When it comes to the camping topic, besides finding a suitable tent, the question of how to sleep well is the top priority of many people. Convenient and pleasing at the same time, ALPS Mountaineering Vertex vs. Velocity Air Bed is a helpful innovation for anyone who wishes to bring the feeling of home comfort into your camping experience. An air bed is also considered a timely idea if you have a special guest staying at your house for a couple of days.
In order to help you get better sleep quality during your camping trip or welcome your guests properly, this comprehensive description of Vertex and Velocity will point out all their advantages and disadvantages in detail.
Both types have twin and queen sizes. However, this article will choose the queen size for a more objective comparison because this can cover their ability to hold 2 people, yet still, maintain the comfort.
Vertex Vs Velocity – Which is the best one?
For a quick answer, Vertex is the better air bed that is highly recommended due to its upgraded pump. Because Vertex is an improvement over Velocity, choosing Vertex would be a better value for money than Velocity.
Key features
The main features of Velocity are mostly similar to those of Vertex with respect to the fabric, rechargeable pump, effortless inflation, and deflation.
Durable polyester fabric and coil system will not disappoint you since they can last longer and ensure high-quality sleeping time.
Different from most other rechargeable pumps, their versatile pumps operate via three power sources: wall outlet, car outlet, or its internal rechargeable battery. Moreover, this innovative pump supports inflation and deflation within minutes only by a flip of the switch.
Additionally, though made from long-lasting material, ALPS Mountaineering Vertex vs Velocity is extremely lightweight and neat – an ideal point for bringing them along on your trip. A carry bag with a humble pack size is promising for easy storage and transport during your adventure.
ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air bed (Source: Camping Guide)
ALPS Mountaineering Velocity Air bed (Source: ALPS Brands)
Vertex vs Velocity – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sturdy and durable material
- No unpleasant chemical smell of PVC
- Notable ability to hold the air well
- The pump has both AC & DC cables => Convenient charging
- Thin, light, and easy to fold up into your bag
- Easy inflation and deflation
- You can easily adjust the firmness
- Fairly comfortable to sleep on for short-term use, but not relaxing enough for long-term use
- Carry bag included for easy transport and storage
Cons
- Extremely low to the ground => Not suitable for guests to stay for a longer period of time
- No indicator about whether the pump is charged or not and when it is fully charged
- More expensive than other brands with the same quality
- Annoying sound from the pump
Pump
Vertex
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- More cycles of inflation/deflation
- Charging time is reduced to 3 hours
- The pump can operate when it is plugged in.
Velocity
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- 1-2 times of inflation/deflation for every charging time
- Need to charge the pump for 12 hours before the first use as instruction
- Full charging time from 8-9 hours
Vertex Vs Velocity in comparison
Similarity
ALPS Mountaineering Vertex vs Velocity has various characteristics in common.
Firstly, they are both made of durable PVC-free fabric and coil system, which makes for a more solid and pleasant sleeping area. PVC-free material is a big plus point because this won’t cause any toxic stench in your sleeping space. Nonetheless, due to the lack of fluffy foam inside the fabric, they cannot offer you the level of comfort you expect. For this reason, some users commented that they are only suitable for short-term use rather than long-term use.
Secondly, the pump of Vertex and Velocity comes with a wall charger and a car charger, so you can charge your pump wherever you are. Therefore, don’t worry if you forget to charge the pump after leaving home.
Thirdly, the valve on the fabric of both types is full of praise for its two-part design. The one-way outer valve prevents air from escaping while you are inflating the air bed. For deflation, just simply remove the bigger inner valve and the air will get out of the bed at ease.
One-way valve
Inner valve
(Source: Camping Guidance)
Fourthly, their rigid surface still makes the mattress bounce a lot. When one person moves, the other tends to bounce up and down on the mattress, which may not be suitable enough for two sleepers on a queen-size one. This shortcoming leads to a noisy sound when someone turns their body as well.
Difference
The biggest difference between ALPS Mountaineering Vertex vs Velocity Air Bed lies in their pumps.
Most of the negative feedback about Velocity came from its faulty pump.
The first drawback of the Velocity pump is its long charging time. When it first arrives, as required by the manufacturer, you need to charge the pump for 12 hours. In addition, a fully charged pump requires about 8 to 9 hours of charging. The worst part here is that you cannot use the pump when it is being charged, which takes a lot of waiting time and causes super annoyance. Unlike its old version, Vertex does well in limiting charging time to 3 hours – only 1/3 of Velocity‘s charging time.
Secondly, Velocity’s battery charge only allows for 1-2 times inflation/deflation. If the pump runs out of electricity but you don’t have any backup plan, you are likely to lie down on the unpleasant hard ground. In contrast, some reviews said that Vertex pump can be used up to 5 times per 1 filling time. This improvement in the update can attract more people to buy Vertex air bed because this feature is necessary for outdoor usage.
For more detailed information about how they look in real life, let’s have a look at the two videos below:
Vertex:
Velocity:
FAQs
1. How does Vertex compare to Velocity air bed?
Vertex is the newer version of Velocity in the same product line. In this latest update, there are some minor changes such as Vertex’s upgraded rechargeable pump. Vertex‘s less charging time and extra inflation/deflation per one fill are superior properties, hence less waiting time and more convenience.
2. How can I use the rechargeable pump for camping in several days?
You can buy additional pumps by calling the manufacturer, or using a generic one also works.
If you cannot find a place to charge the pump in your camping area, it is recommended that you should bring backup power or a solar charger.
Blowing it up with your own breath is possible, but it would take a lot of time and effort.
3. How can I deflate the mattress?
There are two ways to deflate Vertex and Velocity mattress.
Attaching the pump to the valve will help get all of the air out more quickly.
They can be deflated without the need to use the pump due to its helpful valve. To deflate, simply unscrew the inner part of the valve and the air goes out naturally but slower than the first way.
4. How firm are these two types because I am afraid that the mattress may be too hard to lie down on?
If the mattress is completely filled with air, it is described as fairly firm. You can easily adjust its firmness by not pumping air to the maximum level or letting some air out.
As there is no soft foam rubber inside, they are not as comfortable and soft as other types with the foam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not many apparent differences are identified between ALPS Mountaineering Vertex vs Velocity Air Bed, except for the pump. Because all outstanding strengths of Vertex outpace those of Velocity, I would advise you to choose Vertex for its improved pump with shorter charging time and more inflation/deflation cycles within 1 charge. Therefore, the camping experience in nature would be less confusing, tiring, and more fun.
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