A good night’s sleep changes the whole trip. With the right air mattress, you wake up warmer, more rested, and ready to seek the adventure - whether you are camping with the family or packing light for a quick getaway. At easy camp, we focus on simple gear for real adventures, so you can spend less time adjusting your bed and more time enjoying the outdoors.
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If you have only tried a thin foam roll, an air mattress can feel like a real upgrade. Air lets you fine-tune firmness, so your hips and shoulders sink in a little rather than pressing against the ground. That matters if you sleep on your side, or if you wake up stiff after the first night. Many campers also like the “lift” you get from an air bed, especially on lumpy pitches where a flat sleeping surface is hard to find.
Modern designs can be quieter and less slippery than older styles, and many use soft-touch fabrics for a calmer feel inside the tent. If you are comparing options, treat an inflatable mattress as part of your sleep system: comfort, warmth and pack size all work together. The right choice is the one that suits your pitch routine and your storage space.
Start with how you travel and how quickly you want to set up. If you normally arrive late, look for easy-to-use outdoor gear with simple valves and a straightforward packing routine. If you have space in the car, you can prioritise thickness and a softer feel. If you are carrying kit further, weight and pack size quickly matter more than a “home bed” sensation.
Next, think about temperature. A thicker mat is not just about cushioning; it often gives you more insulation too. Finally, check the dimensions against your tent sleeping area so your mat lies flat and you can still move around at night. Once you have your sleep surface sorted, it is worth pairing it with the right insulation—browse Camping sleeping bags to build a complete setup that feels balanced, not bulky.
Regular or large is not only about height or build—although that is part of it. It is also about how much you move in your sleep, whether you like to curl up or stretch out, and how much tent width you can spare once everyone’s kit is inside. A regular size often packs down smaller and is easier to fit into tighter sleeping layouts. A large size gives you more elbow room and can reduce that “rolling off the edge” feeling if you change position a lot.
In the lightweight range, Golden Eagle Regular (186 x 55 x 5.5 cm) is a strong match when you want a compact airbed feel without taking up much space in your bag. If you prefer extra width, Golden Eagle Large (187 x 63 x 7.5 cm) adds comfort while staying light and stable thanks to multiple air chambers—ideal when you want one of our more spacious inflatable beds but still value a small pack size.
Your ideal layout depends on how you camp together. A single blow-up bed style setup gives each person control over firmness, and it is often easier to fit into narrower sleeping compartments. It also makes packing flexible: take one mat for solo trips, or two when friends join. A double option can feel more “bed-like” for couples and reduces the gap between two separate mats.
For shared comfort, the Skylark Mat Double 10.0 cm (193 x 120 x 10 cm) is designed to feel generous and warm, with a soft fabric that reduces noisy friction when you turn over. If you want a more compact balance of comfort and storage, the Skylark Mat Double 5.0 cm keeps the same roomy footprint with less bulk. If you are choosing a classic blow-up bed approach for weekends and family camping, these double formats make it easier to settle in quickly and keep your sleeping area tidy.
Firmness is personal, but there is a practical way to dial it in. Inflate your mat, lie in your usual sleeping position, and then let a small amount of air out until your spine feels level. Side sleepers often prefer a slightly softer surface, while back sleepers usually like it firmer. If temperatures drop at night, remember that air can contract as it cools, so you may need a quick top-up before bed.
Warmth is easier to compare: look at the R-value as a guide to insulation. For colder nights, Skylark Mat Single 10.0 cm (R-value 10.5) offers serious insulation with a taller, bed-like feel. For general three-season use, Skylark Mat Single 5.0 cm (R-value 5.5) is a versatile choice that still packs neatly. In mild conditions, a thinner option such as Skylark Mat Single 3.0 cm (R-value 3.0) can be enough. For warmer trips and a fresher feel, add a travel sheet for extra comfort.
The right pump makes setup feel effortless. If you want a quick routine anywhere on the campsite, a rechargeable option like the Allium Rechargeable Pump is small, USB-C powered, and practical for repeated inflations. If you are using your vehicle as a base, a 12V pump such as El Nino is a simple way to inflate without hunting for a socket. On pitches with mains power, a 230V pump like Super Cell speeds things up, especially for larger sleep systems. Many campers still bring a manual Double Action Pump as a reliable back-up and for adjusting firmness.
For long-term care, store your air mattress dry, avoid sharp ground under the tent floor, and pack a small repair kit for peace of mind. To finish your sleep setup, choose a pillow that packs small so your neck support matches the height of your mat. Ready to upgrade your nights outdoors? Explore the air mattresses at easy camp and order from our shop, or contact easy camp if you would like help choosing the right size and comfort level.
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