How To Choose A Good Camping Bed

Fresh air, crisp nights and good times in the great outdoors epitomize the camping experience. Unfortunately, spending even one night attempting to sleep on the hard ground can ruin the best camping trip. Rocks, twigs, acorns, and other materials found in most campsites will work against any camper by preventing sound sleep and causing tempers to flare in the midst of the beautiful, natural environment. Selecting the proper camping beds will allow the most restless of sleepers to ease into restful slumber. Appropriate camping beds will allow campers to arise from their slumber relaxed, happy and eager to begin the adventures of the day.

The most basic gear for camping in the great outdoors is the sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are easy to pack, use and store; however, if a camper places even the highest quality sleeping bag on the ground, each stone, twig or pine cone will be felt, which, in turn, will create a poor night's sleep. But, placing a camping bed underneath the sleeping bag will solve this issue. The combination of the sleeping bag and camping bed will allow the camper to sleep contentedly and without the lumps and bumps of the natural terrain continuously poking and prodding the camper with each twist and turn. Local sporting good or outdoor stores typically sell camping beds. In addition, camping beds may be purchased from various websites on the internet. Camping beds can be found in several forms and each camper must consider which variety is best for them.

Inflatable Beds

One of the most comfortable forms of camping beds is the inflatable bed. As the name suggests, an inflatable bed is a bed that is filled with air so that it inflates to create a mattress. Usually, air compressors or pumps are used to inflate the mattress, especially given the large amount of air that is required to fill it to a full and firm status. For a pricier option, self-inflating beds are available. These camping beds are easy to use and may be a good option if cost is not a factor. On the downside, inflatable camping beds are heavy and awkward to pack and store. Also, there is a greater likelihood that the material comprising inflatable camping beds will become punctured. Therefore, it is important that they are placed on even terrain where jagged objects like rocks and pine cones will not put a tiny hole in the mattress. Lastly, inflatable camping beds can be purchased in any size, ranging from a one-man, single mattress to a king size mattress for a couple or a young family.

Cots

Another option for campers looking for a good night's sleep is a cot. Cots are raised off the ground. They are perfect for damp conditions or frigid temperatures because your sleeping bag is placed directly on top of the cot so your body will remain warm and dry. Cots can easily be transferred from one location to another and they fold up for quick storage. But, if your camping trip entails a hike to a campsite, a cot may prove to be too heavy or bulky for most campers to haul. Unlike inflatable camping beds, cots are typically designed for one person to use and they also will only hold a limited amount of weight.

Sleeping Mats

If sleeping on the ground is your things, a sleeping mat may be just what you need. Sleeping mats are typically made of foam and are placed underneath the sleeping bag to provide a cushioned barrier against the hard ground. Sleeping mats are becoming increasingly popular for campers of any level. The mats work by buffering the camper from the rocks, acorns and twigs that are found on the ground. Sleeping mats can be found in a variety of levels of thickness - from ultra-thin to super-thick. When they are not in use, they simply roll up. They are convenient and light-weight for backpacking and are an easy way to achieve a comfortable night's sleep.

The important thing to consider when selecting a camping bed is to evaluate all of the options and see which one works best for you. Reflect on the conditions you will be facing during your camping trips. For example, will you primarily be camping in rainy or damp conditions, cold weather, soft terrain, rough terrain or something in between. Consider whether the weight of the camping bed matters to the success of your trip. Will you be hiking back to your camping spot, or is it just steps from your vehicle? The bottom line is that a camping bed will allow any camper to achieve a good night's sleep which can ultimately make a large difference in the success of your trip.

>> Discuss this topic and others in the DNR-Pro.org Forums