If you’ve ever been excited for a camping trip only to wake up on day 2 to a sore back, you know how much of a damper a poor night’s sleep can put on your mood.
That is why it’s so important to ensure you have the best camping mattress you can afford.
To determine the best camping mattress in Australia, we took a detailed look at nearly 30 different mattresses. We narrowed down the list of the most popular camping mattresses in Australia to the best 6 camping mattresses for your money.
Read on for a detailed look at each of the six mattresses we looked at (and find out our personal favorite), as well as some things you should consider when buying a camping mattress before you make your final choice.
Note: The word ‘pad’ will be used interchangeable with the word ‘matress’ through this article as many brands do not distinguish between the two.
Best Camping Mattress Options
OZtrail Earth Mat Camper Mattress
(Best Budget Camping Mat)
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Features
The Oztrail Earth Mat Camper sleeping pad is the best camping mattress if you are searching for a cheaper option. They use closed foam that is 10 mm thick. You can remove the cover of the foam with ease to wash it.
These mattresses are great for sudden weekend plans. They are very comfortable, and you can have a good sleep at night while camping.
This pad has many microscopic air bubbles inside that provide excellent insulation from the heat and the cold. This mattress is perfect for camping, and you can also use it for yoga, the gym, school camps, sports watching, and more.
The mattress is 195 cm long, 50 cm wide, and 10 cm high. It measures 15 cm by 50 cm when rolled up. Always sleep on the aluminized side that is in contact with the sleeping bag as it helps minimize the loss of body heat.
This camping mattress weighs just 0.5 kg, which means it is easy to carry. It comes with a 12-month manufacturer warranty. So if you find any defect, you can get it replaced.
Pros
- The mattress is lightweight and is easy to carry while travelling.
- You don’t need to inflate it.
- The mattress is water-resistant and easy to clean.
Cons
- Some users did not find it very comfortable.
Darche ATM Camp Mattress
(Best Overall Camping Mattress)
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Features
If you are looking for a high-quality camping mattress and money is not a concern, then the Darche ATM camping mattress is the best out there. The fully-bonded mattress is 100 mm thick. You do have to inflate it yourself.
One great thing about this mattress is its availability in different sizes and can get easily fitted to most of the single, double, or king swags and stretchers for better comfort.
This all-terrain mattress is made of premium open-cell high-density foam, and these foam cells are fragmented and offer various benefits. The cells provide good air circulation and fill gaps.
It allows the foam to absorb and control the moisture vapor. These foam mattresses are very comfortable and reliable. This high-density foam does not break down or shrink, which is why this mattress is a great fit for small tents or swags.
This all-terrain mattress is 1950 mm long, 1400 mm wide, and 100 mm high. It weighs 9.37 kg.
The 3D construction of the mattress and the 75D peach finished polyester top makes it very durable and comfortable to use. This mattress is a must-have if you go camping often.
You can also use it as extra bedding when you have some guests at home. This camping mattress comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacture. So if you find any defect, you can get it replaced.
Pros
- Well-constructed and durable pad.
- The mattress is very comfortable and easy to clean.
- The mattress design is such that it fits comfortably in swags and tents.
- It comes with a repair kit.
Cons
- This mattress is a bit heavy compared to other camping mattresses.
Oztrail Camper Deluxe Mattress
(Best Value Self Inflating Camping Mattress)
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Features
The Oztrail camper deluxe mattress is the best value mattress that is well constructed, durable, and comes at an affordable price.
This mattress is perfect to use for camping, watching sports, or spending a day in the park. You can relax and stretch out comfortably in this camping mattress.
This self-inflating mattress has quick-rise open-cell foam bonded with the outer side for more comfort. This mattress has reliable air valve control, and you cannot remove the cap.
The outer fabric is made of polyester and is easy to clean. This mattress comes with a carry bag, repair kit, and storage straps for carrying convenience.
This camping mattress by Oztrail is made with the Australian weather in mind and is therefore perfectly tailored for the Ozzy weather. The mattress is 183 cm long, 63 cm wide, and 3 cm high. It weighs 1.5 kg, and you can quickly inflate it in a few minutes.
The mattress comes with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. So in case of any defect, you can get it repaired or replaced quickly.
Pros
- The mattress comes with a carry bag and repair kit.
- It is easy to inflate this mattress in seconds.
- It is very comfortable to sleep and relax on this pad.
- The outer polyester fabric is easy to clean.
Cons
- Some users find it challenging to pack back up after use.
Oztrail Velour Air Mattress (Best Air Mattress)
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Features
The Oztrail Velour air mattress comes in four sizes and is available in single, king single, double, and queen size. This mattress is made of a soft velour top and has a durable PVC base and siding. It is effortless to clean. The Oztrail Velour is a good quality mattress at a reasonable price.
The mattress is constructed with a boxed wall inner coil and is easy to inflate or deflate in seconds using the Boston air valve. This Boston air valve is a very popular air pump.
After inflating the mattress, you will find yourself with a 23 cm thick cushioned mattress that provides comfort and reliability. This mattress comes with a repair kit so that you can patch any holes or tears quickly.
The two larger size mattresses have air zones that absorb any movement and are less disturbing to the other person sleeping on the mattress.
The mattress weighs just 1.8 kg. It is 185 cm long, 97 cm wide, and 23 cm high. This mattress by Oztrail is excellent for camping trips, or you can even use it as extra bedding at home.
Pros
- The velour top is straightforward to clean and has durable PVC walls.
- The mattress comes with a repair kit so that you can patch the area quickly.
- The inner coil construction provides better back support and is comfortable.
Cons
- The mattress does not include an inflation pump.
Zempire Monstamat Inflating Mattress
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Features
The Zempire inflating mattress is a high-quality camping mattress that is durable and lasts for years if maintained properly. So if you are looking for a full-length mattress, this double mattress that measures 201 cm long and 132 cm wide is an excellent option for you.
This mattress has a 3D construction with a 150D polyester base. The base is strong, has antibacterial foam and an open foam structure. The bed’s surface does not make any noise so that you can have a comfortable sleep all night.
It weighs 7 kg. If you are looking for the best mattress, then this pad by Zempire is an excellent option.
The mattress uses fully-bonded foam. This type of foam prevents any cold air from entering the mattress. This pad is 10cm thick and has a comfortable and stretchable fabric.
With the 360-air valve, you can inflate the mattress quickly. It has an R-value rating of 9.5. A high R-value implies that it will keep you warm in cold weather. The mattress comes with a carry bag and a compression strap. You can carry it conveniently on your camping trip.
Pros
- It uses high-quality, durable foam.
- This camping mattress comes with a carry bag, which makes it very convenient to transport.
- It is very comfortable to sleep on this mattress.
Buyers Guide for find the Best Camping Mattress
Types Of Mattress
When you look at mattresses for camping, you need to look at what type of mattress you need. The three types of mattresses to choose from are self-inflating camping mattresses, foam-based mattresses, and air mattresses. Let’s have a brief look at all three mattresses.
Best Self Inflating Camping Mattress
A self-inflating mattress is the most popular camping mattress people use these days. Most of the self-inflating mattress has an open-cell foam that can expand quickly, and you can fill it with air by opening up the valve.
The self-inflating mattress may be quite expensive compared to other mattresses as it has a thick foam inside that is durable and of mostly high quality.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses used closed-cell foam. You don’t need to inflate them. Just roll them down, and that’s it! These types of mattresses are cheap and lightweight.
You can carry them easily to any camp location. You don’t have to worry about punctures. These mattresses are great for one or two-night camping.
Air Mattress
The most common type of mattress used for camping is air mattresses. As the name suggests, you have to fill them with air. You can inflate them using an air pump or self-inflate them with your mouth.
Most air mattresses have multiple layers and are relatively stable. Most air mattresses are lighter and cheaper than other types of mattresses and can be packed easily in a bag.
Size And Weight
One thing to consider when you look for a camping mattress is its size and weight. For this, you need to consider if you want a single mattress or a double mattress for camping. If the mattress is large, it will require more space in your car.
You need to consider if you want a lightweight mattress for camping or looking for a double-sized mattress that you can inflate.
Comfort And Durability
To have a comfortable sleep while camping, you need to look at the thickness of the mattress or pad. Most mattresses have a slim design, and it takes less space in the car.
If you are going to camp on uneven terrain or surface, you need to look for a mattress with good cushioning and thickness. Look for something that is durable and thicker than 5 cm.
Insulation
When you look for a camping mattress, you also need to look at the level of warmth the mattress can provide in cold weather. Its R-value can measure the level of heat the mattress will provide. The higher the R-value, the more warmth it will provide.
If you are looking for a camping mattress to use during summers, you might not bother considering this. If you are looking for the best camping mattress for all seasons, it should have an R-value of at least three.
Best Camping Mattress Conclusion
We hope this carefully curated list of the six most popular camping mattresses in Australia was useful in helping you make a purchase. In our opinion, the Darche ATM 1400 is the best camping mattress currently available.
If you’re shopping on a budget and need something a bit cheaper, then the Oztrail Earth Mat Camper mattress was the cheapest camping pad we reviewed. We felt the Oztrail Camper Deluxe Self-inflating product was the best mattress providing the best overall value-for-money.
Happy camping!
