How to Choose the Best Inflatable Mattress for Your Outdoor Adventures
By Clark Rubber | 13th June, 2025
When you’re heading into the great outdoors, a good night’s sleep can make or break your experience. Whether you’re camping in the bush, staying at a holiday park, or embarking on a weekend festival, choosing the right inflatable mattress is essential for comfort, convenience, and durability. At Clark Rubber, we stock a wide range of air beds and inflatable mattresses designed for Australian conditions and outdoor lifestyles.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the key factors to consider when choosing the best inflatable mattress for your next outdoor adventure.
1. Consider the Type of Outdoor Activity
Your destination and style of adventure will help determine the right type of mattress:
• Backpacking & Hiking: If you’re carrying everything on your back, opt for an ultra-light, compact air mattress or self-inflating camping mat that packs down easily and doesn’t require a pump.
• Car Camping or Glamping: You have more room, so you can opt for larger, more comfortable mattresses like a double-height air bed.
• Family Camping Trips: Prioritise size and durability. A queen or double air mattress with a durable surface is ideal for shared sleeping and restless sleepers.
2. Choose the Right Size
Air beds come in a variety of sizes—from single and twin to queen and king. Think about your available tent space and how many people will be sleeping on it.
• Single/Twin Air Beds are perfect for solo campers or kids.
• Double and Queen Air Beds suit couples or those who like extra space.
• King-Single Air Beds are great for luxurious glamping or tall sleepers who need more legroom.
At Clark Rubber, popular options include the Intex Dura-Beam Twin Airbed and the Intex Queen Size Pillow Rest Airbed, which includes built-in pillows and a soft flocked top for extra comfort.
3. Pump Options: Manual vs Electric
A key convenience factor is how your mattress inflates.
• Built-in Foot Pumps: Perfect for outdoor use where you may not have access to power. Mattresses like the Intex Dura-Beam Downy Airbed with Foot Pump Double are great for off-grid camping.
• Built-in Electric Pumps: Ideal for powered campgrounds or RV setups. Check out the Intex Mid-Rise Airbed with Built-In Pump for quick and easy inflation.
• External Pumps (Manual or Battery): Offer flexibility but require you to carry an additional device. Look for beds with universal valves if using an aftermarket pump.
If you're camping in remote areas, always choose a mattress with a manual pump option or bring a backup pump to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
4. Think About Comfort and Support
Today’s inflatable mattresses offer advanced features like:
• Fiber-Tech™ or Coil Beam Construction: These systems offer extra support and prevent sagging in the middle.
• Flocked or Velvety Tops: Adds a layer of softness and helps keep your sleeping bags or bedding from slipping.
• Built-In Pillows: Save space and add neck support, ideal for minimalist campers or festival-goers.
Products like the Intex Dura-Beam Pillow Rest Classic Airbed Twin offer a balance of compact size and supportive features, making them ideal for comfort-focused campers.
5. Portability and Storage
Portability is especially important if you’re limited on space or carrying gear over long distances. Look for features such as:
• Compact fold-down size
• Carry bags or built-in straps
• Lightweight materials
Most inflatable mattresses from Clark Rubber are designed with travel in mind, making pack-up and transport a breeze.
6. Durability and Materials
Australia’s outdoor environment can be harsh—think rocky terrain, sticks, moisture, and temperature swings. Choosing a mattress made with durable PVC or puncture-resistant materials is key.
Be sure to use a groundsheet or tarp under your air bed if you’re setting up on rough surfaces.
7. Insulation and Temperature Control
Standard air beds don’t provide much insulation, which can make them feel cold in winter or chilly mornings.
If you’re camping in cooler weather, consider:
• Adding a foam mat or thermal blanket between your bed and the ground.
• Using thermal sleeping bags or camping blankets for extra warmth.
8. Budget and Value for Money
Inflatable mattresses range in price from budget-friendly singles to feature-rich queen mattresses with integrated pumps. Clark Rubber offers a wide selection of air beds for every budget—all with quality you can trust.
From affordable standard single airbeds to luxurious queen airbeds with built-in pumps, there’s something for every camper.
9. Read Customer Reviews
Clark Rubber product pages include real customer reviews and star ratings, so you can see how your chosen airbed performs in real-life conditions.
Pay attention to feedback about:
• Comfort and support
• Ease of use
• Durability over time
• Portability and storage
Explore the full range and read reviews directly on the air beds and inflatable mattresses page.
Complete your outdoor sleep setup with handy extras like:
• Waterproof mattress protectors
These are all available in-store and online at Clark Rubber.
Choosing the best inflatable mattress for your outdoor adventure doesn’t have to be difficult. By considering size, pump style, comfort, durability, and insulation, you can find the perfect airbed to support you wherever your journey takes you.
At Clark Rubber, we stock Australia’s most trusted brands in camping mattresses, air beds, and sleep accessories—so you’re always prepared for a great night’s rest under the stars.
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