Eight of the best camping beds and mats

Self-inflating mat or a full airbed? It could be a question of circumstances as much as individual preference. Increasingly, too, there are products that seek to offer the best of both worlds. If nothing else, they definitely blur the line between a typical self-inflating mat (SIM) and a traditional airbed.

One thing both product types does offer, apart from the obvious in terms of extra support when you’re lying down, is a layer of insulation between you and the ground. That shouldn’t be over-estimated – it means any excessive overnight cold won’t get transferred to your body. But, the key thing is, you have a layer of padded comfort to see you through the night. Here are eight of the best camping beds in the shops just now.

MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE SINGLE FLOCKED AIRBED
Comfort needn’t cost. This is typical of the type of single airbed you can pick up at virtually any camping retailer…more often than not at a bargain price. It’s also available as a double. You’ll need to invest in a pump of some sort, too – manual or electric (Mountain Warehouse had a bellow pump reduced to £4.99 at the time of writing). This airbed goes up to 178cm x 72cm x 17cm – so, just be warned, it isn’t the longest.
Key features Velour finish, double valve
Price £12.99
www.mountainwarehouse.com

EASY CAMP HEXA
A combination of airbed and self-inflating mat – with its own built-in footpump as well as a stuff sack with drawcord string. The Hexa is made from polyester with a PVC coating. Inflated dimensions are 185cm x 45cm x 6cm deep, packing down to some 32cm x 12cm.  In Blue, Green or Orange, it weighs 800g.
Key features Built-in footpump, single valve, stuff bag
Price £18.50
www.easycamp.com

VANGO AIRHEAD
In single and double formats, Vango’s Airheads come complete with the luxury of a full, inflatable “headboard” – although you might want to check it doesn’t foul with the angle of your bedroom inner’s walls.  Price below is the for the Single, which has a maximum load of 120kg and dimensions of 212cm x 73cm x 55cm high (pack size is 30cm x 24.5cm x 8cm). The Double – 250kg maximum, same length, 137cm wide – comes in at around £45.
Key features Coil beam construction, flock upper, repair patches included
Price £27
www.vango.co.uk

COLEMAN EXTRA DURABLE DOUBLE
Coleman has gained a good name for itself in the airbed sector, thanks to better quality products like this – which even promises to be 47 per cent more puncture resistant, 25 per cent stronger and 42 per cent lighter than its other beds. The puncture resistance is down to a lamination of the brushed polyester fabric. Maximum weight for the Extra Durable Double is 295kg. Overall dimensions are 198cm x 137cm x 22cm, with some 40 coils making up the support system and Coleman’s proven Double Lock valve helping to keep the bed inflated for longer.
Key features Puncture Guard fabric system, Double Lock valve, supportive coil system, soft-touch polyester surface, 2.8kg weight, integrated carrybag
Price £79.99
www.coleman.eu

ROBENS RAPTUROUS
It might look like a self-inflating mat, but Robens classes this as an airbed. A particularly deep 12cm bodes well for overall comfort, as does the TPU-coated soft-touch Pongee Peach polyester fabric. There’s also a mix of internal coil loop stabilisers and PrimaLoft fill optimum extra comfort and insulation. Dimensions are 200cm x 65cm and 12cm deep. Weight is 1,120g. A compression sack gets it all down to 29cm x 15cm.  Also available as a double.
Key features Pongee polyester fabric, PrimaLoft insulation, internal coil construction, compression sack
Price £109.99
www.robens.de

OUTWELL DEEPSLEEP SINGLE 10.0 XL
This is a premium self-inflating mat with a generous 10cm depth as well as bigger-than-average other dimensions of 200cm x 75cm. There’s also that bit more comfort, thanks to an upper that has a micro-suede finish, as well as horizontal air channels (that also help reduce weight and pack size). But, it’s the all-new AFC (air flow control) valve that steals the show here. It features a locking control that optimises airflow both into and out of the mat, as required. Even in its closed position, you can add extra air, to suit. Weight is 3.70kg and pack size 78cm x 21cm. There’s also a double version, as well as 7.5cm deep alternatives of both.
Key features AFC valve, 190T 75D polyester, carrybag
Price £109.99
www.outwell.com

THERM-A-REST NEOAIR ALL SEASON SV
Few companies command as much respect in the self-inflating mat sector as Therm-A-Rest. Not just for its pioneering range of mats, but also related accessories. The NeoAir is just one of a number of signature products, but it was significantly updated for this season, with the introduction of the SpeedValve – for ultra quick inflation and deflation. Also, while overall length stayed the same, at 183cm, width was increased to 63cm. Depth is 6.3cm. Another key feature is ThermaCapture, a system of reflective layers and baffle construction that retains warmth and support respectively, also contributing to the NeoAir’s all-season performance. It packs down to 28cm x 12cm and weighs 820g.
Key features ThermaCapture technology, SpeedValve, 50D mini Hex Rip Polyester top fabric, 75D polyester base fabric, stuff sack, repair kit
Price £130
www.thermarest.com

SNUGPAK BASECAMP
Clever. This sleeping mat comes with its own built-in footpump, but is otherwise almost identical to the company’s Premium Air Mat. The two-way valve means air enters when you press down on the pump, but won’t escape when the pressure is released.
Key features Built-in footpump, two-way valve
Price £59.95
www.snugpak.com