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When you lie down on a great camping mattress, it should feel like an invitation to a great night's sleep. It should provide comfort, insulate you from the cold ground, and help you wake up warm and fully rested.
Our favorite camping mattress is the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D. This extra-comfy 4-inch-thick mattress kept us toasty warm and has a great valve system that makes inflating and deflating easy.
If you have space and prefer soft memory foam, the HomeMate CertiPUR-US is a steal and doesn't require inflation.
Over the last 15 years, our experts have purchased and tested nearly 50 of the market's best camping pads. For this update, we slept on 16 promising models for at least 10 nights each to find the ones that actually stay inflated and keep you warm.
The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D, like other self-inflating camping mats in this review, is comprised of four inches of luxurious foam comfort. This model matches the warmth and comfort of the plushest mattresses in the test. One tester said, “Sleeping on this mattress gave me the best sleep I've ever experienced outdoors.” Its dual-valve system is what nudged it into the top spot. It is incredibly easy to inflate by attaching the stuff sack to the inflation valve and using the sack as a pump. The deflation valve is huge, meaning that air dumps out of it faster, and we could quickly roll up the mattress and pack it away.
SPECIFICATIONS
Thickness
4.3 in
Length
80 in
Width
30 in
Weight
5.3 lb
R-Value
7
If there is a downside to the MondoKing, it is simply the large packed size. It is not the biggest on our test, but it is close. Still, if you camp with a significant other, you will need two. “I tried to fit another person on the mattress with me, and it was not comfortable,” said our tester. That takes up a lot of real estate in the back of the car and the gear closet. If you want a comfortable pad that packs down smaller, check out the NEMO Roamer. We tested the MondoKing's XXLarge version (30x80 inches) for extra-deluxe sprawling pleasure, though it's available in a smaller size (25x77 inches), meaning you might be able to fit two in your tent. This mattress is lighter than other mattresses of this type, but you aren't going to take it into the backcountry unless you have a packhorse. However, for camping adventures, this is our favorite.
If space is no object and you like a soft, squishy pad, the HomeMate CertiPUR-US offers dreamy comfort at a fantastic price. It takes up about as much space as an oil drum, but it is quick to roll out and has a plush, cozy surface, unlike many pads, which can feel like sleeping on a pool floaty. There is no pumping or worrying about a leak in the middle of the night. It is our go-to for sleeping in the back of the truck or extending our full-size Exped so we can sleep two adults and two small kids.
SPECIFICATIONS
Thickness
3.0 in
Length
75 in
Width
30 in
Weight
9 lb
R-Value
None
While no official R-value is listed, we estimate it falls in the 1–3 range, making this pad best suited for nights in the 40s and 50s rather than colder conditions. The pad is quite soft with no way to adjust firmness, so it may not be ideal if you prefer a firmer feel or are camping on uneven ground. The included stuff sack is spacious enough to fit a pillow and even a compressible down sleeping bag, though the sack itself is low quality, with straps and seams that quickly began to fail. The soft top surface also attracts debris, but the cover can be removed and washed. GearLab co-founder Chris McNamara noted, “Despite access to much fancier pads, I usually reach for this one because it's so quick and easy to roll out and I love the squishy memory foam—though it does take up a lot of space.”
Rolling up and storing the HomeMate CertiPUR-US takes less than a minute. Credit: Chris McNamara
The NEMO Roamer Double is the most comfortable double camping mattress we have slept on. It features an exceptionally soft and refined top surface that feels plush and high-quality, avoiding the cheap plastic feel of many inflatables. The 4-inch padding provides excellent cushioning against rocks and uneven ground while remaining relatively lightweight and less bulky than competitors like the Exped MegaMat Duo. Deflation and packing are quick and easy thanks to the three-valve system. It's also highly versatile, working well as a guest bed, play mat, or cozy surface for movie nights. Overall, it delivers a premium camping experience with strong real-world usability.
SPECIFICATIONS
Thickness
4.0 in
Length
79 in
Width
54 in
Weight
8.9 lb
R-Value
6
While comfortable, the Roamer Double has some drawbacks. Its softer construction makes it more likely to disturb a sleeping partner when shifting positions. Firmness adjustments are less precise than some competitors, requiring larger increments of air release. The pad can also bow slightly when fully inflated, though it flattens under body weight. Self-inflation is average and often requires assistance from a pump or an inflation bag. Valve operation requires some technique, and the duffel-style storage sack is harder to pack neatly than open-ended designs. It's also not the warmest option for cold weather and can feel loud compared to traditional mattresses when moving around.
We tested the Roamer in the Eastern Sierra over six different camping trips and counting. Credit: Chris McNamara
The Roamer includes simple instructions and illustrations for using the three-valve system imprinted on the side. Credit: Chris McNamara
Although this pad is easy to deflate, we found it helpful to complete the process with a handheld electric pump. Credit: Chris McNamara
The Roamer takes up a good chunk of a six person camping tent. But it's totally worth it! Credit: Chris McNamara
At 52 inches wide, the Roamer is a standard width for a double sleeping pad. It is wide enough for two people, but not so wide that it occupies all the space in your tent. Credit: Austin Palmer
The Lost Horizon Full stands out as an excellent value in the double camping mattress category. At roughly half the price of premium options, it delivers impressive comfort with a really supportive 4 inches of padding and easy firmness adjustment. Testers noted that it effectively isolates sleepers from the ground while remaining quiet enough for shared use. One of its biggest advantages is the included electric pump and stuff sack, features often missing from more expensive pads. As one reviewer put it, “We were expecting this budget pad to come with less, but it actually came with more!” The forgiving storage bag also makes packing easier, even after a messy roll.
SPECIFICATIONS
Thickness
3.9 in
Length
80.5 in
Width
52.5 in
Weight
15.9 lb
R-Value
8
On the downside, the Lost Horizon struggles with packability and refinement. It rolls up substantially larger than some competitors, making it less ideal for those with limited space. One tester notes, “I had to stay focused while rolling and compressing the pad, or air would get trapped and make the roll too bulky.” Self-inflation is weak, requiring the pump for proper setup, and the pad is heavier than many competitors. Warmth is decent for three-season use but falls short of premium models, and the claimed R-value of 13 was met with serious skepticism (we think it is in the 6-8 range). All that said, for the price, this double pad is hard to beat.
Rigid enough to cover gaps if the car has captain chairs
Easy inflation, deflation, and storage
CONS
Expensive
Bulky
If you want the best night's sleep possible in your car, get the Exped MegaMat Auto. Like its MegaMat siblings mentioned above, it offers uncompromising comfort. We tested it in a Kia Telluride with captain chairs, which created ten-inch gaps that this pad had to span. “I anticipated having to fill those gaps with bags and clothes to support the MegaMat Auto, but was pleasantly surprised to find it thick and rigid enough that I didn't notice the gaps,” said our lead tester. When we put two single pads in our car, these gaps became a nagging issue. In addition to the most comfortable night's sleep we have had in a car, we were impressed with how easy and fast the mat is to inflate and deflate. Two valves get the air out in less than a minute. As long as you use the included velcro strap before putting it in the stuff sack, it is very easy to store.
SPECIFICATIONS
Thickness
4.0 in
Length
76 in
Width
52/36 in
Weight
8.5 lb
R-Value
8.1
Other than being super expensive, the MegaMat Auto is bulky. “While I love how fast it is to store, it's still very big when in its stuff sack,” our tester wrote. It's worth it, in our opinion, but you have to budget storage space accordingly. While the included pump works fine, we were still happy to have the Dr.meter Air Pump. It can be hard to get the included pump into a good flat spot in the back of your car. The Dr.meter pump solves that issue. Those minor gripes aside, we can't imagine a better mat for your car. The downside to the car shape is that it is not quite as useful when not used in your car as the Exped MegaMat Duo.
Here are some shots from our testing of the Exped MegaMat Auto. Credit: Chris McNamara
Product Comparison Table
We measure every mattress to make sure the manufacturer claims are correct. They often vary a little bit. Credit: Austin Palmer
How We Tested
We have taken each model on numerous camping trips and spent thousands of nights sleeping on pads over the last 15 years. They were used in our houses when we had side-by-side guests, packed into our luggage for flights across the country, and lent out to friends and family for their use and feedback. Finally, we lined them all up side by side and measured inflation and deflation times, lying on them one after another to solidify our impressions from camping into a consensus. Throughout the testing process, we paid attention to factors such as insulation value, pack size, ease of use, and, most crucially, comfort.
Why Trust GearLab
GearLab co-founder Chris McNamara leads this review and has spent nearly 15 years testing and writing about camping pads. He spends numerous weeks a year camping in the back of his truck and takes camping mattresses on the ultimate test: camping with his wife and his 3- and 6-year-old children. This review is also brought to you by Laurel Hunter and Matt Bento. Laurel lives in Central Oregon and is a camping aficionado. She, her husband, and two pups have crisscrossed the American West (and Canadian West) multiple times in their pickup, finding mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking, and camping adventures. As a member of Yosemite Search and Rescue and a traveling rock climber, Matt Bento has spent many nights on air mattresses and understands their finer points, as well as the value of a good night's sleep. Together, they make the dream team behind this comprehensive assessment.
Part of our extensive mattress testing is leaving 100s of pounds of books on the mattress overnight to test for leaks. Credit: Chris McNamara
Testing a camping pad by a 2-year-old. Credit: Chris McNamara
Taking pads out into the desert to test durability. Credit: Chris McNamara
Analysis and Test Results
Camping mattresses are generally several steps higher on the comfort scale than the typical sleeping pad. The preferred sleeping pads for backpacking are lightweight and pack down into very small bundles, providing just enough padding to help you sleep. The mattresses in this review are designed for maximum comfort. If you are only carrying it from the car to the tent, why settle for a thin mattress? Nothing beats a good night's sleep except a good night's sleep outdoors. Many of these options are the pinnacle of inflatable luxury that will have you looking forward to bedtime as much as you do your daytime adventuring.
If you value great sleep, then this level of comfort is worth its weight in gold. These are essential pieces of equipment for committed campers, reluctant campers, or anyone who appreciates that better recovery comes from a comfortable night's sleep. Unexpected guests? Many of these mattresses will allow them to sleep as well on your floor as they do in their bed.
We tested the XL versions of the leading manufacturers' high-end mattresses because if we're looking for luxury, why would we choose anything less than maximum real estate? Most of them were enormous. The typical dimensions are around 77 inches long by 30 inches wide for a single mattress (6.5 feet by 2.5 feet). With so much surface area, however, you will want to consider your tent's size before making a purchase. Many one-person tents are too small to accommodate a mat of this style, and smaller two-person tents may not fit both a mat and a person.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Most pads in this review are expensive. Luckily, we have some great-value options, starting with the Lost Horizon Air & Foam Single. This pad combines solid performance with a price that's less than half the competition's. The double version, the Lost Horizon Air & Foam Full, is our best value pick for a double pad. While the premium ones generally score better, saving a couple hundred dollars will be totally worth it for many people.
But if that is still a little rich, check out the HomeMate CertiPUR-US. It is super bulky and too soft and squishy for some of our testers, but many others found it among the most comfortable pads in the review. And the price is nearly unbeatable.
What about all the inflatable pads under $100? We find they just are not that comfortable or durable. Pads like the Coleman Silver Springs cost $50, but they are narrow, thin, and just not nearly as comfortable as a pad with 3-5 inches of padding.
Comfort
We used these pads in tents and in the backs of trucks and vans, and loaned them to our fellow campers.
One person who was ready to give up on camping altogether changed his mind after a deep night's sleep on the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing. We also had house guests sleep on them on the living room floor, and we lined all the models up side by side and spent an afternoon rolling from pad to pad, carefully comparing the merits and flaws of each to make sure we got the ratings right.
Comfort is subjective; some people like a very firm sleeping surface, while others want a fluffy down pillow top to rest on. With this in mind, we evaluated whether each mattress could be adjusted from very firm to a more cushioned feel. We also looked at how easy it is to make adjustments and whether they impacted other aspects of mattress performance. Some self-inflating foam mattresses remain comfortable even when minimally inflated. We also considered whether each mattress was comfortable for sleeping in different positions, such as back, stomach, and side.
Another aspect of comfort we considered was whether these models held air or deflated overnight. Did it cause us to feel the ground below if they lost air? Some of the thicker mats, like the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI, seemed to lose some air overnight, but we chalk that up to temperature differences between the evening and the morning.
Plush foam mattresses, like the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe, turn your truck into a comfortable night out. Credit: Laurel Hunter
The Exped MegaMat, Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D, Lost Horizon Air & Foam Single, NEMO Roamer, and Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI all have about four inches of self-inflating foam and a similar soft polyester topper. The HEST Foamy is just shy of four inches and is constructed of memory foam, requiring no additional inflation or time to be ready to use. All of these earned high marks for comfort. If you like the most foam possible to protect from the ground below, the Exped MegaMat Max features an eye-popping six inches of air-channeled foam. None of these models felt sticky, even on warmer nights. The Exped MegaMat Duo, which is the same mat as the MegaMat but almost twice as wide, is also notable for its high level of comfort. We put all of these in a special “supreme comfort” category that will rival your bed at home.
Spacious and designed for comfort, the MondoKing is a winner for us. Credit: Laurel Hunter
If you are ok with soft memory foam, it is hard to beat the plush comfort of the HomeMate CertiPUR-US. The outer material is also about as cozy as it gets: most other pads in this review have a more plastic-like texture. Finally, there is no chance the pad will deflate unexpectedly in the middle of the night.
The HomeMate set up in the back of a truck and surrounded by all our camp supplies. Credit: Chris McNamara
Ease of Use
Who wants to wrestle with deflating and packing up a large mattress when all you want to do is get out of camp and have fun? Likewise, nobody wants to spend an hour blowing up a large mattress with their lungs. Our ease-of-use ratings reflect how easy a mattress is to set up, inflate, deflate, and stow away. This might not be essential if you're only using your mat occasionally. But for frequent campers, a mat that's awkward to roll up and difficult to fit in its storage sleeve can be a significant headache.
Why Doesn't a Self-inflating Mattress Self-Inflate?
The term “self-inflating” is somewhat misleading. Most self-inflating pads contain open-cell foam that slowly expands after unrolling and draws air inside, but this process never fully inflates the pad on its own. Typically, the foam only gets the pad to about 50–80% inflation, and you'll still need to finish the job with a pump, an inflation sack, or your breath. The process can also take up to ten minutes. For this reason, it's best to unroll your pad as soon as you reach camp so the foam has time to expand. In some cases, propping the valve open with a utensil handle or stick can help speed things up. Two notable exceptions are the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI and the NEMO Roamer, both of which self-inflate significantly faster—in under five minutes.
It was quickly apparent which mattresses were a breeze to inflate and deflate, and which others we literally (at times) spent ten minutes or more wrestling with. The Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI inflated faster than many mats. Our testers could stand and watch it take shape before their eyes, and it only requires five or so breaths if you like a firm mattress. Packing it away wasn't as streamlined. Similarly, the NEMO Roamer is a fast self-inflator, and the inflation sack is quick and easy to get the mat ready for sleep.
The included pump sack moves a lot of air fast, making inflation of the Roamer super quick. Credit: Laurel Hunter
On the opposite end of the spectrum are the Exped MegaMat models. We had to wait more than ten minutes for the self-inflating feature to do its job. The included manual mini-pump also takes a bit longer to fully inflate these massive pads. That said, if you have a battery-powered pump like the Dr.meter Air Pump, just about any pad in this review can be inflated or deflated in less than a minute.
The Exped hand pump is not the fastest, but it only takes a few minutes after letting the pad self-inflate. Credit: Chris McNamara
We were quite impressed with the Therm-a-Rest dual-valve inflation system on both the MondoKing 3D, which employs the stuff sack as an easy-to-use inflation pump. The NEMO Quasar uses a bottle-neck-shaped inflation sack for very efficient, rapid inflation.
Dual one-way valves, as seen here on the MondoKing, mean each one does one job and does it well. Inflation-only means you can take your time between pumps without losing air. Large deflation valves dump air quickly for ease in packing. Credit: Laurel Hunter
Any of these pads can be inflated with a battery-operated pump, as well. In general, mattresses with dual valves are easier to use, as a dedicated deflation valve makes packing up in the morning much quicker. Thicker foam mattresses are often harder to roll up, so they are small enough to fit in their stuff sacks. The Exped MegaMat features a Sidewinder stuff sack that opens on the side rather than the top, making storage easy while accommodating a slightly inflated mattress.
The stuff sack for the MegaMat is easy to use. Credit: Laurel Hunter
The HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad is one model in our test that doesn't require any inflation device. Two flat buckles and a fabric harness keep it rolled for storage. Open the buckles, and the mattress is ready to go, making it the easiest to set up. While we love this feature, especially when we rolled into camp in the dark, the flip side is that the mattress was one of the hardest to roll up and store.
Rolling the HEST Foamy takes all your body weight and good concentration. Credit: Laurel Hunter
Similar to the HEST, the HomeMate unrolls and sets up in seconds. While the storage bag is not durable, it is spacious and makes packing this behemoth fast.
The included bag with the HomeMate is big enough to fit a standard pillow and even a lightweight down sleeping bag. Credit: Chris McNamara
Warmth
You might assume that a warm sleeping bag will provide all the warmth you need for a night outside. But what about underneath you, where your body weight crushes out the heat-trapping loft needed to keep you snuggly warm? The thermal properties of your sleeping pad play a significant role in how warm or cold you will be when you sleep outside—not convinced? Try sleeping outside with eight inches of uninsulated 40-degree air under your body and see how it feels. For this review, we did, and it was cold.
To rate warmth, we started with our anecdotal experiences, such as the one described above. But we all sleep comfortably at different temperatures, not to mention the differences in sleeping bags, so we relied on the manufacturers' stated R-values. With R-value, the larger the number, the greater the material's ability to insulate against both heat and cold. The warmest and most insulated car camping mattresses are the HEST Foamy and the Exped models.
The coldest nights out were on air mattresses. Insulated air mattresses have a broader range of comfort, though, especially the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, NEMO Quasar, and Klymit Insulated Double V. However, foam-core mattresses insulate much better than air-filled mats that maintain their shape. One thing to keep in mind is that unless you're camping in sub-freezing temperatures, a mat with an R-value of 9 won't feel much different from a mat with an R-value of 6, but the warmer pad will have a larger packed size and may be more expensive.
While our testers loved lounging on the air mattress for a midday nap, it's not ideal for sleeping outdoors in chilly weather because it doesn't provide sufficient insulation. Credit: Laurel Hunter
The truth is, we didn't realize how essential the insulating properties of our sleeping pad were until we camped out for a weekend in the mountains in near-freezing temperatures. The first night we slept on uninsulated inflatable air beds, and despite being cocooned in 800-fill goose-down sleeping bags, we were awake and cold all night long. The next night, we changed mattresses, choosing those with an R-value of 6, and it made all the difference. We slept well and felt incredibly cozy. That is the difference that insulation can make.
The tester dog loves the MegaMat 10, too. Credit: Laurel Hunter
Versatility
The most versatile mattresses are the ones that best answer this question: Can I use this pad right now, no matter the activity or season? The light, packable, and comfortable NEMO Quasar is a breeze to inflate. It can even be tucked into an airplane carry-on bag, making it an excellent option for traveling, backpacking, or camping. With an R-value of 3.7, it will provide ample insulation for most three-season camping. The NEMO Quasar is similarly useful, and while it is a bit smaller to sleep on, it packs up even smaller.
The opposite end of the spectrum looks like: heavy, bulky, difficult to use, cold to sleep on, etc. These are the only things that mean yworkso carefully consider the weather and other conditions before packing up your car camping mattress. The reality is that most of us only have one mattress that works most of the time. Compared to all the others we tested, the least versatile car-camping mattresses are air beds, in part because they rely on battery-powered, mechanical, or electrical inflation systems. Should the system fail (or if you want to bother your neighbors with the sound of a motor), it would be quite a feat to have to inflate one of these babies using only your lungs. That said, these larger pads often double as an extra mattress at home when guests visit.
Some mattresses have a smaller amount of foam, therefore packing up smaller, while still providing ample comfort. Here we are enjoying a nice afternoon on the Therm-a-Rest Luxury Map. Credit: Laurel Hunter
Packed Size
Even in your car, there is limited room for lugging all the camping gear around, especially if you have a family. None of these mats comes close to the compactness of a backpacking sleeping pad, with the possible exception of the NEMO Quasar, which is impressively small. Packed size is still a consideration when selecting a camping mattress.
We looked at all the models in their stuff sacks side by side and rated them based on size: largest (lowest score) and smallest (highest score). The emerging pattern is clear — the thicker, more comfortable foam core mats have a larger packed size, while the less comfortable air mats can stow away in smaller spaces. However, the NEMO Roamer has a neat trick: it packs to half its height without doubling its width, making it much more maneuverable.
The Roamer packs up to a fairly small bundle, especially for the amount of warmth and comfort that you get. Credit: Laurel Hunter
The NeoAir is so tiny! This is also one of the best air mattresses we have slept on. Credit: Laurel Hunter
The packed size of the Quasar is impressively small. Credit: Laurel Hunter
The most packable models are the Klymit Insulated Double V, which can sleep two, and the NEMO Quasar. None of these mats are the most comfortable in our review, but they pack down small enough to fit in your luggage and won't take up too much space in the SUV if you need mattresses for the whole family. The Exped MegaMat models feature a side-opening carrying bag, which is great for sloppy packing and holds extra bedding. They are super bulky, but we generally feel the bulk is worth it, especially because they are so fast to pack.
The MegaMat Auto (left) is massive relative to the Coleman Silver Spring (right). Credit: Chris McNamara
With plenty of room for two, the Klymit Double V features v-shaped chambers that increase thermal efficiency as well as making sure you don't feel it when your partner rolls around. Credit: Matt Bento
Other Camping Pads to Consider
Hest Dually - If you are ok with high prices and big volume, this pad provides a whole lot of comfort. There is no easy way to store it compactly, but maybe that doesn't matter. And the setup could not be faster. Keep it in your closet for when guests arrive; setting it up takes less than a minute. You don't have to worry about losing any air, and most testers felt the dual layers of foam hit the sweet spot of firmness and dreamy squish.
ALPS Mountaineering Outback - This is one of our higher-scoring pads from past reviews that delivers solid value: it is not cheap but also still half the cost of the pads that score higher. It is not light or compact, but if you have the room, it delivers a whole lot of comfortable snoozing surface. You might even be able to get two people, willing to be cozy, on this.
Alps Mountaineering Outback is about as close to bringing your bed with you as it gets. Credit: Matt Bento
Jack's Plastic Welding Paco Grande - This has been a favorite pad of rafters for generations for good reason: it is durable, waterproof, and comfy. That said, it is massive. No other pad we tested is even close to its 13-pound weight and massive volume. You need a lot of room in your car or truck to take this camping. And it is incredibly expensive. That said, once purchased, it will likely last a lifetime and can double as a tumbling mat at your campsite for small kids.
The Paco Grande with the Marmot Plasma. Hilleberg Nallo 2 and Nammatj 3 GT in rear. Credit: Max Neale
Conclusion
Once you know whether you prefer a single or double mattress, ask yourself how many nights you will be camping each year. Similar to a mattress for your bed at home, some of the camping mats we reviewed can be pricey. But remember, if you are playing hard outdoors, you will want to recover well with a great night's sleep. A comfortable mattress will help you sleep as well on the road as you do at home. We hope this review has helped you narrow down your selection and choose what is best for you.
