3 Wonderful Tips to Let You Sleep Comfortably at the Campsite

by Neeta · March 28, 2021

Are you planning to start camping but are holding yourself back because you think that you may not get the comfort while sleeping at night in the wilderness? If you think that it would be uncomfortable for you to sleep in the chilly nights at your campsite, you’re wrong. There are a number of things you can do to make your nights restful and enjoy the starry skies and fresh air at the same time.

1. Gear You’ll Need for Sleeping Outdoors

Whether you’re tent camping or backpacking, you can increase the odds to sleep comfortably outdoors if you choose the right gear.

Sleeping Bag: Buy a camping bag that has a style and temperature rating that matches your camping destination.
Car Camping Bag: These are usually cut wider, providing more roll-around space (offering more comfort); however, it’s less efficient when it comes to retaining body heat (so, not very good on extra-chilly nights). Some rectangular styles can be used as a quilt on milder nights by unzipping them.

Backpacking Bag: These are mummy shaped bags that offer a closer, warmer fit, and are typically more lightweight. Many are filled with duck or goose down, which compresses more readily than synthetic fill.

Sleeping Pad: Sleeping pads are of three types: self-inflating, air and closed-cell foam. During car camping, weight is not a problem, so, you can carry a wider, thicker mattress or pad. When you’re backpacking, weight is crucial and so, a super-light air pad or closed cell-pad may be your best choice.

Pillows: You can bring one from home or use a small inflatable or foam camp pillow.

Earplugs and Eye Masks: These are optional because some people sweat by them. They help you sleep soundly by blocking ambient lights and sounds.

2. While You’re About to Go to Bed

Organizing your tent and sleeping setup before dark ensures you can relax after the day’s hikes and treks. Here are a few tips.

Choose the Right Tent Site: The first and foremost thing to do is to choose a flat and clean site to pitch your tent. Make sure there are no rocks, sticks or pinecones there.

Keep a Lamp Handy: Beginner campers may be surprised to see how dark the night feels outdoors. Keep a lamp handy. You can wear a headlamp or keep a flashlight nearby.

Wear Dry and Clean Clothing: Make sure you change any dirty, sweaty clothes and wear clean and dry clothes before going to bed.

Avoid Bulky Clothing: If you’re going to use a sleeping bag, wearing bulky clothes can actually reduce the bag’s ability to trap body heat efficiently. Instead, you can drape something like a jacket on the outside of your sleeping bag for an additional layer of insulation.

Be Ready for Midnight Restroom Visits: Keep a pair of sandals ready near your tent door. Also place a camp towel nearby to serve as a foot-cleaning doormat. Also, make sure your headlamp is at hand.

Keep a Water Bottle Handy: If you tend to get thirsty in the middle of the night, make sure you keep your water bottle handy.

Place a Bug Spray Nearby: Small critters can be a great nuisance in the wilderness. So, don’t forget to carry a bug spray and place it near your bed.

3. Stay Warm

If the nights at your campsite are warm, you may not need to prepare a lot. However, in cold weather, you’ll find the following things useful before going to bed.

Drink a warm, nonalcoholic drink
Perform a little exercise, but not till you become sweaty
Wear clean, dry clothes – clean, long underwear and clean, dry socks
Add a closed-cell foam pad underneath your standard sleeping pad for additional insulation
Place a warm water bottle near your core