Your Cart is Empty
The short answer: a camping pad is built to be carried, and a camping mattress is built to be slept on. Camping pads are thin and light, and most use air or self-inflating foam, which makes them the right choice for backpacking. Camping mattresses are thicker and heavier but far more comfortable. A memory foam camping mattress like the HEST Foamy can't deflate, unrolls in about 30 seconds and has an R-value of 8.8, which makes it the better choice whenever you drive to camp.
Where you'll sleep is one of the most important things to think about while planning a camping trip, and picking the right bedding makes a world of difference. Here's how the two compare.
By HEST · Updated October 2026
A camping pad, also known as a sleeping pad, is a type of bedding designed to provide comfort and insulation while sleeping outdoors. Camping pads come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, and can be inflated by air or filled with foam to provide a cushioned sleeping surface. Camping pads are typically lightweight and easy to pack down but tend to be lacking in comfort. The most common type of camping pad requires inflating by either a pump or by self inflation (expanding foam) like an Exped camping pad.
Camping mattresses are thicker and by far more comfortable than camping pads, often resembling a traditional home mattress. They are typically larger than camping pads, making them larger to transport. Many are made from memory foam, like HEST camping mattresses, which means there is nothing to inflate and nothing to go flat. Others combine foam with air and are either self-inflating or need a pump. Since camping mattresses are larger in size, they are commonly used for car or truck camping, as well as a great option in the back of camper vans or RVs.
When deciding between which type of sleeping pad to bring with you camping, there are several things to consider. One being: What type of camping are you going on?
If you are planning a backpacking camping trip or a hike-to-camp trip, you most likely will need a lightweight and more compact-able camping pad. The weight you plan to carry to camp is very important, so every ounce will be accounted for. Something light is the primary key to the decision of what type of camping bed to bring.
If you are planning on camping near or around your car, truck, inside a van or RV, consider upgrading your sleep set up to have a more comfortable camping mattress. You will most likely have the space to pack it with you and there will be no need to carry it far to your campsite. In this scenario, the benefits of a more comfortable sleep outweigh the cons of bringing bigger gear with you. That is why some would call it glamping or more commonly, “car-camping”. See which camping mattress fits your car or SUV.
There is no single "best" camping mattress as the ideal choice can vary depending on factors such as personal preference, sleeping style, and the specific needs of the camping trip. However, there are several highly-rated camping mattresses that are often recommended by outdoor enthusiasts and experts. At HEST we work to develop the most comfortable and outdoor technical camping mattresses. If you are considering looking for a new and more comfortable camping mattress, consider a HEST mattress. Learn more about the difference between a memory foam camping mattress vs. an air camping mattress, or see the most comfortable thing to sleep on when camping.
Our largest single camping mattress, the HEST Sleep System, provides the most comfort and support. With an R-value of 11.8, it has one of the highest R-values of any camping mattress. Learn more about what R-value is here. The mattress has both a memory foam top as well as a drop-stitch base to provide the most comfort sleeping in the elements. The drop-stitch base is an inflatable layer with thousands of strain-locked polyester threads allowing it to reach high internal pressure to create a solid and durable sleeping platform. It’s the equivalent to adding the support of a stand up paddleboard below your memory foam mattress raising you three more inches off of the ground. The HEST Sleep System comes in two sizes, the Sleep System; 25 inches wide by 78 inches long and the Sleep System Wide; 30 inches wide by 78 inches long.
Our most portable camping mattress that rolls up with ease. Our Foamy is everything the Sleep System is but without the added drop-stitch base. By alleviating the extra support of the drop-stitch base, the Foamy is much lighter, easier to roll up and smaller to transport. You still get the support and insulation of 3.9 inches of double-layer memory foam with an R-value of 8.8. Consider this camping mattress if you want more room in your vehicle while traveling and a faster set up compared to the Sleep System. The HEST Foamy comes in three sizes: Foamy Short (25 inches wide by 64 inches long), Foamy Regular (25 by 78 inches) and Foamy Wide (30 by 78 inches).
Our double mattress for two individuals to sleep on the same camping mattress. Similar memory foam features to the HEST Foamy but double the width. The HEST Dually can easily be transported by folding in half, clipping together, and using the handle to carry like a suitcase. This camping mattress is primarily used in the back of a campervan, camper, RV, or the back of a truck bed. Because of its size, it’s less suited to small cars and small tents. The HEST Dually comes in four sizes: Dually Short (50” wide by 64” long), Dually Long (50” by 78”), Dually Wide (60” by 72”) and Dually Queen (60” by 78”).
Our mattress for individuals sleeping in a roof top tent. The Dually RTT uses the same temperature resilient memory foam, premium fabrics, and, bi-fold concept, as our original Dually. This camping mattress is designed for use in typical soft shell roof top tents. Our largest camping mattress available; 54” wide by 94” long.
Do not forget about your 4 legged furry friends. They (just like you) will always prefer a better solution for sleeping outside. The HEST Dog bed has all of the features as the HEST Foamy but just in a smaller size for your dog! See all the benefits of why a memory foam dog bed is better than a traditional dog bed here.
What's the difference between a camping pad and a camping mattress?
A camping pad, or sleeping pad, is thin and light so you can carry it, and most use air or self-inflating foam. A camping mattress is thicker, heavier and more comfortable, and is meant for camping where you drive to your site. Memory foam camping mattresses like the HEST Foamy also can't deflate.
Is a camping mattress better than a sleeping pad?
For comfort, yes. A camping mattress gives you more cushion, more even support and, with memory foam, nothing to go flat. A sleeping pad is better only when weight and packed size matter most, such as backpacking or hiking to camp.
Can you use a camping mattress in a tent?
Yes. If you drive to your campsite, a single camping mattress like the HEST Foamy (25 inches wide) fits in most tents. Two Foamys link side by side for couples. Larger two-person mattresses like the Dually are better suited to truck beds, vans and campers.
Does a camping mattress need a pump?
It depends on the type. Air and self-inflating camping mattresses need a pump or time to inflate. Memory foam camping mattresses like the HEST Foamy have no air inside, so you unroll them and they're ready in about 30 seconds.
