Best air mattress for backpacking in 2023: Review and Buying Guide

Are you planning to travel? Do you feel hesitant in choosing the best air mattress for backpacking? 

You don’t need to be in confusion as we are presenting you with the best Budget air mattress for backpacking in 2023. 

Besides, different persons require different mattresses focusing on some specific criteria. 

Let’s find out the top-notch one best suited for you.

Best Backpacking air mattress reviews

Here comes the review of the best backpacking air mattress through which you can get a clear idea regarding the fact of which one suits you and consider which measures you can go for it.

Our Top Picks

1. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad – Best overall air mattress

2. INVOKER Camping Sleeping pad– Best lightweight air mattress

3. WOLF WALKER – Best Self-inflating air mattress for backpacking

4. HiHiker Camping Sleeping Pad – Best Budget air mattress for backpacking 

Best lightweight air mattress for backpacking

1. Sleeping Camping Pad

If package weight, price, and size are at the top of the charts on your important mattress attribute list, the Sleepingo mattress is worthy for you to check. This air mattress is unusually light and compact for something that costs less than ordering dinner for two.

Undoubtedly, the Sleepingo is more comfortable than the closed-cell mattress options which are lacking compared to most air mattresses. The slim profile feature of this mattress allows the tourists to touch the ground and their hips are a bit sorer than they would like while waking up in the morning. 

An air cushion weighing less than a pound is an impressive staple in this aspect. It weighs  14.6 ounces and is very small in size, about the shape of a typical coffee cup. You will never have a problem packing this mat whether you will be biking, hiking, or heading out to town for a night. While there are some drawbacks to this pillow, the weight and size of the packaging are not one of them. 

At the time of exposure to light, there appears to be only 20D nylon, which includes closed air cells. Amazon’s description lists the R-value at 2.1 although there is no such evidence that this mat has passed the ASTM standardized testing process. The reality of  Sleepingo is that it is a perfectly adequate summer rug.

In addition, the honeycomb-like design, combined with a relatively thin two-inch bridge, allows the Sleepingo to inflate as quickly as possible. It takes a minute or more to fill up well. The internal rubber seal that captures the progress of inflation is very simplistic. 

Technical specifications

• Brand: Sleepingo
• Weight: 14.5 oz
• Thickness: 2″
• Materials: 20D nylon, resistant to Ripstop tear
• Package size : 75″ x 23″ 
• Water resistance: Waterproof

2. Invoker Sleeping Mattress

According to the instructions of the Invoker manufacturers, they have ensured the use of the most superior generation of self-inflation, the ultra-fast inflation in 25 seconds, which is a very large empirical estimate that could be 3640 seconds. a little more air manually if you choose a less aggressive sleeping mat when camping.

However, the INVOKER camping mattress is made of high-quality fabric and the camping mat is made of 40D nylon foam inside and out, which is covered with TPU  plastic to protect and improve long-term performance.

Here, too, the fabric is waterproof, tear-resistant, and defies changing weather conditions. Based primarily on test results, 9.5 is the RPM, making this a perfect three or four-season insulation pad for the outdoor lifestyle.

In the main sleeping area, you will find approx. 1.5 inches of exclusive soft foam and 3.15 inches in the pillow area. The camping mat is thick enough to feel the hard dirt floor. Aristocracy for most campers. Every other cool feature is the convenient 77.2 “x 27.6” width and length. 

The pillow placement is excellent and delicate to the touch, but the pillow is more comfortable to carry. Overall, the INVOKER is comfortable, suitable, and practically light for a self-inflating pillow.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: Invoker
• Dimensions : 78 x 30 x 2 inches
• Materials: nylon
• Water resistance: Waterproof 
• Weight limitations: 350 pounds.

3. Therm-a-Rest Prolite Apex Sleeping Air Mattress

The Prolite Apex is an ultra-light sleeping pad that combines air channels with a self-inflating foam skeleton to create a warm, packable, and comfy dozing pad and is constructed around Thermarest’s Strata Core era. 

This generation takes a foam middle and sandwiches it among layers of air channels, one on the top and one on the bottom. The foam middle provides a warm temperature and permits it to self-inflate, whilst the air channels offer loft and extra cushioning.

Moreover, The sleeping pad is constructed from printed 50D polyester, has an R-evaluation of 3.5 and the regular length (tested here) weighs 1 lb. 6 oz. It packs as much as approximately 13″ x 7″ and retails for approximately $120 depending on the sizing.

The R-cost of 3.8 (a measure of how nicely a material insulates) promises a heat enjoyment down to about 15 stages F, and that it supplies. It’s surely a heating pad that presents as an alternative first-rate after skin warmth, although the fact that Thermarest’s very own Prolite appears to feel a bit warmer, probably because of the small separation of the frame and the froth middle due to the air channels.

The build fine on this pad is likewise exquisite. The 50D Polyester has held up super so far and feels fairly rugged within the hand. I’ve experienced no leaks or sluggish seeping of air even after having it inflated for months on end for checking out. 

The seams are essentially ideal and the fabric is extraordinarily constant, which speaks well for long-term viability. Even the valve is sturdy with a strong feel and rugged seal baked in around it.

Technical specifications

• Sleeping Pad Type: Insulated 
• R-value: 3.8
• Packet size : 13″ x 7″
• Pad thickness: 2 inches
• Dimensions : 72 x 20 x 2
• Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz.

The best self-inflating air mattress for backpacking

4. WOLF WALKER Self-Inflatable Sleeping Pad

The covered pump bag will assist fully in inflating this twin tent bed inside some bags and the dual-stage faucet allows for quick inflation and deflation. In addition, it also includes a bag for regular transport. The durable material uses a tear-resistant 40D nylon fabric surface with a waterproof coating.

In addition, the TPU layer under the fabric effectively prevents air leakage. Convenient recovery patch covered in the event of an accident. Inflation occurs faster with a pair of electric air pumps.

Besides, the optimal providence for every sleeping placement with a thickness of 2.16 inches and a double width of 47.3 inches, the Wolf Walker double sleeping pad provides adequate comfort and intensive help, regardless of whether you sleep on your back, side or face down. In general, it is very much suitable for backpackers, trekking, and tents. The magnitudes of the products are usually 79 x 47 x 2.6 inches.

Technical specifications

• Brand: WOLF WALKER
• Size: Dark blue
• Materials: Nylon
• Water Resistance: Waterproof
• Dimensions : 81.8″L x 53.5″W x 4.7″T
• Thickness: 4 inches
• Weight : 1.5 kg

5. WELLAX Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad

WELLAX consolation plus snoozing pad serves you the most suitable comfort and lets your body warm for a great night’s relaxation. Dozens of flexible air cells lift your weight primarily just like a pocket spring mattress.

Indeed, through the use of this camping mat, you cannot restrain yourself. There prevails no more discomfort at all for you as there is the included Wellax trip-resistant air mattress. The Wellax Ultralight Sleep Mat features a unified layer of air cells with a view to giving you the lightest (only 14.5 oz) and thinnest (10 x 3.5) bulk mattress without compromising on comfort. 

The lighter your backpack is, the more comfortable your hikes can be. The inflated height of this carp is 78 “x 24” x 2.5 “, which is very ideal for any external conduct such as the backpack, visit or design creation tending, and excellent stability between weights.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Wellax
• Dimensions: 78 x 24 x 2.5″
• Water resistance: Waterproof 
• Weight : 0.65 pound
• Width: 2″

Best backpacking air mattress for side sleepers

6. Camping Sleeping Pad, MEETPEAK Inflatable Sleeping Mat 

You don’t always require a full camp pad to travel, sometimes you just feel the necessity of a lightweight, reliable sleeping pad.

So, if you’re in search of light and only need a night or two of sleep, the Meet peak Camping Mat would be a great option for that. You won’t have to invest a lot of money to get a top-quality mattress, and it wouldn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on something you use occasionally.

The Meet peak camping mat is an inflatable nylon mat, which makes it extraordinarily waterproof. The camp bed is equipped with a foot pressure inflation system, so you only need to walk on it to inflate it. This means you won’t take your breath away at the top of the mountain and feel dizzy when trying to inflate a bed. It took about 30 to 40 seconds of walking to fully inflate the bed.

Being made of nylon, it is also a bit sturdy and waterproof. The nylon is super thick and non-toxic, and the pillow features a thermoformed cap and TPU coating. This makes the Meet peak camping groundsheet a handy companion in difficult conditions. One of the main reasons why we recommend the Meet peak Camping Mattress is its lightweight attribute, it weighs just 1.76 lbs and comes with a carrying case making it easy to carry.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Meet Peak
• Weight: 1.75 pounds 
• Dimensions: 8.75 x 6.5  x 4
• Width: 2.5″
• Materials: Nylon

Best Budget air mattress for backpacking

7. HiHiker Camping Sleeping Pad

Napping on the Hi hiking Backpacking Camping Mat is one of the most comfortable feedbacks you can ever get.

This 75 “x23” outdoor hiking mattress can easily accommodate an adult, confined in structure and form, and handle them relaxingly and temperate, even when sleeping soundly on any sort of damp grass and bumpy.

This transmissible nap mat is inflatable and has the ability to fold into a bottle shape so you can preserve it in your backpack and carry it inside while traveling or hiking.

The backpacking camping gear set also includes a comfortable air cushion designed to support your neck and head while saving effort while keeping you comfortable.

The inflatable pillow combined with the cushion might also be consumed as a lumbar aid and keep the spine straight while you have to sit and travel for hours.

Just like the long-lasting waterproof camping pillow, the travel pillow is easily compressible, ultralight, and does not consume too much surface.

Also, many naps and inflatable pillows lose air due to stress, so you have to blow them up, again and again, every few hours.

Hi, Hiker Air Mattress and Air Pillow never deflate, even if you lie down for hours after hours, the airtight valve seal keeps airtight until opened.

You shouldn’t hesitate to buy your favorite mattress because Hi hiker has sponsored the best set of air mattresses and pillows with an unconditional lifetime warranty.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Hi hiker
• Weight: 0.43 gram
• Water resistance: Waterproof 
• Materials: Nylon

 

8. Ultralight 17oz Camping Sleeping pad

The 3.2” horizontal insulating air chambers will correctly distribute your weight at the dozing pad even as preventing the ground from sucking the heat out of your frame, which makes the Apollo air a tenting pad appropriate for all seasons.

The Ultralight 17oz Camping Mat comes with a pump bag which takes 5 minutes to complete the process. This process follows the following sequence: “Inflate> Modify> Seal> Deflate”, hence the name it gets I> A> S> D. The 4-step anti-leak valve simply registers vertically. Then it folds into three folds after deflating. After that, it rolls to the valve path and it will have a crisp shape in its carry bag. The pumping bag can also be used as a dry bag, for the field bath, or for water storage.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Gear Doctors
• Dimensions: 72*23*3.2 inches
• Weight: 1.06 pounds
• Material: Nylon
• Water-Resistant 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST AIR MATTRESS FOR BACKPACKING

Here’s a diagram of how we have selected our picks from the beginning. The considering factors should cover everything you should be trying to find.

Size 

The primary figure to consider before purchasing and discussing the sleeping cushion is its size. Of course, it all depends on the measure of your tent. If you’ve got a large, comfortable tent, you can go ahead and get yourself an open discussion mattress. For illustration, in case you have got a tent for 8 individuals, you’ll possess it with 12 twofold mattresses and still have room interior. 

However, if your tent cannot accommodate more than two individuals, at that point a twofold discussion sleeping cushion can do the work. In expansion, you should pay consideration to the estimate of the discussed sleeping cushion when it is collapsed. In fact, you’ll have to carry it in a rucksack in the event that you like hiking before settling within the camp.

Further, its measure ought to be sufficient that you just can fit it through the window ornament entryway. Another thing you must think about is its capacity. You have to continuously explore for a sleeping pad that does have a great capacity.

Material

Material is a very important aspect of buying an air mattress for comfort. As air mattresses are used in taking the weight of our bodies, so considering the material of the mattress is a must. In Particular, the pads made from nylon and foam are regarded as comfortable ones for traveling.

Air Mattress Foam

One of the most significant aspects to consider at the time of buying an air mattress is foam. Household air mattresses typically have  2 to 8 inches of high-density foam layered over the air chambers. Foam layers are perhaps the key factor that separates a good quality air mattress from an economical air mattress. The superior the standard of the materials used, the more reliable the sleeping bed will be.

Pump mattress

It is useful to select an air mattress from a manufacturer that produces pump beds. Some inflatable air mattresses also have a built-in air pump. There are several kinds of pumps which you can purchase, such as foot, hand, and electric pumps. Easy access is also good if you need to replace or have it repaired. 

The warranty of the pump should be at least 3 years. Even with regular use, air mattress pumps have a long life and will work well. Periodically check the bed pumping unit and make sure the suction areas are kept clean. 

Brand  

If you don’t have any problem regarding the price, then you are free to make your choice as the pricey ones will always give you the best service. So, for a better output, go for the expensive one which you can both use as your temporary as well as a permanent mattress.

What’s Most Important to You in a Sleeping Pad?

An easily overlooked characteristic of a sleeping mat is its insulation. The air in an inflatable mat or the deep foam in a closed-cell sleeping mat heats up with your physique heat and isolates you from the coldness of the floor. 

Some sleeping mats also have a heat reflective substance inside their construction that manipulates heat from your body to you instead of transmitting it to the floor. 

The temperature specifications for sleeping bags are manufactured under the anticipation that you are making use of a sleeping mat, which underlines its significance. 

Why should you buy an air mattress for backpacking?

Self-inflating mattresses provide a compound of air and open-cell foam insulation. When the valve (s) is opened, the foam extends and air enters instinctively. 

Some are specially outlined for backpackers and will be able to be folded in accordance with the length and after that pitched up to suit inside your backpack. Others are delineated for motorhomes and can be turned up without creasing. Self-inflating ear pads give you a variety of options in terms of warmth, size, and price.

They’re congenial, relatively compact, have great insulation capability, and you can fix their strength by incorporating or deflating. They are generally much more capable than air cushions. That’s why we should buy an air mattress.

FAQ

1. How do I choose a good air mattress?

Before purchasing an air mattress best suited for you, you have to consider some aspects such as size, characteristics, weight, width, substances, warranty, cost, accessories, set up the pump, breadth of inflation, etc. Of them, the duration of inflation and height are considered as the most significant issues before choosing the perfect air mattress.

Moreover, your air mattress should be capable of inflating within just a few minutes. A taller mattress is comparatively more comfortable than a shorter one. Usually, the standard height of a mattress is 18-inches.

2. Can you sleep on an air mattress permanently?

You can surely sleep on an air mattress permanently. But with time you may not feel comfortable sleeping on an air mattress continuously as the inflatable mattresses, can lead to back pain or stiffness. So, in terms of your comfort, you are not recommended to use it permanently. 

3. Where can I buy an air mattress?

You can purchase your desired mattress from the nearby shops or amazon can be a great assistance for you in this respect as you can get a sheer assurance of your product quality, warranty, and a wide range of variety which can help you choose the best-suited mattress for you.

4. What is the best air mattress to buy?

The products which we have already depicted, are the most comfortable ones for your best camping experience. Of them, the Sleepingo Air Mattress, Invoker, Wolf Walker & Thermarest mattresses are the ones you can have faith in.

5. Can I use an air mattress as a regular bed?

Choosing a bed for temporary use doesn’t require that much consideration as it doesn’t even matter how much duration can be gotten through it. But if you buy it for permanent use, then you have to be choosy in purchasing the preferable mattress for your regular purposes. 

Final Verdict

Usually, the snoozing pads for backpacking are lightweight, and most of them are moderately comfy. However, in case you don’t plan on venturing a long way from the automobile, we advocate a thicker and more expensive camping bed for you as a substitute. 

These mats are plush and heat resistant, often covered with extra layer of foam padding. They’re additionally a whole lot more long-lasting due to the fact the manufacturers don’t have to use skinny materials as a means to hold weight down. 

Choose the mattresses which are best suited for your requirements as well as every single consequence. 

If you are looking for a camping mattress, you can check out our  review.