, no matter how many times you use it. It is also a good choice for hiking, traveling and overnight guest sleeping arrangement purpose.
Pros-
- Comfort and warmth.
- Convenient setup
- More than 1 person accommodation
- Easy to transport
- Rechargeable pumping system provided with a carry bag.
- No leaking or noise
- Can be used for multiple purposes
- Thick firmness
- Inflate and deflate
- Durable
Cons-
- Bulky
- Needs more space in the ground
- Expensive
- Needs maintenance for better performance.
Comparison Chart of Camping Sleeping Pads VS Camping Air mattress:
| Components | Freeland Camping Sleeping Pad | Etekcity Camping Air mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Expense | Less on Single | More |
| Inflating | Minimum | Maximum |
| Easy transport | Yes | Yes |
| Consistency | Thin | Thick |
| Convenient Setup | Yes | Yes |
| Leakage | No | No |
| Durable | Yes | More Durable |
| Multipurpose | Yes | Yes |
| Accommodation | 1 | More Than 1 |
| Pump Requirement | No | Yes |
| Latest Price |  | |
| Our Rating | 4.5 | 4.7 |
So, sleeping pads vs air mattress: which one is the best? The answer is we can say that air mattresses are the best for a camping trip. Air mattresses can keep you higher of the ground for its thick consistency and firmness. Air mattresses can be easily inflated and deflated according to your choice. It is easily portable to a distant place and setup is also convenient. The fabrics and proper maintenance can make it durable. The air mattresses can provide you comfort and warmness as it follows the curves of your body. It has the ability to provide you proper spine alignment and pressure reliefs to the joints. Air mattresses are less puncture prone rather than sleeping pads. The insulation and durability make air mattresses best than the sleeping pads.
But some people still choose sleeping pads because it can also provide enough comfort and easily portable.
So, for better relaxation, pleasure and having a sound sleep one should choose the perfect sleeping gear for his or her camping trip. Sleeping pads vs air mattress, which one is good matters only up to your comfort and choice.
