Tips for Camping with Bad Back

Camping with Bad Back – Tips to Improve Your Trip

Back pain is something that affects millions of Americans each year. It’s one of the most common forms of chronic pain, and can become especially prevalent when you switch out of your normal bed and sleeping routine. If you’ve spent time camping with bad back issues, we don’t have to tell you how much of a damper it can be on the trip as a whole. With that in mind, we want to offer some tips that you may find useful the next time you go out. Take a look at our advice and you may something that lets you enjoy camping once again!

1. Don’t Sleep on the Ground

First and foremost, you want to avoid sleeping with just a sleeping bag and the floor of your tent between you and the ground. If you’ve got back problems, it’s a good idea to invest in some heavier padding when out camping. There are tons of different camping pads out there, each one offering a different thickness and level of comfort, just like a mattress. Check out a number of available options, and see which one you can find that best suits your needs. There are even camping pads out there specifically for folks with back pain. If you want to take a look at some of our suggestions for quality camping pads, you can find them right here. In fact, even if you don’t have painful back problems yet, sleeping with one of these camping pads can help you avoid the trouble altogether. Take a look at the many options and we’re confident you’ll find one that’s right for you.

2. Get a Chair with Lumbar Support

When you’re going camping, you are undoubtedly going to need to bring along a chair. However, we all know that most standard camping chairs aren’t exactly what we’d call comfortable. It’s worth the time and money to seek out a camping chair specifically built for comfort, made for folks with back problems. Thankfully, there are quite a few camping chairs exactly like that out there. Many of them can even be found at a great price. Check out our recommendations for some of the best options out there.

When shopping for a camping chair, keep an eye out for models that specifically talk about offering lumbar support. You want a chair that’s going to allow you to lean back and keep your posture in the right position. Additionally, it’s got to be something comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your time by the fire or on the beach. After all, that’s what you came out camping for in the first place, isn’t it?

3. Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget to drink water, especially on a busy day out camping. However, it’s important to stay hydrated for everyone, especially those dealing with chronic pain. When you’re dehydrated, that pain can become even more bothersome. Bringing along a big refillable bottle of water can serve as a great reminder for yourself to keep on drinking. Just make sure there’s a place close to your campsite to get fresh water. For most people this won’t be a problem. However, if you plan on camping somewhere remote, it’s definitely worth looking into. You may be better served by bringing along a large jug of clean water in the car. Whatever it takes, make sure you’re drinking enough water when camping with bad back!

4. Pack Light

Nobody wants to go camping with a backpack that weights 50 lbs., especially if you’re dealing with a bad back. That’s why it is always important to pack light, but without forgetting the essentials. We always recommend making a checklist before you start packing for the trip. It may sound nerdy, but we promise that it will actually help make sure you bring everything you need without packing too much. Start off by thinking of all the essentials, like a first aid kit, flashlight, clothing, food and drinks. You can’t forget a tent, sleeping bag, camping pad and all that gear. After that, consider all the extras you might want to bring along, such as books, games and things like that to pass the time.

Pay special attention to the items you want to keep in your backpack. If you’re camping with bad back, it’s especially important for you to go light there. Leave what you can in the car, or even bring a suitcase along that you keep in your tent. Just make sure not to overload your already-taxed back!

5. Pick the Right Activities for Camping with Bad Back

Our last piece of advice is to pick out the best activities for your back. That means potentially avoiding long hiking trips, rock climbing, and other things that may make your already-sore back worse. However, it’s also true that physical activity can help certain back pain. It’s all a matter of figuring out what’s best for your situation, and not pushing yourself too hard. Figure out what works for you, and above all make sure to have a fun and relaxing time!

Final Thoughts

While this advice won’t be able to magically take away the pain in your back, it can hopefully help you manage it enough to have a pleasant time camping. With the right gear, a positive mentality, and healthy habits, it should not be difficult to have an amazing adventure with your friends or family! You don’t have to let chronic pain stop you from enjoying your favorite parts of life. If you have any other tips you’d like to share with our readers, be sure to leave them down in the comments section below. Good luck and have fun on your next camping excursion!