You’re packing for your upcoming camping trip when it hits you: you’re going to get terrible sleep on the trail. Maybe you’re a light sleeper, or maybe you’re just picky about where you’re able to catch some zzz’s.
Sleeping outdoors isn’t for the faint of heart, but when you’re prepared, it can be a wonderful experience to sleep under the starry night sky. Read on for 5 tips that will greatly improve your outdoor sleeping experience.
1. Bring a Pillow
This might seem like an obvious tip, but bringing your favorite pillow along with you on your camping trip is more important than you think. If you’re used to a certain kind of pillow, having it with you will ensure you’re comfortable while you drift off. There’s something comforting about having a little piece of home with you on the trail.
2. Keep the Bugs Away
There’s nothing worse than settling into your sleeping bag for the night, only to be woken up to a mosquito on your cheek. To keep the bugs away, make sure you pick a sleeping area that is high and dry and stay away from lakes or ponds. It’s also a good idea to invest in a mosquito net, Bambulah has some great ones.
Be sure to use water-resistant bug repellant so that your sweat doesn’t decrease its effectiveness overnight.
3. Bring a Quality Sleeping Bag
It pays off to invest in a good sleeping bag for your camping and hiking trips. While it may not seem worth the money at first, a good sleeping bag will both effectively insulate you and hold up well over time.
Be sure to take out your sleeping bag as soon as you set up camp so that it can expand properly for maximum insulation. Additionally, check the temperature rating on your sleeping bag to ensure that it fits your sleeping needs.
4. Stay Dry
When you’re sleeping outside, it might sound like a good idea to just climb into your sleeping bag after a long day. You’re already sweaty and gross from hiking all day, aren’t you going to sweat more overnight?
If you keep your sweaty clothes on overnight, your body heat will be used to dry those clothes instead of being used to keep you warm. It will also trap unwanted moisture inside your sleeping bag. So when you’re packing for your trip, make sure to bring a fresh set of clothes for sleeping.
5. Consider Using Earplugs
If you’re someone who enjoys a little wildlife noise or the sound of rain while you’re drifting off, this tip doesn’t apply to you. However, if you’re used to sleeping in a quiet place, bringing some earplugs is a wise decision.
Sleeping Outdoors Isn’t All Bad
While sleeping outdoors can seem daunting at first, there’s nothing better than falling asleep under the night sky and waking up with the sunrise. With these 5 tips, you’ll be right at home in your sleeping bag.
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