Which One Will Help You Wake Up Ready to Rock?
Let’s be honest…
After spending ten hours standing in front of stages, walking miles around festival sites, surviving circle pits, climbing hills (looking at you, Steelhouse 👀), and carrying enough gear to outfit a small army, the last thing you want is a terrible night’s sleep.
One of the biggest questions every festival-goer asks is:
Should I bring an air bed or a camping bed (camping cot)?
Both have their fans, both have their drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your budget, comfort level and how much room you’ve got in the car.
So let’s settle the debate.
🛏️ Air Bed
What Is It?
An air bed is an inflatable mattress that sits directly on the floor of your tent. They come in single, double and even king-size versions, with manual, foot or electric pumps used to inflate them.
They’re the most common sleeping option at UK festivals.
✅ Pros
Comfortable
A decent quality air bed can feel surprisingly similar to a real mattress, especially if you choose a thicker model.
Affordable
Basic air beds can cost as little as £15–£30, while premium options range from £50–£100+.
Perfect if you’re just starting your festival adventures.
Easy to Find
Most camping shops, supermarkets and outdoor retailers stock them during festival season.
Packs Down Small
Once deflated, they fit neatly into a carry bag and don’t take up much room in your car.
Great for Couples
Double air beds offer loads of space if you’re sharing a tent.
❌ Cons
They Can Deflate
Every festival seems to have someone who wakes up at 3am lying flat on the tent floor because their air bed slowly leaked overnight.
Cheap air beds are especially guilty of this.
Cold Nights
Because the air inside cools down overnight, air beds can become surprisingly cold.
A blanket or insulated sleeping mat underneath your sleeping bag makes a huge difference.
Needs Inflating
Forget your pump…
You’ll either be borrowing one from your neighbours or blowing yourself dizzy trying to inflate it!
Can Move Around
On slippery tent floors they sometimes slide about when you roll over.
🪑 Camping Bed (Camping Cot)
What Is It?
A camping bed is a raised folding frame with a fabric sleeping surface stretched across it.
Think of it as bringing a portable single bed into your tent.
✅ Pros
Off the Ground
Being raised off the floor means:
- Better airflow
- Less damp
- Better protection from water if your tent floor gets wet
Better Support
Many people find camping beds far kinder on their backs than air beds.
Especially if you’re over 30 and your body reminds you every morning!
No Punctures
No leaks.
No repairs.
No waking up on bare ground.
Easy to Get Up
Being higher makes climbing in and out much easier.
Ideal for anyone with back or knee problems.
Storage Underneath
One of the biggest advantages.
Store:
- Bags
- Boots
- Clothes
- Food
- Cases
underneath your bed, saving valuable tent space.
❌ Cons
More Expensive
Expect to pay anywhere between £40 and £120, depending on quality.
Heavier
Camping beds are bulkier than air beds and take up more room in the car.
Single Size Only
Most camping beds are designed for one person.
Couples will need two.
Firmer
If you like a soft mattress, you’ll probably want to add a sleeping mat or foam topper for extra comfort.
🌧️ What Happens When It Rains?
Air Bed
❌ Sits directly on the tent floor.
If water gets inside your tent, your sleeping area can quickly become damp.
Camping Bed
✅ Raised above the ground.
Even if a little water sneaks into your tent, your sleeping area stays much drier.
Huge advantage during a typical British summer.
❄️ Cold Weather
Air Bed
The air inside cools rapidly overnight, making the mattress feel cold underneath you.
Adding a blanket, insulated mat or thermal layer between the air bed and your sleeping bag helps keep you warm.
Camping Bed
Air circulates underneath, which can also make you feel chilly.
A self-inflating sleeping mat or foam pad on top of the cot adds insulation and makes it much more comfortable.
🚗 Which Packs Better?
Air Bed
Camping Bed
✅ Small when deflated
❌ Larger when folded
✅ Lightweight
❌ Heavier
✅ Easy to carry
❌ Bulky
If you’re travelling by public transport or have limited boot space, an air bed usually wins.
😴 Comfort Comparison
Feature
Air Bed
Camping Bed
Softness
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Back Support
⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Warmth
⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability
⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Setup
⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Storage Space
⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏕️ Which Is Best for Different Festivals?
🎸 Download Festival
Either option works well, but if heavy rain is forecast, a camping bed offers extra peace of mind by keeping you off the ground.
🤘 Bloodstock Open Air
The flatter camping fields suit both options. If you’re planning a long weekend, a camping bed’s durability can be a real advantage.
🏔️ Steelhouse Festival
The mountain weather can be unpredictable, and damp mornings are not unusual. A camping bed keeps you raised above any moisture and offers useful storage underneath—especially handy when space is tight.
🎤 Planet Rockstock & Winter’s End
As these events are held in accommodation rather than camping fields, you can leave both at home and enjoy a proper bed!
💡 The Riff Report’s Top Tips
For Air Beds
✅ Test it at home before the festival.
✅ Check for leaks.
✅ Bring a repair kit.
✅ Pack the correct pump.
✅ Put a blanket underneath your sleeping bag for extra warmth.
For Camping Beds
✅ Add a foam sleeping mat for extra comfort.
✅ Check your tent is tall enough before buying.
✅ Store your bags underneath to maximise space.
✅ Practice folding and unfolding it before you leave.
🎒 Don’t Forget These Sleeping Essentials
Whatever you choose, don’t leave home without:
- 🛌 A quality sleeping bag
- 🛏️ Pillow
- 🧦 Warm socks for bedtime
- 🧥 Extra blanket
- 🎧 Earplugs
- 😴 Eye mask
- 🔦 Head torch for those late-night returns to the tent
A good night’s sleep can make all the difference between feeling ready for another day of riffs or counting down the hours until you can get home.
🏆 The Riff Report Verdict
🛏️ Choose an Air Bed if:
✅ You’re on a budget.
✅ You have limited car space.
✅ You’re camping occasionally.
✅ You prefer a softer sleeping surface.
🪑 Choose a Camping Bed if:
✅ You attend several festivals each year.
✅ Comfort and back support are important.
✅ You want extra storage in your tent.
✅ You don’t want to worry about punctures or waking up on the ground.
🤘 Final Thoughts
There’s no single “perfect” choice—only the one that suits your style of camping.
If you’re heading to one festival a year with limited space, a good-quality air bed is a solid and affordable option. But if you’re a seasoned festival-goer who spends multiple weekends in fields every summer, investing in a camping bed can make a world of difference to your comfort and recovery.
After all, the better you sleep, the more energy you’ll have to explore the arena, discover new bands, belt out every chorus, and survive those legendary headline sets.
Sleep well, wake up refreshed, and we’ll see you down the front. Rock on, butt! 🤘🏕️
