Best Camping Mattresses of 2025
ByMultiple Authors
Updated:
Jul 11, 2025Updated:
Jul 11, 2025Table of contents
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D ($250)
Sea to Summit Camp Plus ($99)
Exped MegaMat Duo ($420)
Nemo Quasar 3D ($180)
Hest Foamy ($329)
Nemo Quasar 3D ($180)
The MondoKing is the ultimate one-person car camping mat. It’s even thicker than other worthy competitors, and its raised foam and soft fabric make for an all-around wonderful feel. This pad’s high quality is matched by its high price, though.
The MondoKing is the ultimate one-person car camping mat. It’s even thicker than other worthy competitors, and its raised foam and soft fabric make for an all-around wonderful feel. This pad’s high quality is matched by its high price, though.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
77 x 25 x 4.25 in. (L)
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
7.0
Weight
4 lb. 6 oz.
Pros
Cons
This exceptional mattress rules over competitors with a foam fist, fitting for a model with “king” in its name. The MondoKing 3D is the most comfortable self-inflating mat we tested, thanks in no small part to its 4.25-inch thickness, the best mark in this category. Designers topped all that foam with a soft, smooth stretch-knit fabric and included vertical sidewalls, resulting in a mattress that our tester lauded for its incredible support. She also noted that the MondoKing erased any rock and roots that she slept on and provided a wonderful platform for her hips, which she often has trouble arranging comfortably on camping mats. This mat distributes weight evenly, will keep sleepers warm into below-freezing conditions with its 7.0 R-value, and presents the best blend of comfort and packability on the market right now (the Hest Foamy is a smidge more pillowy, but much heavier and bulkier).
With a self-inflation time of about 20 minutes, the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is among the fastest mats in the category to set up, and its combination stuff sack/pump sack is large enough to make topping the mat off a breeze. (By comparison, the Exped MegaMat’s tiny pump sack is laughable.) As with many thick foam mats, deflation and rolling the mat up take some effort—which is where the non-inflating Foamy really shines—but it’s not markedly worse than with other models. We do, however, prefer side-loading stuff sacks to the MondoKing’s top-loading design. This mat has separate valves for inflation and deflation, and both work intuitively as they should.
As with many top-tier car camping mattresses, the MondoKing features a durable 75-denier polyester base fabric to complement the 50-denier poly stretch-knit top fabric. It comes in a 77-inch-long, 25-inch-wide “large” size—which is what we tested—and an 80-inch by 30-inch “XXLarge” that costs $285. While those prices certainly are high, they’re not out of step with other standout performers in this category, and we’d be lying if we said we wouldn’t snap up a double-wide version of the MondoKing meant for camping couples. If you can afford it, this is the best self-inflating mat money can buy. To learn more, check out our Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D review.
The Camp Plus blurs the line between a backpacking pad and a car camping mat, but its value as a true budget option is laser-focused. While it doesn’t provide the comfort of other models we tested, this is a relatively light three-season pad that will suit occasional campers just fine.
The Camp Plus blurs the line between a backpacking pad and a car camping mat, but its value as a true budget option is laser-focused. While it doesn’t provide the comfort of other models we tested, this is a relatively light three-season pad that will suit occasional campers just fine.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
72 x 25 x 3 in. (RW)
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
4.3
Weight
2 lb. 11 oz.
Pros
Cons
We’re big fans of finding value anywhere you can in outdoor gear, and the Camp Plus is a welcome departure from the pads in this review that cost well into the hundreds of dollars. At $99 for its regular (mummy-shaped) and regular wide (rectangular) versions, this mat is a boon for campers on a budget. Thankfully, the Camp Plus’s bargain bin price tag doesn’t mean it’s a risky buy: With 75-denier polyester material on its top and bottom, it’s right up there with the most durable models on the market, and we’ve found that Sea to Summit has an excellent track record of well-constructed products.
However, the money you’ll save with the Sea to Summit Camp Plus comes at the expense of comfort, which falls short of most of the other mats we tested. At only 3 inches thick and with tapered sidewalls (compared to the vertical ones on larger mats), this pad feels more like a backpacking model than a deluxe car camping product, which is reinforced by the lack of a soft topper featured on many more expensive models. The Camp Plus isn’t uncomfortable, per se, but car campers who are used to a soft, thick platform might find this pad lacking. (At least it isn’t noisy like some backpacking models.)
With an R-value of 4.3, the Camp Plus is suited for three-season conditions. Our tester felt the cold from the ground through it on a trip in eastern Washington, where temperatures dipped into the 20s. She also reported that the self-inflating pad’s single inflation/deflation valve was finicky, as it was a bit too easy to accidentally open fully for deflation when she wanted to fine-tune the air pressure. At least Sea to Summit’s pillow lock—four adhesive patches placed at the top—kept her head support in place. All in all, the Camp Plus is an ideal pad for a car camping-curious adventurer who’s looking to put their kit together at minimal cost, or perhaps for someone who wants to keep an extra mat for friends who want to join in the fun. It won’t blow anyone away, but probably won’t make anyone opt to sleep in the car, either. To learn more, check out our Sea to Summit Camp Plus review.
This double-wide pad is the ultimate sleep platform for outdoorsy couples or solo campers who want to max out their sleeping space. The MegaMat is plush, warm, and supportive, and the new version has some welcome design updates. If only it were less expensive and easier to inflate.
This double-wide pad is the ultimate sleep platform for outdoorsy couples or solo campers who want to max out their sleeping space. The MegaMat is plush, warm, and supportive, and the new version has some welcome design updates. If only it were less expensive and easier to inflate.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
78 x 52 x 4 in. (LW+)
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
8.1
Weight
9 lb. 11.2 oz.
Pros
Cons
Exped was one of the pioneers of the luxury camping mattress boom, and the MegaMat Duo makes it easy to see why. Although expensive, we think it’s fully deserving of its price tag, and the newest version boasts some user-friendly design updates. The star of the show is the MegaMat’s standout comfort: With a 4-inch thickness, vertical sidewalls, and foam that strikes a great balance of plushness and support, this mat provides a cushy platform that fully isolates sleepers from the ground. One tester deemed it the perfect mattress to give to someone who doesn’t love sleeping outside—high praise, indeed—and another Better Trail editor takes the MegaMat Duo with him when he crashes at friends’ houses (he greatly prefers it to wobbly, cold air mattresses or a lumpy couch). Even if your campsite has some roots and rocks underfoot, you’ll probably sleep soundly on this mat.
As with most Exped products we’ve tested, the MegaMat’s materials and construction quality are top-notch. Its bottom and sidewalls are made of 75-denier polyester with a TPU laminate, which provides impressive durability and welcome peace of mind. We’ve never had a deflation issue with the MegaMat, and Exped provides a patch kit in the (unlikely) case something does go wrong. The updated version of this mattress now also includes two deflation valves, which result in an easier packing-up experience than the previous iteration’s single valve, which had us rolling around on the mat like a beached whale while trying to get the air out. Exped also included a welded handle on the new MegaMat Duo—good for shifting the mattress around in your tent or from car to campsite—along with a rejiggered burrito-style stuff sack that’s a vast improvement on the former top-loading version.
Size-wise, the MegaMat Duo has enough space for a couple to sleep comfortably, although they can’t splay out too much. (At 41.3 inches wide, it’s about 13 inches slimmer than a full bed but only 3 inches shorter.) That said, it comes in both long/wide (52 in. across) and queen-size (59.8 in.) versions if you really want to up your sleeping space. One quibble we have with this mat is its inflation sack, which isn’t as large or efficient as we’d like, making setup a bit slow. Besides that, though, the MegaMat Duo is an ultra-comfy, warm (it has a four-season-worthy 8.1 R-value), and spacious mattress that we’d recommend to any car camper—if they can stomach the price. For more, check out our review of the Exped MegaMat Duo.
The Quasar 3D Insulated is the only pad we tested that’s a true backpacking/car camping hybrid. It offers a healthy dose of durability and support (for an air pad, at least), although it’s not very warm and way less comfy than true car camping models.
The Quasar 3D Insulated is the only pad we tested that’s a true backpacking/car camping hybrid. It offers a healthy dose of durability and support (for an air pad, at least), although it’s not very warm and way less comfy than true car camping models.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
72 x 25 x 3.5 in. (RW)
Type
Air pad
R-value
3.3
Weight
1 lb. 14 oz.
Pros
Cons
Unlike the rest of the models in this review, the Quasar 3D Insulated wasn’t expressly designed for car camping. It relies on hollow baffles filled with air for structure, unlike the open-cell foam, self-inflating models that make up the vast majority of car camping mats. Because of this construction, the Quasar 3D is much lighter and packs away much smaller than any other pad we tested, and we’d have no hesitation taking it into the backcountry. (Keep in mind, though, that it’s far from the lightest backpacking air pad on the market.) This is one of the most versatile pads we’ve used, as it’s well-suited for both frontcountry and backcountry camping.
What sets the Nemo Quasar 3D apart from other backpacking air pads we’ve tested is its durability. It’s made from 30-denier PU-coated polyester, which we’ve found to be much more durable than other air pads with nylon construction. To prove it, the Quasar has survived more than 30 days of camping with one Better Trail editor’s kids and dog—some of the rigorous testing we can throw at it. While it doesn’t quite match the burliness of heavier self-inflating mats and their 75-denier bottoms, the Quasar is still a step up from ultralight backpacking pads that we’d hesitate to take car camping again and again. (Unfortunately, though, it’s not that warm, with a 3.3 R-value that is only good for summer camping.)
The Quasar is also more comfortable than many backpacking models. With a 3.5-inch thickness and curved baffles that cradle a sleeper in the center of the pad, it feels much more like a car camping mat than an ultralight air pad. We’ve found it to be extremely comfortable on our hips and legs when side-sleeping, and this pad comes in regular, wide, long wide, and double versions for folks who want more room to splay. As with many air pads, inflation and deflation are much quicker than with a self-inflating mat, and the Quasar inflates with only four uses of its included pump sack. That’s a heck of a lot faster than the often 30-minute wait times required by self-inflating models, so you can enjoy lounging on this pad while everyone else is still setting up. For more, check out our review of the Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated.
A unique model in this gear guide, the Foamy doesn’t require any inflation and is basically an at-home mattress downsized for car camping. This pad is exorbitantly comfortable, but it’s also expensive for its size and quite bulky when rolled up.
A unique model in this gear guide, the Foamy doesn’t require any inflation and is basically an at-home mattress downsized for car camping. This pad is exorbitantly comfortable, but it’s also expensive for its size and quite bulky when rolled up.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
78 x 25 x 3.9 in. (R)
Type
Foam mattress
R-value
8.8
Weight
11 lb.
Pros
Cons
The Foamy is the comfiest car camping mat we tested, full stop. Hest designed it with two layers of dense memory foam that are pretty much what you’d find in an at-home mattress, so the Foamy offers a level of cushion and support that’s impossible to achieve with air cell or even self-inflating mats. With no inflation required, the 3.9-inch-thick Foamy delivers an exceptional sleep experience every time you roll it open, without the need for fine-tuning the air level or waiting an agonizingly long time for it to inflate. This is set-and-forget comfort—and instantaneous packing up—at its finest, although a small number of campers might find the construction a bit too soft if they prefer a firm platform. (Those folks should check out the Exped MegaMat or DeepSleep.)
Because the Hest Foamy doesn’t have any baffles or gaps to fill with air, it’s also the high-ranking mattress in this gear guide for durability. You can place it on any type of surface without worrying about whether it will puncture or not, which is a huge plus. We do, however, wish that this mat came with a stuff sack to protect it during transport and storage. The Foamy does have a waterproof bottom layer that doubles as the exterior when you roll it up, but the mattress is still exposed to the elements in its packed state. Additionally, the top layer of foam isn’t as water-resistant as the polyester found on self-inflating mats, so the Foamy tends to absorb moisture if there’s condensation in your tent.
Even though this Hest Foamy is our comfort winner, the price is steep. At $329 in its regular size (78 in. long and 25 in. wide), the Foamy is expensive for a slightly wider-than-normal single-person mat. It’s also one of the bulkiest mats when rolled up, so make sure to leave room in your trunk. However, we do like the fact that it has toggles along its sides that you can use to attach two Foamies together for snuggling with your camping partner, and that the mat has a handy pocket at the head for stashing your keys and phone. Add in a four-season-worthy R-value of 8.8, and you have a mat that can be your go-to on nearly any occasion, from frontcountry camping to crashing on a friend’s floor. For more, read our Hest Foamy review.
This trimmed-down version of Exped’s popular MegaMat is a little less thick but a lot more affordable. The DeepSleep’s plush topper and high R-value are nice touches, but they can’t match the comfort of heftier pads.
This trimmed-down version of Exped’s popular MegaMat is a little less thick but a lot more affordable. The DeepSleep’s plush topper and high R-value are nice touches, but they can’t match the comfort of heftier pads.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
72 x 25.6 x 3 in. (MW)
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
9.0
Weight
4 lb. 8 oz.
Pros
Cons
The DeepSleep is a well-designed mattress at a budget-friendly price. It’s one of the most affordable models we tested, and most campers will be pleased with Exped’s usual design quality and the mat’s feel and warmth. A brushed finish on the DeepSleep’s 75-denier polyester material lends it a soft, non-slip touch and is a feature we wish more camping mats incorporated. Our test reported that the fabric is also quiet—no annoying rustling with this mat—although restless campers and side sleepers should be aware of the DeepSleep’s 3-inch thickness. That’s an inch thinner than standouts in the category, such as Exped’s own MegaMat and the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe, and results in an increased possibility of a sleeper feeling the ground. That’s a concession to the DeepSleep’s price, although it’s countered somewhat by the mat’s firm foam. If you prefer a solid sleeping surface, this model is up your alley.
Where the Exped DeepSleep doesn’t skimp is its warmth and durability. It boasts an R-value of 9.0, one of the highest in the category, and insulates well enough for temperatures far below zero. (Having said that, it’s probably overkill for the vast majority of campers, and might be too warm in summer conditions.) And the 75-denier polyester—the same thickness as the MegaMat’s material—provides a relatively tough shell that can withstand careless tosses and rocky, hastily chosen campsites. Our tester also praised the DeepSleep’s sturdy valves (one for inflation, one for deflation) that should also stand the test of time and reliably seal in air. Compared to some other affordable models, such as the leak-prone REI Co-op Camp Dreamer XL, the DeepSleep offers outstanding build quality.
Due to its dense foam, the DeepSleep is fairly heavy for its size, although that’s not a huge concern for car camping. Our tester, who used the 77.6-inch-long, 25.6-inch-wide “LW” version of the mat, reported that he had plenty of room and complimented the mat’s vertical sidewalls for helping provide a truly flat sleeping surface. (The regular “MW” version of the DeepSleep is 72 in. long and 25.6 in. wide, and the “LXW” version is 77.6 in. long and 30.3 in. wide.) Topping up this self-inflating mattress required a bit more pump-sack action than he would’ve liked, and the DeepSleep’s foam is a bit tough to roll up for storage. It fits neatly into its stuff sack, though, which is just one more feather in the cap of a mat that we think presents excellent value. To learn more, check out our Exped DeepSleep review.
The Roamer is a quality car camping pad that almost reaches the comfort heights of the category’s leaders. It beats them in packed size and inflation/deflation time, though, even if it can’t match its competitors for warmth or a truly cloudlike feel.
The Roamer is a quality car camping pad that almost reaches the comfort heights of the category’s leaders. It beats them in packed size and inflation/deflation time, though, even if it can’t match its competitors for warmth or a truly cloudlike feel.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
78 x 30 x 4 in. (XL)
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
6.0
Weight
5 lb. 8 oz.
Pros
Cons
We’ve lauded Nemo for the comfort of its backpacking pads, and the Roamer brings that ethos to the car camping arena. This mat has a 4-inch height that lines up with many of our favorite models in the category, and our tester reported that she felt fully isolated from the ground. She also praised the Roamer’s quiet construction—its 50-denier top stretch fabric is soft and doesn’t make a whisper—although this mat feels slightly less cushy than the standouts in this category, such as the Exped MegaMat and the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D. Both of those models have the deluxe feel of a memory foam topper, while the Roamer sacrifices just a pinch of comfort in the service of packing down much smaller for easier storage and transport.
Measuring 16 inches by 10 inches in its stuff sack, this mat is one of the most compact self-inflating car camping mattresses we tested. Although that might sound like somewhat of a contradiction—and packed size matters much less than with backpacking pads—our tester was still glad for the relatively smaller package when she tossed the Roamer into her van that was already stuffed to the gills with gear. She also noted that the deflated mat was a bit of a bear to wrestle into its top-loading stuff sack, but that the compressed size was worth it. And, speaking of logistics, the Nemo Roamer and its three valves—two for inflation, one for deflation, with a helpful operation guide printed on the mattress itself—is one of the quicker-inflating mats we tested, taking about 30 minutes. (You’ll still need to top up with the included pump sack, though.)
The Roamer has a 6.0 R-value, so we’d feel comfortable taking it on shoulder-season trips, but would probably avoid mid-winter outings. This is another area where the MegaMat and MondoKing have it beat—but again, those mattresses are heavier and bulkier. The Roamer keeps pace with those models durability-wise, however, thanks to its 75-denier polyester bottom, which is par for the course on high-end car camping mats these days. All in all, there’s a lot to like about the Roamer, and we’re betting that most folks won’t notice the small drop in comfort that separates it from the truly elite mats in this category. For more, read our review of the Nemo Roamer XL Wide.
The Highrise 10 offers commendable size and comfort for its price, and it undercuts similarly proportioned pads by about $50. It’s also extremely warm, good for frigid winter nights, and cold sleepers. However, it lacks the top-notch feel of our top-scoring pads.
The Highrise 10 offers commendable size and comfort for its price, and it undercuts similarly proportioned pads by about $50. It’s also extremely warm, good for frigid winter nights, and cold sleepers. However, it lacks the top-notch feel of our top-scoring pads.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
78 x 30.3 x 3.9 in.
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
9.0
Weight
7 lb. 7 oz.
Pros
Cons
Dometic is a newcomer to the camping mat space, although you might recognize the company from its line of van-centric electric coolers. The Highrise 10 should put the brand on more campers’ radars, though, as it provides healthy doses of comfort, warmth, and sleeping room at a relatively appealing price (compared to the heavy hitters in the category, at least). At 3.9 inches high, 30.3 inches wide, and 78 inches long, the Highrise 10 matches up favorably with standout models such as the Exped MegaMat LXT (77.6 in. x 30.3. x 4 in.) but costs $60 less. And, lest you think that Dometic is noticeably cutting corners to achieve that price, our tester reported that the Highrise 10’s self-inflating foam felt thick and supportive—if not quite matching the level of plushness the MegaMat is known for.
The Dometic Highrise 10 actually outpaces the MegaMat and other elite car camping mats in other ways. It has an R-value of 9.0 (the MegaMat comes in at 8.1, and the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D at 7.0), tied for the highest in the category and making this mattress a good choice if you're a super-cold sleeper or camping in frigid conditions. It also has a non-slip base material that our tester found helpful for keeping the mat in place on his tent floor, a trait that most of the models we tested lack. Add that to the Highrise’s soft, smooth top fabric, and you have a mat that offers plenty of reasons to take it on your next car camping adventure.
With two valves, one for inflation and deflation, the Highrise offers a similar setup and deflation to other self-inflating mats we tested. Its stuff sack doubles as a pump sack for convenient top-up, and we found the stuff sack to be generously sized to easily accommodate the deflated mat. Overall, there’s no real downside to the Highrise, especially when you consider the price. We’d probably only spring for something more expensive if we wanted the slight boost in comfort. For more, read our review of the Dometic Highrise 10.
This pad is luxuriously comfortable, as you might expect from the most expensive model we tested. However, the Comfort Deluxe Double doesn’t quite reach the heights of its main competitor, the Exped MegaMat Duo, due to some small design limitations.
This pad is luxuriously comfortable, as you might expect from the most expensive model we tested. However, the Comfort Deluxe Double doesn’t quite reach the heights of its main competitor, the Exped MegaMat Duo, due to some small design limitations.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
79 x 51 x 4 in.
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
6.5
Weight
9 lb. 13 oz.
Pros
Cons
If a car camping mat costs almost as much as a regular mattress, it had better be as comfortable as one. With the Comfort Deluxe Double, that’s thankfully the case. Our tester liked the feel of this mat so much that she sometimes napped on it in her house instead of getting into her actual bed (honestly, we totally understand) and reported that the Comfort Deluxe felt like an expensive foam topper you would buy for home use, without being too squishy. With four inches of thickness—on par with some of the category leaders, such as the Exped MegaMat Duo—and a felt-like top stretch-knit fabric, this mat pulls out all the stops comfort-wise while still remaining packable enough to toss in your trunk. It’s hard to find a more comfortable sleep platform, and in that sense, the Comfort Deluxe Double justifies its price point.
Where this mat falters, though, is in its user-friendliness. It has two valves, each used for both inflation and deflation, which is not a bad quality in and of itself. (In fact, fine-tuning the air pressure once the mat is inflated is quite simple.) However, our tester found that deflating the Comfort Deluxe Double was an annoyingly involved process, one that took her a whopping 10 minutes when she actually timed herself. Getting the air out took a long time, and she needed her husband’s help to wrangle the mattress into its stuff sack. The Comfort Deluxe Double also lacks an included pump sack, which is a baffling miss at this price. If you want to add extra air to this self-inflating mat, you’ll have to do it with your mouth, which can lead to mold inside the foam if you’re not careful.
While those design flaws keep the Comfort Deluxe Double from reaching the heights of the MegaMat (which includes a pump sack and is easier to pack, although its comparable size costs $30 more), this mattress is still one of the best-performing models on the market. Vertical sidewalls allow two sleepers to fully utilize the Comfort Deluxe’s 51-inch width, and its 75-denier polyester bottom fabric is among the most durable we tested. If you can stomach this mat’s price, you won’t regret your purchase, just remember that there are comparable models out there. For more, read our review of the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Double.
The LuxuryMap sits in the middle of the Therm-a-Rest lineup. It has high-quality, warm construction, and it's lighter and more packable than most competitors. However, its comfort factor is a good deal lower than our favorite car camping mats.
The LuxuryMap sits in the middle of the Therm-a-Rest lineup. It has high-quality, warm construction, and it's lighter and more packable than most competitors. However, its comfort factor is a good deal lower than our favorite car camping mats.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
77 x 25 x 3 in. (L)
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
6.0
Weight
3 lb. 4 oz.
Pros
Cons
Although the LuxuryMap is well-made, like almost all Therm-a-Rest products we’ve tested, it occupies a somewhat odd niche within the category. The LuxuryMap is more expensive than the REI Co-op Camp Dreamer XL ($179) but smaller and thinner—it’s less roomy and only 3 inches high. It’s also not a whole lot less pricey than top performers such as the super-comfy Exped MegaMat MW ($240). In its “large” version, which we tested and which matches the MegaMat’s 25-inch width, the LuxuryMap costs only $20 less and is far less cushioned (at 77 inches, it is, however, 5 inches longer).
We’re not saying this is a bad product, and the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap is still much more comfortable than a backpacking air pad and has a soft top fabric that feels great, even on bare skin. However, our tester was able to feel the ground when she slept on her side at an uneven campsite and noted that she sank much further down into the LuxuryMap than she would’ve on a thicker model. This mat is plenty fine in a pinch, but in terms of comfort-to-price ratio, you can do better.
If comfort isn’t really on your radar—although we’re talking car camping here, so it probably should be—there’s enough to like about the LuxuryMap. Its 75-denier polyester base won’t easily succumb to rips from careless treatment, and its 6.0 R-value will allow you to sleep on it in the early spring and late fall when temperatures dip. In addition, the mat’s inflation and deflation valves are simple and reliable, and our tester had an easier time packing it away than she would have with thicker (and, admittedly, more comfortable) mats. Features probably aren’t why you’re buying a car camping mattress, though, and the LuxuryMap lags behind its direct competitors in the “get a great night’s sleep” category. For more, read our Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap review.
This value-oriented mattress targets the top models on the market and succeeds in many respects. The Camp Dreamer XL is just as thick and comfy as more expensive competitors, although its worrisome history of deflation issues prevents us from wholeheartedly recommending it.
This value-oriented mattress targets the top models on the market and succeeds in many respects. The Camp Dreamer XL is just as thick and comfy as more expensive competitors, although its worrisome history of deflation issues prevents us from wholeheartedly recommending it.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
78 x 30 x 4 in.
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
6.6
Weight
6 lb. 6 oz.
Pros
Cons
Ultra-comfy car camping mattresses usually come with ultra-high price tags, but the Camp Dreamer XL is a welcome exception. This self-inflating model offers premium size and thickness but lands below the $200 mark, which makes it somewhat of an anomaly. The Camp Dreamer fits right in with the category’s top performers dimensions-wise, though, with a 4-inch thickness that had our tester praising the mat’s ability to separate him from the ground. He compared this mat favorably to his mattress at home and noted that it left him waking up with a happy back on camping trips from the Shenandoah Valley to the Outer Banks.
With an R-value of 6.6, the REI Camp Dreamer XL will be able to keep you warm well into the winter months if cold-weather car camping is your jam. We also dig this mat’s user-friendly features, such as a carry strap on the stuff sack that allows easy schlepping from car to campsite. (Our tester also noted that the burrito-style stuff sack made for some of the easiest packing he’s experienced with a mat.) That carry strap is doubly important because the Camp Dreamer is one of the largest mats we tested in terms of packed size. At 30 by 11 inches when stowed away, it’s quite bulky, and our tester even deemed it a bit difficult to fit among the arsenal of camping gear that lives in his van.
Unfortunately, the Camp Dreamer’s appealing comfort and price are somewhat offset by many reports of deflation from REI customers. The mat’s product page is riddled with user reviews that mention leakage, which, of course, is a big no-no for any mat. Our tester’s mattress held up fine—and we’re well aware that folks who submit reviews are more likely to do so because of an issue—but you should definitely be aware of the possibility. Lastly, our tester noted that the Camp Dreamer’s self-inflation stage was less efficient than he’d have preferred after his first test run, and he ended up mostly manually inflating the mat with the included pump sack. He ended up sleeping comfortably each time, but we’ll add that quirk to the Camp Dreamer’s frankly long list of caveats. For more, read our REI Co-op Camp Dreamer XL review.
The standout quality of this throwback pad is its fantastic price, but the Silver Springs is not a good option for campers who seek even moderate comfort. At least it’s warm and durable enough to last until you get more into camping and decide to buy a better pad.
The standout quality of this throwback pad is its fantastic price, but the Silver Springs is not a good option for campers who seek even moderate comfort. At least it’s warm and durable enough to last until you get more into camping and decide to buy a better pad.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Dimensions
72 x 20 x 3 in.
Type
Self-inflating mat
R-value
5.0
Weight
5 lb.
Pros
Cons
There’s an ideal user for every piece of outdoor gear, and in the case of the Coleman Silver Springs, that user is the most sound sleeper in your camping cohort. You know, the person who can pass out anywhere, no matter the ground conditions or sound levels. Okay, that assessment might be a bit harsh, but this pad’s most notable selling point is its rock-bottom price, not its comfort factor. The Silver Springs is by far the cheapest pad we tested and is a serviceable pad for penny pinchers. It’s actually quite warm, with a 5.0 R-value that makes it insulated enough for shoulder-season camping, and its 75-denier polyester fabric is right up there with the top dogs in the category, durability-wise. It’s a great pad for families with kids or dogs that might churn through gear, as it will hold up over time but is fairly replaceable cost-wise.
What the Silver Springs is not, though, is comfortable. It feels thinner than its 3-inch height suggests thanks to foam that’s less supportive than that of pricier pads, and its polyester fabric has a slippery, plasticky feel that’s a far cry from the soft topper fabric of other pads we tested. You’ll probably feel the ground if you’re a side sleeper or if the ground has any bumps. Even so, the Silver Springs is adequate if you're on soft ground or are one of those aforementioned sound sleepers. Our tester was also impressed with the self-inflating Silver Springs’ ability to fill itself most of the way in about 10 minutes via its single valve (it lacks a pump sack or a stuff sack, though). While you can do a lot better in the comfort department, this mat is still better than sleeping on the ground at a great price. For more, check out our review of the Coleman Silver Springs.
The MondoKing is the ultimate one-person car camping mat. It’s even thicker than other worthy competitors, and its raised foam and soft fabric make for an all-around wonderful feel. This pad’s high quality is matched by its high price, though.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
This double-wide pad is the ultimate sleep platform for outdoorsy couples or solo campers who want to max out their sleeping space. The MegaMat is plush, warm, and supportive, and the new version has some welcome design updates. If only it were less expensive and easier to inflate.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
A unique model in this gear guide, the Foamy doesn’t require any inflation and is basically an at-home mattress downsized for car camping. This pad is exorbitantly comfortable, but it’s also expensive for its size and quite bulky when rolled up.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Zempire Monstamat ($150): New Kid on the Block
We first came across Zempire in the world of stoves, but the New Zealand-based brand is making a serious splash in other car camping categories and filling a needed niche. The products we’ve tested have been well-thought-out, good quality for the price, and they look good to boot.
On paper, the Monstamat mat offers solid levels of comfort, measuring 78 by 26.8 by 4 inches. That 4 inches of thickness puts it on par with heavy hitters like the Exped MegaMat and Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe, and its roomy width falls between most large (25 in.) and extra-large (30 in.) alternatives. Both the MegaMat and Comfort Deluxe cost significantly more money, so the big question will be whether the Zempire can compete in terms of comfort and self-inflation. We are optimistic—the price, thickness, and R-Value are there—and will know for sure how it holds up with more nights in the field. Expected review date: August 2025.
REI Co-op Campwell ($119): Save Some Cash
The Campwell is a popular budget camping mattress, starting at $119 for the regular size. In terms of specs, this mat is on the thin end of the spectrum, at just 2.5 inches thick. However, upgrading to the $139 “XL” version provides a generous length and width of 78 inches by 30 inches. In addition, the Campwell offers a healthy R-value of 7, which also punches above its weight and price (for reference, Sea to Summit’s budget-oriented Camp Plus has a rating of just 4.3).
In general, we like REI Co-op’s in-house line of gear, which hits a nice middle ground of affordability and performance. The Campwell is a less expensive alternative to REI’s own Camp Dreamer XL, which is 4 inches thick and comes in at $199. We don’t love the large packed size or self-inflation of that mat, so hopefully the Campwell is an improvement in both areas. We have it out for testing in California and will publish a full review shortly. Expected review date: August 2025.
Our overall rating is a holistic appraisal of how well a car camping mattress performs, taking into account its price, build quality, comfort, durability, and more. Mats that score the highest offer an exceptional sleep experience and usually feature a dialed blend of thickness, plushness, and warmth. Because sleep is such an important factor in whether a camping trip becomes memorable for the right or wrong reasons, we strongly recommend that most people buy a highly rated mattress for comfort. However, some models stand out in others areas, such as durability, value, ease of use, and packed size.
This is a fairly easy category to understand. Mats that score well feel great to lie down on, while those that receive poor marks do not. At the high end, car camping mats should feel almost as comfortable as your mattress at home, and we tested several models that rose to that standard. (The Exped MegaMat Duo and the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D come to mind.) Baffles that cradle a sleeper, foam that’s plush but supportive, and soft topper fabrics are all big pluses for comfort.
Thick mats, perhaps obviously, score higher in this category than thin ones. Many of the top-scoring models are 4 inches thick or more and are also the best choices for side sleepers. Some car camping mats also have baffles, and we’ve found that vertical baffles cradle and center the body better than horizontal ones, while box-shaped baffles offer the most mattress-like feel.
Top-notch comfort that blends standout support, cushioning, and thickness for a luxurious feel.
Average to good comfort, usually found in mats that are on the thinner side and don’t feature premium foam and face fabric.
Thin mats that are not plush. They might have air baffles instead of foam construction.
One of the few objectively measurable categories that we consider, this rating is entirely dependent on a mat’s R-value. R-value is a standardized metric for how well a mattress insulates you from the ground. It’s set by ASTM International, and a higher R-value means a warmer mat; the value is linear, and so a mat with a 6.0 R-value is twice as warm as one with a 3.0 R-value. We cover R-value more in depth in the Anatomy section below.
Warm enough for four-season camping, with the high end designed to tackle the coldest winter conditions. R-values are about 6 and higher.
Enough insulation for prime camping and hiking season, from spring through mid-fall or so, depending on location. R-values range from around 3.0 to 5.5.
Mats that should be only used in warm summer weather, with R-values below 3.0.
A leaky sleeping mattress is among every camper’s worst nightmare, and so this category is an important one. (Having said that, because many of the mats in this review are self-inflating models filled with open-cell foam, they won’t leave you sleeping directly on the ground if they spring a leak like an air pad would.) Models that exhibit standout durability usually have thick, rip-resistant fabric on the base—think 50 denier or higher—with well-designed valves and high-quality construction overall. We’d stay away from mats that don’t score well in this metric.
Long-lasting models with thick, burly materials that are extremely unlikely to spring a leak.
Mats that are mostly intuitive and simple to use, but have some fussy features.
Models with tedious, perhaps even confusing setup and deflation.
This rating focuses on how simple and intuitive a camping mattress is to set up, adjust, and pack away your mat. Models that inflate and deflate with minimal fuss are rewarded here, while mats that require lots of huffing and puffing, fine-tuning, and effort to roll up receive lower scores. Easy valve systems and efficient pump sacks are a plus, as are smartly designed stuff sacks.
Quick, streamlined setup and takedown are the name of the game. Valves, pump sacks, and stuff sacks are all user-friendly.
Mats that are mostly intuitive and simple to use, but have some fussy features.
Models with tedious, perhaps even confusing setup and deflation.
While this category matters less than in backpacking pads—in which having a portable pad that won’t weigh you down is paramount—we still hand out points for mats that aren’t absolute behemoths. A car camping mattress that’s decently packable can save you from playing gear Tetris in your trunk or storage closet, while one that’s exorbitantly bulky and heavy can cause some minor headaches if your car is already packed to the gills or you’re asking your kids to help set up camp.
Mats that weigh below 5 pounds and pack down to easily transportable and carryable sizes, usually smaller than about 18 by 8 inches or so.
Models that weigh between about 5 and 9 pounds, and are much bulkier when packed. In their stuff sack, these can measure up to about 25 by 12 inches.
The heaviest and largest models, mats that you probably have to carry two-handed. They weigh in above 9 pounds and can be up to and over 30 inches long when rolled away.
Our sustainability rating for camping mattresses takes into account nine different criteria. On the product level, we’re looking for recycled or Bluesign-approved materials and whether the product comes with a repair kit. On the brand level, our criteria include whether the company has a dedicated repair service for camping mats, uses recycled or reduced packaging, monitors greenhouse gas emissions, and publishes an annual impact report. We also consider the degree to which our criteria are met; for example, 10% recycled materials is not the same as 100% recycled materials. Note that not every sustainability effort by a brand or product fits neatly into our categories. In these circumstances, we may choose to increase or decrease a rating based on these factors. You can find details on these factors in the sustainability drop-down under each product above.
These mattresses are among the most sustainable on the market and earn our Better Trail Certified distinction. They often meet most of our sustainability criteria for this category.
These mattresses are a good, middle-of-the-pack option for sustainability. They often meet about half or more of our criteria for this category.
These mattresses are the least sustainable and have significant room for improvement. They usually only meet about a quarter or less of our criteria.
Self-Inflating Mats
This type of mat is the most common one you’ll see in the car camping category. Self-inflating mattresses contain open-cell foam, which is compressed when the mat is rolled up and bound by an airtight outer shell made from polyester or nylon. When you open a self-inflating mat’s valve (or valves), air rushes in to fill the gaps in the foam, which inflates the mat.
It’s key to note that these mattresses usually don’t fully inflate on their own, and you’ll have to top them up via good old lung power (or, hopefully, with the help of an included pump sack). Self-inflating mats are also much heavier—and usually more durable—than their air pad counterparts, which are the norm for backpacking. Weight in a car camping mattress matters much less, though.
Air Pads
Air pads are preferred by backpackers for their minimalist weights and small packed sizes. However, they’re usually less thick, cushy, and warm than self-inflating or foam mattreses, and so we see far less of them in the car camping realm. An air pad meant for car camping offers a degree of portability that heavier pad types do not, so it might be a good choice for users who are considering dipping into light backcountry adventures and don’t mind the accompanying dip in comfort and warmth.
These pads are also much less durable than self-inflating and foam pads, so it’s important to be careful with campsite selection and overall pad treatment. Air pads also require much more huffing and puffing to blow up. All in all, you should only really buy an air pad if backpacking is in your future.
Foam Mattresses
When most hikers refer to foam pads, they’re talking about cheap, light, closed-cell foam models such as the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite. For car camping, however, this pad category refers to mats like the Hest Foamy, which is made with two layers of memory foam and is pretty much the same construction as you’d find on a mattress topper meant for home use (for more, read our review of the Foamy). Foam mats are a minority in terms of the models we test, but it’s good to make sure you’re on the same page as your backpacking friends when you’re discussing who’s getting which mat for the night.
Thickness is one of the main factors that make a mattress comfortable. While backpacking pads are usually considered cushy if they’re 3 inches thick or more, a plush car camping model is generally 4 inches thick. (Because you’re not schlepping these mats in your backpack, we’re more than happy to trade weight for more cushion.) Models of that height will most likely protect and insulate you from the ground, even if the terrain is a bit rocky, and side-sleepers should find that their hips don’t touch the ground. That becomes less of a sure thing as thickness increases, and mats that measure less than 3 inches thick definitely feel less luxurious.
The vast majority of car camping mats are rectangular, as there’s simply little need to maximize the weight-to-comfort ratios provided by mummy-style pads, which taper from the shoulder down to the foot in the name of cutting bulk. Rectangular mats are sometimes called “regular” models, but many pad manufacturers have their own naming conventions.
Car camping mattresses are far less standardized, size-wise, than backpacking pads. While “regular” pads measure 72 inches long and 20 inches wide, the same as in the backpacking sphere, most car camping models are often wider to begin with and dubbed “large,” “wide,” “medium,” or another indicator that they have more space than a regular-size pad. Manufacturers have their own naming conventions, so pay attention to the specs on a mat’s product webpage.
We tested plenty of double-wide car camping mattresses, which can have widths in the high 40- or low 50-inches. Those are great for sleeping with a partner (for reference, a full-size bed measures 54 inches across), and there are even wider—and longer—models available. For reference, the largest size offered in the Exped MegaMat Duo measures 80 by 59.8 inches.
Mats are typically made from nylon or polyester fabric. The durability of these fabrics is indicated by their denier, or D, rating. Denier measures a fabric’s thickness, and many car camping mats are quite durable thanks to materials with deniers of 50 or higher. For example, our top-rated Therm-a-Rest MondoKing has a 50D top and 75D base (to learn more, read our MondoKing 3D review). Air pads (backpacking models especially) have thinner fabrics—usually 20D to 40D—that are also lighter and more packable. Some mats have thicker material on their base than on their top, as that’s the area that sees the most contact with the ground and thus the most wear and tear.
Inflating and deflating your mat may not be top of mind when you’re shopping for a new model, but they’re (obviously) essential processes that can become grating if they’re not quick and simple. A pad’s valve—or, in the case of many large car camping mats, valves—is key in this regard, and our testers take valve design seriously. The best versions are intuitive in how they let you add air, fine-tune pressure, and deflate the pad. Some mats have separate valves for inflation and deflation, while others have combination valves that you toggle to open or close their components.
These are small, thin bags that you attach to a mat’s valve, fill with air, and then compress to inflate the mat. Even self-inflating mats require topping up, and pump sacks are the best way to fill an air pad. (It’s better than using your lungs, as your breath introduces potentially mold-causing moisture into the pad’s interior.) We expect most mats to come with a pump sack and will note—disappointingly—when one doesn’t.
Most car camping mattresses come with a stuff sack for compact storage, although some budget models like the Coleman Silver Springs merely include straps to keep the deflated mat rolled up. Stuff sacks help protect mats when they’re in transport and offer an easy solution for carrying a mat from your tent to your car. Many stuff sacks are top-loading, although some newer versions are burrito-style—you scrunch the mat in from the side—which is especially helpful with bulky car camping models.
Many mattress manufacturers include a patch kit with their products, and these kits are essential for repairing your mat if it springs a leak in camp. They typically include rubbing alcohol and sticky fabric patches that you can paste over the hole. Ideally, a patch kit is stored within your mat’s stuff sack, so it’s less prone to getting lost. If your mat doesn’t come with one, add something like Gear Aid Tenacious Tape to your camping supplies.
That’s a great question, and there are a few factors at play here. In general, a solid number of mats designed for one camper are offered in “double” versions (they go by different names: Exped calls them “Duo,” Hest uses “Dually,” and many other brands just “double”). If a standard mat is usually around 25 to 30 inches wide, a double will be more like 52 inches.
Cost-wise, you save some money by buying a double mat. To provide a couple of real-world examples: The single Exped Megamat is $240, and the Duo is $370. The Nemo Roamer single is $250, and the Nemo Roamer Double is $400. In each instance, you save at least $100 in total by buying the double instead of two singles.
Comfort-wise, we like double mats so long as you wouldn’t mind the same setup at home. Meaning, you’ll be sleeping closer to the person than with two separate mats that can spread out a bit, and you’ll feel their tossing and turning more readily because you’re on the same mat. Many European couples sleep on two twin mattresses because of certain sleeping practicalities, but we’ll leave that final decision up to you.
To put it simply: the large increase in comfort. Backpacking pads sacrifice thickness and the cushion of self-inflating foam in the name of light weight and packability, but you don’t have to worry about those traits when you’re driving up to your campsite. Just as we heartily recommend going all in with a sumptuous camp dinner if weight is no issue (and, speaking of, check out the best car camping stoves here), we think that a deluxe sleep platform is what most car campers should aim for. If you love your backpacking pad, by all means, use it for car camping. But if you have the budget to buy a separate, more plush model, the ones above have you covered.
Comfort, warmth, and size are the two biggest separators between premium and budget mats. An expensive car camping mat—costing around $200 or more—will usually be 4 inches or thicker, have an R-value warm enough for four-season camping (5.0 or higher), feature soft and durable materials, and have a feel that mimics a home mattress. It will also have plenty of room for a sleeper, and the most expensive models are large enough for couples. Our top picks, like the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D ($250) and Hest Foamy ($329), check all of these boxes.
As you decrease the price, mats will become thinner, less warm, and can be more difficult to inflate and deflate. Truly budget models will offer a bare minimum of cushion and insulation, although they’re a fraction of the price you’ll have to pay for premium mattresses.
R-value is the measurement of a mat’s ability to resist heat transfer, as standardized by ASTM International. The vast majority of the sleeping pad industry uses this standardized measurement to indicate mat warmth. R-value is linear, and a high-value mat is warmer than a low one; thus, a mat with an R-value of 4.0 is twice as warm as a mat with a 2.0 R-value. The stat is also additive, so layering a 2.0 R-value closed-cell foam mat under a 4.0 air mat—a strategy often used in backpacking, but less so in car camping—will produce a system with a 6.0 R-value.
Sleeping mats—inclusive of minimalist foam pads up through ultra-warm car camping mattresses—usually range from 1.0 to 8.0 R-value, although some of the models in this review go even higher (the Exped DeepSleep is a whopping 9.0; read our DeepSleep review). It's worth noting that you probably don’t need a mat with anything higher than a 8.0 R-value unless you’re a cold sleeper and for some reason are car camping on the Yukon tundra in the dead of winter.
Here’s a quick breakdown of which R-values correspond to which camping conditions. As with sleeping bags, it’s good to keep in mind that some campers sleep hot and some sleep cold, and those two groups can choose a mat that’s a little less or more insulating, respectively, based on this list.
1.0 to 3.0: Summer camping on warm nights
3.0 to 6.0: The majority of “normal” camping season, including cooler nights in spring and fall
6.0 and above: Cold nights. Closer to 6.0 is for shoulder season—early spring and late fall—while 7.0 and above is warm enough for most winter camping
Our article covers traditional camping mattresses, including self-inflating, air, and foam pads. We haven’t included any air beds, which are essentially air-filled equivalents to your mattress at home. Why opt for an air bed? The main arguments in their favor are their large surface area—you can get them in traditional bed sizes like full and queen—and additional height. For reference, a self-inflating mattress like the Exped MegaMat Duo will get you four inches off the ground, while an alternative like Zempire’s Monstabed is 16.5 inches tall.
In terms of downsides, air beds are typically less plush than the memory-foam-like experience that you can get with a foam-filled pad. In addition, they’re more prone to leaking over time and are bulky and heavy (the Zempire Monstabed is nearly 20 lb.). Finally, many air beds aren’t insulated, so they’ll run cold in chilly temps (it can feel a bit like sleeping on top of an ice skating rink with all that frigid air circulating underneath you). So while they have their place—especially if you like a firm sleeping surface and want to get higher off the ground—we think most campers will be far better off with a cushier and more practical self-inflating mat.
To answer this question, our sustainability team did a deep dive and came back with nine criteria for camping mattresses, covering both the product and brand level. Impressively, Nemo’s Roamer and Quasar 3D checked off eight of the nine criteria, earning the highest scores of the grouping. The car camping-focused Roamer features a high-quality build that’s made to last, recycled and bluesign-approved materials, and includes a repair kit to help keep the product working in the field. On the brand level, Nemo is a leader in the space, with ongoing efforts to reduce packaging in its shipments, track carbon emissions, offer repair services, and more.
Every product on Better Trail gets a full sustainability analysis, and at the top of this guide, you can use our handy “Sort By: Sustainability” tool to see how they stack up.
Before you put your mat away between trips, unroll it and let it air out with the valves open for a day or two. Make sure that the mat doesn’t have any moisture trapped inside, doesn’t have any rips or debris in its folds, and then roll it back into its stuff sack and store it in a relatively cool, dry place. If you’re using a semi-inflated mat, like most of the models in this review, we recommend keeping the mat semi-inflated in storage if possible (though it might be tough to get back into its stuff sack).
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Adventure
Mt. Waddington, Human-Powered