My back has worsened as I’ve gotten older, and my normal camping setup hasn’t been working out for me.
As I’ve researched different options, I came across some different camping cots, perfect for those who need a little support, like me.
Here’s what I found about the best camping cot for a bad back.
The best camping cot for a bad back is the Helinox Camping Cot. It provides amazing support and comfort throughout all regions, and though it’s a bit pricey, it’s durable enough to last a long time.
Let’s look more at this and other options out there in more detail.
Don’t miss out on the buyer’s guide at the end of the article for more help picking the right camping cot.
Table of Contents
Best Camping Cots In This Article
| Camping Cot | Editor’s Award |
|---|---|
  Coleman ComfortSmart Cot | Most Comfortable |
  Teton Sports Outfitter Camping Cot | Most Spacious/Best For Big People |
  Helinox Camping Cot | Best Overall |
  Portal Camping Cot | Most Affordable |
| Quest Oversized Camp Cot | Easiest To Set Up |
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Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
This folding camping cot offers you the comfort of a bed when you are camping.
It has excellent support, a coil suspension system and a thick foam mattress.
It also has a durable steel frame that will support up to 275 pounds, and it accommodates people up to 5’7” tall.
The Coleman cot is designed to be portable, and it fits in the trunk of most cars when you fold it.
If you are looking for the most comfortable cot that will support your back to help you avoid pain, this is a great option.
Because it comes with a fixed foam mattress, you don’t need to use a separate pad on it.
It also comes in a larger size for people up to 6’6” who weigh up to 300 pounds.
The downside is that it is too heavy to carry when backpacking.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable with thick padding
- Sturdy steel frame
- Easy to set up
- No need for an extra pad or mattress
- Well made and durable
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
Teton Sports Outfitter Camping Cot
If you are looking for a larger cot, this one is a great option.
It is rated to hold as much as 600 pounds, and it isn’t too hard to put together.
However, it is one of the heaviest cots that you can find.
You will want to use it when you don’t have to carry it long distances.
It has a built-in lever that makes it easy to put it together and provides excellent stability.
It is longer and wider than a twin bed, and it folds up for easy transport and storage.
The firm support alleviates back pain.
If you are looking for added comfort, they offer a camp pad that you can place on top of it.
Pros:
- Plenty of room
- Supports up to 600 pounds
- Easy to set up
- Firm support for bad backs
- Comfortable
- Extra heavy-duty construction
Cons:
- Bulky when folded and very heavy
- Hard to carry
Helinox Camping Cot
The Helinox camping cot gives you maximum surface tension for comfort while you sleep.
It holds up to 320 pounds, and it is made with aluminum alloy legs and an aluminum alloy frame.
It comes with a cot cover and a zippered carrying case made of durable polyester.
But it is quite easy to set up with a single internal bungee cord. It can handle people as tall as 6’5” and be extended if necessary.
The Helinox camping cot is a more lightweight and collapsible model, and it weighs just 5.4 pounds.
It will help you with back pain, and it is easy to carry when you are camping.
Pros:
- Lightweight, collapsible, and portable
- Excellent surface tension
- 6.5” above the ground
- Versatile and comfortable
Cons:
- More expensive than other cots
Portal Camping Cot
The Portal camping cot is made with a durable steel frame and a poly canvas top, so you can get a good night’s sleep free of any back pain.
You can easily fold it, and it comes with a carrying bag for easy transport and storage.
There is plenty of room, and it holds up to 300 pounds.
It is easy to set up, as all you need to do is unfold it and lock the legs in place.
It comes with an attached pillow and side pocket, and it has a secure lock to hold it safely in place.
Not only will it help you avoid back pain, but you can elevate your head to make sure that your neck is comfortable.
To top it off, you can place your phone or other materials in the side pocket to not need to reach down.
Pros:
- Attached pillow
- Comes with a side pocket
- Easy to set up
- Compact size
- Large size
- High-quality material
Cons:
- Weighs 17.2 pounds
Quest Oversized Camp Cot
The Quest cot is another comfortable cot that provides support to avoid back pain.
It has legs that fold up automatically, and it has a durable steel frame with a powder-coated finish.
The surface is durable poly-oxford fabric construction, and the frame locks securely in place.
It is easy to set up, and the materials are high quality.
It comes with a carrying case, and it is very sturdy.
This is a great option if you are looking for a comfortable cot that will give you the support you need to prevent back pain.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and made with high-quality materials
- Large sleeping area
- Comfortable and solid
- Stable while you are sleeping
Cons:
- Heavy to take camping
What to Look for in a Camping Cot for Bad Backs
If you are looking for the best camping cot for a bad back, consider different factors.
The size and weight are important because they will tell you whether or not it is feasible to do what you plan with it.
Heavier cots will be difficult to take out backpacking, but they might be fine if you plan to drive to a campsite.
You will also want to consider how much support it provides.
Take a look at the following:
Comfort
Comfort is an important consideration when looking for a cot to prevent back pain.
If your cot isn’t comfortable, it will be good for your back.
Some cots have an attached pillow, while others have a mattress.
Some have more space for you to stretch out.
Make sure that you choose a comfortable cot.
Support
One of the most important considerations is how much support the cot provides.
A cot that offers firm support is better for back problems.
If it is too firm, you may want to use a foam mattress on top of it.
Make sure that the cot is sturdy and has the support you need.
Durability
Your camping cot should be made with high-quality materials to durable and lasts.
Most of the cots on the list above have steel or aluminum frames, and they have a durable canvas and built to last.
They might also have a carrying case to protect while transporting it.
Size
Another consideration is the size of the cot.
Some cots are wider and provide a larger sleeping space, and others come in more than one size.
Make sure that the cot is designed to hold your height and weight so that you fit comfortably on it.
Price
The price is always an important consideration.
However, the price of cots can vary widely.
You get more when you pay more, so understand what you need.
If you want a super-comfortable cot with all the bells and whistles, you will pay more than you will for a basic yet supportive cot.
Are Cots Bad for Your Back?
When camping, a cot provides you with more support than other sleeping materials.
You need to examine the cots to choose one that won’t make your back stiff or exacerbate back pain.
Many of these cots are very durable, made with a steel or aluminum frame, and have a strong canvas stretched between them.
The firmness of the cot helps ensure that your back doesn’t go out while you are sleeping, but you can enhance the comfort by adding a sleeping pad or foam mattress on top of the cot.
You need to look at your situation and find the setup that works best for you.
Cots are not bad for your back, as long as you choose one of good quality.
Quick Tips for Camping with Bad Backs
Camping is a favorite pastime for many people, but having a bad back can make it more complicated.
However, there are ways to make sure that you protect your back and avoid causing extra pain.
There are different ways to enjoy camping despite having a bad back.
Take a look at the following.
Make Sure That You Have the Right Equipment
You need to have the right equipment to avoid making a bad back worse when you go camping.
Hiking can be strenuous, but you can counteract it by ensuring that you have the right hiking shoes with proper support.
You should also make sure that your backpack has even weight distribution, or it can cause additional pain in your neck and your upper and lower back.
Have the Proper Sleeping Equipment
If you have a bad back, you need to make sure that you have the right equipment for sleeping.
You will want a sturdy cot and possibly a foam mattress or a sleeping pad.
This will help to keep your back supported while you are sleeping.
Stay Hydrated
It is easy to become dehydrated when you are outdoors, especially in the summer.
It can creep up on you and cause other issues and can make your body stiff and sore, making your back hurt worse.
Ensure that you have water with you, and remember to drink it throughout the day.