The top air mattresses are indispensable during your camping adventures. Sleeping on an air mattress is widely favored among all the different methods of sleeping while camping. They facilitate a more soothing sleep or relaxation period while outdoors. However, inflating the air mattress can occasionally pose a challenge for campers.
10 Easy Ways to Inflate Air Mattress While Camping
This article addresses this issue. We explore 10 straightforward methods for inflating an air mattress while outdoors. Let’s begin:
1. Built-In Air Pump
This is arguably the easiest approach to inflate an air mattress. Today, many air mattresses come with integrated pumps. There are two types: plug-in powered and battery-powered. Select the type that best suits your requirements.
For air mattresses with internal plug-in pumps, no batteries are needed. Instead, these require an electricity source with a standard 120-volt outlet, commonly found in household electric systems. This enables you to inflate the air mattress effortlessly during your camping trip without needing batteries, though electricity is still a must. This method can be somewhat costly.
In remote camping areas where electricity is scarce, the battery-powered internal pump becomes highly useful. It allows for convenient inflation of the air mattress using batteries that may need to be recharged or replaced. Like the former, this option is also on the more expensive side.
2. Portable Pump
Utilizing a portable pump is another simple strategy to inflate an air mattress. Opt for a battery-run pump, preferably with rechargeable batteries, although they are initially more costly. This choice conserves money in the long term by avoiding frequent battery replacements.
Portable pumps are generally affordable, available in several sizes and designs, allowing you the flexibility to select the perfect size for your air mattress.
3. Electric Pump
An electric pump is practical for inflating your air mattress if you have access to a power supply. This method eliminates the need for batteries. We advise using a special external electric pump rather than conventional household pumps for camping, as it is more economical and better suited for outdoor use.
4. Hand Pump
A hand pump allows for inflation of your air mattress without reliance on electricity or batteries. This method typically requires securing the mattress and manually operating the pump. While economical, using a hand pump demands considerable physical effort and time.
Similarly, foot pumps operate like hand pumps, though they involve pushing down with your feet repeatedly, which may require less exertion but take more time and are not suitable for larger mattresses.
Foot pumps are inexpensive, and some brands include them free with the mattress purchase, making them a viable option for inflating smaller mattresses.
6. Hair Dryer
Although unconventional, a hair dryer can effectively inflate an air mattress. Hair dryers produce a flow of air similar to that of a regular pump and can perform comparably to an electric pump. Ensure the hair dryer can emit cool air and seal it tightly to the mattress valve with duct tape for effective inflation.
7. Your Breath
Inflating an air mattress with your breath is a straightforward, albeit labor-intensive, method. It requires no equipment and is cost-free. Clean the inlet before beginning to ensure an easier inflation process. However, this method is time-consuming and not feasible for larger mattresses; it’s best reserved for smaller sleeping pads used in camping.
8. Garbage Bag
A garbage bag can also serve as an inflating tool by filling it with air and transferring that air into the mattress. This method is more straightforward than using breath alone, though it still requires considerable time and may appear unconventional.
9. Bike Pump
A bike pump can suffice if a tight seal is achieved between the pump nozzle and the mattress valve, typically using duct tape. Assistance may be required to hold the pump in place during inflation. This method simplifies the process and is less physically demanding.
10. Vacuum
A vacuum with a blowing function can inflate an air mattress, especially those equipped with long, narrow nozzles. While vacuums are not typical camping gear, a car vacuum might also suffice in this case. However, this is generally less advisable due to its cumbersomeness.
Through these 10 methods, we aim to simplify the task of inflating an air mattress while camping, enhancing your outdoor sleep experience.
