Camping sleeping pad
Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 139
Likes: 18
From: North Ga.
This right here. A queen size air mattress will compress down and fit easily in a saddle bag and the air pump is even smaller. There is no comparison as far as comfort goes. You can "make do" with a sleeping pad. You'll sleep comfortably on an air mattress. And a queen size air mattress fits perfectly in most 2 man tents.
I use a lightweight camping pad on top of the mattress. You only need a thin one, closed-cell foam, about 1/4-inch thick, or Ridge-Rest, or Z-Rest, or something similar. These will insulate you, while the air mattress keeps you cushioned.
Enjoy the camping!
John
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 832
Likes: 1,173
From: Wisconsin
I have one of those very thin sleeping pads (I forget who makes them) with a valve on it. You open the valve to let it "inflate" for an hour or so,
then close the valve. You then sleep on it that way.
When you're done, open the valve, roll it up tightly, then close the valve to keep the air out. It rolls up pretty dang small.
I personally find it comfortable enough to sleep on. It is pretty close to feeling like a regular firm mattress. Really pretty decent.
It's a good compromise between the space it takes up and comfort (they tend to be mutually exclusive).
I slept on it for a week at a time, two different trips to Sturgis. Worked great for me.
then close the valve. You then sleep on it that way.
When you're done, open the valve, roll it up tightly, then close the valve to keep the air out. It rolls up pretty dang small.
I personally find it comfortable enough to sleep on. It is pretty close to feeling like a regular firm mattress. Really pretty decent.
It's a good compromise between the space it takes up and comfort (they tend to be mutually exclusive).
I slept on it for a week at a time, two different trips to Sturgis. Worked great for me.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 139
Likes: 18
From: North Ga.
I have one of those very thin sleeping pads (I forget who makes them) with a valve on it. You open the valve to let it "inflate" for an hour or so,
then close the valve. You then sleep on it that way.
When you're done, open the valve, roll it up tightly, then close the valve to keep the air out. It rolls up pretty dang small.
I personally find it comfortable enough to sleep on. It is pretty close to feeling like a regular firm mattress. Really pretty decent.
It's a good compromise between the space it takes up and comfort (they tend to be mutually exclusive).
I slept on it for a week at a time, two different trips to Sturgis. Worked great for me.
then close the valve. You then sleep on it that way.
When you're done, open the valve, roll it up tightly, then close the valve to keep the air out. It rolls up pretty dang small.
I personally find it comfortable enough to sleep on. It is pretty close to feeling like a regular firm mattress. Really pretty decent.
It's a good compromise between the space it takes up and comfort (they tend to be mutually exclusive).
I slept on it for a week at a time, two different trips to Sturgis. Worked great for me.
Therm-a-Rest is an air mattress, but because it has the foam inside, it also acts as insulation. The foam keeps air from circulating inside the mattress, thus preventing the heat sink from your body.
They are some of the most comfortable for lightweight sleeping pads. There is also an extra thick model of Therm-a-Rest, giving you even more cushion. But, everything adds weight, and they still won't be as comfortable a full air mattress. Like you said space/weight and comfort are mutually exclusive.
Hope this helps,
John
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 981
From: Northern VA
Therm-a-Rest, made by Cascade Designs. They also make Ridge-Rest and Z-Rest, lightweight foam pads.
Therm-a-Rest is an air mattress, but because it has the foam inside, it also acts as insulation. The foam keeps air from circulating inside the mattress, thus preventing the heat sink from your body.
They are some of the most comfortable for lightweight sleeping pads. There is also an extra thick model of Therm-a-Rest, giving you even more cushion. But, everything adds weight, and they still won't be as comfortable a full air mattress. Like you said space/weight and comfort are mutually exclusive.
Hope this helps,
John
Therm-a-Rest is an air mattress, but because it has the foam inside, it also acts as insulation. The foam keeps air from circulating inside the mattress, thus preventing the heat sink from your body.
They are some of the most comfortable for lightweight sleeping pads. There is also an extra thick model of Therm-a-Rest, giving you even more cushion. But, everything adds weight, and they still won't be as comfortable a full air mattress. Like you said space/weight and comfort are mutually exclusive.
Hope this helps,
John
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,386
Likes: 3,357
From: usa
I go to Walmart for most all my camping gear. And no matter what brand air mattress your wife sleeps on shell be a very happy camper .
Last edited by Iron lHorse; Nov 7, 2018 at 06:58 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 10,029
Likes: 5,404
From: Manitoba
An air mattress is likely the best option - just ensure it empties easily! .Camped to/from Daytona using air mattress.
Depending on the size of your tent you might consider one-person cots. Did a road trip in my truck to Flin Flon last year and used them. Modern designs fold up to an incredibly small package - they're comfortable but some thought needs to be given to pitching your tent re: flat ground.
Depending on the size of your tent you might consider one-person cots. Did a road trip in my truck to Flin Flon last year and used them. Modern designs fold up to an incredibly small package - they're comfortable but some thought needs to be given to pitching your tent re: flat ground.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 964
Likes: 243
From: right outside of town
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
Been there done this. If you have a trailer, get an air mattress. Dont mess around with your wifes comfort.
The key to making an air mattress comfortable is a cover under you on to insulate the ground air from you and to keep you off the plastic.
Have fun!
The key to making an air mattress comfortable is a cover under you on to insulate the ground air from you and to keep you off the plastic.
Have fun!