Most people think of camping like an adventure, where they shed modern day conveniences and enjoy being close to nature. However, camping out in the open does not mean you should give up on sleeping comfortably.
If you are going for an overnight camping trip, then you will need some camping sleeping gear such as sleeping bags, pillows and pads. You can also buy and tie up a hammock for taking a quick nap during the day time.The right camping sleeping gear will ensure that you are fully rested and comfortable to face the challenges of the next day.
In this blog, we take a look at what to sleep on when campingand the important gear that you can buy to have a good time on your camping trip.
What You Will Need
When you are out camping in the open you will be out of your usual comfort zone. This can raise anxiety and prevent you from falling asleep. If you have the right gear however, you will feel more comfortable and find it easier to go to sleep.
Here is a list of camping sleeping gear that you can buy to get a comfortable sleep on your camping trip.
Camping Sleeping Bag
Camping Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Pillow
Hammock
Ear Plugs
Mosquito Net
Locating the Sleeping Spot
If you are planning to spend the night outdoors while camping, you will need to set up a safe and comfortable sleeping space. Ideally, this should be inside your tent as it gives you better protection against the elements.
In order to get good sleep, you should focus on sleeping in a restful place. Your goal must be to remove anything from the equation that can make you restless while sleeping, whether it is discomfort, insecurity, or overstimulation.
Make sure to pitch your tent on a smooth surface. If there are bumpy rocks, stones or tree roots in your tent, you will feel them through the sleeping bag. This can make the experience very uncomfortable and give you muscle ache in the morning. So the tent should on a soft, and smooth surface.
Keeping Out Insects and Disturbing Sounds
If you suspect a lot of crawling insects, particularly mosquitoes, at night, you may want to set up an insect net over your tent. This will help keep all the nasty critters out.
Loud noise and disturbing sounds can be disruptive to your sleep. If you are camping with a group and expect to be the last one to hit the bed, then this may not be an issue.
But if you go to bed early and expect others to make some noise, then you may want to pitch the tent away from the campfire. You can also take some ear plugs with you on the trip to block out all disturbing sounds.
Set Up Your Sleeping Area
Sleeping bags are arguably the best option for camping. They are foldable and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your backpack.
Sleeping bags offer good protection and double down as both a cover and under sheet. Many sleeping bags come with padding on the bedding side that makes them quite comfortable for camping.
Some people do not like sleeping bags and feel constricted. If you like to have more freedom to move around while sleeping, you may prefer a sleeping pad.
Sleeping pads are soft, lightweight and easy to fold. Many varieties come with an attached pillow at one end so you won’t need to worry about carrying a pillow with you. You will need to carry a blanket or cover if it gets particularly chilly though.
Tips for Extra Comfort
Speaking of chilly weather, you can pre-warm your sleeping bag if it feels too cold at night. Fill up an uninsulated bottle with warm water and put it in the footbox of your sleeping bag. This will help keep you nice and warm at night.
To get extra comfort while sleeping on your camping trip, you can take both a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag on your trip. Just spread out the sleeping pad and then lay in your sleeping bag on top of that. It may not be as comfortable as your home, but it gets pretty close when you use both of them together.
Hammock for Sleeping During the Day
If you do not feel comfortable sleeping on the ground, you can set up a hammock for sleeping on your camping trip. A hammock is tied between two anchor points, and hangs in the air.
Hammocks offer a lot of freedom to twist and turn while you sleep. You can set up a mosquito net to keep insects out or create a shade over the hammock to prevent the sunlight from hitting you in the morning.
Most modern hammocks come with all the features that a tent has to offer. The one downside is that hammocks may be a little tricky to set up and secure. Some people prefer the indoor feeling offered by a tent, that a hammock does not provide.
Our Final Thoughts
Overnight camping can be a great experience for people looking for an adventure. The only problem most people have is what to sleep on when camping outdoors.
In this blog, we considered some of the most popular and practical options that you have. With the right equipment and a bit of preparation, you can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep at the end of your day.
When you are fully rested after a good night’s sleep, you will feel more active and excited to enjoy the fun that awaits you the next day. Our goal is to offer guidance to campers to enjoy their morning as the sun rises feeling refreshed, energized, relaxed, and ready to dive into another day full of adventure.
