The Best Camping Mattress in Australia: 2023’s Top Contenders

If you love outdoor adventures but would still like to rest comfortably, get a high-quality camping mattress—most of them are compact, durable, easy to maintain, and cosy.

In the product reviews that follow, we outline the best candidates for the best camping mattress in Australia and teach you how to find one that meets your needs.

Let’s unpack everything!

List of The Best Inflatable Mattress Beds

The Best Camping Mattresses in Australia

In the mini-reviews that follow, we include some of the best camping beds available to Aussies based on several factors, such as cost, materials, and warranty.

1. Exped MegaMat 10 LXW—Best Overall

Exped claims their MegaMat 10 line of self-inflating mattresses, especially the biggest LXW model, is the world’s best inflatable mattress in terms of comfort.

They might be right on account of features such as the MegaMat’s velvety top fabric, the 3D construction offering edge support and a full sleeping surface, and the ample 10 cm thick foam that prevents bottoming out and provides optimal insulation.

Furthermore, thanks to its R-Value of 8.1, this mattress also provides top-notch thermal insulation properties, making it an excellent choice for every season and climate. 

In addition to the above premium features as one of the warmest and comfiest mattresses anywhere, the MegaMat 10 incorporates separate inflation and deflation valves, which allow you to quickly set up and pack the mattress and adjust its firmness.

As for accessories, Exped includes a smart carry bag with a strap, a mini pump, and an emergency repair kit, making Exped’s mat the all-round best choice right now.

Note: You can buy the MegaMat 10 in red and green colours and several different sizes that fit all body types and more than one sleeper.

2. Zempire Monstamat Single—Best for Cold Weather

With its excellent thermal resistance, robust and durable materials (high Denier rating), and modern pump technology (360° double-way valve), the Zempire Monstamat Single is a serious contender for the title of the best self-inflating camping mattress in Australia.

In addition to its superb heat insulation (R-Value of 9.5), which allows you to take it anywhere from sandy beaches to snowy peaks, the Monstamat also features a luxurious fabric for reduced noise and fully-bonded cross-cored foam construction for comfort.

To complement these premium features, Zempire’s offering also comes with a handy carry bag, two straps, and an emergency repair kit, so ultimately, you are getting a fantastic balance of price, quality, comfort, and accessories that meet every camping need.

Note: If the Monstamat Single is not wide enough for your needs, or you are travelling with a camping buddy, consider getting the Monstamat Twin for double the comfort.

3. Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Mat—Best for Hiking

While Sea to Summit’s lightest offering does not match the previous two options in terms of thermal isolation, it more than makes up in the weight and portability department.

The Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Mat (available in four sizes) is perfect for any hiker and trekker as they can easily carry it anywhere thanks to its insignificant weight between 349 g to 595 g and tiny packed size between 10 cm x 24 cm and 12.5 cm and 27 cm.

Despite its light weight, this mat does not compromise on comfort as it implements its Air Sprung Cell design and liquid-extruded lamination for support, comfort, and reliability.

Having said that, the Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Mat should not be used throughout the year as its Thermolite insulation and Exkin Platinum heat-reflective fabric have an R-Value of 3.1, which provides enough warmth only during late spring to early fall trips.

Ultimately, this is the perfect air mattress for camping, hiking, and trekking, as it’s easy to pack, carry, and set up at any time or place, thanks to its stuff sack/pump system.

What to Consider When Buying Camping Beds

Aussie campers, hikers, and those of similar ilk will find the best inflatable mattress for their needs by considering the main factors that go into such a decision, as outlined below.

1. Know Your Budget

Naturally, more expensive mattresses include certain premium features that you may or may not find useful. Therefore, to avoid overpaying, first, come up with a budget to limit your search results, then compare the remaining products based on your exact needs.

2. Pick the Right Size

If you buy an excessively bulky mattress, you may be unable to carry it with you or fit it in your tent or vehicle. On the other hand, lightweight and smaller mattresses may not provide the comfort layer you may need. On that account, consider its size and weight next.

For example, if you are planning to share your mattress with others, get a larger air bed or pad that will comfortably fit everyone. However, those travelling in softer and warmer terrain on their own will do with lighter pads they can easily store on their person.

Finally, check the mattress’s packed dimensions to save on space that can be better used for additional gear, food, water, or even a guitar for the ultimate campfire sing-along.

Note: The average camping mattress is under 2 m in length, around 60 cm to 70 cm in width for singles or 150 cm for doubles, and between 5 to 10 cm in height.

3. Look Into the Materials It Uses

Quality mattresses incorporate sturdy and flexible materials that are both comfortable and durable. For instance, the top support layer is typically made of a stretchy and breathable material, like cotton, polyester, nylon, or rayon, which prevents night sweats.

On the other hand, the base uses heavy-duty materials like PVC or TPU with a higher Denier rating (the weight and thickness of individual threads), which are designed to be wear- and tear-resistant regardless of the surface beneath them.

4. Ensure It Offers Sufficient Comfort

As for the comfort of your camping mattress, it typically relies on three major factors: lateral stability, vertical compressibility, and thickness. 

Optimally, the mat should be stable when rolling over and changing sleeping positions, especially near the edges and not bottom out when sleeping on the side. 

Thicker mattresses (over 5 cm) with a fully bonded construction (outer and inner material are glued together) resolve these issues as they prevent any air or foam movement.

5. Check All Camping Mattress Types

The market offers a variety of mats for every type of camper out there, including an air mattress for camping (affordable yet harder to inflate), self-inflating mats (more comfortable, easy to inflate yet expensive), and foam beds (warmer and firmer yet bulkier).

As for which type you should go for, it depends on your chosen outdoor activity:

• Car camping—thick air pad or a larger self-inflating mat with extra cushioning
• Backpacking or water touring—a lightweight and compact pad of any type
• Thru-hiking—closed-cell foam mats for their durability and light weight
• Winter camping—well-insulated and thicker mats with extra pads underneath

Note: Premium camping mats also include additional features, such as carrying bags, repair utilities, packing straps, and more, which may make your trip much more convenient.

6. Consider the Inflation Method

To set up your camping mattress, you will need a separate pump (manual, foot, or electric pump) in most cases, unless your mat includes a built-in pump (electricity or battery-powered) or uses a self-inflation method (sealable valve that sucks in air).

If the inflation time concerns you, get an electric pump (or a mattress using one) to have your mattress ready in a couple of minutes. On the other hand, self-inflating mattresses may take up to 15 minutes and those needing a manual pump depend on the user’s input.

7. Go for a Well-Insulated Mattress

Unless you are using your mattress during hot summer days and nights, you should get one with a high R-Value, as it will provide better thermal insulation against the cold ground.

The following graphic lists the recommended R-Value for specific environments:source: snowys.com.au

8. Get a Mattress Repair Kit

Bringing an emergency repair kit with you is an essential precautionary step as you don’t want your camping trip ruined by a punctured or damaged mattress.

While some premium offerings include a kit in the package, you will have to buy one yourself (with adhesive cement and patches) if you’ve opted for a budget mat.

Note: Always check your mattress’s condition before packing to ensure you are not surprised by any tears, rips, and holes when it’s too late.

Bottom Line

Hopefully, we’ve enticed you to take up camping as it’s a fun, healthy, and, thanks to the camping beds outlined above, relaxing activity. Just remember to study our buying guide and consider your exact mattress needs to ensure you choose one that will make your outdoor adventure unforgettable.

FAQs:

1. What makes a good camping mattress?

The best camp mattress in Australia is durable (high Denier rating), well-insulated (high R-Value), and does not compromise on comfort. Moreover, if you are carrying your gear on your person, find a lightweight and compact mattress that can be easily packaged.

2. How thick should a camping mattress be?

The thickness of your camping mattress or pad should meet your camping needs. 

If you are backpacking and/or sleeping on softer ground, a 5 cm lightweight mattress will prove sufficient. However, if you are transporting your gear in your car, or planning to sleep in harsher environments, look for a thicker mattress of around 10 cm.

3. What is the most comfortable mattress for tent camping?

Most of the products we compared are naturally plushy, but only one or two go all out for maximum comfort with features such as luxury fabrics, sufficient thickness, 3D construction, high R-Value, and hypoallergenic mattress properties.

So if you are looking for the best camping mattress in Australia, check out the Zempire Monstamat Single or the Exped MegaMat 10. Read more about them above.