Whether you’re a full-time van dweller or a weekend explorer, choosing the best bedding for a campervan can drastically improve your experience on the road and keep you touring all year round. It’s no secret that bedding is one of the most affordable ways we can figure out how to keep a campervan warm in winter, but the same goes for staying cool in summer.
Bedding is an item you’ll use every day, rain or shine, wherever you are, so it’s essential to find a smart balance between comfort, practicality, and space-saving functionality. If you’re wondering how to make a campervan bed more comfortable, these options will definitely help with that, or if you’re buying for a certain model then consider one of the best mattress toppers for a VW campervan.
When it comes to campervan sleep setups, I’ve found that comfort and practicality are the most important considerations. A well-fitted foam mattress or topper is also essential, especially in non-standard spaces. For bedding, I stick to natural fibres like cotton or bamboo – they’re breathable, moisture-wicking, and great year-round. A 10.5 tog duvet works for most seasons, but I keep a lighter one for summer and a warm blanket for layering. For storage, I use low-profile under-bed storage boxes or vacuum bags to help me reduce the bulk of storing bedding.
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Bedding for campervans: our top picks
Silentnight 10.5 Tog Complete Bed Set
Utopia Bedding All Season Down Alternative Quilt
Silentnight Cooler Summer Duvet
Voited Recycled Outdoor Pillow-Blanket
Panda 100% Bamboo Bedding Set
Amazon Basics Vacuum Storage Bags
The best bedding for a campervan
Silentnight 10.5 Tog Complete Bed Set
Reason to buy:
- Great all-in-one starter set for year-round use
Reason to avoid:
- Can feel too warm during hot summer nights
In the past, I’ve found that a 10.5 tog duvet is sufficient for year-round use; it gets a bit toasty in summer but we feel it’s a good option if you’re lacking in space and just want one duvet rather that swapping out seasonally. This bedding set is especially perfect if you’re kitting out a new campervan or looking to replace your current bedding.
It includes a 10.5 tog duvet, quilted mattress protector and two pillows. Each piece is made from cosy, hypoallergenic microfibre and is suitable for washing machines and tumble driers.
Utopia Bedding All Season Down Alternative Quilt
Reason to buy:
- Warm, breathable, and allergy-friendly alternative to dow
Reason to avoid:
- Bulkier to store than other duvet options
I’m a bit of a bedding connoisseur at home, so I love my down quilt and luxurious pillows. On tour though, I’ve found that a down alternative quilt is the perfect medium, offering the warmth of a down duvet without the heaviness, price tag or sneeze-inducing feathers.
Although slightly bulkier than the other duvets, a comforter like this is made with siliconised fibre filling to retain heat while being breathable in warmer weather. I love that the box stitching on this duvet prevents filling from shifting, much like down duvets, which ensures even insulation and it can be washed and dried in machines.
Silentnight Cooler Summer Duvet
Reason to buy:
- Lightweight, breathable, and ideal for layering
Reason to avoid:
- Not warm enough for colder seasons on its own
If you prefer something lighter for summer or a quilt you can combine with other bedding, Silentnight’s Cooler Summer duvet is perfect. It’s lightweight and covered in soft-touch, moisture-wicking microfibre with 4.5 tog hypo-allergenic filling.
The weight and thickness will keep you cool-yet-cosy from spring to autumn while being light enough to combine with layers. It’s also machine washable and packs down nicely if you’re storing it away in winter or keeping it as an extra layer.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Voited Recycled Outdoor Pillow-Blanket
Reason to buy:
- Versatile, soft, and perfect for indoor or outdoor use
Reason to avoid:
- Bulkier than a standard blanket when packed
Something you’ll never regret packing is a good camping blanket; whether you’re lounging in your van or around a campfire, enjoying a picnic or wanting to be extra cosy in bed, it’s a fail-safe layer. A lightweight and well-made blanket was one of the best investments I made for touring.
We’d recommend something like Voited, which comes in lovely patterns and is made from 100% recycled, water-resistant, rip-stop fabric with a breathable and warm micro-thermal insulation filling. The materials used give a softer and more ‘buttery’ finish than the cheaper options so they’re actually pleasant to sleep with. Buttons along the edges allow it to be used as a large blanket, a cape or a sleeping bag, and it can even be packed down and used as a 38x38x10cm pillow.
Panda 100% Bamboo Bedding Set
Reason to buy:
- Temperature-regulating, soft, and ideal for small spaces
Reason to avoid:
- Pricier than synthetic alternatives
Bamboo bedding is great at regulating temperature while remaining breathable and warm, making it great for all year use in a campervan. It’s also odor-resistant, hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial so perfect for small spaces with high traffic like a campervan. Although natural fibre bedding won’t make our list of how to be a frugal motorhomer, I keep a bamboo duvet cover and fitted sheet aside for use in the van (although it’s tempting to use them at home in summer!).
We’d recommend an option like this set, which is made from blended rayon material, since bamboo requires a chemical process to give it a silky texture rather than coarse. Panda’s set, however, is still plastic free and has a 320 thread count, making it incredibly soft yet hard wearing. It includes a double duvet cover, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases.
How to choose the best bedding for a campervan
Choosing the right bedding for your campervan is essential for year-round comfort, whether you’re braving chilly winters or seeking cool, breathable layers in summer. Start by selecting a duvet with the right tog rating – I’ve found that a 10.5 tog duvet is a solid all-season choice that balances warmth and comfort, but I do feel the cold. If you camp primarily in summer or run hot when sleeping, a lighter 4.5 tog option can help regulate temperature and packs down easily for storage.
Natural fibres like cotton and bamboo are ideal choices for campervan bedsheets. They offer breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and long-term comfort, which is especially important in small, often humid spaces. While synthetic fabrics may be more budget-friendly, they can trap heat and moisture, making sleep uncomfortable.
Layering is another smart approach so consider packing a high-quality camping blanket: these are versatile, cosy, and space-efficient. Finally, invest in good storage solutions, such as vacuum-sealed bags, to swap bedding out seasonally or keep spare layers tucked away.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between comfort, practicality, and space-saving. With the right setup, your campervan bed can feel just as inviting as home.
How to choose a campervan mattress
When it comes to comfort, your campervan mattress is the foundation of good sleep. The first question you’re likely to run into is “are campervan mattresses standard size?” Unlike household beds, campervans often require custom-sized mattresses to fit unique layouts — so the first step is to measure your sleeping space carefully.
A great campervan mattress needs to offer support, insulation, and flexibility. Foam mattresses, especially memory foam, are popular for their ability to contour to the body while being lightweight and easy to trim if needed. A high-density foam base paired with a softer upper layer can strike the right balance between firmness and comfort.
Ventilation is also key. We’re all too aware that campervans are prone to condensation, so look for a mattress with breathable materials and consider adding a slatted base or moisture barrier underneath to prevent damp buildup. I’ve added a gel-infused topper to my mattress and that seems to help keep temperature stable during the night. Plus, if your mattress is in good shape but lacking in comfort, a quality mattress topper can make a big difference.
Other considerations
Good bedding is only half the equation for sleeping comfortably in a campervan. Ventilation is essential to keep your sleeping area dry and will help to regulate temperature. Use roof vents, crack windows, or invest in a fan to keep air circulating and bedding fresh. It’s also helpful to look into how to stop condensation in a campervan to help keep your van temperate.
Once you’ve invested in your campervan bedding, the next thing to consider is storage, especially if you’re going to layer your bedding or swap out a winter duvet for a lighter one in summer. Personally, I like vacuum bags which come in super handy for off-season items. These ones from Amazon’s Basics range pack down nicely so you can store things in your van and are very easy to use.
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