Choosing the right air bed can transform your camping experience, combining the comfort of home with the tranquility of nature. An air bed is not only a resting place but a vital part of a successful camping trip, providing you a good night’s sleep after a day of exploration. At Outwell®, we offer a wide range of air beds designed to meet the diverse needs of families and camping enthusiasts..
Start with the way you like to sleep, and the facilities you usually have at your pitch. If you want a more “proper bed” height and fast setup, look at the Superior Single or Superior Double with a built-in 230V pump. They sit high (45 cm) and inflate quickly, which suits longer trips and campsites with electric hook-up. If you prefer something a little lower but still comfortable, the Excellent range gives you a stable 30 cm height with a soft top fabric and an easy-to-use valve, ideal for regular family use.
If your kit list is still coming together, you can pair your air mattress with the rest of your sleep essentials via complete your camping sleep setup. That makes it easier to match bedding, insulation, and storage to the way you camp.
Size is not only about how many people sleep on it. Think about your tent bedroom dimensions, how you move during the night, and whether you want space left for bags and night-time essentials. A single format is often a smart choice for children, solo sleepers, or narrower bedrooms where you still want a walkway. Doubles make sense for couples or anyone who values room to turn over without waking their partner.
It also helps to check the practical details: length, width, and maximum load. For example, the Superior Double is designed for higher loads (up to 300 kg), while many single models support up to 150 kg. If you are looking for an inflatable bed for one, you can quickly narrow the options through Single air beds and focus on what fits your layout.
The most common complaint about an air bed is waking up to a softer feel by morning. That is often down to temperature changes, not a fault. Air cools overnight, and pressure drops slightly, so it can help to inflate your inflatable mattress to a supportive level shortly before you go to sleep, rather than hours earlier in full sun. A flat, debris-free pitch also matters more than most people expect, because small lumps translate into pressure points.
Choose features that suit your routine. Double seal valves help reduce unwanted air loss, and built-in pumps (on selected models) make top-ups simple. For a straightforward blow-up bed with added stability, the Classic Double Two Chamber design splits support left and right, which can feel more controlled when two people shift during the night. If you need extra width, compare Double air beds and prioritise the shape that matches your bedding.
If you like a higher, more cushioned feel and you want to fine-tune firmness, an air bed is often the easiest route. You can adjust it in seconds, and larger designs suit campers who prefer to be raised off the ground. If you value a lower profile, faster roll-out setup, and a more structured feel, a self-inflating option can be a better match. Many campers also like the built-in foam support, especially if they turn a lot at night.
Warmth is the other key difference. For cooler sleepers or shoulder-season trips, you may want an insulated solution (whether that is an insulated air bed or a mat with a suitable R-value). If you are considering alternatives, it is worth comparing with Self-inflating mats to see what suits your comfort preferences, pack size needs, and the temperatures you expect.
Not every trip needs a high-rise design. If you are packing into a smaller tent, planning short stays, or simply want to save space in the vehicle, a lower-profile option can be the most practical choice. The Reel Airbed Single and Double are designed with a small packed size and horizontal air channels that help keep you stable through the night. If you want a slightly deeper, more mattress-like feel without moving to a tall bed, Dreamspell Single and Double add a 3D shape and a Double Flat High-Flow valve for quicker inflation and deflation.
It is also worth thinking about how you will inflate. A compatible pump and the right adapter can make setup noticeably quicker, especially for Flat High-Flow valves. For many families, this style of inflatable camping bed is the one that gets used most often because it is easy to store and easy to bring along “just in case”.
If you camp in spring or autumn, or you know you feel the cold at night, look beyond thickness alone and pay attention to insulation. Dreamscape Insulated Single and Double are designed to help reduce heat loss to the ground with Isofill Premium insulation and an R-value of 3.8 (rated to -9°C). That can make a real difference to comfort, especially when the ground stays cold even after a mild day.
To get the most from camping air beds in lower temperatures, keep your sleep system working together: use an appropriate sleeping bag, avoid compressing insulation under your hips and shoulders, and consider a light layer between the bed and your bedding to reduce clamminess. When you are ready, explore the Outwell range of air beds on our shop, or contact Outwell for help choosing the right size and style for your next trip.
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