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Subject Topic: Camp mats for bad back Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonFjones86
13/3/2021 at 11:56am
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Hi there,

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.

Any thoughts/advice most welcome

Thanks!


Persondaveyboy44
13/3/2021 at 12:24pm
 Location: Northants
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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


PersonFiona W
via mobile 13/3/2021 at 7:06pm
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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.

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2025=3 sites, 5 nights; 2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


PersonFjones86
13/3/2021 at 7:18pm
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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 :)


PersonFjones86
13/3/2021 at 7:18pm
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Great thanks for the tip!


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Personcabbieman
via mobile 14/3/2021 at 9:53pm
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I suffer from a bad back periodically. I have an Alpkit sim 10cm and it's the best night sleep I ever get. Highly recommended.


Personmzzy
via mobile 19/3/2021 at 4:09pm
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Definitely the best sleep whilst camping for me, I brought a Thermarest Dreamtime XL, but they don’t seem to make them anymore.

The vango shangrila looks good.

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~*MZZY*~


Personpurplenel
via mobile 21/3/2021 at 10:23am
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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.


Personpurplebean
29/3/2021 at 5:20pm
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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


PersonShortie2017
20/5/2021 at 10:26am
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Are you using your sims on the floor or on camp beds?


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PersonBroadside
via mobile 20/5/2021 at 10:31am
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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.


PersonThe Brewer
19/7/2021 at 11:12pm
 Location: Penarth South Wales
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Outwell Dreamcatcher Double (12cm) perfect for me (73kg) + wife (less!!!). rarely get a bad back and just spent 7 nights on it without issues.

Pat

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..... would always rather be brewing!!



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