You don't have to be afraid to sleep in nature if you know how. We will explain everything to you in this article. Leave your worries behind and get inspired by practical tips for sleeping in nature. It is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance.
Sleeping in nature provides many conveniences that you may not even know about. It is true that you will have to forget some things. In return, you will get closer to nature, if you are lucky you will see a clear starry sky and the clean air will really rejuvenate you. What will you need for this? Only adequate equipment and the desire to experience a small adventure.
Sleeping bag
We will not start with anything other than a classic sleeping bag, because it is the most important of all. It is precisely the sleeping bag that provides us with pleasant sleeping comfort. Think in advance whether you will use the sleeping bag on hikes or carry it in the car. The last option is sleeping bags, which are much more comfortable, but do not provide the desired temperature comfort.
In contrast, sleeping bags for hikes are designed for harsh conditions and handling. It is then up to you whether you choose a sleeping bag made entirely of synthetic material or made of duck feathers. Duck feathers, as the best thermal insulator, only work well until they get wet.
Sleeping pad or which mat to choose?
There are three types of mats. Self-inflating, inflatable, foam. Here, too, you have to take into account how and where we will use the mat. If you come to nature by car and spend the night in a campsite, then be sure to choose a self-inflating or inflatable mat, which are very comfortable, but their weight is greater than a foam one. The foam mat is most suitable for outdoor use, although you can meet all three types of mats. It can also be said that the foam mattress is the cheapest in addition to the least weight.
Pillow
Do you have room in your backpack? Do you want to take a smaller pillow on your hike? Then definitely do it. You won't spoil anything and you'll enjoy your sleeping comfort, even if you sleep without a pillow. This choice is purely up to you and your options.
When I'm about to sleep
Choosing a place for a tent
How to choose a place for a tent? It's nothing complicated. Choose a dry and flat place, free of sticks, cones and stones. Do not underestimate the preparation of the campsite and do this procedure in daylight if possible.
Keep a light close at hand
When you're far enough away from civilization, you really can't see a step in front of you when it's dark. Therefore, having a flashlight ready at hand is essential. You simply cannot do without it at night.
Repeat the classic routine
Want to fall asleep quickly? We'll give you a tip. Go to bed at the same time of night and try to imitate the evening routine at the same time. The brain is more easily activated into sleep mode.
Store food outside the campsite
This recommendation applies especially to your foreign trips. Watch out for bears which like to visit campers and eat their food supplies. If you want to avoid a direct encounter with a bear, then don't keep food with you!
Sleep in dry clothes
Are your clothes damp or downright wet? Do not sleep in such clothes and change. You won't sleep well in damp or wet clothes, and your down sleeping bag won't thank you either.
How to stay warm during the night?
You probably won't have to deal with the lack of heat during the long summer evenings, but there are of course certain exceptions. Let's not forget that you can camp in all seasons and even in all weather, but maybe we'll talk about that some other time.
- a light meal before bed: the digestive process warms us up internally, so a light dinner is perfectly fine
- avoid alcohol, which dilates blood vessels and accelerates heat loss
- do some light exercise before going to sleep
- sleeping in dry clothes is essential
- sleep in a hat if your head is cold
- pull the hood tight around your head
- stuff dry clothes into your sleeping bag: this will fill the empty spaces and reduce the area you have to warm
- place a hot water bottle inside the sleeping bag
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- Ondřej Krotil
- This explorer and a criminalistic book author was born at the foothills of Giant Mountains. His biggest hobbies include mysteries, history, criminalistics and much more. Ondřej is currently working on such cases as unsolved murders, unexplained suicides, kidnappings or mysterious disappearances. He had been cooperating with Czech and Slovak media as an investigative reporter. Ondřej would like to make good use of his knowledge in the field of literature.
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