Camping is joyful but sleeping on the cold hard ground overnight is painful. We all want a relaxing slumber, no matter what! And the good news is, there’s a way to let you achieve your goals. Here are the top 6 best camping beds for bad backs on the market:
Here are the best camping beds for bad backs (May 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Simmons Foldaway Folding Bed Cot
- Best For Taller People: Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
- Best For Cold Weather: Milliard Lightweight Folding Bed
- Best For Smaller People: ELTOW Cozy Folding Camping Cot
- Highest-Capacity: REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots
- Versatile: mecor Folding Camping Cot
| Top 6 Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Simmons Foldaway Folding Bed Cot | Read Our Review |
Best For Taller People | Coleman ComfortSmart Cot | Read Our Review |
Best For Cold Weather | Milliard Lightweight Folding Bed | Read Our Review |
Best For Smaller People | ELTOW Cozy Folding Camping Cot | Read Our Review |
Highest-Capacity | REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots | Read Our Review |
Versatile | mecor Folding Camping Cot | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: Simmons Foldaway Folding Bed Cot
- Offer a perfect combo of thick, comfy foam mattress and neatly foldable construction
- The removable cover makes it easier to clean or replace
- Avoid sagging efficiently
- Small size, not suitable for big guys
Our testers really struggled to find something they disliked about the Simmons Foldaway Bed Cot.
As it is more affordable than previous winners, we wrongly assume that there would be some serious design weaknesses, like odd smells or insecure feelings.
But after all, there are none.
The ultra-plush memory foam and steel frame combo work as efficiently as advertised. And it doesn’t deflate halfway through the night nor sag down, which is a big thank you to the improved contouring sleep surface design.
The only thing that would limit your enjoyment of this folding bed is its modest size, meaning small adults, women, and kids will fit best on it.
| Simmons Foldaway Folding Bed Cot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Item Weight | 30 pounds |
Inflated Dimensions | 75"L x 26"W x 16"H |
Materials | Memory Foam |
Inflation/Deflation Time | - |
Weight Limit | 300 pounds |
Highlight Features | Ultra Plush Cover Removable and Washable Cover Contouring sleep surface that won't sag; |
Comfortable, strong yet easily foldable and lightweight, the Simmons Foldaway Bed Cot is a dream come true.
Best For Taller People: Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
- The material is improved to be softer and more supportive than the standard ComfortSmart
- Size is expanded to fit sleepers up to 6’6” tall
- Its price is the most affordable in this list
- Bulky and heavy
- The Velcro strap is weak
One of the biggest camping beds in our list, the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe is spacious, supportive, and as comfortable as our beds at home.
We think the improved quality material is key.
While the standard ComfortSmart is crafted from nylon taffeta – stiffer and noisier, this utilizes the premium memory foam. That delivers better supports to the pressure points on your body while sleeping, hence, reduce back pain efficiently.
As designed for sleepers up to 6’6” tall, the steel frame of this model is also leveraged that can hold up well a max weight of 300 pounds.
| Coleman ComfortSmart Cot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Item Weight | 21.5 pounds |
Inflated Dimensions | 80 x 30 x 15 inches |
Materials | Steel & foam |
Inflation/Deflation Time | - |
Weight Limit | 300 pounds |
Highlight Features | ComfortSmart coil suspension Designed for people up to 6 ft. 6 in. tall |
If you are looking for the best camping beds for taller guys, look no further.
Best For Cold Weather: Milliard Lightweight Folding Bed
- The attached four wheels make transporting more effortlessly
- Ultra-thick for extra warmth
- The springs are weak
- Not suitable for big guys
The Milliard Lightweight Folding Bed is the thickest model of our reviews and the extra warmth given makes it the best choice for cold weather use.
It gets you 15 inches off the cold ground and 4 inches thick of the mattress.
Besides, the added four wheels allow it to move just as easily and the folded dimensions are incredibly compact to not take up much space to store.
Fans of this cozy camping bed also praised for its lightness that one can take it out, set it up and put it back with no needs of anyone’s help.
| Milliard Lightweight Folding Bed Specifications | |
|---|---|
Item Weight | 27 pounds |
Inflated Dimensions | 31” x 74” x 4" |
Materials | Metal frame & foam mattress |
Inflation/Deflation Time | - |
Weight Limit | 264 pounds |
Highlight Features | Strong Sturdy metal bed frame A 4-inch-thick Foam mattress 4 wheels |
For guys who need extra warmth to survive in cold night outdoors but don’t want to sacrifice the portability and storage space, this is the finest option for you.
Best For Smaller People: ELTOW Cozy Folding Camping Cot
- Include a pillow and a storage bag for extra convenience
- Designed with 38 pieces of steel pipe for higher sturdiness and security
- Have a side pocket to keep your smartphone alongside
- The storage bag is cheaply made
Some people feel uncomfortable to sleep without a pillow but not many of them are willing to bring one from home to their camping spot. The reason is, it’s too bulky.
Luckily enough that the ELTOW Cozy Folding Camping Cot could make it the best of both worlds.
It includes one small yet comfy pillow in the whole package, aside from a 74” x 26” foldable bed and a storage bag.
But the pinnacle of convenience lies in a handy side mesh pocket for tablets or smartphones and the 38 pieces of steel pipe to leverage the bed’s sturdiness.
It might be unbelievable to hear that a 14-pound camping cot can handle 400 pounds of max weight, but that’s true with this ELTOW.
| ELTOW Cozy Folding Camping Cot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Item Weight | 14 pounds |
Inflated Dimensions | 74 x 26 x 14.5 inches |
Materials | Steel pipe frame & 1680D oxford fabric |
Inflation/Deflation Time | - |
Weight Limit | 400 pounds |
Highlight Features | Weight capacity of 400 pounds Include a pillow A side pocket, and a storage bag; 38 pieces of steel pipe |
Given a level of comfort and convenience that exceeds our expectations, the ELTOW Cozy Folding Camping Cot earns it our Best Choice for Small Sleepers.
Highest-Capacity: REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots
- Can handle 500 pounds of max load
- The fabric is silent friction to retain your peaceful slumber throughout the night
- All legs are thick and non-slip for extra reliability
- The headrest is a little bit cumbersome
- Poor-quality carry bag
- The fabric might be rough for sensitive skin
The REDCAMP is a large camping cot and a top-notch performer for strength and comfort.
It features thicker elongated circular tube and durable 600D Double Oxford fabric to add the best weight capacity – up to 500 pounds, perfect for a family or big and tall guys.
While being so strong, we love this wise construction with a slightly lifted headrest where you can lay down your head comfortably without the needs of a pillow.
And furthermore, all legs are specifically designed to prevent slip efficiently. This keeps the camping cot in place and stable no matter how much you’re turning during the night.
| REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots Specifications | |
|---|---|
Item Weight | 17 pounds |
Inflated Dimensions | 75" x 28" x 15" |
Materials | 600D Double Oxford fabric & steel frame |
Inflation/Deflation Time | - |
Weight Limit | 500 pounds |
Highlight Features | Supports 500 lbs. as maximum. 1 inch wider than usual Weigh 17 pounds Easy for set up & carry |
Featuring decent strength and sturdiness, the REDCAMP Folding Camping Bed is best for family camping and big guys.
Versatile: mecor Folding Camping Cot
- Supportive for reading, working, or sitting
- Thicker cushion for extra comfort to your back and entire body
- UV-resistant materials to last longer
- Not suit for taller guys
While offering top-level comfort, the mecor Folding Cot is very easy to use and versatile.
The folding/unfolding mechanism works smoothly and the whole bed is ultra-lightweight that you can easily fold it down and carry around. But the biggest selling point is, its backrest is adjustable within 90 degrees to 180 degrees.
With this practical addition, it is not only useful for camping if you want to have breakfast on bed, reading, or playing with kids but also for office working or resting in your backyard.
| mecor Folding Camping Cot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Item Weight | - |
Inflated Dimensions | 74.4”*26.4”*11.2” |
Materials | Pearl cotton & steel frame |
Inflation/Deflation Time | - |
Weight Limit | 300 pounds |
Highlight Features | Adjustable at any angle from 90º-180º. 300lbs Lie flat size：74.4”*26.4”*11.2” |
If you are finding a multi-use folding bed with versatile applications, this Mecor will never let you down.
How To Choose The Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs?
Type of camping and camping bed’s weight
There are two common types of camping:
- Backpacking
- Site camping
Backpacking is quite a hardcore form of camping as you must carry everything needed for the trip behind your back, which restricts the max load.
To that end, looking for an inflatable mattress with a lighter weight is better.
Site camping is an entirely different scenario as you can put all camping gear in a car trunk and drive to the camping site that you’ve chosen before. In this case, the camping bed’s weight is not a matter at all. You can go for a bigger one.
Design
- Some extra proper padding added to your camping mattress will be a big bonus. It offers excellent support to your back, keeping it more comfortable and less stressful.
- During our tests, we’ve found that those beds with coils or innerspring give the highest scoring on this spectrum.
- A thick camping bed, besides, is also supportive of back pain.
Type of Camping Bed
Again, there are two:
- Inflatable airbeds
- Foam-based beds
Inflatable airbeds | Foam-based beds | |
Pros | - Lightweight & compact: after deflated, it just weighs several ounces and you can easily put it in your backpack - Ultra-plush comfort: It isn’t too firm nor soft, the support is created by air bringing the best comfort to your back | - More affordable - Not easy to be punctured or absorb water |
Cons | - Prone to puncture & water-absorbent - Bigger airbeds require an air pump, more cramped in your backpack. | - Not as comfortable and supportive as the airbeds - Bulkier to carry |
Best for | The small sizes are ideal for backpacking The bigger is for site camping | Site camping |
Which Brands Make The Best Camping Beds For Bad Backs?
Simmons
- Simmons was established in 1870 by Zalmon G. Simmons and as of 2011, it had over 15% market share, is one of the leading manufacturers of mattresses and related-bedding products since then.
Coleman
- Founded in 1900 in the United State, Coleman has had over 100 years’ expertise now in manufacturing outdoor and sports equipment, including camping beds.
REDCAMP
- REDCAMP?
- Yeah, REDCAMP. It’s quite a newcomer, though, you will be amazed by how good quality of their bedding products.
- By adhering to the concept of “Focus on outdoor gears, made for outdoor life”, it has now been developing rapidly to be one of the most professional outdoor equipment brands.
FAQs
Can you put an air bed on a camp bed?
Yes, you can.
Putting an airbed on a camp bed is quite an effective way to stop the “onto the floor and roll of the bed” kind of feeling.
If you intend to do this, let make a decent height so that you won’t do the crawling thing. From our experience, an 8” airbed top off an 8” camp bed is ideal.
How can I make my camping bed more comfortable?
Some additional camping sleep gear might give more comfort to support your sleep, such as pillows and sleeping pads.
How should I sleep warm when camping?
Here are some simple yet highly efficient tips to help you sleep warmer:
- Get more of a buffer between you and the ground, such as placing some flattish pieces of gear or double the sleeping pads.
- Bring an extra-warm sleeping bag
- Have a big meal
- Only wear dried, clean socks and dress properly
- If you wake up cold, eat some snack or pee
- Sleep along with a hot water bottle
How cold is too cold to sleep in?
Below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
What R-value do I need for a sleeping pad?
For three-season camping, an R-value of 2 or higher is a good choice. But if the camping trip is in the winter, an R-value of 5 or higher is best.
Conclusion
There you have it!
Lots of useful information and 6 best camping beds for bad backs.
We know that choosing the right one for your needs is truly challenging and that’s why we’ve done all the legwork.
Hopefully, it has been helpful to you.
