Camping Mattress

A camping mattress is often referred to as a sleeping pad or camping mat and is generally used in conjunction with a sleeping bag. They are, in their simplest form, a basic foam rubber sheet that can be rolled or folded for easy storage and transportation. They provide a touch of comfort and padding when camping but perhaps more importantly they provide a layer of insulation between the user and the ground, which in bad weather can become quite cold. This type of camping mattress is very popular because they are lightweight and durable; plus very little can go wrong with a foam camping mattress as it doesn't suffer from punctures or have moving parts that can develop faults.

Inflatable camping mattresses are available; these are usually heavier and more expensive than foam camping mattresses but provide greater comfort and padding. They are similar in design to regular air mattresses but tend to have a waterproof outer layer and be made from more robust, puncture resistant material; self-inflating versions are also on the market. Inflatable camping mattresses can be packed away in less space than foam camping mats but are yet to match their durability.

Air mattresses are great for summer use but the air inside does not provide good insulation against cold ground. To deal with this many hybrid camping mattresses are beginning to appear on the market and feature fillings such as goose down and polyester fibre.