Our first impression when we rolled this out was that this is an old-school pad. It is simple, has a single valve, and is quite narrow. Its a classic self-inflating pad. You simply unroll it, open the valve, and let the internal foam draw in the air to get it 50% inflated. You then blow up the rest.. We found that it provided a decent barrier against the cold, offering an R-value of 5.0, which is enough insulation to keep you reasonably warm on chilly nights (earning a 6 out of 10 for warmth in our tests). While it certainly works as an entry-level sleep surface, it felt noticeably small and rigid when we compared it side by side with the massive, four- to six-inch-thick luxury mattresses in our testing lineup.
We love the price. At a list price of $70, the Coleman Silver Springs is one of the most affordable options we tested, making it highly accessible for first-time buyers.
We also really appreciate how easy it is to use. It scored a solid 8 out of 10 in our ease-of-use tests because it is remarkably fast to inflate. Packing it away in the morning is just as simple; it deflates quickly, and the included straps and stuff sack make stowing it a breeze. Finally, we like its packed size. Measuring just 20 by 7 inches when rolled up, it is a fraction of the size of the giant luxury mats we tested, leaving plenty of room in your car for coolers and camp chairs.
Our biggest issue with the Silver Springs is its lack of comfort. It earned a low 5 out of 10 in our comfort ratings, largely due to its dimensions. At only 20 inches wide, it provides a very narrow sleeping area. One of our testers noted, “I found it impossible to roll over in my sleep without falling completely off the pad.”
Furthermore, at just 3 inches thick, it lacks the generous cushioning required to hide rocks or uneven ground underneath your tent. We also dislike its overall lack of identity. Generally, narrow pads are designed to be ultra-lightweight for backpackers. But at nearly 4 pounds, this pad is too heavy for the trail, yet it skips out on the deluxe, sprawling width we expect when camping next to our vehicles.
Finally, it has a more slippery surface. That's not particularly cozy. It's great for keeping clean, but not as great for when your had a bare skin touches the pad.
You should buy this mattress if you are on a strict budget, your car has very limited cargo space, and you are a back-sleeper who doesn't mind a narrow pad. It is a highly functional, easy-to-use piece of gear for the occasional warm-weather camping trip. However, if you plan to camp more than a couple of nights a year and value a truly restful night of sleep, we highly recommend saving up for a thicker, wider option.
If you want soft coziness at a great price, we highly recommend looking at the HomeMate CertiPUR-US. For just $20 more than the Coleman, you get a 30-inch wide pad made of plush memory foam. It is massive when packed away, but it is incredibly comfortable and offers a squishy, bed-like feel that you simply can't pop or deflate.
If you are willing to invest a bit more for a massive upgrade in sleep quality, check out our Best Bang for the Buck winner, the REI Co-op Camp Dreamer XL. While it costs $199, it offers 4 inches of thickness and a sprawling 32-inch width. It performs like a mattress three times its price and delivers supreme, adjustable comfort that rivals your bed at home.| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $70 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A narrow pad that's just a little too heavy for backpacking and not quite comfy enough for camping |
| Pros | Fast to inflate, fast to deflate and stow, small packed size saves space in your vehicle, great price |
| Cons | Very narrow sleeping surface (only 20 inches wide), lacks the plush, bed-like comfort of thicker camping mattresses, too heavy for backpacking, despite its narrow dimensions |
| Rating Categories | Coleman Silver Springs |
| Comfort (40%) | |
| Ease of Use (20%) | |
| Warmth (20%) | |
| Versatility (10%) | |
| Packed Size (10%) | |
| Specifications | Coleman Silver Springs |
| Thickness | 3.0 in |
| Length | 72 in |
| Width | 20 in |
| Weight | 3.9 lb |
| R-Value | 5 |
| Packed Size | 20 in x 7 in |
| Type | Self inflating |
| Test Model | Standard |
| Bed Material | 75D polyester |
| Valves | One valve |
| Accessories | Stuff sack, straps |
