Here's a recent one:

Semi-permanent mattress for Outback camping

I've browsed through many of the threads on here about car camping and didn't see one quite this specific, so here goes. I'm currently outfitting my 2017 OB for use on storm chasing road trips, and am planning on a semi-permanent mattress install. The idea is to build a platform for the...

www.subaruoutback.org

I went with a rugged camping mattress from Exped because I wanted something that packed down reasonably well while being as durable as possible so I could occasionally throw it on the ground or in a lean-to if needed. It fits perfectly (doesn't get squeezed between the wheel wells) but was discontinued. Last I looked, all the similar 2-person camping mattresses I could find were significantly wider.

If you're looking for a single-person option, there's a ton out there, I'd suggest heading to your local camping gear store to try some out. My most recent purchase was a Thermarest Luxury Map. Excellent quality and very comfortable for something that's only an inch or two thick.

 

I've been using a 3" REI air mattress for several years. I don't think they even sell it anymore but I'm sure they still have something comparable.

 

I second both of the options above. Exped makes some awesome 3” and 4” mattresses and REI has now made their own version of the 3” mattress. I use mine both in the Outback and in my roof top tent. Super comfy and warm when you need it.

 

My wife and I slept in our 2016 Outback with this sleeping pad last year on our cross country road trip. I'm 6ft tall and about 180 lbs. I can't give up any info about my wife but we are comfortable enough. It's a bit stiff so compressing it to put it away takes some time.

KingCamp Deluxe Series Thick Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad Foam Mattress

 

My v1.0 sleeping system was based on the similar Kamp-Rite mattress. I found fit pretty well between the Outback’s wheel wells.

Amazon.com : Kamp-Rite 4X4 Mega XL Self Inflating Pad : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Kamp-Rite 4X4 Mega XL Self Inflating Pad : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

I'd just add that if it's just yourself sleeping in the car then go for a "single" size not the "king single" as it will take up too much width of your storage space.

I've already made the mistake and it's not exactly a cheap one, bought a self inflating Zempire Monstamat in king single size specifically for the car without thinking it through too much. It's just that bit too wide to give you space for a decent size fridge and other storage boxes. It's not like you're aiming for 5 star comfort here to stretch out and roll around anyway.

The self inflating mattresses offer very good comfort though for lying on and can be rolled up reasonably small.

 

I'd just add that if it's just yourself sleeping in the car then go for a "single" size not the "king single" as it will take up too much width of your storage space.

Oh, I know that. This isn't my first sleeping pad; before it's demise, I'd camped on my CampRest for eons.

I'm just wondering what the new "State of the Mart" is these days, since I last went camp-bed shopping in the late 1980s.

 

I forgot to mention that we also bought this

Never Never Bed for Subaru Outback

Never Never™ Bed is a custom fitted bed designed for the 2010-2020 Subaru Outback. Made in Oregon, USA using premium materials like Pendleton wool and Cordura nylon. The removable cover has a full length zipper for cleaning. The 3" thick bed can be rolled for storage and secured with attached...

www.nevernevergear.com

We got it because I thought it would be perfect for our road trip but they were not comfortable enough for both me and my wife. That’s why we got the other sleeping pad. If you are lighter and shorter than us 5’9 and 160lbs or less it might work for you.

 

Never Never Bed for Subaru Outback

Never Never™ Bed is a custom fitted bed designed for the 2010-2020 Subaru Outback. Made in Oregon, USA using premium materials like Pendleton wool and Cordura nylon. The removable cover has a full length zipper for cleaning. The 3" thick bed can be rolled for storage and secured with attached...

www.nevernevergear.com

We got it because I thought it would be perfect for our road trip but they were not comfortable enough for both me and my wife. That’s why we got the other sleeping pad. If you are lighter and shorter than us 5’9 and 160lbs or less it might work for you.

Interesting concept. Maybe with an inch and a half of memory foam on top of it... I haven't weighed 160 lbs. since 7th Grade, back when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.

I do have one of the elusive 2015 Subaru/Pendleton Ntn'l Park blankets in my sleeping kit. (yay me!)

 

Luno Life SUV mattress, it’s custom fit for Subaru and works great and can hold over 600lbs.

Get 10% off Luno Car Camping Gear!

LUNOLIFE.COM

www.talkable.com

When I bought my V2 version they gave me a discount code happy to pass on 10% off in link above.

 

Whenever I see platform bed builds in overlanding threads, it seems more often than not people are using memory foam-style mats or bed toppers. I too have been camping and backpacking on my trusty 1" thermarest for eons and still use it often. However, when I camp in-car, I now borrow my kid's 2" memory foam mattress that he uses in his reading corner. Compared to the thermarest, it's much more "bed-like," is quieter when tossing and turning trying to find a comfortable position, is less likely to have my sleeping bag slide off it if on a slope, and just generally more comfortable. It takes up a ton of room, so I only use it if I'm camping solo or with one other person, but man it adds a touch of luxury to the whole experience. Just my 0.02.

 

Whenever I see platform bed builds in overlanding threads, it seems more often than not people are using memory foam-style mats or bed toppers. I too have been camping and backpacking on my trusty 1" thermarest for eons and still use it often. However, when I camp in-car, I now borrow my kid's 2" memory foam mattress that he uses in his reading corner....

I hear ya. I'm beginning to think the solution for me will be to get a decent new XL pad of some flavor and top it with an inch and a half of gel-type memory foam.

 

Yeah, while it does roll into something reasonably compact, the Base Camp pad sacrifices some packability for comfort. Adding a foam layer might get you there - I've seen these guys recommended for custom mattresses and toppers:

Memory Foam Mattress Toppers | Foam Factory, Inc.

A memory foam topper will last for years, providing support and comfort you need, while extending the life of your mattress. Get your mattress topper today!

www.foambymail.com

 

Yeah, while it does roll into something reasonably compact, the Base Camp pad sacrifices some packability for comfort.

I'm not really worried about packability; I'm not really backpacking.

Memory Foam Mattress Toppers | Foam Factory, Inc.

A memory foam topper will last for years, providing support and comfort you need, while extending the life of your mattress. Get your mattress topper today!

www.foambymail.com

Oooo!! Thanks very much for this!

 

I also use the Luno Life mattress and love it. Super easy and I trust it more than most air mattresses. I have backpacking ones by Thermarest and will do in a pinch but I prefer the Luno.

 

Doesn't sound like the OP needs to sleep more than 1 person, but beyond having something that fits between the wheel wells (or a single folded seat) without deforming too much, I see no point in the "custom fit" stuff.

 

Am I sensing some kind hostility here because I posted what I bought to use as a mattress for my Outback? Just to be clear I’m not trying to convince anybody to buy anything. Why not let the OP decide if “custom fit” stuff is what he wants?

 

Custom fit, Overland bling, more expensive do not mean “better” no matter what the marketing department’s want you to think.

 

Exped Megamat, best sleeping pad I've ever used.

 

My daughter and a friend have used this for sleeping. It fits well, and has a flexible end that allows it to bend upward to cover the front-seatback. The price isn't too bad, either. Having a roof top box to transfer items to is helpful given that the mattress takes up the whole cargo area. I'm 6'4" - it would be tight sleeping with someone else, but I was able to get comfortable alone.

Amazon.com : QDH SUV Air Mattress-Thickened Car Bed Back Seat Mattress-Portable Car Mattress for Vehicle Cushion Air Bed Inflatable Mattress with Air-Pump-Camping Blow Up Mattress for car (Blue and Black) : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : QDH SUV Air Mattress-Thickened Car Bed Back Seat Mattress-Portable Car Mattress for Vehicle Cushion Air Bed Inflatable Mattress with Air-Pump-Camping Blow Up Mattress for car (Blue and Black) : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

Sleeping with that slop is NOT going to be fun or comfortable. I would strongly suggest you try and get it as flat as possible.

 

It's comfortable. There's a little bit of room to move it down towards the hatch, which makes the middle section flat.

 

L.l. Bean, Camp Futon. 2-3" thick, similar to a Therma-A-Rest. 30" wide. By far the most comfortable mat I've ever slept on