A good camping air bed transforms your tent into a comfortable sleeping space. We stock single, double and raised inflatable air beds designed for camping, with quick inflation and compact packed sizes.
How to Choose a Camping Air Bed
Size is the starting point — single air beds fit most two-person tents alongside gear, while doubles need a three-person tent or larger. Raised air beds sit 30cm to 45cm off the ground, making them easier to get in and out of and warmer on cold nights. Check the deflated packed size if boot space is tight — most camping air beds pack down to roughly the size of a sleeping bag.
Inflation Options
Some air beds have built-in electric pumps that inflate at the push of a button — ideal if you have electric hookup. Others need a separate pump, which gives you more choice over inflation method. Self-inflating mats are a different category entirely — they use open-cell foam that expands when the valve is opened, and only need a few breaths to top up.
Comfort & Durability
Flocked tops provide a soft, non-slip sleeping surface that holds sheets in place. Internal coil or I-beam construction prevents the "rolling together" effect on double air beds. Puncture-resistant PVC or TPU materials add durability — look for reinforced bases if you’ll be sleeping on uneven ground.
Brands We Stock
We carry camping air beds from Vango, Outwell, Coleman, Hi-Gear and other established camping brands.
What’s the best camping air bed in the UK?
The best camping air bed depends on your priorities. For overall comfort, Outwell’s raised air beds with coil construction are hard to beat. For value, Vango offers reliable single and double air beds at mid-range prices. For ease of use, look for models with built-in electric pumps. Browse our full range above to compare options.
Self-inflating mat vs air bed — which is better for camping?
Self-inflating mats are lighter, pack smaller and provide better insulation from cold ground. Air beds are thicker, softer and feel more like a bed at home. For backpacking or hiking, a self-inflating mat wins on weight and packed size. For car camping and family trips where comfort is the priority, an air bed is the better choice.
How do I inflate a camping air bed without a pump?
If your air bed doesn’t have a built-in pump, you can use a manual foot pump, a battery-powered pump or a 12V car pump. In an emergency, you can inflate by mouth, though this is slow and tiring for a full-size air bed. We recommend keeping a compact pump with your camping gear — see our air bed pumps collection for options.
Are camping air beds warm enough in cold weather?
Air beds can feel cold in low temperatures because the air inside conducts heat away from your body. To stay warm, place an insulating layer between yourself and the air bed — a self-inflating mat, fleece blanket or foam mat works well. A raised air bed also helps by creating a larger air gap between you and the cold ground.
What size air bed fits in a 2-person tent?
A single air bed fits comfortably in most two-person tents with room to spare for gear. A double air bed will physically fit in some two-person tents but leaves very little room for anything else. If you want a double air bed, a three-person or four-person tent is recommended for comfortable living space.
