Camping Sleep Systems - Buying Guide

When it comes to camping, a good night's sleep can make or break our outdoor adventure. As experienced campers and outdoor enthusiasts, we know the importance of a well-chosen camp bed or self inflating mat (SIM). It's not just about comfort; it's about ensuring we wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day's activities. Whether we're braving the unpredictable British weather or enjoying a serene summer night, the right sleep system is essential.

In this guide, we'll delve into the key components of camping sleep systems, helping us navigate the myriad of options available. Our goal is to equip us with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, ensuring our camping trips are as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Let's embark on this journey to discover the perfect sleep system for our next adventure.

Air Beds, Camp Beds, and Self-Inflating Mats

These sleep options play a critical role in enhancing camping sleep comfort, offering various benefits and catering to different preferences.

Air Beds provide superior comfort, akin to traditional mattresses. They are perfect for car camping, where weight isn't a concern. These camping air mattresses often feature adjustable firmness, allowing us to tailor the sleeping surface to individual needs. Despite being less insulated, we can add layers for warmth. You can go for the basic airbed like the Outwell Flock Classic Double or upgrade to the Outwell Superior Flock Superior which comes with a built in pump

Camp Beds or camping cots offer off-ground sleeping. This option is particularly advantageous during cooler months, as the elevated position reduces contact with the cold ground. Paired with insulated sleeping mats or sleeping pads for camping, they deliver a warm and comfortable rest.

Self-Inflating Mats bridge the gap between comfort and portability. They integrate foam for insulation and air for cushioning, making them a popular choice among camping sleep systems. Many designs offer compactness and lightweight sleeping gear, suiting backpacking ventures. These mats provide respectable insulation, crucial in four-season sleep systems.

Each option aligns with specific camping styles and conditions, ensuring that our camping bedding options cater to diverse needs. Using the right camping sleep systems, like sleeping bag liners and camping pillows, we can enrich our outdoor experiences.

Air Beds

Air beds offer increased comfort for camping sleep systems, akin to traditional mattresses, making them ideal for those prioritising camping sleep comfort.

Types

Flocked PVC

Flocked PVC air beds serve as a budget-friendly option. They feature a flocked top for added comfort and to prevent sleeping bags from slipping. These camping air mattresses are often the most economical choice.

Cotton

Cotton air beds provide durability and robustness, reducing the risk of leaks or punctures. We find them more expensive than flocked PVC models, yet they justify the cost with superior quality akin to premium sleeping mats.

Built-In Pump

Air beds with built-in pumps simplify inflation and deflation. An example is the Vango Blissful, which includes an auto-top-up feature. This innovation maintains bed pressure quietly, ensuring uninterrupted sleep even if a leak occurs.

Advantages of Air Beds:

• Compact pack size

• Easy usability

• Wide range of sizes

• Susceptible to punctures

• Punctures may be hard to locate

• Heavy

• Less comfortable compared with sleeping mats

• Inflation and deflation might require an air pump

Camp Beds

Camp beds, vital components of camping sleep systems, deliver elevated comfort, especially on rough terrain. They work well with camping sleeping pads to offer better sleep system insulation.

Types of Camp Beds

Army

Army-style camp beds provide durability and ruggedness. Although setup demands precision due to multiple components, they reward with a sturdy platform for a restful night.

Steel or Aluminium

Steel or aluminium camp beds blend robust materials with folding designs. Unfolding the frame and securing the ends gives these beds their dependable structure.

Easy Setup

Easy setup camp beds, like the Posadas models by Outwell, simplify assembly. Quick unfolding saves time for more outdoor activities.

Double

Double camp beds cater to shared sleeping arrangements. Essentially two singles joined, for maximum comfort add a self inflating mat that takes out the hinderance of the central steel bar. These features enhance camping sleep comfort for couples.

Advantages of Camp Beds

• Elevation from the Ground: Keeps campers off cold, uneven surfaces.

Disadvantages of Camp Beds

• Cumbersome Pack Size: Takes more storage space than other camping bedding options.

• Heavier than Air Beds or Sleeping Mats: Less suitable for lightweight sleeping gear needs.

• Complex Setup: Some styles necessitate effort in assembling.

Sleep Mattresses

When camping, choosing the right self inflating mat is crucial for comfort and sleep quality. Sleep mattresses offer varied options, including roll mats and self-inflating types, each catering to distinct preferences and camping needs.

Roll Mats

Roll mats represent the most basic form of sleeping mats for camping, typically available for less than £10. They provide essential insulation from the cold ground, enhancing the sleeping system layering without adding significant weight or complexity. For a simple solution to uneven surfaces or hiking trips, roll mats are an affordable choice.

Self-Inflating Mattresses

Self-inflating mattresses (SIMs) offer a high level of camping sleep comfort. Unlike basic roll mats, these mattresses feature an enclosed foam core that expands when valves open. This design provides superior comfort compared to less expensive mats or camping air mattresses. Available in various depths from 3cm to 15cm, self-inflating mattresses cater to different insulation and portability needs.

Small Pack Size

Small pack size self-inflating mattresses, ideal for backpackers and cyclists, offer portability at the cost of reduced depth and comfort. Despite their compactness, they still add sleeping system insulation for colder conditions.

Luxury Options

Luxury self-inflating mattresses provide enhanced comfort with greater depth options, offering better ground insulation and warmth. For instance, the Vango Shangri-La delivers a 15cm memory foam depth, mimicking the comfort of a home bed. The Outwell Sleepin 10cm Double, featuring a 10cm depth provides a year-round solution with its dual hot/cold design, enhancing camping bedding options significantly.

Advantages of Self Inflating Mattresses

• Valves enable inflation and deflation without pumps

• Superior ground insulation due to memory foam

• Enhanced overall warmth and comfort

• Prone to small punctures

• Varying valve system effectiveness

• Challenging to pack back into small sizes

Incorporating sleep mattresses into our camping sleep systems enhances overall comfort and optimises the camping experience, from casual trips to four-season adventures.

Conclusion

Understanding camping sleep systems is crucial for a successful camping experience. The right combination of Camping beds Self inflating mats or air beds for camping ensures comfort and warmth in various conditions. With options like camping air mattresses and camp beds, selecting the right sleep system layering becomes essential. Insulated sleeping mats enhance comfort, especially in four-season sleep systems, contributing to effective sleeping system insulation. Incorporating lightweight sleeping gear like sleeping bag liners and camping pillows optimises our camping experience, providing the necessary rest for outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are camp beds suitable for rough terrains?

Yes, camp beds are excellent for rough terrains as they offer elevated comfort and insulation. They keep campers off the ground, providing stability and warmth despite uneven surfaces. Pairing with a self inflating mat enhances this effect.

What are the advantages of self-inflating mattresses?

Self-inflating mattresses combine comfort with convenience, featuring a foam core for superior support. They offer easy inflation and deflation, great ground insulation, and enhanced warmth, making them a reliable addition to any camping holiday.

How do roll mats compare to other sleep options?

Roll mats are basic, affordable, and lightweight, providing essential insulation without significant weight. While they lack the plush comfort of other options, they are functional and suitable for those prioritising portability and ease of use.

Why is choosing the right sleep system important?

Choosing the right sleep system is crucial for a successful camping experience because it affects comfort, warmth, and overall rest. A well-chosen system provides needed rest and insulation, enhancing outdoor activities and adapting to various weather conditions.