If you’re a long-distance backpackers with an agenda that includes carrying your bag while hiking trails in the heat of summer, you should opt for a lightweight model that keeps you just warm enough. However, if you’re planning to drive to a campsite and sleep near your car, perhaps you’re better off prioritizing temperature and the type of insulation versus weight. Keep in mind, too, that mummy-style sleeping bags tend to be more compact.
This past year, we put seven new air mattress contenders through a series of rigorous Lab tests and consumer tests to find the best of the best, using standardized testing methods and other industry standards. In all, we’ve analyzed over 400 data points over the years from more than a dozen inflatable beds to determine the best air mattresses available. It’s built with inflatable safety bumpers around the entire perimeter of the mattress, and even if your child were to accidentally roll off, the bed is just a few inches off the ground. Instead, the sides easily fold down, making it a flat rectangle that can stand upright.
The first pump is used to inflate and deflate the bed and has an automatic shut-off when the mattress is full. The second pump stays on all night and automatically adjusts the air pressure to keep it fully inflated. In addition, Serta’s model allows you to select from three firmness levels prior to inflation for your personalized comfort. The circular coils and 18-inch height help make it feel more like a real mattress, and the flocked finish means you won’t notice any plastic underneath your sheets.
We then checked out whether there was anything about the mattress’ texture or odor that was disruptive to comfort or sleep, how hard it was to get in or out of it, and even if a hard floor surface is detectable during use. If you are specifically looking for a queen-sized matress, the Dream Series from SoundAsleep was one of several queen air mattresses we tested, and it stood out for its comfort, durability, and design. When fully inflated, its dimensions are just shy of a queen mattress—it’s 78 inches long and 58 inches wide, rather than 80 inches long and 60 inches wide.
Additionally, while many models are good at storing air, they’re not airtight. Many air mattresses come with adhesive patches to repair any tears or rips. Deflating the mattress was fast and easy, and it collapses to fit inside of a zippered duffel bag with wheels.
A high-quality, comfortable, and versatile option for cold-weather camping and backpacking. It is shaped to allow for a natural sleeping position and is compact and lightweight for easy transport. We were initially skeptical of the Sea to Summit Ascent Bag‘s 0-degree ozark trail sleeping bag rating, but we used it in 20 degrees, found it warm and effective, and are confident it can be used as a four-season bag. Made with premium materials, the bag has a high down fill level of 750+ and can also be spread out and used as a down quilt or blanket.
Serta’s air mattresses have performed well in our evaluations, standing out as one of the top performers in puncture resistance tests. This model also inflates and deflates relatively quickly, with the Queen-size style taking just shy of two and a half minutes to fully inflate. Consumer testers shared that they fell asleep easily on the bed, but some noted that those who toss and turn may find the bed noisy. The caveat is that the mattress needs to be plugged in all night because otherwise, it may deflate over time. The King Koil Air Mattress is our best overall pick based on its comfort and convenience in our testing. The built-in pump makes quick work of the inflation and deflation process, and it’s fully flocked for a softer feel and to keep your sheets in place.
If you’re seeking a folding wagon for toting small kids between the ages of 6 months and 4 years, the Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon has safety and comfort features that are similar to those on a stroller. The Pivot Xplore’s handlebar makes it maneuver more like a stroller than a folding wagon (you can push it, and it turns easily), and it folds up smaller than any of the other stroller wagons we looked at. At 34.7 pounds, the Pivot Xplore is the heaviest of all our picks, though. It’s also more than twice the price of both Mac Sports folding wagons; we think the extra cost and features may be worth it if you plan on making this one of your main modes of transportation for little ones.