Camping with a bad back

[bucks]

I was never a big camper, more a wannabe than a real one but always loved it when I did go.

I now have two boys, 6 & 4 and want to take them more often than I went. Combine that with plenty of time off I should be set to go but of course I have put by back out again. I'm waiting for an MRI to find out exactly what's up.

Assuming that I'll need physio or similar I don't think lying down on an air mattress is going to do me any favours.

What would the good people of PH recommend?

Campers and caravans are out due to storage and costs, it'll have to be a tent.

[Wacky Racer]

How about putting one (airbed) on top of another, or using a "Topper"?

ps:- I hope your back improves, now't worse than a bad back.

[bucks]

Worth a try, I think I have two already so might give it a bash in the living room before venturing out to the real world.

Thanks, this isn't the first time I've buggered it either but at least I can function some what this time

[Vroom101]

We use these Outwell Poasdas beds. They offer more support than an airbed (plus you don't need to keep pumping the bloody things all the time!)


https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&a...

You can always stick a self inflating mattress (SIM) on top if you want a slightly softer feel. I wouldn't go back to an air bed now.

[myvision]

I use one of these and it's surprisingly comfortable.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intex-Raised-Queen-airbed-...

[shedweller]

I have a bad back (lower- occ trapped nerves etc) And I camp with kids so a decent kip is a must.

The answer to your question is an Exped MegaMat (10)

I had tried the lot over the years, And regret not buying sooner - the clever valves and pump let you tune it to your comfort leveland the foam keeps you supported and warm.
Air beds and camp beds limited our trips to 3 nights but with a megamat I did a 10 night trip with no aching back last year- the first for years.

If getting up off the floor is the issue then a megamat on a camp bed/cot would be an amazing combination.

I sometimes use it on the floor at home for a night or two when my back flares up.

[clarkey]

Get a tent that is easy to put up - Oztent RV5 is great. Then the best sleeping mat you can afford - I have a Thermarest Mondoking XL, which is amazing. Exped are excellent too. I sleep better in a tent than in a house!

[bucks]

Based on the replies, thanks, I have no excuse not to go camping now, happy with that.

I'm going to look into those Exped MegaMat (10) and Thermarest Mondoking XL combinded with the Outwell Poasdas beds. Seems a good combination.

Have a tent and found the handiest way to put it up, even on my own is peg the corners, feed in the rods/bars and it nearly stands itself.

This but by yourself, only done it twice but works if you really take your time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi2fITIKOJg

[clarkey]

Try it without a bed first, mine is better without. I find a good pillow just as important too - I love my thermarest compressible pillow, it makes a massive difference.