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Camping & back pain

DallasCactiLover

19 years ago

Does anyone have any suggestions for sleeping on the ground and padding that a person won't wake up with back pain? I've tried the blow up foam pads with extra foam under it. That didn't work. It's the side sleeping that's a bummer. Do I have to give up trying to save space and just resort to taking a cot with springs? Cheryl

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Comments (7)

Ken23K
19 years ago
Now that my son is starting to camp with Boy Scouts I'm being "forced" to sleep on the ground in a tent as opposed to on a matress in my popup camper trailer. During the first outing my back and shoulders made it clear that they weren't happy.

I submitted a post asking for suggestions in a Boy Scout forum. The response was basically this:

1. Get the thickest Therm-a-Rest mattress you can afford. http://www.campmor.com often has sales on mattresses with cosmetic blemishes.

2. Make sure you give the Therm-a-Rest mattress an extra little blow of air after it self-inflates to add a little more air pressure. Remember to store the mattress unrolled to keep its springiness.

3. Give yourself time to figure out how firm is enough. Maybe let a little air out to see if that is more comfortable.

4. Use a pillow. If its good enough for home use, its good enough for camping.

5. Take Ibuprofen (with food) before going to bed.
jennmonkey
19 years ago
I love thermarests. You can blow them up to be pretty firm, they are sooooo comfy. I sleep on my side and always wake up with bruised hips unless I use a thermarest.
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rustipup
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I always get up sometime in the night and go for a short walk. Or, stretch. I sleep on my side with a pillow between my knees. Helps a lot! Getting up and loosening up the kinks is always a help. Less damage done by morning.
mabeldingeldine_gw
12 years ago
I just suggested this pad on another thread. I have one and it is excellent and includes a great guarantee.

Here is a link that might be useful: LL Bean camp Futon
rustyj14
12 years ago
I have used those long, one-piece cushions, the kind you use on outdoor furniture. I know they aren't suitable for back_packing, but tent camping, or in back of pickup camping, they work great, and don't hurt my old bones!
MattNorton
10 years ago
maybe you can bring a stuff like sofa or bed
dalew
10 years ago
That memory foam certainly has worked for me. Cots with air mattress hurt my back, too.

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