We’ve made the process of choosing the best camping mattress and mats easier for you by narrowing down the top 10 camping mattresses in Australia. Also, we’ve laid down a guide to help you understand the important considerations to keep in mind before making this important purchase.

8 Best Sleeping Mats & Mattresses

1. Coleman All Terrain Airbed, Black, Queen Double High
2. POWERLIX Sleeping Pad – Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Mat
3. WELLAX UltraThick FlexFoam Sleeping Pad
4. TRIPHUNTER GEARS Quiet Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
5. Exped Megamat 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad (Single & Duo)
6. Trekology UL Inflatable Sleeping Pad, Camping Mat for Sleeping
7. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad – Mat, (Large)
8. Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow

The 8 Best Camping Mattresses & Mats Available in Australia

#1. Coleman All Terrain Airbed - Queen Double High

Best for couples

Type: Double-Height Air | Weight: 3.8 kg | Size: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (Queen Double)

Standout features: Double lock valve and Wrap N’ Roll Storage system, improved puncture guard

The Coleman All-Terrain Airbed is lighter than the other mattresses of the same brand. It is more durable with its added Puncture Guard feature. This means its protection against getting punctured was improved by 47%. Its resistance against stretching was also improved by 25% while making it 30% lighter than other Coleman airbeds.

The strengthening of its material means it supports more weight. It has an incredible airtight system as well, with its Double Lock valve to assure it’s leak-free. And, it has a convenient storing system, the Wrap N’ Roll; making it way easier to keep every after use.

Because of its improved durability, reliability, its height, and comfortability, the Coleman All-Terrain Airbed may just be the perfect mattress for an Australian outdoor adventure—and equally perfect for temporary indoor use too.

---

#2. POWERLIX Sleeping Pad - Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Mat

Best Lightweight Air Mattress

Type: Air Mattress | Weight: 600g | Size: 22.8” x 74.8” | Material: 75D nylon

Standout features: Hexagon design, Compact and comes with own patch kit

The POWERLIX Sleeping Pad is indeed a “power” camping mattress compacted in a small carry bag. It has all the essentials inside—even a patch kit. It’s not a self-inflating mattress, though. It comes with an inflating bag which makes inflating the camping mattress incredibly quick and easy.

The mat is made with high-grade 75D nylon; designed to be waterproof and with good thermal insulation.

This is great camping gear for long hiking trips as it only weighs 630 grams. It’s quick to set up and offers a comfortable sleeping experience. It’s not the comfiest but for the price and weight, it exceeds expectations.

---

#3. WELLAX UltraThick FlexFoam Sleeping Pad

Best Sleeping Mattress with high R-Value

Type: Self-inflating | Weight: 2.7 kg| Size: 77″ x 30″ x 3″ | R-Value: 9.66

Standout features: Waterproof, abrasion-proof, high R-value

The WELLAX UltraThick FlexFoam Sleeping Pad might just be your next camping mattress buddy! The R-value is excellent , so it makes a great mattress for cold conditions. It comes with an integrated pillow as well, so it gives extra comfort—and one less separate camping gear to pack

The material used in this sleeping pad is NON-PVC which solves two things:

• Eliminates plastic odors
• Eliminates squeaky noise from plastic crinkle

A peaceful good night sleep outdoors with WELLAX is pretty much guarenteed due to its thickness and foam padding. It comes with two brass valves for the self-inflating process, compression straps and an oversize carry bag.

---

#4. TRIPHUNTER GEARS Quiet Self Inflating Sleeping Pad

Best Sleeping Mattress for Mummy Sleeping Bags

Type: Self-inflating | Weight: 2.1 lb | Size: 22” x 73” | R-Value: 4.3 | Material:75D polyester

Standout features: Mummy-shaped, non-squeaky, water-proof, and for all seasons

The TRIPHUNTER GEARS Quiet Self Inflating Sleeping Pad is shaped like a mummy, which makes it a great purchase if you plan on biying a mummy sleeping bag. Just like the WELLAX, this sleeping mat is also designed to be non-squeaky and comes with a mending kit as well.

The sleeping pad has an R-value of 4.3. It can keep you decently warm even in -15 ℃ weather. This is why it is a recommended sleeping mat for hikers during winter. Although, it may seem a bit thin for other people can still give you great warmth and comfort.

It packs really small and compact. Inflating and deflating the pad will be as simple as opening the valves.

---

#5. Exped Megamat 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad (Single & Duo)

Best Sleeping Mattress for Couples

Type: Self-inflating | Weight: | Size:  77 x 197 cm| R-Value: 8.1| Material: Polyester, Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Standout features: 3D constructed, 4 season sleeping mattress that can fit 2 people (for duo)

The Exped Megamat Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is an innovative SIMS. First, it has two flat valves, each having its own purpose—one for inflation and the other for deflation. The valves are tucked inside the mat instead of the typical protruding design.

And although it self-inflates, this sleeping pad still comes with a mini-pump for easy firmness adjustment. It has a thickness of around 3.9 inches, so it’ll comfortably look after your back while you sleep on the ground and even when used inside the car (during car camping). It’s a great sleeping mat to have for couples as it comes with a duo variant.

---

#6. Trekology UL Inflatable Sleeping Pad, Camping Mat for Sleeping

Best Air Mattress for Extreme Environments

Type: Air Mattress | Weight: | Size: 57” x 75.2” | R-Value: 1.6 to 2

Standout features: Unique curvature design, long and sturdy for uneven camp floors

The Trekology UL Inflatable Sleeping Pad is a 3-season camping mattress that is great for temperatures of 35.6F and above. It is deemed to keep you dry and warm even in wet conditions considering it is almost 4 inches thick and is water-resistant.

This Trekology sleeping pad is considered very durable as it is made up of 40D nylon. It’s the camping bed buddy you can trust in extreme environment settings.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with its own air pump. But its valve system is designed to get faster air flow. With its enlarged air valve, it’ll help you inflate (even with only the use of your mouth) and deflate.

---

#7. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad

Best Backpacking Sleeping Mattress

Type: Air mattress| Weight: 14.5 oz | Size: 25” x 75” | Material: heavy duty 20D ripstop nylon

Standout feature: Ultralightweight

The Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad may just be every hiker/backpacker’s new camping buddy. It is as thin as 2” and it only weighs 14.5 OZ. When packed down, it can size down as small as a thin water bottle—that’s how compact it is.

But don’t get fooled by its thinness as this sleeping mat is made with heavy-duty material which makes it tear-resistant and waterproof. It’s made with a heavy-duty ripstop nylon fabric. It can survive even severe outdoor conditions.

---

#8. Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow

Best Cheap Air Mattress

Type: Self-inflating | Weight: 1kg | Size: 76 x 26 x 2.5 in. | Material: weather-resistant polyester

Standout feature: Comes with an integrated pillow

The Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow is a good alternative to its premium brethren (the #1 on the list). It’s self-inflating and it comes with an integrated pillow. The pillow, however, will need to be blown up manually. Nevertheless, it will not take too much time to blow, around 5 to 6 breaths will likely be enough. The self-inflating process, as well, doesn’t take too long before it’s fully blown up all on its own.

Despite being thin, it does come with an extra layer of padding between the sleeping bag and the ground. The compression straps are attached to the mattress for quick and easy deflation.

This is perfect for the no-nonsense campers who want an extra bit of comfortduring their long weekend away!

---

Camping Mattresses & Mats: Buyer’s Guide

After extensive research and product reviews, we’ve laid down the important factors and features to keep in mind while browsing for your next camping mattress.

Types of Camping Mattresses

Air Mattress

More often designed as 3-season, this type of mattress is more prominent during winter camping. It is usually thick enough and is equipped with insulation or reflective layers to steadily regulate heat—assuring you a good night’s sleep during cold nights.

Air mattresses typically require to be blown up. Some products may come with a built-in hand pump, while others will require you to use an external air pump device. Although, there are some that can be blown by mouth.

Because this mattress can be deflated after use, it’s best to have when storage and weight are important factors for your trip, like going on hikes.

There are two types of air mattress: 

Self-inflating sleeping mats (SIMS)

This type of mattress is a combination of a closed-foam and air. But instead of manually pumping air inside yourself, you will just need to open the valve and air will get sucked in. Although, it may need to be topped up by blowing air with the use of your mouth.

It is usually equipped with a layer of foam padding inside. This makes it more durable than an air mattress. It’ll also give you that firm quality and, not to mention, more insulation.

Double-height air mattress

This provides the extra comfort that others may need. It feels like sleeping on your own bed at home as it keeps you well off the ground. The top part of the mattress

Closed-Foam Camping Mattress

This type of camping mattress is thin-looking and is typically lightweight. However, it can’t be compacted and can only be rolled or folded. This takes up quite the space, depending on the thickness and length, but may not be a suitable option where space is an issue.

Also, it’s best for smooth terrain, where having a thick mattress is not essentially needed. Most products will come with an insulation layer to help you keep warm in cool weather, but may not be as enough for colder conditions.

Folding Camp Beds

It is made of a stretched canvas attached to a foldable aluminum frame. It provides the height to keep you well off ground and offers a decent level of comfort.

Typically used when all the camping gears are stored and transported in the car and not carried around during hikes. No added or complicated instructions to set this up—just to unfold. Also, because it does not require air, there’s no chance of deflating overnight.

Although you may need extra sleeping accessories like a blanket and a pillow to give enough warmth and comfort.

Carp Fishing Beds

It is also known as a “Chairbed” as it serves the dual purpose of being a chair and a bed. It’s what Carp fishermen sit on for hours after hours, because it’s also very comfortable to sleep on while waiting for that lucky catch.

It’s thicker than a folding camp bed and well padded. As it’s designed to be used more often outdoors than indoors, so most manufacturers offer it with great comfort and warmth regulation.

Ready Beds & All-In-One Beds

It is either a self-inflating or an inflatable air bed but in the form of a sleeping bag, which is why it is also called an “all-in-one” bed. It’s quite popular with the kids too, as many come in a variety of children’s designs like cartoon characters.

Explaining the Terminology

Valve

It’s the outlet where air passes to either inflate or deflate the mattress.

R-Value

It is the measurement for the insulating capacity of the material to resist heat flow.

Compression straps

These are straps that’ll help deflate the mattress and keep them compressed while packed. Some are directly sown into the mattress while others are detached.

Camping Mattresses & Mats: Primary Considerations

Materials

There are five basic materials that make up most of the mattresses in the Australian market right now and these are:

Innerspring

It is the spring coils that are inside the mattress. It supports the top layer of your mattress which usually carries the weight of its users and serves as the insulation layer.

Foam

It’ll either be pure polyfoam, Polyurethane foam, memory foam or latex. Sometimes it’ll be a combination of two types.

Latex

It is a natural product often combined with natural fillings to create a great natural mattress. Some mattresses may be made of synthetic vulcanized rubber. It gives a mattress a more solid feel compared to foam.

Hybrid

It’s a multi-layer combination of either memory foam, latex, or gel that’s incorporated with the innerspring. It provides both the comfort of foam layers and the sturdy feel of the innerspring

Airbed

The inside of the mattress is basically stuffed with air. The firmness of the mattress will depend on the amount of air present inside. One of the advantages of this is that you can adjust the firmness of the mattress by either blowing more air in or letting a few out.

Size

Twin

• 38” x 75”
• Fits 1 person

Twin XL

• 38” x 80”
• Still only fits one but tall person

Full/Double

• 54” x 75”
• More or less a foot wider that Twin/Twin XL
• Standard size for couple
• Fits 2 adults or 1 person and a pet

Queen

• 60” x 80”
• Most popular mattress size
• Extra room for taller persons
• Fits 2 adults or 1 person and a pet

King

• 76” x 80”
• Equivalent to two beds
• Fits 1 adult and a pet or children or 2 adults and a child

California King

• 72” x 84”
• Longest mattress available
• Can fit 2 adults with children or multiple pets

Thickness

The thickness of the mattress will depend on a few factors such as the space of your tent, your preference, budget, and the kind of outdoor trip you have in mind. Going on a long hike means the weight is important and carrying a thick mattress would put a heavier load on your back. So you might want to opt for a thinner mattress or a sleeping pad.

Second, if you have a small tent, getting a thicker mattress will likely make you feel cramped inside, most especially if you have limited headroom or sloped walls. As to preference, if weight and space is not an issue, and you would prefer to sleep well off from the ground or be comfortable warm at night then you should factor in getting a thicker mattress.

Mattresses may vary from less than 5” thick to more than 15”.

Firmness

The firmness of a mattress will depend on two factors: the camper’s weight and sleep position. Those that prefer to sleep on their sides might opt for soft mattresses while those that sleep on their back or on their stomach will likely go for a firmer mattress.

For air mattresses, the firmness will depend on the thickness and how inflated the mattress is. The firmness can also be adjusted by releasing a bit of air from the valve. The thicker the mattress, the more firm it may feel. Although, there are self-inflating mattresses that have very firm foams—another factor affecting firmness.

For folding camping beds, there’s no way to adjust the firmness as the bed base is usually made of canvas material or something hard and durable. The firmness of closed-foam mattresses, on the other hand, will depend on the type of foam used by the manufacturers.

There are mattresses that are designed to carry the heaviest weight and so they might be more firm and be uncomfortable to some.

Weight

There are two kinds of weight to consider: weight of the mattress and its weight capacity.

Your camping mattress or sleeping pad will be one of the heaviest items you’ll carry. So if you’re planning for a long hiking adventure, then you might want to opt for lightweight pads or airbeds because you can deflate and pack them compactly.

For weight capacity, people of certain weight groups may prefer a certain type of firmness with their mattresses.

Light

Campers that weigh less than 130 lbs prefer a softer mattress or something very close.

Average

Those that weigh around 130 lbs to 230 lbs prefer a balanced mattress of having soft padding but with good firm support.

Heavy

These are those who weigh over 230 lbs that require strong mattress support and less on the comfortability.

Camping Mattresses & Mats: Secondary Considerations

R-Value

This is usually found in product descriptions. It’s the measurement of the mattress’s insulating material in resisting heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the greater the mattress’s capacity or insulating power.

Gender

There are mats that are specifically made for women. These are generally smaller in size and provide more insulation. For men, on the other hand, are typically long in size to accommodate 6ft tall campers, for instance. Of course, there are mats that are made for unisex.

Air pump device

There are manufacturers that provide air pumps for air mattresses while others don’t. There are some that incorporate the pump into the bed (built-in pump). Those that include an air pump in the package are usually more expensive than those that don’t.

Pillows

Some sleeping mattresses, usually air and self-inflating mattresses, integrate a pillow into the design. Some find it uncomfortable, while others find it economically useful and convenient.