In a campervan or on a boat, space is precious. Every cupboard, every compartment and every action counts. That is exactly where bedding can be a source of irritation: putting on a duvet cover in a cramped over-cab bed or in a V-berth is no fun. In this article you will read what to look for in a duvet for your campervan or boat, and how to keep the bed fresh on the road.
Why sleeping on the road is different
Little space
Beds in campervans and boats are often built in, with a wall on one or more sides. You cannot walk around them, and sometimes you are half bent over them. Changing a duvet cover then becomes an acrobatic exercise.
Non-standard mattress sizes
Mattresses in campervans and boats do not always have standard sizes. Sometimes they are narrower, shorter or have a bevelled corner. That affects which duvet size fits best.
Moisture and temperature
In a campervan or boat it can cool down considerably at night, and condensation is a familiar phenomenon. Ventilating is therefore important, and a duvet that is easy to wash and dry is more than welcome.
What to look for in a duvet for travelling
1. Easy to change
A duvet without a cover saves you the biggest job on the road. You take it off the bed, wash it as a whole and put it back. No putting on a duvet cover in a small space.
2. Easy to wash
On the road you often wash at a campsite or in a marina, in shared washing machines. A duvet that can handle regular washing and can go in the tumble dryer is ideal then. Snoozella duvets can go in the washing machine at up to 60 °C and then in the tumble dryer on a normal programme.
3. Synthetic filling
A microfibre filling usually dries faster than a down filling, and is less prone to retaining moisture. That is nice when you are somewhere with changeable weather.
4. A warmth rating for the whole year
A duvet with a light to medium warmth rating is versatile. On cold nights you lay a throw or sleeping bag over it; on warm nights it is not too heavy.
5. A size that fits
Measure the mattress and take the walls into account. With a bed that is against a wall on three sides, a duvet that is far too wide is actually impractical, because the excess creeps up against the wall. Look at what fits in practice and use the size guide as a starting point.
Practical tips for the road
- Ventilate every day. Fold back the duvet in the morning and open a window, roof hatch or porthole, so moisture can escape.
- Check the drum capacity at the launderette. For Snoozella you need a 5 kg drum for 140x200 and 160x200, 7 kg for 200x200 and 10 kg for 240x200. Washing machines at campsites and in harbours are often large enough for the smaller sizes.
- Dry thoroughly. Only put the duvet back once it is completely dry, inside as well. A damp duvet in a small space quickly starts to smell musty.
- Take a second duvet if you are travelling for a long time and space allows. Then you can wash whenever it suits you.
- Store it properly. Is the campervan or boat going into winter storage? Wash the duvet first, let it dry completely and take it home, or store it in a breathable bag in a dry place.
Also read the washing instructions for all the details on washing and drying.
Campervan or boat: a quick checklist
- Mattress measured, including non-standard shapes?
- Duvet without a cover, so changing it in a cramped space is easy?
- Washable up to 60 °C and tumble-dryer safe?
- A throw or extra blanket for cold nights?
- A fixed spot to air the bed during the day?
The duvet that travels with you
The ComfyBed is a single-sided duvet for the whole year, with warmth rating 2 and 300 g/m² microfibre filling, in five colours. View the duvets for the whole year and make your campervan or boat a place where making the bed is just as easy as at home.
Read also
- Duvet for your holiday home, B&B or Airbnb
- Drying a duvet: tumble dryer or washing line?
- Duvet warmth ratings explained
Frequently asked questions
Which duvet size fits in a campervan?
That depends on the mattress. Measure the width and check whether the bed is against walls. A duvet about 40 cm wider than the mattress is a good starting point, but for a bed between walls something slightly narrower can be more practical.
Can I wash the duvet at the campsite?
Yes, if the drum is large enough. For sizes 140x200 and 160x200, a 5 kg drum is sufficient.
How do I prevent a damp bed on the boat?
Ventilate daily, fold back the duvet during the day and make sure it is completely dry after washing before you use it.
