Camping sleeping options

July 2, 2020 11:23 AM

Would you choose a camping cot, inflatable air mattress or self inflating mat for the price range of about $30-40 for an average sized individual? This would be for car camping in mild weather so weight and temperature are not a major issue. Must be inside tent, so no hammocks.
posted by roaring beast to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (14 answers total)

I definitely prefer a cot for car camping -- being off the ground is always a great idea, for warmth, comfort, ease, and storage (stuff going under the cot saves you a lot of room in the tent). That said, I would have serious doubts about a $40 cot.

Inflatable mattress would be my second choice, but first in your price range. They're semi-disposable anyway.
posted by Capt. Renault at 11:29 AM on July 2, 2020

A good inflatable with an air pump that runs off car battery can be very nice but your price point may be too low. Last time I used a cot I found it rather restricting and not very comfy. Whether it's an airbed or a cot, you'll need something like a blanket under you if you're not in a hot place.
posted by anadem at 11:39 AM on July 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

At that price point your best option would be an inflatable air mattress.

I'd suggest a cot only if you have a high-ceiling tent (so not a backpacking tent) and if you're spending more than $30. The cheap ones are not very comfortable and are pretty flimsy. The Coleman Comfortsmart at about $70 gets good marks for comfort.
posted by theory at 11:47 AM on July 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

If this were normal times, I'd recommend that you look at renting a cot, especially if you don't camp often. $16 + $2 per night, and not having to store the cot when you're not camping.
posted by hydra77 at 12:02 PM on July 2, 2020

Air mattresses are pretty comfortable and you can use them at home if one too many guests visit (not right now obviously). That's what I use when I go car camping with my family.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:30 PM on July 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

For that price, you will get a 3" thick inflatable air mattress that looks like a pool float -- and it will work pretty darn well!

For rather more money you could get a high-end air mattress from a fancy camping company (e.g., Klymit or a thick Therm-a-Rest), or a nice folding cot, and it will last a long time with a good warranty.

Not sure about cot pricing, but I think you're low-balling that market. *shrug* (I was always wary of a cot's feet, myself, and liked being able to deflate & roll an air mattress. I have a Therm-A-rest that's both long and thick, and it's great for me as a side-sleeper.)
posted by wenestvedt at 12:43 PM on July 2, 2020 [2 favorites]

I've been tempted by cots but as we are two people a large inflatable mattress has been better for us. Ours cost about what you're looking at, but I would upgrade to the next level in retrospect if I could, to be a little more compact, have a good case etc.
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 12:57 PM on July 2, 2020

Klymit sells their "certified refurbished" inflatable sleeping pads on eBay. I have a couple & recommend them. Some sizes are in your price range.
posted by The AhForgetIt Tendency at 1:22 PM on July 2, 2020 [2 favorites]

I have high-end air mattresses (Klymit, ThermaRest) for backpacking, but for car camping where weight isn't an issue I use the cheaper thicker ones e.g. this $42 one that comes with a battery powered pomp.
posted by achrise at 6:19 PM on July 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

Cot for sure. Air mattresses never last long.
posted by Jacqueline at 7:28 PM on July 2, 2020

I like my self-inflating mat. It’s sturdy, fairly comfy, stores and travels easily, and is light enough for the rare occasions I do hike-in camping. Looks like REI is having a sale this weekend that would put some decent-looking mats in your price range.
posted by Tuba Toothpaste at 8:31 PM on July 2, 2020

Cot and add a cheap (ie can be dollar store cheap) closed cell foam mat under you for warmth if it cool/cold where you are. Cots can be suprisingly cool to sleep on in cooler weather. You may need to go up a bit from your price point, but, for car camping, a cot is nice. It also gives you somewhere to sit, and you can store stuff underneath it. And it rarely deflates in the middle of the night!
posted by Northbysomewhatcrazy at 8:37 PM on July 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

I was always an air mattress girl myself.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 10:23 PM on July 2, 2020

A brand new inflatable mattress will be cheap and will last through your trip, and be quite comfortable particularly if you are the only person sleeping on it. A good, very thick self-inflating mattress will be better but more expensive, probably a lot more expensive. Everyone I've seen talking about a cot setup combine it a self-inflating mattress. Apparently this is the pinnacle of comfort. I don't know about a cot on its own.
posted by plonkee at 10:00 AM on July 3, 2020