Steps
- Determine your activity: Car Camping, Drive-up Site Camping, Backyard Camping, Short Backpacking, Ultra-light Backpacking, Long Distance Backpacking (ex: Appalachian Trail), etc.
- Determine your strongest needs: Comfort, Weight, Size, Durability, etc.
- Air is the simplest and often cheapest choice. Choose air mattress if: You do not mind bulk, weight, size. If you do not plan to winter camp. Good choice for backyard, car, and drive-up camping.
- Foam is the lightest and often another inexpensive choice. Choose foam if weight is your main concern. Do not choose if you would like a small packing size. Foam is often rigid and packs large. Sometimes it is not as comfortable. You do not have to worry about puncturing this product.
- Self inflating is a combination of air and foam, and combines their benefits. It is often a few ounces heavier than foam. Choose if packing size and comfort are your main criterion. This product can puncture, but field repairs are relatively simple.
- Make your selection and run your product through the test of time.
Tips
- Comparatively speaking on many camping products, mattresses are relatively inexpensive. Many users will live and die by their favorites. Get one or two and try them out for yourself. Your sleeping experience will dramatically influence your overall camping experience.
- A camping mattress is not necessary only for comfort. It also reduces heat loss due to direct contact with the ground. This will make your sleeping experience noticeably more pleasant.