So you’re planning your first camping trip, and you’ve just invested in a great new camping bed that’ll ensure you get some much-needed shut-eye.

Or maybe you’re a seasoned camper, but you find yourself having to constantly replace your air pump before every camping trip?

At Winfields Outdoors, we believe that comfort is key to ensuring a memorable camping experience. Air pumps are the necessary tool to ensure that you get the most out of your inflatable camping equipment.

But which type of air pump do you need? We’re here to help you find out. Read on to find out everything you need to know about air pumps…

Things to consider

Not all air pumps offer the same practical qualities, and every camper will benefit from different features. Consider these factors when you’re thinking about buying an air pump:

Lightweight – If you won’t have access to a car, make sure you invest in an air pump that’s portable and light enough to carry.
Equipment – Make sure that you invest in an air pump that is designed to inflate your equipment. Any air pump will inflate a camping bed, but if you plan on inflating larger things such as tents and awnings – ensure that your air pump is equipped to handle this.
Extra features – If you’re perfectly content with a manual or standard electric air pump, that’s fantastic. But if you prefer to spend as little time as possible setting up camp – look for additional features such as double action and large-capacity air pumps.
Inflation & deflation – If you would prefer to save time and not have to wait for your inflatables to deflate naturally, there are air pumps that offer a deflation feature.
Ease of use – Consider playing to your strengths. If you find it difficult to use a hand pump, invest in a foot pump instead – and vice versa.
Transport – If you are bringing a car or campervan along with you on your outdoor holiday, consider an electric air pump to minimise hassle. Simply plug it into your power outlet, and leave it to inflate/deflate.

Types of air pumps

Hand pump

As the name suggests, hand pumps are specially designed for campers to manually inflate their equipment by hand.

There are some superb hand pumps on the market, so If you find it easier to use a hand pump, you’ll be able to find one that’s comfortable and time-effective. Some feature large airflow capacities, so it won’t take long for your inflatables to take full shape.

A hand pump is greatly suited for inflating airbeds and camping sofas, but we’d recommend a heavy-duty air pump for larger inflations – such as tents and awnings.

Hand pump
As the name suggests, hand pumps are specially designed for campers to manually inflate their equipment by hand.
There are some superb hand pumps on the market, so If you find it easier to use a hand pump, you’ll be able to find one that’s comfortable and time-effective. Some feature large airflow capacities, so it won’t take long for your inflatables to take full shape.
A hand pump is greatly suited for inflating airbeds and camping sofas, but we’d recommend a heavy-duty air pump for larger inflations – such as tents and awnings.

Foot pump

If you find using a hand pump strenuous, we recommend considering a foot air pump instead.

A foot pump, as the name suggests, allows campers to manually pump air into inflatables by foot. Using a foot pump will require less effort than its hand pump counterparts, and it’ll inflate your airbed in no time.

Foot pumps are also suitable for inflating air tents and other inflatable camping equipment.

Foot pump
If you find using a hand pump strenuous, we recommend considering a foot air pump instead.
A foot pump, as the name suggests, allows campers to manually pump air into inflatables by foot. Using a foot pump will require less effort than its hand pump counterparts, and it’ll inflate your airbed in no time.
Foot pumps are also suitable for inflating air tents and other inflatable camping equipment.

AC/DC and electrical pumps

AC/DC and electric air pumps are powered through the electricity from a car. These pumps are easy to use; all you have to do is simply connect to a power outlet in your car and leave it to work.

Most electrical air pumps will also deflate any camping equipment, and come with multiple nozzles to ensure the right fit.

These types of pumps are durable and reliable. They’re great for leaving your inflatables to take shape. Electric air pumps tend to be heavier, so it’s a better choice for when you’re travelling by car.

They’re a great option for campers who prefer to start enjoying their trip straight away, as they require no manual assistance.

If you’re interested in an AC/DC air pump, make sure that it’s compatible with your vehicle.

AC/DC and electrical pumps
AC/DC and electric air pumps are powered through the electricity from a car. These pumps are easy to use; all you have to do is simply connect to a power outlet in your car and leave it to work.
Most electrical air pumps will also deflate any camping equipment, and come with multiple nozzles to ensure the right fit.
These types of pumps are durable and reliable. They’re great for leaving your inflatables to take shape. Electric air pumps tend to be heavier, so it’s a better choice for when you’re travelling by car.
They’re a great option for campers who prefer to start enjoying their trip straight away, as they require no manual assistance.
If you’re interested in an AC/DC air pump, make sure that it’s compatible with your vehicle.

Shop the best selection of air pumps at Winfields Outdoors

If you’re ready to invest in a top-quality air pump, we’ve selected a few of our newest releases for you to browse through below.

Alternatively, if you would rather check out our entire selection of air pumps, click here.

Easy Camp Bellows Foot Pump

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use foot pump that’ll do a superb job of inflating your camping equipment, look no further than the Easy Camp Bellows Foot Pump.

This manual foot pump will have your camping equipment fully inflated in no time, thanks to the 3L volume. Not only that, but this foot pump comes with a deflation feature, allowing you to pack away your equipment with total ease.

Easy Camp Bellows Foot Pump
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use foot pump that’ll do a superb job of inflating your camping equipment, look no further than the Easy Camp Bellows Foot Pump.
This manual foot pump will have your camping equipment fully inflated in no time, thanks to the 3L volume. Not only that, but this foot pump comes with a deflation feature, allowing you to pack away your equipment with total ease.

Outwell Double Action Pump

Next, we have the superb Double Action Pump from Outwell – brand new to Winfields Outdoors!

If you’re looking for a hassle-free air pump that’ll have your inflatable camping equipment up in minutes, the Outwell Double Action Pump is a perfect choice.

And don’t be fooled by the size of this hand pump, as it’s twice as effective as a regular air pump. Not only that, but this hand pump also offers a deflation feature.

Coleman 12V QuickPump

Next, we have the Coleman 12V QuickPump – another brand new addition to Winfields Outdoors!

This is a superb option for you if you’ve been looking for an air pump with an ergonomic design and cutting-edge features.

This Coleman air pump works with a 12V DC car outlet to provide an impressive 679 litres of airflow per minute. So, you can rest assured knowing this ultra-handy dual-function pump will allow you to inflate and deflate your camping equipment in no time!