Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs: Everything You Need To Know

best camping beds for bad backs

Introduction

Camping with a bad back can be a real challenge. However, it doesn’t mean you should avoid enjoying all the perks of being closer to nature.

While you’re more likely to experience back pain when camping, choosing the right gear can eliminate the problem.

A comfortable sleeping mattress and pad can make sleeping in nature easy and painless. Fortunately, we have done the research!

Below are some of the best camping beds for bad backs.

1. Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs – Exped DownMat XP 9 Insulted Sleeping Pad

Perfect for cold weather camping, backpacking, hunting trips, and even mountaineering, the Exped DownMat XP 9 Insulated Sleeping Pad will keep your back safe and warm, alleviating the pain related to inflammation.

Apart from an outstanding winter-ready air pad sleeping construction, it features the 700-fill goose down bonded to the pad’s interior.

Due to a rough 75-denier polyester shell, which is reinforced with a thermoplastic polyurethane laminate, the Exped DownMat XP 9 Insulated Sleeping Pad is designed to withstand the various surprises of the cold weather.

It is certified to withstand temperatures as low as -34 Fahrenheit.

The baffles between the durable down-filled air chambers create a stable, comfortable, and thick air cushion, preventing the cold spots.

If you’re looking for a packed size and extra warm camping pad, this is a phenomenal choice for your back.

The sleeping pad meets IDFB standards and is safe to use. Additionally, it comes with a repair kit and a pump.

2. Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs – Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker Mattress

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker Mattress (2016 Model), Regular

When you want extreme comfort for your back when camping, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker Mattress is an ideal choice for you.

With horizontal baffles and a 2.5-inch thickness, Therm-a-Rest air mattress ensures comfort for people with back issues.

Plus, it does a wonderful job of adding the durability needed for both long and short camping use without sacrificing packed size and weight.

If you love to spread out while sleeping, Therm-a-Rest Neo Air Trekker Mattress is a phenomenal option.

It’s incredibly packable, light, and comfortable, though it might not be as durable as, for instance, a regular camping mat.

Apart from camping, it’s perfect for backpacking as well.

It has an R-value of 3, making it a great three season camping mattress. Additionally, we are big fans of the rectangular shape, which offers more headroom than the traditional mummy shape pads.

3. Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs – Self-Inflating Camping Sleep Pad With Pillow

Coleman Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad with Pillow, 2.5in Thick Camping Sleep Pad, No Air Pump Required, Compression Straps Included for Easy Deflation

If you need extra support for your back while camping, the Self-Inflating Camping Sleep Pad With Pillow is a great durable option.

This camping bed features foam padding, self-inflating construction, and a built-in pillow, making it a great option for those with bad backs.

The pillow is what really separates it from other sleeping options – we all know how cumbersome it can be to carry around a pillow while camping, so to have one built-in makes it phenomenal, especially for those of us who have bad backs.

In addition to having a built-in pillow, the Self-Inflating Camping Sleep Pad With Pillow has a number of other great features.

The pad is quite roomy, so if you love to spread out, this is a fantastic option. 

It also utilizes a self-inflating design, which means you do not have to worry about carrying around an air pump while you camp.

When it is time to head back to civilization, it also quickly deflates using compression straps, which makes it extremely portable.

We are also huge fans of the construction – it has a polyester shell, which makes it highly durable and resistant to the elements.

4. Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs – Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Self-Inflating Foam Camping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Basecamp Self-Inflating Foam Camping Pad

If you don’t like the idea of using an air mattress or pad to camp, consider using Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Self-Inflating Foam Camping Pad.

It’s a fantastic self-inflating foam camping pad that ensures a comfortable sleep for those that have chronic back pain or simply prefer the support that foam provides.

One of the main perks of using a foam camping pad is that they are quite durable and less likely to leakage as compared to air mattresses.

This durability is reflected in its R-value of 5, which makes it a great 4 season camping pad.

In addition to being supportive, Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Self-Inflating Foam Camping Pad is also highly supportive

The thick foam is a pleasure to sleep on, especially for people who are prone to back problems.

The only trade-off here is it can be a bit more cumbersome to lug around a foam pad, but if that is not a problem for you, we highly recommend using this self-inflating foam pad.

5. Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs – Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed

Coleman Air Mattress | Double-High SupportRest Air Bed for Indoor or Outdoor Use , Green

Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed is a wonderful choice for people who need back support while sleeping, and prefer sleeping on an air mattress instead of a camping pad.

Although airbeds are definitely a little harder to camp with due to needing to fill the entirety of the mattress with air, they certainly provide a high level of comfort and support.

Compared to many other air mattresses, the Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed is easy to store and transport.

However, it may prove to be too difficult to transport for a lone backpacker.

That being said, if you find yourself camping close to basecamp or your car, this is a phenomenal option. 

Keep in mind you are going to need to purchase a portable air pump and batteries separately, but this is a small price to pay for extreme comfort and support.

6. Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs – Coleman ComfortSmart Cot

Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot with Sleeping Pad, Folding Steel Cot with Thick Mattress Pad for Comfortable Sleeping, Deluxe Size Available for Big & Tall Adults

Many people prefer sleeping on camping cots because the elevation it provides feels closer to a traditional mattress.

If you have chronic back pain and prefer sleeping in an elevated position due to mobility issues, the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot is a great choice.

Unlike air mattresses, the risk of deflation is minimal and the high-quality sturdy metal construction helps to keep you comfortable and high off the ground.

Additionally, it can double as a small couch, so you can use it for midday relaxing in your tent.

The Coleman ComfortSmart Cot features a comfortable foam pad and a strong steel frame, and it’s super easy to set up.

The downside is that this cot is heavier and bulkier compared to sleeping pads, and it certainly takes up more of your tent space.

However, if you want a great camping cot that provides back support, this is a great choice.

7. Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs – Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

Exped MegaMat 10 Duo | Self-Inflating Camping Mat for Two | Extremely Comfortable & Luxurious Sleeping Pad, Green, Medium
If you cherish your sleep but have a bad back, the Exped Megamat Duo 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is the pinnacle of luxury and a fantastic choice for your campsite. 

Not only is it more like a double bed than a regular sleeping pad, but it’s also super comfortable and suitable for all seasons. It is extremely comfortable, and easy to set up.

Simply open up the inflation valve and wait for it to be filled. To deflate, you simply open up the deflation valve.

The high-quality insulation that keeps you warm and can handle temperatures as low as -54 Fahrenheit.

It’s also big enough for spreading out and tossing, even if you sleep with your partner.

The only downside is that it is bulkier as compared to other sleeping mattresses, but if you have a large tent, this won’t be an issue.

Don’t Forget To Get A High-Quality Sleeping Bag – Kelty Cosmic Down 20

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What many people forget is that when you are camping with back problems, you not only need a great camping bed, but also a high-quality sleeping bag that can help provide you with warmth and comfort.

If you need to sleep on your back to prevent the discomfort and pain, opt for a high-quality camping sleeping bag.

Not only will it help to keep your body in one position, but will also provide an astonishing level of comfort.

Kelty Cosmic Down 20 features a hydrophobic treatment, making it an excellent choice for three-season camping.

In case you sleep close to the wet tent walls or experience in inclement weather, this sleeping bag prevents any moisture from entering the tent so you know you can sleep warmly and safely.

Kelly Cosmic Down 20 has a quilt-through construction and can serve you for many years to come. 

This exceptional sleeping bag is fantastic for all three seasons, insulated using Down, and highly resistant to rain and moisture.

What Should I Look For When Choosing A Camping Bed?

When choosing a camping bed, you need to consider a few different factors.

Portability is a huge one – when people discuss camping, they can mean very different things.

If you are talking about backpacking through the Appalachian trail, you are going to have very different needs then if you are simply driving down to your local national park with some friends and car camping.

That being said, different types of camping beds have different positives and negatives.

Sleeping pads tend to be extremely portable, but oftentimes lack the support of air mattresses.

Air mattresses can be extremely comfortable, but can also be prone to deflation if they lack support.

They also require access to an air pump, which can be difficult if you are solo camping.

Cots tend to be slightly bulkier than sleeping pads, but are generally not quite as intensive to set up like an air mattress.

They can also provide great support, and many people prefer to sleep elevated off the ground.

They also take up a lot of room though, so if you do not have a large enough tent, this can be problematic.

At the end of the day, it also comes down to you and your own personal camping needs, which is why it is crucial to do the research and think about who you are as an outdoors person.

Conclusion

There you have it! Some of the best camping beds for bad backs that will ensure comfort and durability, and alleviate the likelihood of developing back pain.

Choose smartly and invest in a high-quality camping bed that will serve you for many years to come.

We wish you the best of luck and hope you have a great time out in nature with your new camping bed.