Single vs Double Air Beds for Camping — Pros and Cons

Choosing between a single and a double camping air bed seems straightforward — solo campers go single, couples go double. But the real decision involves tent space, sleep quality, versatility and cost. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide which suits your summer 2026 camping plans.

Single Air Beds — The Case For

Flexibility in Layout

Two singles can be arranged in any configuration — side by side, head to toe, in separate tent rooms. A double locks you into one fixed layout. For families using multi-room tents, singles let children sleep in their own section while parents take another.

Lighter and Smaller

A single air bed from Vango or Hi-Gear typically weighs 1–2 kg and packs to the size of a water bottle. A double from the same brand weighs 3–5 kg and takes up noticeably more boot space. For campers who pack the car to the brim, two singles may still be smaller total volume than one double.

Individual Firmness

Each person can inflate their single to the firmness they prefer. One partner likes it rock-hard, the other likes it soft — no problem. On a double, you share the same air pressure.

No Roll-Together

The number one complaint about double air beds disappears entirely with singles. Each person has a fully independent sleeping surface. No midnight gravitational pull toward the heavier partner.

Double Air Beds — The Case For

More Sleeping Space

A double bed gives each sleeper 60–70 cm of width in a single continuous surface. Two singles placed together always leave a gap in the middle. If you like sleeping close to your partner, a double is more natural.

Simpler Setup

One bed to inflate instead of two. One set of bedding. One item to pack. For quick weekend trips, the simplicity of a single double bed saves time and hassle. Models from Coleman and Outwell with built-in pumps are ready in under three minutes.

Better for Sheets and Duvets

A double air bed accepts standard double fitted sheets and duvets from home. Two singles require individual bedding — more packing, more laundry. Couples who want a "home from home" camping experience find doubles far more practical.

Cost Efficiency

A quality double air bed from Kampa or Vango costs less than two equivalent singles. One pump session instead of two uses less battery. One repair kit covers one bed rather than needing patches for two.

Situational Recommendations

• Couples in a small tent: A double fills the tent but gives you a proper shared bed. Go for it if sleep quality matters more than floor space.
• Couples in a large tent: Either works. A double keeps one bedroom tidy; singles offer flexibility if one of you moves to the living area on a restless night.
• Parents with young children: A double for the adults, singles for the kids. This lets children sleep in a separate room with age-appropriate bedding.
• Solo campers: Singles, obviously — unless you value the extra width of a narrow double for starfishing.
• Groups and friends: Singles are far more versatile. Each person manages their own bed, and the layout adapts to any tent.

The Compromise — Two Singles Zipped Together

Some campers place two singles side by side and bridge the gap with a double fitted sheet pulled taut over both. This gives individual air pressure control while creating a shared surface. It is not perfect — the gap is still there — but it offers most of the benefits of both configurations.

Our Recommendation

For most couples camping regularly through summer 2026, a quality coil-beam double from Outwell or Coleman provides the best sleep experience. For families, a mix of doubles and singles matched to the tent layout is ideal. Solo campers should stick with singles unless tent space is abundant.

Pair whichever you choose with a good sleeping bag and a reliable pump. If neither air bed type quite convinces you, our camp beds and cots offer a completely different solution. Browse the full selection at UK Camping and Leisure.

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Featured Product: Outwell Excellent Single Airbed