If you have ever spent a sleepless night sliding off a thin camping mat, upgrading to a double airbed can transform your trips from endurance tests into genuine holidays. In this guide, we’ll use the HI-GEAR Deluxe Double Airbed with Pump as a real-world example to explore what makes a camping airbed comfortable, practical and worth packing, then compare it with a few alternative sleep systems and essentials.
Why choose a double airbed for camping?
A double airbed is the closest you’ll get to a real bed in a tent without towing a caravan behind you. For couples, families and festival-goers, sharing a single mattress saves floor space, feels more sociable and is generally more comfortable than trying to join two singles.
The HI-GEAR Deluxe Double Airbed with Pump is typical of what many campers look for in a comfortable, car-camping mattress. It combines a proper double-bed footprint with a raised height of around 28 cm and a soft, flocked surface. That extra height makes a noticeable difference when you’re changing clothes in a tent or getting up in the middle of the night, and the flocking helps stop sleeping bags and sheets sliding around.
If you’re curious how this particular model performs in the wild, you can always read our full review of the HI-GEAR Deluxe Double Airbed with Pump for in-depth, hands-on impressions. Here, though, we’ll focus on how to choose and use an airbed like this effectively.
Key features to look for in a camping double airbed
While different brands add their own twists, there are a few core features that matter for comfort and practicality. The HI-GEAR Deluxe Double Airbed with Pump ticks most of these boxes, which makes it a handy benchmark.
Size and dimensions
A typical camping double airbed is roughly standard-double size. This one is 191 cm long and 137 cm wide, which will suit most adults and fit comfortably in the sleeping compartment of a family tent. Before you buy, measure (or check the spec sheet of) your tent’s bedroom to make sure a double will slot in without squashing the sides against the fabric.
Consider:
- Length: If you’re tall, look for around 190 cm or more.
- Width: 130–140 cm is typical for a double; wider is comfier but takes more floor space.
- Height: Around 25–30 cm, like the HI-GEAR Deluxe Double, feels more bed-like and easier on knees and backs.
Pump options: built-in vs separate
Inflation is where convenience really shows. The HI-GEAR Deluxe Double Airbed with Pump uses a built-in foot pump, so you don’t need to remember a separate gadget. You simply open the relevant valve and operate the pump section with your foot until the mattress is firm enough.
Pros of a built-in foot pump include:
- No need for batteries, mains hook-up or a 12V socket.
- Nothing extra to lose in the car boot or tent.
- Reliable in any conditions, including festivals and basic sites.
The trade-off is that it can take a bit of effort and time to reach maximum firmness, especially on a large double. Some campers prefer a separate electric or high-volume manual pump for faster inflation, particularly if they camp frequently or have multiple mattresses to set up.
Comfort details: flocking and built-in pillows
Surface finish and shape make a bigger difference to comfort than you might expect. The Deluxe Double includes:
- A flocked, plush finish on the top to prevent slipping and add a softer feel.
- A raised pillow section so you can go without traditional pillows if you want to travel lighter.
Flocking isn’t just about feel. It helps your sleeping bag or fitted sheet stay put, which means less sliding into the middle of the bed during the night. A raised pillow area is especially handy at festivals, where packing a full bedding set may not be realistic.
Durability and materials
The HI-GEAR Deluxe Double is made from durable PVC with welded seams and is described as phthalate-free, addressing some common concerns about older PVC airbeds. For any camping mattress, look for:
- Sturdy PVC or similar with a decent thickness to resist punctures.
- Welded seams rather than glued joins where possible.
- A quoted maximum load – in this case, 300 kg – that suits who will be sleeping on it.
Weight and pack size matter too. At around 3.8 kg with a folded pack size of roughly 35 x 11 x 33 cm in its storage bag, this is clearly designed for car camping rather than backpacking. That’s ideal for families or festival-goers, but if you plan to hike to camp, you’ll want something lighter and simpler.
Using a double airbed in a tent: practical tips
Once you’ve chosen a mattress, getting the best from it is mostly about set-up, protection and temperature management.
Protect the base
Even with strong PVC, sharp stones and thorns can cause slow punctures over time. Always pitch your tent on the flattest, cleanest ground you can find, then:
- Use a groundsheet, tent footprint or carpet under the bedroom area.
- Brush out any stones or debris before laying down the airbed.
- Avoid dragging the mattress on the ground when moving it – lift it instead.
Get the firmness right
Sleeping comfort is very personal. Some people prefer a firm, almost solid-feeling mattress; others sleep better on something with a little give. Inflate your bed fully with the built-in pump, lie down in your usual sleeping position and then bleed off a little air if needed until your hips and shoulders are supported but not jammed against a hard surface.
Bear in mind that air contracts as it cools overnight, so what feels rock solid at 6 p.m. in the sun may feel softer by the early hours. It’s worth checking again just before you get into bed and adding a few extra pumps if needed.
Keep it warm
Airbeds can feel cold on cooler nights because the air inside doesn’t insulate well. To stay warm and cosy:
- Place a blanket, foam mat or picnic rug on top of the airbed under your sleeping bag.
- Use warm bedding – a 3–4 season sleeping bag or a duvet and extra blanket on chillier trips.
- Consider wearing thermal base layers on spring and autumn nights.
Alternatives to a double airbed: mats and lighting
While a double airbed like the HI-GEAR Deluxe Double is excellent for comfort, it isn’t always the best solution for every trip. Sometimes a simpler sleeping mat or an improvement to your camp set-up in other areas can be more important.
Foam mats: simple and bombproof
If reliability and simplicity matter more than cushiony comfort, a foam mat is hard to beat. The HI-GEAR Military Foam Sleeping Mat is a classic example: lightweight, tough and with no valve or pump to fail.
Foam mats are especially good for:
- Backpacking and wild camping, where weight and reliability are critical.
- Use under an airbed to add insulation and protect the base.
- Emergency spares if your main airbed fails mid-trip.
They are thinner and firmer than a full airbed, so you won’t get the same luxurious feel. But they roll up quickly, shrug off rough ground and will still work even if punctured or scuffed.
Camp lighting: underrated comfort upgrade
Comfort in camp isn’t just about what you’re sleeping on. Being able to see what you’re doing inside the tent when you’re making up the bed or dealing with midnight wake-ups makes the whole experience calmer. A small rechargeable lantern such as the VANGO Lightbeam 200 Recharge can transform the atmosphere in your sleeping area.
Rechargeable lights are ideal for family and festival camping because you don’t need a stash of spare batteries, and many can be charged from a power bank or car. This makes wrangling double mattresses, duvets and children in a dim tent much easier.
Other camping essentials that pair well
To round out a comfortable sleeping set-up with a double airbed, consider:
- Warm bedding: A decent sleeping bag or duvet can be the difference between shivering and sleeping.
- Groundsheet or carpet: Protects your airbed and makes the tent feel more homely.
- Quality fuel for your stove or barbecue: A consistent heat source, such as well-formed briquettes, makes cooking a pleasure. Products like Weber Briquettes 8kg are designed to burn hot and for longer, which is handy when you’re feeding a crowd after a long day outdoors.
Care, maintenance and storage for airbeds
A little care goes a long way towards extending the life of a double airbed. The HI-GEAR Deluxe Double packs into a neat storage bag, but how you treat it between trips is just as important as what happens in the tent.
Preventing punctures
To minimise the risk of leaks:
- Always use your airbed inside the tent’s inner bedroom rather than directly on bare ground.
- Don’t exceed the maximum load rating – 300 kg in this case – especially if children are jumping on the bed.
- Keep sharp items such as knives, keys and tent pegs well away from bedding.
Cleaning and drying
Flocked tops attract dust, crumbs and the occasional muddy footprint. After your trip:
- Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed.
- Allow the mattress to dry completely before you pack it away to avoid mould or odours.
- Resist the temptation to scrub with harsh chemicals, which can damage the flocking and PVC.
Storing your airbed
Once clean and dry, deflate the mattress fully, then fold or roll it along its original creases. The HI-GEAR Deluxe Double comes with a handy storage bag; using this helps keep it protected from dust and stray tent pegs in the garage. Store your airbed in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and avoid stacking heavy items on top of it for long periods, as this can stress the seams.
Is the HI-GEAR Deluxe Double Airbed right for you?
With a relatively low average rating from over a hundred user reviews, the HI-GEAR Deluxe Double Airbed with Pump clearly has its fans and its critics. That makes it especially important to think carefully about how and where you plan to use it.
This style of airbed tends to suit:
- Car-based family campers who want plenty of cushioning and don’t need to carry the mattress far.
- Festival-goers for whom a built-in pump and raised pillow are genuinely convenient.
- Occasional campers looking for a budget-friendly way to upgrade from basic roll mats.
If you’re prepared to take a little extra care with ground protection and storage, and you like the idea of a built-in foot pump, it can be a practical choice. To get a fuller picture of how it holds up over repeated trips, what it’s like to inflate and deflate in real conditions, and how comfort changes over time, you can read our detailed hands-on review of the HI-GEAR Deluxe Double Airbed with Pump.
Double airbed vs foam mat vs hybrid set-ups
Ultimately, comfort in camp doesn’t have to be an either–or choice. Plenty of campers use a combination of gear to get the best of both worlds.
- All-out comfort: A thick double airbed as your main mattress, with a fleece blanket on top and a tent carpet underneath.
- Mixed reliability and comfort: A double airbed plus a backup foam mat such as the HI-GEAR Military Foam Sleeping Mat tucked in the car in case of punctures.
- Minimalist: A single foam mat each for lightweight trips when you’re hiking to camp and carrying everything on your back.
Think about your usual camping style, how far you travel from the car, and what sort of surfaces you pitch on. A family weekend on a managed campsite has very different demands from a multi-day hike along a national trail.
Choosing the right sleeping set-up can turn camping from a battle with the elements into something you genuinely look forward to. Whether you opt for a plush double airbed like the HI-GEAR Deluxe Double, a simpler foam mat, or a mix of both, understanding the trade-offs will help you sleep better under the stars. When you’re ready to dive deeper into specific models, follow the links above to explore our full reviews and find the combination that suits your trips best.