See our full range of products in person
Unit 24 Rothersthorpe Cres, Rothersthorpe Avenue Ind Estate
Northampton
NN4 8JD, UK
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
Choosing the right camping air bed can make or break a trip. With summer 2026 fast approaching, now is the time to sort your sleep setup before the campsites fill up. Whether you camp solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, there is an air bed that fits your needs perfectly. In this guide we compare single, double and self-inflating options from trusted brands including Vango, Outwell, Coleman, Hi-Gear and Kampa.
A single camping air bed typically measures around 185 x 70 cm and packs down small enough to fit in a rucksack pocket. They suit solo campers, backpackers and children sharing a family tent. Vango and Hi-Gear both produce lightweight singles that inflate quickly with a hand pump or battery-powered pump.
Key advantages of single air beds include easy positioning inside smaller tents, lighter carry weight and lower cost. If you are camping with kids, two singles side by side often work better than one double because you can rearrange the tent layout as needed.
Double air beds range from 185 x 120 cm to 200 x 140 cm, giving couples plenty of room to stretch out. Outwell and Coleman offer some of the most popular doubles on the market, with coil-beam construction that distributes weight evenly and reduces the "roll-together" effect that cheaper models suffer from.
If you and your partner plan to camp frequently through summer 2026, investing in a quality double with a built-in pump saves time at every pitch. Look for models with a flocked top surface for better grip on sheets and sleeping bags.
Self-inflating mats combine an open-cell foam core with an air-filled chamber. You open the valve, the foam expands and draws air in, then you top up with a few breaths. Vango and Kampa produce excellent self-inflating options ranging from 3 cm to 10 cm thick.
These beds trade a little height for convenience — no pump required, faster setup and reliable insulation. They weigh more than a basic air bed of the same size but less than a raised model with a built-in pump.
For solo campers, the Hi-Gear Single Flock Airbed delivers reliable comfort at an entry-level price. Couples should look at the Outwell Reel Double, which features coil construction and a soft flocked surface. Families juggling multiple beds will appreciate Vango's range of singles and doubles that share the same pump compatibility.
Whatever style you choose, pairing your air bed with the right pump speeds up setup massively. Browse our air bed pumps collection for battery, rechargeable and foot-pump options.
An air bed alone is only part of the equation. A warm sleeping bag rated for the temperatures you expect, a fitted sheet or mattress topper and a pillow all contribute to a genuinely good night's sleep under canvas. If you prefer a rigid frame, a camp bed or cot keeps you off the ground entirely.
Ready to find the perfect air bed? Explore the full range at UK Camping and Leisure and get your summer 2026 sleep setup sorted early — the best models sell fast once the season starts.
As you explore our Help Guides & Blogs, don’t forget that we’re here to provide top-quality gear and exceptional service for all your outdoor needs. Whether you’re upgrading your camping kit or planning a new adventure, our extensive product range caters to both seasoned travelers and enthusiastic beginners. Check out the website menu below to browse our collections, discover special offers, and learn more about why so many customers trust us for their camping and leisure essentials!
Looking for something specific? Use our search bar to quickly find the gear, accessories, or advice you need. Whether you’re after a particular product, a favorite brand, or helpful tips, let our search tool guide you straight to your next great find!
{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}
