A self-inflating mattress is really an ideal companion for hiking, camping, or any other adventure that involves spending the night outside. It is easy to store and transport. It is capable of self-inflating and provides good insulation. In this guide, we’ll discover why you should choose a self-inflatable mattress for camping…
Advantages of the Self-inflating Mattress
A self-inflating mattress is easy to carry when deflated and yet during use. It allows for maximum comfort. However, the comfort of a mattress is above all guaranteed by its type of filling. If you choose it from foam, it feels soft and comfortable when you lie down on the mattress. This allows you to sleep at ease.
These mattresses come in several categories including self-inflating. These have the advantage of combining the same time comfort and practicality during their use.
However, their main asset is their ability to inflate on their own, letting them fill with air independently. As a result, you won’t have to make any effort to complete the inflation and have the expected firmness.
In addition, self-inflating mattresses are often made to support two people. This type of mattress is the ideal size to provide enough space for each of the two sleepers. Also, the top of the bed often has a non-slip coating that prevents you from slipping off the bed, while ensuring your stability while in it.
Where and When to Use a Self-inflating Mattress?
The use of a self-inflating mattress is multiple, but it is especially recommended:
- Camping trips: Self-inflating mattresses are designed for camping, both in established campgrounds and more remote backcountry locations. They provide a comfortable sleeping surface and insulation from the ground.
- Winter camping: Self-inflating mattresses with high R-values are ideal for winter camping, where temperatures can drop significantly. They provide insulation against the cold ground and help keep you warm.
- Car camping: Self-inflating mattresses are well-suited for car camping due to their comfort and ease of use. You don’t have to worry about manually inflating them, and they provide a comfortable sleeping surface.
- For long hikes: Thanks to its lightweight and sleeping bag-style design, the self-inflating mattress offers easy installation and is less tiring.
- For off-snow hikes: unlike a sleeping bag, the self-inflating mattress does not have an integrated cover. It is certainly a mattress that can be folded and transported anywhere. It is therefore recommended from spring to autumn.
- For minimalist hikers: available in several versions, the self-inflating mattress offers optimal space savings, both during transport and when installing. Its low weight also makes it very practical and easier to carry when hiking.
How to Choose the Best Self-inflating Mattresses?
Like any purchase, the choice of a self-inflating mattress is based on various parameters. To keep things simple and avoid making the wrong choice, here are the key criteria to make sure to check.
The material
PVC ensures optimum longevity like vinyl. These two types of coating are perfectly resistant to wear and impact. Some self-inflating mattress models can be covered with a textile cover for extra comfort, with a removable duvet and an integrated pillow.
Dimensions: a matter of size!
Above all, it should be noted that there are several types of self-inflating mattresses: classic models for one person, those intended for two people, and self-inflating mattresses for children. Depending on the intended use, you must check the dimensions of the equipment.
You should choose a length that exceeds your height by ten centimeters. For the width, it is better to favor a model that offers enough space of about fifty centimeters according to your size.
Thermal insulation
Whether in temperate regions or not, a self-inflating mattress must be made between winter mattresses and 3-season mattresses: spring, summer and autumn. 3-season mattresses are relatively thin and less insulating. However, they have the advantage of being light, less bulky, and less expensive than winter mattresses.
In all cases, the choice of mattress depends on the thermal conditions without forgetting the nature of the soil. To determine the insulation quality of the equipment, simply refer to the “R-value”. The higher it is, the better the thermal insulation of the mattress. For a 3-season hiking mattress, look for R-value values of 2 to 3, against 8 and more for winter mattresses.
The coating: a guarantee of longevity
Although self-inflating mattresses are designed to adapt to rustic locations and often have obstacles (pebbles, tree slices, etc.), it is prudent to check the resistance of the base coating of the equipment to ensure its longevity. I recommend you opt for materials resistant to the risk of punctures such as PVC or vinyl.
As for the quality of the touch, it is better to favor a suede or laminated cotton covering. For people sensitive to the cold, a self-inflating double mattress will be an excellent choice in winter.
Ease of assembly and disassembly
One of the basic rules of camping is lightness. The lighter you are, the less tired you will be. One of the things to check when buying a self-inflating mattress is the ease of inflation. You should know that some models are equipped with a manual pump and others with an integrated electric pump. Today, many models are equipped with dedicated electrical systems for quick and easy inflation.
If in doubt, it would be more desirable to have a self-inflating mattress repair kit or to go for a model with inflation valve protection. As for the safety of the child, it is better to favor a model equipped with side protection to avoid the risk of falling during sleep of the toddler.
Of course, these criteria are not exhaustive. Because other parameters can impact the choice of a sleeping pad such as waterproofing and the manufacturer’s warranty. Usually, this information is indicated on the technical datasheet of the product in question. So you might as well check them when buying.
Weight and portability
If you plan on backpacking, consider a lightweight and compact option. However, if you’re car camping, weight might be less of a concern.
Final Thoughts
To sleep in a tent while camping or hiking, you have several choices a groundsheet, a sleeping bag, a self-inflating, or an inflatable mattress. A manual inflatable mattress will be necessary to use an additional pump or inflator to inflate the mattress. These accessories are sometimes delivered with the product during the purchase.
For more convenience and to save storage space, I recommend that you test an electric inflatable mattress or an automatic self-inflating mattress. This type of equipment inflates in less than 10 minutes and effortlessly.