Quick answer: for car camping in warm weather, a camp stretcher is usually the most comfortable and practical choice because it keeps you off hot, cold or wet ground and away from insects. For hiking, a lightweight inflatable or self-inflating sleeping mat is best. Air mattresses are comfortable for couples at caravan parks but are the coldest option and the most likely to go flat. In cold weather, the warmest setup is a stretcher or mat combined with an insulated pad on top.
Ask ten Australian campers what they sleep on and you will get ten passionate answers. Some swear by their stretcher, others would never leave home without a 10 cm self-inflating mat, and plenty of couples happily squeeze onto a double air mattress. The truth is that each option is excellent in some situations and frustrating in others. The right choice depends on how you travel, the temperature at night, your body and how you sleep. This guide compares the three main options honestly, explains the science of staying warm at night, and shows you the combinations that experienced campers use to sleep well anywhere from Fraser Coast beaches to the Snowy Mountains.
1. Why your camping bed matters more than your sleeping bag
Most people blame a cold night on their sleeping bag, but the real culprit is usually the ground. When you lie in a sleeping bag, your body weight crushes the insulation underneath you, so it does very little. The ground then draws heat away from your body all night through conduction. That is why a summer-rated bag on a thick, insulated mat can feel warmer than a winter bag on a thin pool lounger.
The insulation of sleeping mats is measured by their R-value. Most manufacturers now test pads to the same standard, ASTM F3340, which means you can compare R-values between brands. A commonly used guide is:
- R0–R2: warm summer nights
- R2–R4: three-season camping (spring, summer, autumn)
- R4–R6: winter camping
- R6+: extreme cold
R-values are additive, so a closed-cell foam pad under an inflatable mat combines their insulation. Comfort matters too. Side sleepers need more thickness so their hips and shoulders don't touch the ground; back sleepers can get away with thinner mats. And because Australian nights can swing from humid and 25 degrees on the coast to below zero in the desert or alpine regions, the best sleep system is often one you can adapt by adding or removing a layer.
2. Camp stretchers: the Australian favourite
A camp stretcher – what Americans call a cot – is a fabric bed on a folding frame that holds you off the ground. Stretchers are hugely popular in Australia for good reasons.
Pros:
- Lifts you away from hot ground, cold ground, rain run-off, rocks, sand, ants and spiders
- Air circulates underneath, which keeps you cooler on hot nights
- No inflating, no punctures and no waking up on the ground
- Easy to get in and out of – a big plus for older campers and anyone with a bad back
- Space underneath for bags and boots, and it doubles as a seat during the day
- Very durable – a heavy-duty folding camp bed can carry a lot of weight
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than mats, so best for car camping
- Cold air circulating underneath makes them chilly in winter unless you add a mat
- Need a reasonably flat site and enough tent height
Lighter models exist too: an ultralight camping cot weighs a little over 2 kg and packs small, which makes it practical for canoe trips, motorbike touring or short walks into a campsite. If you want the simplest possible upgrade, a folding camp bed with mattress combines both in one.
When choosing a stretcher, check four things. First, the weight rating – a higher rating usually means a stronger frame and fabric that sags less. Second, the height: taller stretchers are easier to get in and out of and give more storage space underneath, while low stretchers fit into smaller dome tents. Third, the length and width – tall campers should look for a bed that is at least 10–15 cm longer than they are. Fourth, the setup: some stretchers use a lever to tension the fabric, which is easier on the hands, while cheaper designs need a bit of muscle to fit the end bars. Practise at home so you're not wrestling with it in the dark. Finally, protect your tent floor by placing a mat, offcut of carpet or groundsheet under the stretcher's feet, as metal legs can wear holes over time.
3. Sleeping mats: self-inflating and inflatable pads
Sleeping mats come in three main styles. Self-inflating mats contain open-cell foam that expands when you open the valve, then you top them up with a few breaths. They are a great balance of comfort, insulation and durability – even with a puncture, the foam still gives some cushioning. Thick models such as a 10 cm self-inflating pad with pillow are a favourite for car campers and side sleepers.
Inflatable air pads are made of lightweight fabric with internal baffles and are blown up by mouth or with a pump sack. They pack down to the size of a drink bottle, which makes them perfect for hikers. An ultralight inflatable sleeping pad weighs around half a kilogram.
Closed-cell foam mats are the simple, cheap, indestructible option. They are not very comfortable alone, but they are excellent as an extra insulating layer under another mat.
Pros of mats: light, compact, warm (with the right R-value), work on uneven ground and in low tents. Cons: you are still on the ground, inflatable mats can puncture, and cheaper pads can feel bouncy or noisy.
Tips for mats: always clear sticks and stones before pitching, use a groundsheet, carry a repair kit, and store self-inflating mats unrolled with the valve open at home so the foam keeps its spring. Browse all our options in Sleeping Mats.
4. Air mattresses: comfortable but with trade-offs
Classic air mattresses – the thick, PVC beds you pump up with an electric pump – feel the most like a real bed, and a double inflatable mattress is a popular choice for couples at caravan parks and powered sites.
Pros:
- Plenty of cushioning and a familiar, bed-like feel
- Double and queen sizes for couples
- Affordable for the size
Cons:
- A large volume of uninsulated air makes them cold on chilly nights – the air inside cools down to ground temperature
- More likely to slowly lose air, especially as the temperature drops overnight (the air contracts, which can feel like a leak)
- Bulky and need a pump
- Couples feel each other's movement
If you love your air mattress, a few tricks help a lot: put a blanket or foam mat on top of it (under your bag) for insulation, pump it up firmly in the evening once the air has cooled, and use a groundsheet to protect it from punctures. For winter trips, you will usually sleep warmer on a self-inflating mat.
5. The best combinations for every type of trip
Experienced campers rarely use just one item. Here are the combinations that work best in Australian conditions:
- Summer car camping: stretcher on its own, with a light sleeping bag or sheet. Air flowing underneath keeps you cool.
- Winter car camping: stretcher plus a self-inflating mat on top, and a 4-season sleeping bag. This is about as warm and comfortable as camping gets.
- Couples at caravan parks: double air mattress with a blanket on top, or two stretchers side by side.
- Hiking in summer: ultralight inflatable mat.
- Hiking in winter or alpine areas: inflatable mat with a high R-value, plus a thin foam mat underneath.
- Family camping with kids: self-inflating mats – no pumps, no punctures and easy for kids to manage.
- Hammock campers: a mat inside the hammock adds insulation on cool nights – see our hammock range.
Whatever you choose, test it at home first. Spend a night on your stretcher or mat in the lounge room – it is the easiest way to find out whether it suits your body before you are 300 km from the nearest shop. And don't forget a pillow: a proper camping pillow, or the pillows built into some mats, is a small item that makes a big difference.
Budget matters too, so think about cost per night rather than price alone. A stretcher or a quality self-inflating mat used for 15 nights a year for five years works out to a very small cost per night – and a good night's sleep is what decides whether the whole family wants to go camping again. If you are on a tight budget, prioritise insulation and comfort under your body over an expensive sleeping bag: a thick mat and a mid-range bag will usually sleep better than a premium bag on a thin mat. Upgrade one piece at a time, starting with whatever is causing the worst nights.
Conclusion
There is no single best camping bed – only the best one for your trip. Camp stretchers are the Australian favourite for car camping because they handle heat, uneven ground and insects so well. Sleeping mats win on weight and warmth, making them essential for hikers and winter campers. Air mattresses offer bed-like comfort for couples but need extra insulation when it's cold. If you are unsure, the most versatile setup is a stretcher plus a self-inflating mat: use them separately or together depending on the season. Explore our full Sleep collection to build a setup that gives you great nights under the stars.
Camping bed FAQ
Is a stretcher or a mat more comfortable?
Many car campers find a stretcher more comfortable because it feels like a firm bed and keeps them off the ground. Side sleepers often prefer a thick self-inflating mat, or a mat on top of a stretcher.
Are camp stretchers cold?
They can be in winter, because cold air flows underneath. Adding an insulated sleeping mat on top of the stretcher solves the problem.
What R-value do I need for camping in Australia?
For most spring, summer and autumn trips, an R-value of around 2 to 4 is fine. For winter, inland deserts and alpine areas, aim for 4 or more.
Why does my air mattress go flat overnight?
Often it is not a leak – the air inside contracts as it cools, making the mattress feel softer. Top it up in the evening after it has cooled. If it keeps happening, check the valve and seams for leaks.
Can I put a stretcher in a tent?
Yes, as long as the tent is big and tall enough. Check the floor length and wall height, and protect the floor from the stretcher's feet with a mat or groundsheet.
What is the lightest option for hiking?
An ultralight inflatable sleeping pad, which can weigh around 500 grams and pack to the size of a water bottle.
How do I fix a punctured sleeping mat?
Find the leak by inflating the mat and listening, or by brushing soapy water over it and looking for bubbles. Dry the area and apply a repair patch from a repair kit.
How thick should a camping mat be?
For car camping, 7–10 cm feels close to a bed and suits side sleepers. For hiking, 5–7 cm inflatable pads are a good balance of comfort and weight.
Can two people share a camping bed?
Yes – double air mattresses and double self-inflating mats are made for couples. Many couples prefer two single stretchers side by side so they don't feel each other's movement.
How should I store my self-inflating mat?
Store it unrolled, flat or under a bed, with the valve open. Keeping it rolled tightly for months can compress the foam so it self-inflates less well.