000Question:Alas, pain in my shoulders and hips is destroying my ability to camp. I can no longer sleep on the ground, even with a thin mattress underneath. What is the best, most cushioned, and lightweight pad that might help solve this problem?Submitted by - Erin, Alameda, CAAnswer:Hey Erin,Say it ain’t so! I think it’s clear that you need a better, thicker, more comfortable mattress. If you’re primarily a car camper and don’t have to worry about lugging a mattress around, that’s no problem. I have some friends that bring along enormous, pump-inflatable air mattresses, like these. Personally, I’m not a fan of this type, because I feel like they make me roll around too much and I’m always afraid one of my kids will use it as a trampoline. When I’m camping car-side, I always opt for this fat-daddy pad: The Cascade Designs Dream Time. With three layers of plush comfort, I swear to God it’s just as good as my mattress back home. (Maybe it’s time for me to buy a new one!)
Now, if it’s a backpacking pad you seek, it becomes a bit more of a challenge. But by far, the most comfortable pad we’ve found is the brand new NeoAir, also by Cascade Designs. When inflated, It’s thick enough (2.5 inches) that even our 6’8” Editor-in-Chief didn’t bottom out. It weighs just 13 ounces and packs up the size of a can of Fosters. Check out this video review of the Neo Air. I’m guessing because of your hip and shoulder pain that you’re a side-sleeper. But if you can train yourself to get comfortable sleeping on either your back or stomach, you’ll eliminate these pressure spots. Even if you can make it only part way through the night before you automatically roll onto your side, you should lessen your shoulder and hip discomfort. Best of luck…whatever you do, don’t give up on camping! Air Mattresses & Portable Beds (18) AeroBed® Twin Size ExtraBed Foldable Air Mattress with Frame AeroBed® Luxury Collection Extra Comfort 12-Inch Inflatable Bed
AeroBed® 24-Inch Raised Pillowtop Air Mattress in Tan Linon Home Folding Bed AeroBed® Luxury Pillow Top 16-Inch Air Mattress As Seen on TV The Mattress Genie® Drive Medical Therapeutic Foam Pressure-Reduction Support Mattress Air Comfort Large Roll & Go Inflatable Sleeping Pad Serta® Twin Rollaway Folding Bed with Innerspring Mattress Bed in a Box Hideaway Guest Bed Serta® Twin Rollaway Folding Bed with Medium Firm Mattress AeroBed® Insulated Mattress Pad Cover in White AeroBed® Extra Bed in Grey/Blue Disc-O-Bed with Side Organizers in Green/Tan Air Mattresses & Portable Beds Whether you are spending your weekends out in the wilderness, or you’re visiting an old college roommate, make sure you aren’t sacrificing a soundly sleep at night while traveling. Discover the perfect portable bed or air mattress now with our huge selection of folding beds. Easy transportable and even easier to assemble, an air bed will be sure to keep you comfortable and cozy, no matter where you are visiting.
No more crashing on restless couches or a friend’s uncomfortable floor, choose from travel sets, sleepsacks, and a variety of other folding beds to rest your head at night. Most air mattresses and air beds inflate within minutes and deflate quickly as well, which is perfect if you are hosting guests, such as friends or family. Don’t spend another night tossing and turning in a sleeping bag or wrestling around to get comfortable on an achy floor, discover now the best sleeping solution for you while you are on the go or you are having company spend the night.Having a peaceful sleep is important to stay rested, alert and relaxed, but getting enough shut-eye can be challenging beyond the walls of your home. Investing in a quality cot, mattress or sleeping pad is one of the best things you can do to get your 40 winks when outdoors. There are plenty of options to choose from and you'll need to make some important decisions to determine the best piece of gear to suit your needs and budget.
Cots can help you keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter by keeping you off the ground. Cots are comfortable but they're also bulky and heavy. Many campers are willing to accept these characteristics, though, for the assurance of a good night's sleep. Most cots are constructed using an aluminum frame with fabric stretching across that becomes taut once assembled. An advantage of cots is they raise you off the ground. Elevation helps with air circulation to keep you cool in hot conditions; it also separates you from its chill in cool weather, which helps combats heat loss. The generous width and length of cots also offers space for moving while sleeping. Another benefit of the cot is that you can store gear underneath you. The bulk and assembly size of cots makes them impractical for minimalist camping, but they're a great choice for a hunt camp, cottage or even as a back-up spare bed for guests at home. Cots are available in a wide price range, and high-end models are on par with similarly sized air mattresses.
Air Mattresses and Sleeping Pads The difference between the terms air mattress and sleeping pad is a grey area. Generally, mattresses represent a larger, cushier inflatable option. They are also called air beds. Sleeping pads are smaller, delivering comfort in a compact size. Sleeping pads come in inflatable and foam models. Here's a quick overview of some important considerations for mattresses and sleeping pads. Size — The length, width and thickness of a mattress or pad are the main factors that influence comfort and insulation. The majority of sleeping pads sold are for one person. Mattresses mimic traditional beds and are available in single to king sizes, so there are plenty of options to suit a range of slumbering scenarios. Air mattresses either need to be aired up using a portable air pump or some come with the pump installed. Sleeping pads come in a range of sizes from small to extra large, letting you pick a model to match your body size and sleeping requirements.
If unconcerned about bulk, invest in a larger model to give yourself room to move during sleep. Some pads are 3/4 length, which helps save on space. Consider this option if you're under gear constraints for weight and bulk (such as canoe camping or hiking). The trade off is some of your body will be exposed to the floor, which isn't a major issue in the heat of summer but it can ruin a night's rest when in cool climates. Thicker mattresses and pads will offer lots of cushioning and be more comfortable than thin ones. Pad thickness also provides insulation. This might not be an issue if you're sleeping indoors, but when outside in cool temperatures, a thicker sleeping pad makes a big difference in insulating you from the cold ground. Closed-Cell Foam vs. Inflatable Models — Another big decision is whether to buy closed-cell foam model or an inflatable model sleeping pad. Both types have pros and cons. Larger air mattresses (or air beds) are great if you have ample space to transport and set up gear.
Some models, like Truck Bedz, are designed to fit inside the bed of a truck. Certain air mattresses need to be inflated with a pump. Models, like the Coleman Double High Quickbed, feature a built-in battery operated pump to inflate the bed. Self-inflating mattresses and sleeping pads are mainly designed for individual use. To self-inflate, simply unravel the mat and it expands. Close the valve and you're ready to snooze. Of course, you pay for this timesaving technology. If tent camping, consider buying a mattress with a gripping material on its side. This keeps the mattress from sliding on the tent floor and shifting from underneath you during sleep. A common combination is using a foam pad in addition to a self inflating one for increased insulation (and cushioning). Bring both models for cool weather camping and secure them together with straps. During warm conditions just leave one at home. When choosing an inflatable model, pay close attention to the quality of the valve.
I can recall awaking from more than one slumber while camping because the air mattress valve came unplugged during the night. Today's models have improved significantly, but be sure to review this feature on a mattress. If you have the option of a better value, buy it. Pumps like the Coleman CPX 6 Quick Pump are handy and are available in AC 120 volts, DC 12 volts, or rechargeable configurations. Given the characteristics of self-inflating mattresses, you'll need to keep them constrained during travel. Store the mattress by rolling them to release air, and then secure the mattress using straps or a stuff sack. The latter protects the mat from dirt and water. Another inexpensive but handy item is a mattress repair kit. Most mattresses feature fairly robust exteriors, but it's not armor. Carrying a repair kit ensures you can fix a tear before it worsens and inflate again in the field. Air pumps are handy to inflate air mattresses. You can purchase powered models for AC 120 volts, DC 12 volts or rechargeable models.