Camping is great until you wake up on the hard, cold ground with a sore back. I have spent many nights tossing and turning on thin foam pads that just do not cut it.
I recently decided to try out the Mountainhiker Outdoor Inflatable Cheese Mattress Furnitures Special Sponge Upgrade Edition 10CM Portable Family Sleeping Pad Mat. It promised the comfort of a real bed at the campsite, and after a few trips, I have plenty to share.
What is this Mountainhiker mattress?
This is an inflatable sleeping pad that uses a thick sponge core to give you extra cushion. The name is a bit funny, but the design is meant to mimic the soft, airy feel of a thick mattress.
It is a budget-friendly option for families or couples who want to upgrade from basic gear. I managed to snag mine with free shipping, which saved me a decent amount of money for a package this size.
Real world performance
The first thing I noticed was the thickness. At 10 centimeters, it lifts you well off the ground, so you do not feel every rock or root underneath you.
Setting it up is fairly simple since it is self-inflating to a point. You just open the valve, let the sponge expand, and then add a few puffs of air to get the firmness just right.
Pros and Cons
- Pros
- The 10cm thickness makes a massive difference for side sleepers.
- The material feels durable and does not sound like a plastic bag when you move.
- It packs down smaller than a traditional air mattress.
- The price is much lower than big-name outdoor brands.
- Cons
- The shipping time from AliExpress can be very long depending on where you live.
- Deflating and rolling it back into the bag takes a bit of practice and muscle.
- If you have a puncture, patching it is more difficult than a standard air bed.
- Customer support is hard to reach if you have a warranty issue.
Who should buy this pad?
If you are a car camper who wants a good night of sleep without spending hundreds of dollars, this is a solid choice. It is perfect for families who have space in the trunk but want to keep their gear costs down.
You should skip this if you are a backpacker. Even though it is portable, it is still too heavy and bulky for long treks into the woods.
What users are saying
I talked to a few other campers who bought this same Mountainhiker mattress. One parent mentioned that their kids slept through the night for the first time ever while camping.
Another friend liked the fabric texture but warned that you should keep your dog away from it. The material is strong, but sharp claws are always a risk with inflatable gear.
Final verdict
Is this mattress worth your money? For the price, I think it is one of the better finds on AliExpress.
It is not a luxury item, and you have to be patient with the shipping. However, once you are lying on it under the stars, you will likely forget all about the wait.
