Best Camping Bed for Bad Back (Our Top 10 Picks)
Are you looking for the best camping bed for bad back?
Well, this review and buyer’s guide is for you.
Read on…
After a long day enjoying a fun-filled outdoor adventure during camping, all you want to do is lie down, relax, and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
If you suffer from back pain, you’ll need more than just a thin camping pad to enjoy your sleep. What you need is a good camping bed that is both comfortable and supportive.
In this post, we review 10 of the most supportive, comfortable, sturdy, durable, and affordable camping beds for campers with back pain.
Here we go…
Also see 5 most comfortable camping chairs for bad backs.
Comparison Table
Best Camping Beds for Bad Backs (Our Top 10 Recommendations)
1. Coleman Airbed Cot with Side Table-Best Camping Bed for Bad Back
Comfort, support, sturdiness, durability, and flexibility are just but a few words that describe one of the best camping beds for bad backs- the Coleman Queen Airbed Cot with Side Table.
The Coleman Airbed Cot is an excellent choice for back pain sufferers as well as those who want to save their backs from back pain.
Most people prefer camping cots over sleeping bags/pads because of the comfortable elevation they provide. The Coleman Airbed provides that and so much more.
Made with state of the art ComfortStrong Coil Technology, this camping bed will provide your back with excellent support and comfort for a pain-free sleep.
As one of the sturdiest camping cots available, this bed is strong enough to accommodate users weighing up to 600 pounds. It also offers enough space to accommodate up to 6’2” in height.
What we love most about this camping bed is that it’s the battery operated pump makes blowing up the mattress a breeze- plus the fact that you can use the same pump to suck the air out quickly when your camping trip comes to an end.
The battery is sold separately though.
It’s also worth noting that the Coleman camping cot is leak-free- this is a guarantee.
The cot is easy to set up and fold and as soon as you’re done with your trip, you can easily store it in the included carry bag.
It also comes with two side tables with cup holders so you can keep drinks and other personal items.
Perhaps the only thing we didn’t like about the Coleman Airbed Cot is that fact that it’s a little bit too heavy. At 41.9 pounds, we feel the weight is a bit too much.
However, given that its one of the few camping cots that can comfortably accommodate users weighing up to 600 pounds, then the extra weight is expected.
Furthermore, for a cot to accommodate such weight, its frame must be heavy-duty and very sturdy.
Camping Cot Assembled Dimensions:
78-Inches x 59-Inches x 2-Inches
Camping Cot Weight: 41.9 Pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
2. TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot
You might be wondering, how can such a seemingly thin camping cot help with my back pain?
Well, the cot itself is pretty wide and is sturdy enough to accommodate up to 600 pounds. This gives you enough room to stretch your back and the stable frame will help keep your spine well positioned.
Perhaps its most impressive features that makes it one of the best camping beds for bad back is the Reinforced Steel S-Leg Assembly System that does a great job distributing your weight evenly across a wide surface, rather than dumping all the weight on a single point.
This definitely ensures that your back receives great comfort and support.
Another incredible back-saving feature is the Oxford High-Denier Cot Top that pulls tightly into place and gives you a supportive and comfortable sleeping surface.
The TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot is also lightweight and sturdy thanks to its Aluminum Frame.
The camping cot bed is easy to fold and store as well.
As far as weight is concerned, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot weighs 26 pounds. Compared to the COLEMAN Airbed Cot, the TETON Outfitter can be considered as one of the best lightweight camping beds.
- Bed’s Assembled Dimensions: 85x40x19 inches
- Bed Weight: 26 Pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
3. Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
The comfort provided by the Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot is unmatched.
First, we are truly impressed by its ComfortSmart Coil Suspension that gives it a bed-like feel. Add this feature to its really comfortable foam mattress pad and you have yourself the most comfortable camping bed for bad back.
The comfort level provided by this camping bed means that back sleepers, stomach sleepers, side sleepers, and people with bad backs can enjoy a painless sleep all night long.
As far as durability is concerned, the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot is one of the sturdiest and strongest camping cots you can find. You’re bound to enjoy many more years of camping fun!
Plus the folding steel frame is sturdy enough to accommodate up to 6;6” in height and support up to 300 pounds.
Again, a small difference between the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot and the Coleman Airbed Cot is the user weight capacity and cot weight. The Airbed is a little bit heavier and can hold heavier individuals comfortably.
On the flipside, the Coleman ComfortSmart cannot be said to be the most portable camping bed. It doesn’t fold as neatly as some other models, but it sure will fit perfectly in your vehicle.
Overall, the ComfortSmart cot is a great deal and we feel that it offers great value for money.
Camping Bed Full Dimensions: 25.6 x 5.5 x 37.4 inches
Camping Bed Overall Weight: 19.62 Pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
4. King Koil QUEEN SIZE Luxury Raised Air Mattress
One of the reasons why we consider the King Koil Queen Size Luxury Raised Air Mattress to be among the best airbeds for camping and an excellent camping bed for bad backs is its Enhanced Coil Design.
The state of the art enhanced coil technology provides unmatched support to your back while keeping the bed firm and in good shape. It’s the air filled coils and internal layering of this bed that allows it to naturally support your body, which keeps your spine straight.
Something else we love about the King Koil airbed is the extra thick waterproof comfort quilt top that offers extra spinal support.
By providing extra spinal support, this airbed will provide you with good sleeping posture and enough back support to prevent back pain.
We also love its super quick inflation and deflation. It will only take 4 minutes to inflate and 4 minutes to deflate, not to mention that both process are quieter compared to competition.
As an added benefit, you will be happy to know that King Koil, the manufacturer of King Koil Air Mattress, is the only manufacturer that is endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association to help promote proper spinal alignment and a healthier night’s sleep.
At 17 Pounds, the King Coil is one of the most lightweight camping beds you will ever find.
So if you’re looking for a camping bed that will provide you with unmatched back support but won’t weigh you down when storing, then this is the ideal option for you.
Camping Bed Full Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 20 inches
Camping Bed Overall Weight: 17 Pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
5. Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed
We absolutely love the Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed for so many reasons.
Like the Coleman Airbed Cot and the Coleman Deluxe Cot, the Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed also comes with the ComfortStrong Coil System that provides excellent support for all-night comfort.
With this kind of support and comfort, it’s easy to forget your back pain and just focus on watching the stars outside.
We also love the fact that this airbed has a Support Lock reinforced construction that lets you enjoy a more stable sleeping surface.
Another feature that we love is the Double-High Design that makes getting in and out of the bed effortless. Combine this with its Soft Plus top and the extra stability provided by the Support Lock system and you have yourself the best bed for camping with back problems.
It’s also worth noting that the Double High airbed does not leak, thanks to its AirTight System and Double Lock.
It’s also pretty easy to inflate and deflate, though you will need to purchase the pump separately. Here is Coleman QuickPump that you can purchase with the airbed for quickly inflating and deflating the airbed.
The Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed is pretty lightweight at 17.5 pounds and can accommodate both tall and up to 600 pounds campers.
Camping Bed Inflated Dimensions: 78 x 60 x 18 in
Camping Bed Weight: 17.5 pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
6. Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot
First of all:
We love the fact that this versatile camping cot comes with an extra-wide design that provides ample resting room to rest after a long, tiresome day exploring nature.
Another incredible aspect that makes it one of the most comfortable camping cots is the absence of a Midbar. Without a midbar, the Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot provides a natural contour sleeping system.
In other words, the cot conforms to your body, ensuring your spine is aligned straight and thus reducing back pain instances. A comfortable, painless night’s sleep is guaranteed.
You can also carry along a good pillow for added support and comfort.
Something else worth noting about the Pack-Away camping cot is that it offers an ideal place for sitting and reclining as it’s an Adjustable Camping Cot.
We love great versatility when it comes to camping cots as it eliminates the need to pack more baggage to your camping gear, like chairs.
Right at the headside of the bed is a removable side table with a drink holder for placing snacks, drinks, and personal items.
Worried about having your feet hanging on the edge while sleeping?
Well, the Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot eliminates such inconveniences since its 80 x 44 x 17 inches frame can comfortable accommodate users up to 6 feet 6 inches tall.
At 300lbs weight capacity, we can say that its steel frame isn’t as sturdy as the Coleman Airbed which comfortably supports up to 600lbs. But all the same, 300lbs is a pretty reasonable weight capacity.
It’s also pretty amazing to find such a lightweight camping bed. Most camping beds fall in the 15 pounds and above in weight. The Coleman Airbed is an exception.
Weighing a mere 7 pounds, we have to say it rivals even the top camping beds in terms of portability.
If you’re looking for a comfortable camping bed with a higher weight capacity, then we would suggest going for the Coleman Airbed.
Additional features include foldable design- its simple and quick to fold and can fit in most car trunks. Simply pack it in the included carry bag and you’re good to go.
There aren’t any negatives to talk about this Coleman camping bed. Most customer feedback is unanimously positive and we also feel that the price is quite reasonable.
Camping Bed Full Dimensions: 39.5 x 10 x 11.2 inches
Camping Bed Overall Weight: 7 Pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
7. Kamp-Rite 3897864 Tent Cot Double Kwik-Cot FC321
Well, how convenient would it be to just carry a double cot?
That’s exactly what the Kamp-Rite Tent Cot Double Kwik-Cot offers- enough space to accommodate and support two adult grown ups or even children.
This camping bed is long and wide with two separate spaces for sleeping. The space for each bed is pretty much equal to a single cot.
The entire sleeping space measures 85” by 55”, providing you and your camping buddy a comfortable and supportive sleeping space.
Like most camping cots, the Kamp-Rite is designed to conform to your body and align your spine straight. Chances of experiencing back pain while sleeping are minimal.
Additionally, another thing that makes the Kamp-Rite Tent Cot Double Kwik-Cot one of the best camping beds for bad backs is the fact that it does not have a midbar in the midsection.
In regard to weight capacity, this camping cot features a durable steel frame that can comfortably accommodate up to 550lbs.
Even if you and your partner are plus size, this amazing double camping bed will provide the much needed support for a good night’s sleep.
Weighing 35.3 Pounds, the double camping cot is also a little bit lightweight compared to the Coleman Queen Airbed. Plus it opens in seconds and folds down to a compact 43″ x 11″ x 11″, making it easy and hassle-free to store.
Camping Bed Frame Dimensions: 46 x 13 x 13 inches
Camping Bed Overall Weight: 35.3 Pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
8. Byer of Maine EasyCot
Apparently, the company, which was founded by a family of Russian Immigrants, started as makers of slippers and textile products in 1880.
The company later transitioned into making of canvas which would be supplied to troops after the Korean War.
And then came the Byer of Maine EasyCot, one of the best camping beds with state-of-the-art stitching , quality and durable fabric, and a sturdy frame that will last years of harsh outdoor environs.
The Byer of Maine EasyCot is one of those camping cots that combine comfort, support, durability, and stability.
At 78” long and 31 inches wide, this full-sized cot is large enough to accommodate users of all sizes. Plus it’s long enough to accommodate tall campers- up to 6 feet 6 inches.
With its 325 lbs weight capacity, you’re perfectly safe and stable in this incredible camping bed.
As for durability and comfort, the EasyCot comes with a 600 denier polyester five-panel reinforced fabric.
Now:
When you hear that something is made of 600 denier polyester fabric, it’s basically a polyester fabric with a polyurethane back coating and highly durable water repellent finish.
This type of fabric is usually super thick, durable, and sturdy. So what you get is a pretty comfortable and supportive sleeping surface.
Additionally, the fact that it doesn’t have any cross beams in the middle means that you can safely rest your bad back for a comfortable night’s sleep.
With this sort of camping cot, you’re double sure that what you’re purchasing is worth every penny.
Something else that we love about the Byer of Maine EasyCot is it’s easy-to-set-up frame. As its name implies, the camping cot is pretty simple and quick to set up.
Simply unfold the cot and you have yourself a read-made bed, hassle-free. It’s also worth noting that at 21 Pounds, the Byer of Maine camping bed is one of the most lightweight camping cots in the market.
In regard to the price, we have to say that it’s a pretty inexpensive camping cot. We absolutely love the design, durability, sturdiness and ease of set-up.
Our opinion is, the Byer of Maine camping cot will offer you great value for money. You can check its price here as well as its full specs.
Camping Bed Frame Dimensions: 78 x 31.1 x 18.1 inches
Camping Bed Overall Weight: 21 Pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
9. World Outdoor Products Military Style Camping Cot
This is exactly what the Word Outdoor Products Military Style Camping Cot is all about.
First, you should know that the camping cot’s frame is a field-tested military style aircraft-grade anodized aluminum frame. This means that the bed’s frame is designed to endure long-term use and harsh outdoor conditions, like camping.
This military-grade camping cot also features reinforced steel pipes inside its legs for superior durability and stability.
Basically, you would expect such a sturdy and durable frame to possess so much weight. Surprisingly, this camping cot only weighs a mere 13 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight camping beds in the market.
We absolutely love this. Camping beds that are too heavy will either slow you down if backpacking or make them hard to set-up. With the World Outdoor Military Style Camping Cot, this is something that you don’t have to worry about.
At 77″ L x 25″ W x 17″ H expanded size, this camping cot provides adequate sleeping surface- a sleeping surface that conforms to your body and keeps your spine straight.
This is one of the reasons why it has made it in our Top 10 Recommendations for the best camping beds for bad backs.
Additionally, it’s long enough to accommodate even the tallest campers.
Plus its 600 denier polyester fabric sleeping surface gives you the much needed support and stability for a good night’s sleep.
We also can’t forget to mention that this camping cot stands a whopping 17 inches above the ground. This will make it easy for you to get on and off the cot. Plus it offers enough space to store your gear.
As for the style, we love the matching carry on bag with shoulder strap, making it a pretty portable camping bed.
Camping Bed Frame Dimensions: 77 x 25 x 17 inches
Camping Bed Overall Weight: 13 Pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
10. KingCamp Camping Cot XL Oversized Heavy Duty Folding Bed
First, the design is incredible. Because it’s reclined at the headside, you can sleep comfortably without a pillow. We absolutely love this as it eliminates the hassle of carrying a long a pillow.
What makes it great for campers with back pain is its large sleeping surface.
As an oversized camping cot measuring 82 x 29.5 x 15 inches, you have enough space to spread out your body. Plus the sleeping surface is flexible in such a way that it conforms to your body and spine.
Perhaps the only small drawback is the fact that it can only accommodate users up to 6ft 2 inches.
As you may have noted, most of the camping beds we have reviewed accommodate users up to 6ft 6 inches. This means that if you’re much taller than 6ft 2 inches, then the KingCamp Camping bed may not be suitable for you.
However, we can see they’ve tried to compensate the few inches by giving the camping bed a sturdy frame that can comfortably support campers weighing up to 440 pounds, which is great.
As far as durability is concerned, the camping bed’s 1200 denier Jacquard Oxford Fabric sleeping surface and high strength steel and aluminum frame makes it one of the most durable camping beds in the market.
We also love the fact that it’s a pretty lightweight camping bed. At only 15 pounds, lifting it off the car and setting it up won’t be much of a hassle. Plus it opens and folds in seconds,
What more could you want in a camping bed for bad back?
As far as the price is concerned, we find it to be reasonably priced. KingCamp is a top manufacturer of quality camping gear and its actually surprising that you can find such a premium camping bed at such an affordable price.
Other than the minor height drawback, we will conclude this review by saying that the KingCamp Camping bed is worth every penny!
Camping Bed Frame Dimensions: 82 x 29.5 x 15 inches
Camping Bed Weight Capacity: 15 Pounds
Check Current Price on Amazon
Why Does My Back Hurt After Camping?
If you wake up feeling sore with some pain in the back, then it’s possible that the sleeping surface you’re using is not offering the best comfort and support to your body.
One of the biggest mistakes that most campers make is packing the wrong camping sleeping beds/pads/bags, or simply sleeping on the floor. While some camping beds are properly padded to avoid back pain, there are cheaper models that will further aggravate your back pain.
The best camping bed should conform to your body shape and cradle the natural curves of your body. This ensures that your spine is properly aligned and supports a neutral spine position. It also reduces back strain and provides maximum support to your back.
Sleeping on a hard surface will also make your back hurt after camping.
Remember: When it comes choosing the best camping beds for bad backs, it never about firmness- it’s all about comfort and support.
What To Look For In The Best Camp Bed for Bad Back
According to research, one in three people experience back and neck pain when they wake up, where most feel stiff or ache.
Although there are varying factors responsible for back pain, sleeping on a bad mattress or bed is said to be a major back and neck pain trigger.
For this reason, choosing the best camping bed for back problems is highly advisable.
When it comes to choosing the best camping bed, comfort is key, along with finding a bed that minimizes pressure points like your back, shoulders, and butt.
Generally, the bed should achieve a balance between support and comfort.
The durability of the bed is also worth considering.
A camping bed that won’t survive a single summer is not worth spending money on. If you’re looking specifically for the best camping cot for bad back, ensure that the frame is sturdily built and durable. This applies to the foam mattresses as well.
Another important factor to consider is the firmness of the camping bed mattress. We cannot stress this enough- a firm camping bed mattress isn’t always better than a softer one.
You’ve probably heard that firm mattresses are better for back pain. But according to Neel Anand, M.D., a professor of orthopaedic surgery and director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles, this guidance is pretty much outdated and has for a long time been overruled.
Reason?
Firm mattresses may actually cause more back pain because there is not enough “give” near pressure points like your shoulders and hips.
There are all sorts of camping beds to choose from, but try to avoid those with firm mattresses if you wish to have a painless camping adventure.
The design of the bed matters too. There are beds that come with innersprings or coils and these happen to offer excellent support to your back. These also those that offer some extra padding for additional comfort and support.
Popular camping beds like Airbeds are also designed with comfort and support in mind. A good example of the best camping airbed is the Coleman Airbed Cot with Side Table. It’s actually our Top Recommendation. We found that it comes with ComfortStrong Coil Technology that provides added comfort and support for a good night’s rest. The airbed is also extra thick for added comfort.
But if you prefer camping cots over camping airbeds, then you might want to take a look at our second runner-up, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot.
Best Camping Beds for Bad Backs-Wrapping It Up
As a back pain sufferer, I know that camping with back pain can be a pretty tough experience, especially if sleeping on the floor or on an uncomfortable sleeping surface.
It doesn’t have to be this way. The only way to avoid back pain while camping is buying the best camp bed for bad back. There is no other way around this.
Lucky for you, you don’t have to endure long hours of scouring through online stores for the right camping beds for back pain. Our top 10 picks of the best camping bed for bad back will have you choose the most suitable camping bed for a pain-free camping.
