Camping in the great outdoors can be one of the most fulfilling experiences you can achieve without really spending an exuberant amount of cash. You do need proper preparation and the right tools before you head out on your camping trip, which can be completed by the right amount of research. One aspect of camping that is not touched upon often is the sleeping part.
For some, lying down and trying to get a good night's rest on the ground is almost an impossibility. Yes, lying down with just small padding in between you and the ground can be extremely uncomfortable. The good news is that there are several ways to make this part of your camping trip more tolerable. We will be giving you some tips on how to make sleeping inside your tent or a sleeping bag significantly more welcoming than it sounds.
Tips on How to Make Sleeping When Camping More Comfortable
When camping, being surrounded by nature underneath a star-filled sky is already quite a relaxing experience in itself. However, as we have stated earlier, the hard (and sometimes rocky) ground can affect your enjoyment of this activity. To help you get that well-deserved rest at night, we have listed several tips and methods on how to get a relaxing sleep when camping.
From bringing specific camping equipment to getting a camping air mattress, we got you covered on this particular camping conundrum.
Get the Right Sleeping Gear
The first step to take if you wish to guarantee you will get some proper shut-eye when camping is by getting the best possible sleeping gear for the occasion. One of the most common mistakes that beginners can make when camping overnight is by only bringing a sleeping bag, thinking that's enough. The truth of the matter is that the padding within sleeping bags are pretty much non-existent.
- Read also: How to make a sleeping bag warmer
Sleeping bags are primarily designed to keep you warm; it severely lacks in the cushion department. To get a good quality sleep here, you will need to get yourself some sleeping pads. Not only can sleeping pads add some much-needed comfort in your sleeping bag, but it will also assist in keeping you warm throughout the night.
It would be best if you also considered your campsite when picking your sleeping gear. Check the weather and the average temperature once nightfall sets in and bring the appropriate amount of protection from the natural elements. For example, if you plan on camping around the winter or fall season, then you should bring thicker and heavier sleeping bags.
If you don't know what to expect in regards to the weather, you can bring a standard sleeping bag but pack extra blankets, just in case. If you are using a tent, you should definitely check out air mattresses as these are perfect for camping. Air mattresses are incredibly compact when not in use and superbly comfortable.
Keep Warm
One aspect of camping that tends to catch beginners unaware is with how punishingly cold the nights can be outside. This is another reason why you must check the weather forecast on the day you plan on camping out as this will help you prepare accordingly.
Check the details on the sleeping bag as most will indicate what type of weather conditions it is designed to handle. There are several types of sleeping bags out there, so take your time and don't hesitate to spend a little extra for the ones that offer what you need.
Bring a Pillow
You don't need to bring a large one, a pillow that is enough to provide support to your head and neck will suffice. A small foam pillow will fit nicely inside your backpack and won't take up too much space. With a simple pillow in tow, you can keep your sleep posture at a comfortable angle when camping, which will considerably add to your overall comfort. You can also check at your local outdoor and camping store for a camping pillow which is designed to be portable while still providing more than enough cushion for your neck and head.
Do Pre-Sleep Routines
Once you reach the camping grounds, you should start setting up for the night. At the very least, you should have one hour to relax before you hit the sack. The reason for this is the same reason why you shouldn't exercise in the evening. It is quite hard to fall asleep if your heart rate is elevated and your body charged up with extra energy.
It would help if you also refrained from drinking alcohol at night as it can affect your sleep cycle. Since you will be in a new environment, sleeping will be doubly hard – to give your body a head start by making the necessary preparations to relax. Most likely, you will already be spent from the hike to the campsite so falling asleep probably won't be much of an issue.
Avoid Unwanted Visitors at Night
Wildlife is aplenty in the great outdoors; the last thing you want is for a cavalcade of wild animals to congregate around your campsite. Before going inside your tent or sleeping bag, it is vital to make sure that you have already cleaned up and packed away all your food and snacks. This will prevent the local wildlife from interrupting your sleep, something that you should make sure depending on what the local fauna are around the vicinity of your campsite.
Final Thoughts
The thought of not having a good night's rest shouldn't deter you from going camping. As you can see above, there are several ways to guarantee that you will get a proper night's rest out there in the great outdoors. What's more? You will be wrapped around the serenity of nature underneath the star-studded night sky, something everyone should experience at least once in their lives.