The 8 Best Sleeping Pads and Mattresses for Camping

How To Make The Most Comfortable Camping Bed

Camping in the wilderness can be an amazing adventure but in reality, sleeping on the hard terra firma can be a less than comfortable experience. Create a cozy camp bed by following these sleeping tips for campers from the experts at REI.

Ways to increase the odds you’ll sleep like a baby outdoors:

• If weight is not an issue (car camping), a thick camp mattress/pad provides the most comfort. For backpacking, the lightest weight, closed-cell foam pads are best.
• Choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating fit for the terrain and climate you’ll be camping in (mountains, beach, RV, cabin, etc.).
• Bring an eye mask for times of the year when the sun comes up early.
• Earplugs drown out a tentmate’s snoring or animals rustling in the bushes.
• Don’t forget to pack a pillow.

Avoid sleepless nights even when roughing it by choosing the right camp mattress or sleeping pad. Here’s our rundown of the best camp mattresses to put a cushy layer of foam or air between you and the cold, hard ground.