Camping is a lovely way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the natural world. Unfortunately, it isn’t always comfortable, especially if you don’t have the right gear when you’re ready to go to sleep for the night or take a nap during the day.

This is where air mattresses and hammocks can be really helpful. Below, we cover some tips on how to select the right air mattress or hammock once you’re ready to shop.

Things to Consider When Shopping for an Air Mattress

To be sure you purchase the right camping air mattress for your next adventure, there are a few things you need to know about these products:

Weight and Size

As you browse through the many air mattresses on the market, you’ll quickly realize that some are much heavier than others. A light mattress might be best for someone who’s planning on spending more time doing activities, like rock climbing or hiking, and less time sleeping. It will be a lot easier to carry your air mattress, but you can still rely on it to be tough and durable.

On the other hand, if you’re going on a more low-key camping trip, or one that won’t have you trekking as far into the wilderness, perhaps comfort is more important. Once you settle in at your destination, a heavier air mattress that’s thicker might be just what you need to get a restful night’s sleep.

In addition to weight, it’s also important to think about the size of your tent in relation to the size of your air mattress. While a queen sized air mattress might sound luxurious, if you’re using a small tent, it likely won’t work out so well.

Method of Inflation

How you inflate your air mattress is another important thing to consider. Some mattresses come with electric pumps, while others come with hand/foot pumps. If you’re camping farther away from your car, you might want to stick with the easier-to-carry hand/foot pump.

A battery-powered, built-in pump can come in handy because it makes inflating your air mattress easier. This is also ideal for camping spots where you won’t have access to a power outlet.

Although it might not be super comfortable, a self-inflating air mattress might be the lightweight option that you’re looking for whenever you need to carry it across longer distances to your campsite.

A Couple of the Most Highly Recommended Air Mattresses

• Want an air mattress that will be able to mimic what it feels like to sleep in your own bed at home? Check out the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress.
• On a tight budget? The Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set can give you what you need at an affordable price.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Hammock

Camping hammocks are lightweight, making them easy to carry with the rest of your gear. And they’re also simple to set up between two poles or trees. Choosing the right hammock, though, could be tough because there are a lot of similar products on the market. To narrow down your options, consider the following:

Campsite Conditions

A high-quality camping hammock could actually take the place of a tent, but there are some limitations. For example, a hammock will work if you’re going camping in a place that has trees spaced apart just right so you can hang it. And, in case of rain or bugs, you’ll need to purchase accessories to use with your hammock.

Weight

Depending on how much gear you’ll be carrying to your campsite, adding a hammock to the mix might make your load unbearable. So consider the weight of the hammock and its accessories while you shop.

Number of Sleepers

You can find hammocks specifically designed for use by one person, as well as those that can comfortably hold two people. If you’re planning on sharing your hammock with someone else, be sure to purchase one that will be able to sustain the combined weight of both of you.

A Couple of the Most Highly Recommended Camping Hammocks:

• Searching for a hammock that’s durable, affordable, and lightweight? Then look no further than the Bear Butt Double Parachute Camping Hammock
• Planning on sharing your hammock? The Nature’s Hangout Hammock is capable of holding up to 500 pounds.

Make Your Next Camping Trip the Best One Yet!

If you’ve struggled with getting a good night’s sleep while camping in the past, consider upgrading to a high-quality camping hammock or air mattress. With the right gear, you’ll be able to rest up during the night so you’ll have the energy to go on your excursions during the day.