If I received a penny every-time someone asked me this question, I would be a rich man! I do get the odd youngster who is still interested in using a sleeping bag, but these days most people want something that’s like their own bed when they’re sleeping in the great outdoors. So, for that reason I thought I would let you in on what I tell people when they ask “what makes a good outdoor airbed”.
Durability
I put this ahead of comfort because I happen to think it’s the most important factor to consider when you’re choosing an outdoor air mattress. The very last thing anyone needs when they’re on a camping trip is for their bed to spring a leak so you’re spending precious time looking for where that darn hiss is coming from!
As you will notice with some of the reviews I’ve added to my website there are manufacturers that take durability very seriously indeed. For instance, you may want to take a look at the SimplySleeper SS-49T (reviewed here). This company has used a patented technology in the form of DurmothaneTM Polyester which is some of the most advanced on the market. In fact, it’s the strongest material available.
Comfort
This had to be at least second on the list didn’t it? After all, if you’re looking for an air bed you want to feel almost like you’re sleeping in your own bed at home. A good night’s rest on a camping or road trip is essential. You will more than likely spend a lot of time hiking and generally exploring which can be exhausting. So, it’s hardly surprising comfort is pretty much top of the list.
As with durability, comfort has come a long way within the air mattress industry, and you will find a plethora of information on my website. Beds like this come in twin, queen and king sizes so you have plenty of room to move about during the night. There are beds that offer different levels of inflation so you can choose which suits you best, and the surfaces these days are made of materials that won’t leave you feeling like a fly stuck to a spider’s web in the morning.
Ease of Use
When you’re exploring the great outdoors, you don’t want to be spending time inflating your air bed. After all, you could be taking photos of that rare bird you’ve been looking forward to seeing. This is why manufacturers have made it as easy as possible for you to inflate an airbed. In fact, some options will have your bed ready to be dressed in as little as 1 minute! If you want some more information on this, check out the Aero Sport All-Terrain Airbed (this happens to be my favorite for camping). You can find it here.
It’s not just inflating that needs to be quick and easy, but deflating as well. Lots of the reviews you will find here use innovative technology so you can deflate your mattress as quickly as you inflated it, and many of them come with a handy bag for storage.
Re-Cap
So, let’s re-cap:
This is what makes a good outdoor airbed:
- Durability
- Comfort
- Ease of use
Of course, price might be important to you as well, but as you browse the reviews, I’m confident you will find an air bed that will cover all the points above AND suit your bank balance!