Camping beds and sleeping - Editor's top picks
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for a great camping experience. Say goodbye to chilly nights, hard floors and camper's backache. Our Editor, Iain Duff, shows you what he buys to keep his camping nights as comfortable as possible.
Award-winning folding bed
Outwell Tostado folding camping bed
We recommend because...
A camp bed like this, combined with a comfortable self-inflating mat on top, is our idea of the ultimate tent sleeping set-up. Clearly Outwell is of the same opinion, as this bed has elastic straps fitted to the corners, a simple but extremely effective way of attaching a mat to the frame.
The Tostado folds flat and is easy to set up - creating a 21cm space between you and the ground.
Not only does that keep you protected from the cold and make it is easier for creaky limbs to get out of bed, but it provides some really useful under-bed storage space.
Expect to pay...
About £85
Highly-commended sleeping mat
Outwell Dreamhaven self-inflating sleeping mat
We recommend because...
Featuring the new Outwell Flat High-Flow valve with its enhanced airflow for improved inflation and deflation, the Dreamhaven range of self-inflating mats now comes in incredibly comfortable 15cm deep single and double versions.
The vertical side panels don't bend under pressure, making them more comfortable to lie on and easier to inflate.
Expect to pay...
About £160 to £290
Highly-commended king size sleeping bag
Vango Aurora King Size sleeping bag
We recommend because...
It's wider and longer than a standard double, giving you plenty of space to stretch out and the plush flannel lining means you can snuggle up in luxurious comfort.
The sleeping bag can also be separated to create two single bags.
Expect to pay...
About £145
Award-winning heated sleep panel
Zempire Kozy Nightzzz heated panels
We recommend because...
For most campers, keeping warm at night is top of the priority list, and the new Zempire Kozy Nightzzz heated sleep pad is designed to give you an added boost of warmth and comfort, whatever sleeping system you use.
This innovative piece of kit is basically the modern-day equivalent of an electric blanket crossed with a hot water bottle.
It operates using a 12V plug and the heat settings on the lightweight polyester pad are controlled by a simple push-button system.
Expect to pay...
About £180
Buy it here
Currently unavailable in the UK - coming soon.
A super-warm sleeping bag
Vango Evolve Superwarm Single Sleeping Bag
We recommend because...
As campers and lovers of the outdoors, we know how important it is to look after the planet, so when it comes to camping equipment, we're always on the lookout for greener options.
The Evolve Superwarm Single sleeping bag is from Vango's Earth Collection and the filling, shell and lining are all made from recycled single-use plastics. Not only does it help the environment, but it's a really good sleeping bag; warm, comfortable and soft to the touch.
Expect to pay...
About £40
A luxury double sleeping bag
Outwell Celebration Lux Double Sleeping Bag
We recommend because...
If you're looking for a luxurious, double sleeping bag for camping trips then the super-soft Outwell Celebration Lux Double is the ultimate in comfort.
It's spacious for two and its two layers of synthetic insulation provide plenty of warmth in the chilly spring and autumn months. On warm summer nights, you can unzip the bottom of the bag to air your feet or open it up completely to use as a duvet.
Expect to pay...
About £55
A self-inflating sleeping mat
Outdoor Revolution Camp Star Midi 100 Self Inflating Mat
We recommend because...
For comfortable sleeping in a tent, you can't go wrong with a good self-inflating mat – and the thicker you can afford the better. At 10cm thick, the Outdoor Revolution Camp Star Midi 100 offers superb levels of comfort and incredible value for money, making it an ideal choice.
The reversible mat is constructed from flat foam with horizontal drill holes, designed to make it lighter and easier to roll away. This midi-sized version is bigger than a single, letting you spread out a bit.
Expect to pay...
About £92
An amazing airbed
Outwell Excellent King Flock Airbed
We recommend because...
An airbed can be an great option for a good night's sleep, but you generally get what you pay for so don't be tempted to go for one of the cheap and cheerful options. Far better to invest in a quality product like this.
The king-sized Outwell Excellent airbed is made from robust PVC material but it has a soft flock top and the firm edges provide outstanding levels of stability.
Expect to pay...
About £65
A comfortable camping bed
Outdoor Revolution Single Camp Bed
We recommend because...
Outdoor Revolution's Aluminium Single Camp Bed is sturdy but lightweight, and can be put together in a matter of minutes to create a comfortable bed.
It also has elasticated straps on each corner which can be used to fix a self-inflating mattress on top – creating what we think is the ultimate tent sleeping set-up.
Expect to pay...
About £41
The camping shop
Camping shop home Camping beds and sleeping Camping kitchens and dining Walking gear Camping in comfort Practical camping gear Camping gamesHow it works
If you do buy any of our recommended products, then we do get a small thank-you commission in return from Amazon as we are an Amazon Associate. We may also get a small commission from other retailers listed here. This does not affect your price at all but your support makes a big difference to us, so thank you for helping, because every little helps.
How we choose our recommendations
Nearly every product we recommend has been tried and tested, reviewed, handled and experienced by our very own Camping magazine Editor, Iain Duff. You can take our recommendations and be sure you are getting a quality piece of kit, that also represents superb value for money. We only recommend products we believe in, to help you choose the best value-for-money camping products that do their jobs really, really well.
Expert Camping advice!
Camping magazine has been the voice of campers for over 60 years!
Camping is the UK's only magazine devoted to the wonderful world of life under canvas and the freedom it brings.
Every issue is packed with inspirational travel, the top camping sites to stay on, reviews of the latest tents, camping gear reviews, practical help and much more to help you get the most out of your camping adventures.
Want to know more about Camping magazine?
About Camping magazine
