Tent Camping and my aching back! Update: We bought it!

[KalamityJane]

There are fans here of different types (air mattresses, cots, pads, etc.) and it depends on how much space things take up, the cost, and personal preference. So find what works for you.

Bama Ed

^^ This too. I had 16 compression fractures in my spine a few years ago, so I don't mind huge if it means I get a good night's sleep. We also camp for longer stretches at a time, so that influenced my decision as well. When it comes down to it, find what works for you REI has a lot of the mats mentioned already blown up so you can try before you buy, if you have an REI near you.

 

[MandLBee]

I can't sleep on the ground at all. I bought one of these for $60 at a local Bargain Hunt liquidation store. Best camping money ever spent. http://www.coleman.com/airbed-cot-queen/2000020270.html

 

[Sarah_Rose]

The Megamats are pretty long rolled in their bag. We are plane camping, and they exceed the linear inches BUT I found out if you unroll them, fold them in half widthwise and then roll them up, they aren't horribly big any more. Still squat but not as ridiculous. I can get the exact measurements if you want. I'm intrigued by the Sea to Summit I will need to look that up!

That's good to know! I LOVED the megamats, but I just couldn't see even fitting ONE of those in a canoe, along with all of our other gear, plus a 5 and 7 year old. And at the price (of both the Exped and the Sea to Summit), I just couldn't bear doubling up, with one for canoe-camping, and one for car-camping. MAYBE ONE DAY.

Seriously, though, I feel like I've fried EVERY SINGLE mattress out there in the last few months. It became an obsession. But yeah, it really comes down to personal preference. I was SURE I knew the one my GF was going to like the best, and then I ended up being totally wrong. It's worth just hitting up a good camping store and trying some out.

 

[KalamityJane]

That's good to know! I LOVED the megamats, but I just couldn't see even fitting ONE of those in a canoe, along with all of our other gear, plus a 5 and 7 year old. And at the price (of both the Exped and the Sea to Summit), I just couldn't bear doubling up, with one for canoe-camping, and one for car-camping. MAYBE ONE DAY.

Seriously, though, I feel like I've fried EVERY SINGLE mattress out there in the last few months. It became an obsession. But yeah, it really comes down to personal preference. I was SURE I knew the one my GF was going to like the best, and then I ended up being totally wrong. It's worth just hitting up a good camping store and trying some out.

Yeah, I bought them and THEN realized they exceeded the linear inches... so then I had to make them work. We only car camp so I wasn't as worried about size until I realized that I would have to pay 75 bucks each way for them for oversize luggage :O

 

[SA mom]

We used to put a memory foam mattress pad on top of the camp pad. That worked a few years. But we finally decided the ground keeps getting harder as we grow older so we finally bought a travel trailer. Now that bed is comfy!

 

[peg110]

Yes, it's a regular queen mattress. My husband is pretty strong, I guess. He moves it around with no problem.

But does he do it with no complaints?

I could see my DW making this request of me (if we were "Tent Camping" ) and I too would probably do it but don't get too close as you would almost definitely hear the "Grumbling" under the breath.

 

[bianca]

We purchased the Cabella's XL Pivot Arm cot with the matching mattress pad. In lieu of the mattress pad, you could use a memory foam mattress. The thing is the size of a twin XL bed ...... 40x85". It takes regular twin bedding. Because I've had a hip replacement, being up off the floor makes it so much easier getting in and out of bed. This thing has been life changing and it actually gives me much more comfort than any of our old RV beds.

 

[Vijoge]

But does he do it with no complaints?

I could see my DW making this request of me (if we were "Tent Camping" ) and I too would probably do it but don't get too close as you would almost definitely hear the "Grumbling" under the breath.

It was his idea. And he seldom grumbles about anything.

 

[jwo1976]

We use the oversized cots from Bass pro with a twin size memory foam topper. We use regular twin sized linens and its just like sleeping in a bed. Plus the cot is off the ground so you can store stuff under it.

 

[jonimce]

For tent camping we bought the deluxe aero bed, Half price at BJ's, folding bed frame from Cabela's and it was more comfortable than any hotel beds. Including Wilderness Lodge. Better than our camper and you are off the ground.

 

[Katie Dawn]

OP Here!
Thank you so much to each of your for your opinions... very Very VERY helpful! We bought a Exped MegaMat tonight. DH went to REI to try it out and said, "It is... luxurious." We thought about going to for REI version which is not quite as thick (but $90 cheaper) but decided to go for the real deal. Thank you again... our backs are very appreciative!!!

 

[KalamityJane]

OP Here!
Thank you so much to each of your for your opinions... very Very VERY helpful! We bought a Exped MegaMat tonight. DH went to REI to try it out and said, "It is... luxurious." We thought about going to for REI version which is not quite as thick (but $90 cheaper) but decided to go for the real deal. Thank you again... our backs are very appreciative!!!

Awesome! I hope you like them as much as we do!!

 

[FortForever]

We just take a queen size mattress with us and sleep on that. I'm old, and it works-can't do the sleeping bag on the ground any more, and I never could sleep on an air mattress.

This reminds me of some neighbors we had in the 90's. He wanted to go tent camping. His wife said not without her bed. He used to take the entire thing - mattress, box springs, and frame - and put it in their van. At the time, it was completely shocking to me. As I've gotten older, it seems much more reasonable.