Camping and old [ish] age

[iva cosworth]

Quick background.

I went to Sweden last month,took my tent,got a REALLY bad back.Not sure if that was due to sleeping

on an airbed,the long driving hours or maybe sleeping in the car for a bit.

When I am talking about it to friends,they all say "CAMPING ?"...as if that is total madness at my age.

I am in my early 50s and am sure there are people who still go camping who are much older than myself.

Your views and experiences please.

Oh and my back is fine now,it gradually got back to normal over 2 weeks.

[iva cosworth]

Somewhere beside the Baltic.

[Roger645]

early 50's and no problems with camping, we use self inflating mats to sleep on.

[Trophybloo]

59 and still an afficianado of In tents excitement . I think like most other aspects of living there are those who are chipper in their 70s and those who should be put down in their 40s. That said as my self-pitch camping usually accompanies attending WRC rallies I tend to be one of the oldest under canvas on site (as opposed to the perpetual holiday Dutch and Germans with their campervans). I find it's the long drives that cause me to 'stiffen up'. A good airbed and proper pillow are all I need for sleeping comfort. Eurocamp tents don't count as they are positively luxurious.

Edited by Trophybloo on Tuesday 5th August 10:00

[sugerbear]

Roger645 said:

early 50's and no problems with camping, we use self inflating mats to sleep on.

Same here, plus a proper camp bed - extra large if you have the room - that is off the floor. Decent pillow and a sleeping bag and there really isn't a more comfortable way of sleeping.

[iva cosworth]

Thanks for replies so far.

I had already decided to try new combinations of beds at home before I make a decision on whether to

camp again or give it up......

[Spuffington]

Sorry, not a response to the topic in question (I'm afraid I'm still a fairly young 35! ) but by god am I loving that picture of the Barchetta, tent and Swedish wilderness.

Just looks like a wonderful way to spend a holiday...

[iva cosworth]

Yes,the scenery is lovely.

I was on my way to the arctic circle but gave up "only" 350-400 miles short due to the reason in the OP.

[iva cosworth]

Have another ,few hundred miles further north,in Harnosand or summat,north of Sundsvall.

Edited by iva cosworth on Monday 11th August 15:27

[johnvthe2nd]

late 50's, with a Barchetta and a tent here!

[s3fella]

Try out a few camp beds, they're all on sale this time of year. We've switched from air bed / readybeds to proper canvas airbeds, one a double, and find them dead comfy. Bit bulkier to carry but quick to set up. Try one.

[iva cosworth]

Thanks for replies.

One problem is my choice of car.Not much room to carry extra camp beds etc.

Have already decided I need to return to Sweden to finish off what I left early this year.

Especially as I found out after I got home there was a 3rd event I could have gone to whilst there.

[hidetheelephants]

Campbeds fold up/dismantle down to a small size if you pick the right one; pretty comfy compared to mats as well, although it's all subjective.

[rupert the dog]

North of retirement age (both of us), and spent 7 weeks in France and Italy camping last year, 4 weeks the year before. Missing this year unfortunately for health reasons - not connected to camping I hasten to add - but already planning for next year. I don't think I'd camp in the UK again, as the weather is too temperamental. I have to admit that at our age the temperature and precipitation do have an effect, and Southern Italy rather outdoes UK on this score!

(P.S. Another for not one but 2 Barchettas on this thread.

Edited by rupert the dog on Wednesday 3rd September 16:50

[crankedup]

Had my bus pass for a few years (read old fart) and go camping on a regular basis. Admittedly it is one step along from a tent being a plyboard box on wheels. The bed has its original coil springs and is extremely comfortable, but only after numerous tinnies and some lovely red wine. And therein lie's the answer.

[Balmoral]

crankedup said:

Had my bus pass for a few years (read old fart) and go camping on a regular basis.

Don't you get funny looks getting all that clobber on and off the bus?

[DoctorX]

Thermarest. In fact, get two so you can roll around a bit.

[crankedup]

Balmoral said:

crankedup said:

Had my bus pass for a few years (read old fart) and go camping on a regular basis.

Don't you get funny looks getting all that clobber on and off the bus?

[slopes]

I have been convinced to give camping another go, not having been since i was a nipper. My beautiful young lady likes the mod cons with camping, so we have an electric hook up, carpets etc.

I suspect i will also be posting on here about having a bad back some time soon

[boyse7en]

My Dad has only just stopped going camping at age 82. He used a normal airbed to sleep on.

He'd still be going, but he finds putting the tent up too hard now he's got a metal plate in his leg