In this post we’ll discuss a number of FAQs about camping beds.
These Frequently Asked Questions about camping beds contain essential knowledge.
They’re a good starting point for beginners.
Table of Contents
FAQs about camping beds
Can we take a camping bed with us on a hike?
Camping beds are usually preferred by campers rather than hikers who plan to bivouac.
Some brands offer ultralight camping beds.
They fit in a small carry bag to be taken on shorter hikes.
Read our other article What is the best type of camping bed for camping? for more information on different types of camping beds.
How do I set up a camping bed?
As a rule, a camping bed is simple to assemble.
You need to know the steps to follow to set it up.
First, take it out of its cover and put it on the floor.
A camping bed usually folds into 4 parts, where the legs and the sleeping area are placed in the middle.
Unfold the camping bed by raising one of the two edges.
Leave the feet flat on the ground on both sides.
Place the canvas by inserting the crossbars and then attaching to the structure.
Make sure to always check the user manual, the assembly can differ from one model to another.
For example, kit beds are more intricate as they are made of many tubes that must fit together.
FAQs about camping beds: Maintenance
Is it possible to machine wash the fabric of a camping bed?
It is not recommended to use a washing machine as this could damage it.
Camping bed fabric should be cleaned by hand with soapy water before air drying.
How to maintain a camping bed?
As we have seen, cleaning of a camping bed’s fabric is recommended.
However, the frame must also be maintained and cleaned.
If the latter is of metal design, the use of detergent should be avoided as it may damage it.
It is better to use anti-corrosion products for its maintenance.
For older wooden frames, wood wax will maintain the structure of your camping bed.
Like any other equipment, it requires some maintenance for it to last you for many years.
First of all, not all folding beds can be cleaned in the same way, as they are made of different materials.
For more info on how to make a good choice when buying a camping bed, read our other post How do I choose a camping bed?
If you have a metal model, avoid the use of detergent which could damage it.
Use rustproofing products instead.
For an antique wooden camping bed, using wax would be ideal.
Apart from the structure, you should also clean the canvas by first dismantling it.
Wash it by hand with soapy water before rinsing it well and air drying it.
Do not put it in the washing machine or in the dryer, otherwise it will be damaged.
Finally, make sure to keep your equipment well preserved by always storing it in its carrying case.
This will help avoid the risks of corrosion, oxidation or mold.
Do we sleep well on a camping bed?
On the practical side, the camping bed offers three advantages over other sleeping materials.
- Easier to assemble and store than a heavy duty air mattress (unfold, inflate, deflate, fold).
- It does not dirty easily like floor mats because it is high up.
- It is safe from dust, dirt but also from many animals.
As far as comfort is concerned, both a camp bed and an air bed do not offer the same quality and the same level of comfort as your bed at home
It is better than the floor mat and the air mattress. It allows to sleep at a certain height.
This is important compared to any other mattress for camping.
The same for any sleep equipment in nomadic life where one sleeps in the wild and outside four solid walls.
The fact that you can sleep high up also allows you to stay away from many inconveniences.
Think small animals and crawling insects.
It also removes you from damp and cold ground.
Can we sleep directly on the camping bed with a sleeping bag?
Camping beds insulate their users from cold, moisture and insects.
On the other hand, they are generally not provided with padding such as a mattress.
So we recommend the use of a mattress in addition to the camping bed to sleep as comfortably as possible when camping.
Note that some models of camping beds are sold with a removable mattress.
FAQs about camping beds: Budget
What is the price of a camping bed?
The camp bed is an equipment adapted to all budgets.
It will depend on your needs.
The price of a quality model generally varies between $55 and $645.
It all depends on the materials and accessories included.
It is possible to find less expensive equipment, but be careful about their reliability and robustness.
We advise you to consider well known brands or products with good user reviews such as these camping beds that are top rated for heavy persons.
FAQs about camping beds: Conclusion
We hope that this post has served to answer some questions you may have had.
It’s pretty straightforward, and always remember to consult a user manual, too.