What To Look For
The most important feature when choosing a camping air mattress is the same as when selecting a mattress for your bed: comfort. The goal is to select an air mattress that is as comfortable as possible while also matching your needs in terms of weight, compactness, durability and cost. Balancing all of these factors will require looking at the materials the mattress is made out of, method of inflation and the type of fill.
Common Pitfalls
Common pitfalls with air mattresses typically involve either carrying too much comfort or too little. Mattresses that inflate thick may seem like a good idea, but are also more likely to be bulky, take longer to set up and might even pop. To be especially avoided are camping air mattresses which require a separate inflation device that must also be carried. On the other end of the spectrum are those who sacrifice their comfort for light weight. While tall people probably could make do with the 3/4-length design, they may regret it when their legs are cold and on the hard ground.
Where To Buy
Buy camping air mattresses in an outdoor outfitter. Big-box stores likely have a few air mattresses, but their focus will typically be on models more appropriate for sleep-overs and RVs. It is important that the place you purchase your air mattress at will allow you to roll one out and lay down with it on the ground--an opportunity unlikely to be allowed at the local Wal-Mart.
Cost
Air mattresses typically run between $45 and $90. The increased price is usually a combination of durability and light weight. Comfort is relatively easy and cheap, but compactness comes at a premium. Expect to pay at the higher end for backpacking pads, such as the Therm-a-Rest ProLite. Some models can be even pricier, with puncture-resistance often costing as much as $120.
Comparison Shopping
In addition to those factors obvious upon testing, you will want to compare other features likely to matter in the field. Find out what kind of fill is included in your mattress. Lower-quality mattresses will be air-only, like a swimming inner tube. These mattresses are harder to inflate and will insulate poorly in cooler temperatures. Most common is a foam fill, which inflate easily or automatically and can provide moderate insulation. Newer mattresses, which often come at higher prices, may have fills similar to sleeping bags, with high lofts and an excellent ability to insulate.
Accessories
Air mattresses often come with a stuff sack. However, you may want to try out some smaller stuff sacks to get the final package as portable as possible. Also important are patch kits, which can be found in small enough packages to easily bring along on your next camping trip.
Insider Tips
Bring your sleeping bag into the store to get a real sense for how a sleeping pad will work while camping. When rolling your new sleeping pad, roll it twice. The first time, force out the air, seal the cap, then unroll. Then roll up the mostly drained air mattress, making it easier to keep the mattress as tight as possible.
