I've seen a few discussions about camp mats / beds for bad backs but the recommended equipment is often unavailable so thought I'd start a new thread!
I love camping but last year after 3 days on an airbed my lower back was in agony and I couldn't walk/sleep properly for a week or so after the trip! I get back pain periodically it wasn't an isolated issue but definitely brought on by deflating airbed/ cold etc. I'm planning a 5 day trip with my partner this summer and really want to avoid the same happening again. Definitely won't be using an airbed again so thought I'd research a camping mat.
At the moment I've narrowed it down to the Alpkit Dozer, Outwell Dreamcatcher Double and the Vango Shangri - La 10 double. Has anyone with back issues used these? My partner doesn't get back issues and can sleep anywhere/on anything so another idea is that I fork out on the expensive single and she gets a less expensive single (same depth) and we use a sheet to connect them.
I would definitely go for 2 single Sim's rather than a double as your body weight gets distibted evenly over the entire mattres and is not infuluenced by your partners weight or sleeping position.
I have back issues and have used both the Alpkit and Vango 75mm Sim's with great success
Maybe look at getting your back sorted too? I was going to buy an expensive new mattress for the bed but my pelvis was badly out of alignment, mattress was fine. Alexander Technique actually recommends everyone lies flat on the floor for 20 mins a day. My physio is a Bowen Therapist (not a chiropractor), he sorted OH’s golf backache & he recommends Pilates - a good back is linked to a strong core.
It’s just a thought - you may do all this research for a new base and still have a sore back.
Hi Fiona, thanks for the reply. I've done yoga and Pilates for years and I'm currently seeing a practitioner for my back who said it's the alignment of pelvis funnily enough! I don't anticipate it to be remedied immediately though so having a comfy camping mat will surely help :)
I’ve had three lots of spine surgery (all fixed now) and we have slept on a vango 10cm and the dream catcher 5cm. Neither cause any issues for me. I’d say the dream catcher wins only because it has the one way valve thing so packing it away is much easier.
Quote: Originally posted by purplebean on 29/3/2021
We have Exped megamats which are brill but they are even better on top of the Decathlon inflatable bed bases. Better than our bed at home
+1 to this. Get a decent SIM and then put it on the Decathlon inflatable bed bases, I was dubious but bought them anyway and have been amazed at the transformation in comfort. It is very close to the comfort of our bed at home now, the Decathlon bases are excellent.