I am thinking of getting a new air mattress for festival tent camping. Give me your pros/cons, what works/doesn’t work.
I was thinking of something like this:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B019BGQTL2/ref=pe_1874560_229947020_em_1p_3_ti
(Queen air bed cot in case the link does not work)
I’ve got one that’s similar (doesn’t have the built in pump) that I had been using at Telluride for about ten years and I loved it.
The only things I have to say negative about it is the following:
- The cold air in Telluride goes right through it, so you have to have some insulation between your sleeping bag and the bed.
- It’s rather slick, so blankets tend to slide around or off in extremely non-level situations. You actually have to tie the insulating blankets to the frame so they don’t slide off.
Other than those stated above, it’s a very comfortable bed as long as the air holds up and is inflated enough to a firm level.
I was always afraid of the mattress leaking and ending up in the middle of the accordion frame (not a pleasant thought) but it never happened.
Be sure to keep sharp or extremely hot items as far away from the bed as possible and everything should be fine.
It will hold two full grown adults but I’d be cautious about having children jumping up and down on one. :lol
Appreciate the advise Tom.
I have found that all to be true of my smaller mattress which is also why I was considering going larger as I also slide off the small one along with my blankets.
I was also wondering how sturdy the frame was on the one I posted. It is always good to have a sturdy bed. 
Just thought I’d throw out this alternative.
Speaking as an old infantry soldier who elk hunts in Colorado every year, an extra large cot with with a mattress pad on it is warm, and comfortable as all get-out.
This may not be your style, and I can’t blame you if it isn’t, but check this out:
I have rocked this get-up in Town Park and it’s mighty nice…doesn’t lose air either…does require more room in the tent, but you can put stuff under the cot too.
I agree, I have a cot like this, put a sleeping pad on it and then an egg crate over that, so comfy and warmer than laying on an air mattress. Last year switched from this set up to an air mattress with a blanket under it and over it under our sleeping bags when my girlfriend got there and I really missed my cot. I think we may do double cot this year. You do need a big ole tent though.
Jeri and I have been using a futon mattress for our comfy Telluride tent bed. It’s warmer and not as slippery as the larger air mattress. It’s a bit bulky to get to and fro but seeing that you need a comfy bed for at least ten nights. Along with the heavy winter comforter our nights are comfortable not cold. And while a cot and mattress works it’s not as conducive to cuddling and sex with your tent mate. And isn’t that part of the reason we go to festivals.
A very valid point in the context of Telluride with my wife…not so valid at hunting camp with my old army buddies. 
We are trying to make that decision also. We normally just use our two person backpacking tent, with thermarest prolite pads. They are warm and comfy, but doesnt give you much space, and little wiggle room. We do have matching down bags that zip together for the sex part. Thinking of getting a big ass tent, just for festival/car camping. I agree that you’ll never be colder than sleeping on a queen size air matress without added insulation!
That futon idea of Al’s seems like a super solid idea.
I really like the futon idea… but not to sure about the bulk of hauling it around and storing it. But I don’t like a cold bed which it sounds like a bigger air mattress would be.
The cots sound nice but I would like to ahhhhh keep my options open about company 
:lol
These are all good suggestions, keep them coming if anyone else has input.
81 days and counting!!!
Jeri, How do you haul a futon around? It seems so bulky.
Now I am looking at something in between, not too bulky and not a cold air mattress. Has anyone used one of these?
When we use a blow up matress in cold weather we put a down comforter over the matress under the sheets. Adds a level of cushion as well.
I completly applaud you for this message :flower