Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As I approach middle age I've become a lot less enthusiastic about sleeping on the ground. In preparation for a five night camping trip, I started shopping for inflatable mattresses. The self-inflatable sleeping pads are awfully nice, but I needed more than one so this cheaper option ($11 at the time) won out. This mattress worked well and I generally recommend it. The thick vinyl construction is noticeably better that the thin camping pads you'll find in big box stores. While any air mattress has the real potential to leak, I didn't experience any leaks in five days using two new mattresses. (I do recommend packing a bottle of Coghlan's 8880 Airstop on any trip that depends on air mattresses, just in case.) One possible downside to the heavy construction is an air mattress that is probably too heavy for backpacking. I also agree with other reviewers that the pool float valve isn't inspired, but I was able to make it work (with a bellows pump) without major problems. This pad should fit one average sized adult reasonably well, though it's probably best for back sleepers, as there isn't much extra room to roll around. Inflated, I measure it at almost exactly 24" x 72". I find the mattress to be much more comfortable if you inflate it to only around 70% capacity. Less air makes it less rigid, and it will better conform to the shape of your body. Though not a premium camping pad, this mattress delivers a big improvement in comfort for campers on a budget. *** 2014 update: I paid around eleven bucks for this item. At that price, it's a good value. But I've also noticed that the price can almost double at times. If this pad is more pricey than usual, take a look at the budget Thermarest or Alps Mountaineering self-inflating pads. If the prices are similar, it's a no brainer to splurge for the self-inflating pad.