Best Car Hammock and Travel Beds for Road Trip Camping in India

What is a Travel Bed?

A travel bed is a portable and lightweight sleeping surface designed for temporary use. You can find different types of travel beds for car camping, such as inflatable mattresses, foldable foam mattresses, hybrid camping mats with built-in cushioning.
Specialised travel cots for children are also available for families going on multi-day road trips. Unlike a regular home mattress, these travel beds prioritise mobility over long-term durability. They’re designed for repeated setup and pack-up, so you can easily use them on multiple trips.
 

How Travel Beds Work and Help

Different types of travel beds for car camping work differently. For instance, if you’ve purchased an inflatable bed, you’ll need a built-in or manual pump to inflate it. Those buying foldable mats can simply fold and unfold them into sections for easy use and storage in cars.
Regardless of which camping bed you choose for your car, they’ll all help you in the following ways.

Improved Comfort

These beds provide steady support to your body, so you don’t wake up feeling body aches. We recommend choosing camping beds that are firm yet gentle to your body.

Hygiene, Personal Sleeping Space

You receive a clean, comfortable sleeping surface.

Portable & Convenient

Most camping beds for cars feature a lightweight design, which makes them easier to carry and set up.
 

Best Car Hammocks in India

Hammocks are the best road trip sleeping solutions in India, especially when you want to rest and rejuvenate outside. Since they remain suspended between two anchor points, they give you a better sleep experience. Here are the best car hammocks in India that you can consider.

Best Car Hammocks in India	Key Features	Price
PNAEUT Double Hammocks with Stand	Can handle up to 200 kg body weight Comes with a heavy-duty steel stand Available in multiple colours Easy to install Comes with a travel kit for easy portability Cotton hammock fabric for extra comfort	₹24,156
Baskety Cotton Hammock	Can easily accommodate up to 2 people Total weight capacity is approximately 200 kg Equipped with strong wooden spreader bars Easy to install, wind up, and fold into a travel bag Made with 100% breathable cotton	₹1,044
Supvox Camping Hammock	Made of nylon spinning Skin-friendly Wear-resistant Comes with heavy duty nylon strips for secure installation Total load capacity is a maximum of 200 kg Hanging side pockets to store your phone or snacks Sleek design	₹1,205
Slack Jack Camping Hammock	Ultralight and portable Load capacity of up to 180 kg Made of soft, crinkled parachute nylon fabric Can be converted into a beach mat or picnic blanket Easy to install	₹2,599

 

How to Install a Travel Bed for Car Camping

The process of installing a travel bed for car camping may slightly vary, depending on the type of bed you’ve purchased. Those planning to sleep in their car usually invest in an inflatable or foldable foam mattress. Let’s explore how to install both.

For Inflatable Mattress

Follow the step-by-step instructions shared below for smooth installation.

• Fold the rear seats if you own an SUV
• Clear the space by removing debris, dust, or any residue
• Plug the 12V pump into your car socket and begin inflating the mattress
• Inflate the main chamber first, and then the base supports
• Adjust the firmness, as overinflating may make it unstable

For a Foldable Foam Mattress

Follow the step-wise instructions shared below.

• Lay out the base section across the rear seats
• Use seatbelts or an anti-slip base to stabilise the mattress surface
• Add a clean sheet or blanket for hygiene

Before going to sleep, ensure your car is parked in a safe, permitted area. Don’t forget to lock the car doors and keep the windows slightly open for ventilation.
 

Best Car Sleeping Mattress India Safety Features

The best car sleeping mattresses in India usually have some standard safety features. Hence, if you’re planning to buy one, ensure it has the following safety features.

Anti-Slip Base or Textured Underside

Mattresses without grip can slowly slide when you move during sleep. Having an anti-slip or textured base helps the mattress stay in place so your sleep is not disturbed.

Multiple Independent Air Chambers

People buying inflatable mattresses should pay attention to this feature. You should choose mattresses with multiple air sections so even if a chamber leaks or punctures, the entire mattress doesn’t collapse instantly.

Non-Toxic, Low-Odour Materials

Since you’ll be sleeping inside a closed vehicle, air circulation will be limited. Travel beds for car camping, made from cheap PVC, often emit strong chemical odours that can cause discomfort and even affect your health. Hence, opt for mattresses made from low-odour, non-toxic materials.

Secure Fit and Gap-Filling Design

Not all Indian cars have uniform seat heights between the rear and front seat backs. Hence, choose a mattress with gap-filling support cushions so you don’t fall through the gap.
 

Advantages of Camping Bed for Cars

The right camping bed for a car can provide the following benefits.

Better Sleep = Safer Driving

Long road trips demand alertness, which is difficult to achieve without proper sleep. A flat, comfortable camping bed provides proper spinal alignment so you can sleep effortlessly during multi-day road trips. It prevents fatigue, enabling people to drive with full focus.

Freedom from Hotel Dependency

The best road trip sleeping solutions in India let you sleep comfortably inside your car. It can be a big benefit when travelling to places where hotel bookings are either too expensive or mostly unavailable.

Protection from Uneven Surfaces

In some cars, the seat surface may not be 100% uniform. Placing a high-quality camping bed on the seats can provide a flat surface, ensuring a pleasant sleep experience.

Multi-Purpose Utility

If you’re purchasing a good-quality inflatable car mattress, you can also use it as an additional bedding option at your home to accommodate guests. Hence, its usability doesn’t remain restricted to trips.
 

Options Available for Road Trip Camping Accessories in India

People going on multi-day road-camping trips need more than just the best camping bed for a car. If you’re planning your first road trip, ensure you get the following additional road trip camping accessories in India.

Portable Power Station

This accessory is essential if you’re camping overnight. You can use it to power pumps, lights, and phones without draining your car battery.

Window Mosquito Nets

Those planning to camp near forests, rivers, or beaches must carry this accessory, as mosquitoes can become a real nuisance at night. Look for custom-fit magnetic mosquito nets for car windows that facilitate airflow while keeping insects out.

Privacy Curtains or Sunshades

Sleeping inside a car without privacy can feel uncomfortable, especially near highways. Having reflective sunshades and custom-fit window curtains can block light and also provide privacy from the outside.

Portable LED Camping Lanterns

Car cabin lights drain battery power faster and aren’t ideal for extended use. Hence, carry rechargeable LED lanterns as they provide sufficient lighting for reading, organising gear, and nighttime use without affecting your vehicle battery.
 

Types of Car Hammocks and Travel Beds

The best car hammocks in India are usually designed for outdoor spaces. They feature a suspended fabric bed tied between two anchor points. You can either install them between two trees/poles/any anchor point. Alternatively, get a hammock with a heavy-duty stand structure. It’s expensive but more convenient.
When it comes to travel beds for car camping, the following are the most common types you’ll find in the market.

Inflatable Car Air Mattress

These are PVC mattresses designed for the back seat. Good models usually include air pillows and an electric pump to quickly inflate the mattress. They can easily fit into SUVs, hatchbacks, and sedans.

Foldable Car Beds

It’s a much more durable option than an inflatable air mattress. Made from high-density foam or other cushioning materials, they provide better stability and comfort for undisturbed sleep.
 

Features of Road Trip Sleeping Solutions in India

All the top road trip sleeping solutions in India share standard features. The following are the key features.

Compact Storage

Many Indian cars have limited boot space once luggage is packed. Thankfully, you can easily find mattresses that fold and deflate effortlessly into a manageable size.

Quick Setup and Pack-Up

Most top-quality road trip sleeping solutions in India are easy to install. You can set them up within a few minutes and use them instantly. The same ease applies to their pack-up process.

Climate Adaptability

A car bed crafted from high-quality materials can easily adapt to regional climates, providing ultimate sleep comfort. It can easily resist heat expansion and moisture absorption. Their water-resistant surfaces make them perfect for monsoon travel.

Comfort and Support

Most car beds are comfortable to sleep on, thanks to their firm surface. They provide spinal support so you don’t wake up with a backache.
 

Final Thoughts

Extended road camping trips can’t be pleasant or comfortable without reliable camping beds for cars. You can choose to purchase a car travel bed, a hammock, or both, depending on your preferences and camping location.
If you’re looking for the best car hammocks in India, you can choose one from the options covered in this blog. Those travelling to remote locations can benefit from having their car secured under a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy with roadside assistance.
It will ensure you get prompt roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down on the way to a camping site or on the way back. Shriram Car Insurance plans provide this add-on, so you can explore our Car Insurance plans.
 

FAQs

1. Can an adult sleep in a hammock while camping?
Yes, provided you purchase a hammock with adequate load capacity. Look for hammocks that can easily handle up to 200 kg of load.

2. Should I choose an inflatable car mattress or a foam car mattress?
You can choose an inflatable car mattress if you have limited boot space. However, consider a foam mattress if you want stable support for your sleep.

3. Can I use a car travel bed outside the vehicle?
Avoid using an inflatable mattress directly on the ground, as tiny particles present on the surface can puncture it. Even if you want to use a foam car mattress outside the vehicle, first place a groundsheet to protect it from stones, sand, and moisture.

4. What other car accessories should I carry on my road trip camping in India?
While a camping bed is a must-have, you can also carry portable power stations, car privacy curtains, and rechargeable LED lanterns.

5. What is the benefit of carrying a camping bed for a car?
The biggest benefit is a uniform, supportive sleep surface that helps you sleep undisturbed on multi-day trips.