Shelter: Sleeping

A section in Chapter 4 of the book:
Prep Lists for Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking

When camping, where you sleep depends on so many conditions, like temperature, weather, terrain, resources at hand, and more. Here are some basics to consider for your planning.

Tents

Whether you are purchasing a tent or building a make-shift tent-line shelter, these construction and design elements can be useful.

Tent Type Selection

Selecting the best tent for your needs can be quite a challenge. Consider the following to help in your decision-making process.

• Ridge Tent: classic triangle with cross-pole
• PROS: Stable, quick and easy, best for sleeping only
• CONS: Low height, small space for moving around
• TIPS: Build yourself with a branch and a tarp or rain poncho

Click here to see pictures, styles, pricing, and reviews for ridge tents

• Dome (Umbrella) Tent: flexible poles in a hemisphere
• PROS: Stable, quick and easy, lightweight, more room
• CONS: Large ones less stable in wind & more difficult to set up
• TIPS: Build yourself by tying saplings together

Click here to see pictures, styles, pricing, and reviews for dome tents

• Frame Tent: rigid poles
• PROS: Sturdy, large
• CONS: Heavy, bulky, more difficult to set up
• TIPS: Bring your truck

Click here to see pictures, styles, pricing, and reviews for frame tents

• Quick-Pitch or Instant Tent: spring-loaded or coiled frame
• PROS: Quick and easy
• CONS: Often more of a toy than a serious camping tent
• TIPS: Avoid in rough weather. Consider for keeping gear dry.

Click here to see pictures, styles, pricing, and reviews for quick-pitch tents

• Geodesic and Semi-Geodesic Tent: criss-cross poles
• PROS: Very sturdy in harsh, windy conditions
• CONS: Expensive
• TIPS: Probably overkill for most leisurely camping

Click here to see pictures, styles, pricing, and reviews for geodesic tents

• Inflatable Tent: compressed air
• PROS: Fun to set up
• CONS: Heavy and bulky, requires air compressor
• TIPS: Use next to your truck or car

Click here to see pictures, styles, pricing, and reviews for inflatable tents

• Family or Cabin Tent: huge, multiple rooms
• PROS: Large size for lots of people and lots of gear
• CONS: More expensive, sometimes unreliable
• TIPS: Coordinate smaller tents to meet under a canopy

Click here to see pictures, styles, pricing, and reviews for family cabin tents

• Tunnel Tent: dome tents side-by-side
• PROS: Expandable for families or groups
• CONS: Limited applications, heavy and bulky
• TIPS: Often more functional than family tents

Click here to see pictures, styles, pricing, and reviews for tunnel tents

• Pod Tent: arranged like spokes around central living space
• PROS: Great for separation and compartmentalization
• CONS: Requires large, flat ground surface
• TIPS: Consider a set up using only some of the pods

Click here to see pictures, styles, pricing, and reviews for pod tents

Tent Pitching Prep

Remember these tips before pitching or setting up your tent.

• If it’s been a while since you used the tent, set it up at home first
• Make sure you have all the pieces and all stakes
• Make sure it does not have mold or mildew
• Make sure you remember how to set it up (in daylight)
• Make sure there is no damage that needs repair
• Consider a fresh coat of rain-proofing spray
• Before you go, decide what to take
• Determine if you need a groundsheet under or inside it
• Decide if you need a sleeping pad, air mattress, or other support
• Consider a door mat or throw rug for wiping wet shoes, collecting dirt, comfort, warmth, etc.
• Consider reducing your pack weight by changing or eliminating something like metal stakes or a rainfly. Maybe all you need is the rainfly.
• Depending on tent condition and length of trip, would a tent repair kit (or silicone spray) be wise to take with you?
• Before pitching the tent:
• Note of how the tent is packed (cell phone photos?) so that you can return it to this condition when it’s time to pack up again.
• Select position and door direction: relative to campfire, the wind, the trail, the sun, or desired privacy.
• Clear the area of all rocks, sticks, acorns, etc. to avoid a lumpy bed. Build and use a rake to make this easier.
• Consider piling extra leaves or grass under the tent like a mattress for extra comfort and warmth. Build and use a rake to make this easier.

Tent Takedown Planning

Consider the following when taking down your tent.

• Use a whisk broom or towel to clean out all dirt, leaves, etc.
• Make a note of any repairs needed for when you get home.
• Get the tent as dry as possible. If it is damp when packed out, remember to set it up at home to air out as soon as possible.
• Consider rolling up rain fly and ground tarp together with tent.
• Consider rolling tent around the poles to wrap more tightly.

Visit PrepListsBooks.com for links to more information,
like “how-to” articles and demonstration videos.

Ground

Sleeping on the ground can take many forms. From the simplest laying on the grass under the stars, to building a make-shift shelter out of nearby vegetation, or using a bivvy bag to keep rain off, sleeping on the ground can be made comfortable, warm, and dry.

A sleeping pad (or platform) is a layer of protection under you when sleeping—adding warmth, dryness, or comfort. It can be used by itself or combined with a sleeping bag, hammock, or tent.

Packed

Consider packing one of these sleeping platform ideas to go under your sleeping bag or blankets.

• Foam Pad: rolls up tightly for packing
• Self-Inflating Pad: draws in air when unrolled
• Air Pad: inflate yourself
• Air Mattress: inflate with a pump
• Cot: purchased or home-made
• Extra Blankets: or an old bedspread comforter

Some insulated sleeping pads can be inserted into your sleeping bag
with straps or sleeves to avoid rolling off of it during the night.

Improvised

Improvise a mattress by covering any of the following with a tarp, blanket, coat, rain poncho, etc.

• Pile of Leaves: easier with a Bushcraft rake
• Bed of Pine Needles: under or next to a grove of evergreens
• Long Grass: cut or standing
• Clothing: stacked and spread out
• Visor: Reflective Car Sun Visor: also sitting or changing clothes
• Cot with blanket: build in the woods
• Packed and formed snow: shape to your body
• Bedroll: wrap blankets and padding inside a tarp

Sleeping Bag

When buying (or borrowing) a sleeping bag, consider these options and features to be best prepared.

Categories

• Three-Season: for temperatures above 15 degrees
  > Moderate weight and size; may include extra warmth features
• Winter: for temperatures below 15 degrees
  > Heavier and larger, complete with hoods, draft collars, foot box, pad sleeves or straps, baffling, stash pocket, etc.
• Summer: for temperatures above 32 degrees
  > Lighter, smaller, easier, limited features

For warm nights, consider lightweight sheets or blankets
instead of a heavy sleeping bag.

Features

• Temperature Ratings: helpful, but limited standardization
• Shell: Waterproof (more expensive) or not (typical)
• Shape: Rectangle (roomy and inexpensive), semi-rectangle (allowing some movement), mummy (max warmth and min size)
• Insulation: Down (best quality), synthetic (often best value, especially if it might get wet), or a combination

Remember to store your sleeping bag either open and hanging
or in a larger bag, rather than compressed into a stuff sack.
This will improve the insulation value by keeping the filling lofted.

Bags lose loft with use, so launder sleeping bags after 30 nights of use.

• Weight: Balance your personal needs between low weight or size (for backpacking), and roominess or comfort (for quality sleep)
• Try before You Buy: Get in, move around, cinch it up, use the zipper, consider any additions like a liner or pad to go inside

More expert advice about sleeping bags is available at the REI website.

Pillows

Don’t underestimate the value of a good headrest while you are sleeping—especially for long trips. Consider these alternatives to the standard pillow that you use at home every night.

See It Online: Camping Pillows

• Camp pillow: inflated, stuffed, etc.
• Travel pillow
• Inflatable pillow
• Inflatable headrest (like those used on airplanes)
• Large zip-tight plastic bag (or multiple bags) in a cloth sack or wrapped in a T-Shirt {Link TBD}
• Roll any of these into a log or stuff into a sack or plastic bag
• Sweatshirt
• T-Shirts
• Towels
• Blankets
• Fill trash bag with these and stuff in a sleeping bag sack or shirt
• Leaves
• Grass
• Sand
• Dirt

Hammocks

Using a hammock is a favorite of mine for the following reasons.

• More comfortable sleep
• Lightweight for backpacking
• Easier to find a suitable campsite in rocky or hilly terrain
• Multi-functional for camp seating
• Usually warmer than in a tent
• More versatile for different weather and activities

See It Online: Trek Light Gear – Hammock Camping 101:
5 Reasons Why You Should Switch from a Tent to a Hammock

Hammock gear depends mostly on temperate and precipitation.

• If it’s a warm, dry night then all you need is the hammock itself—rolled up into a jacket pocket or fanny pack.
• If you need to escape from bugs or mosquitos, use a hammock with a screen—it zips up like a suspended tent.
• If you expect rain, pack a rain fly or small tarp.
• If it will be cold, consider a mix & match of the following.
• Hammock: with straps
• Sleeping bag: over quilt
• Fleece liner or flannel sheet: inside sleeping bag
• Car shade visor pad: under sleeping bag (doubles as seat pad and changing mat)
• Small utility bag: clipped inside hammock (with pillow, extra clothing, gloves, and head gear—like knit hat, balaclava, neck gaiter, hood, etc.)
• Under Quilt (or sleeping bag): attach to hammock straps
• Under Wrap (emergency Mylar blanket): attach cinched ends to carabiners on hammock straps
• Tarp rain fly, stakes, ridge poles, strapping, cording, sticks

See It Online: Shugemery – Hammock Hangin’ How-To Videos

This is a winter hammock quick reference for SETUP SEQUENCE.

• First, attach hammock and ridge pole to trees
  —using nylon straps at 6 to 7 feet above the ground
• Next, set up each of the following OPTIONAL components:
• Attach lower ridge paracord in carabiners at 4 to 5 feet high
• Attach bug netting to lower ridge
• Cinch under quilt and attach to lower ridge
• Cinch under wrap and attach to carabiners
• Insert reflective car sun shade visor pad for extra warmth
• Insert sleeping bag or over quilt
• Insert fleece blanket or flannel sheet for extra warmth or a lighter sleeping bag
• Attach utility or ditty bag inside hammock for quick access
• Set up rain fly or rain tarp using the upper ridge pole

See Photos Online: Waterproof Hammock Rain Fly for Camping

See Setup Diagram Online: Hammock Under Quilt

See Photos Online: Hammock & Mosquito Net

Sleeping Accessories

Consider the following for greatest comfort and warmth while sleeping.

• Pillow or Headrest
• Ear Plugs
• Water Bottle
• Urine Bottle/Bag
• Flashlight
• Bug repellent

Sleeping Warm

Often the biggest challenge for sleeping outdoors is keeping warm. Think about a combination of these options to stay comfortable on a chilly night.

Key Principles

• Insulate yourself to retain heat
• Keep as dry as possible

Head & Neck

• Knit hat – or any hat, lid, hood, stocking cap, or head covering
• Make-shift hat made from a handkerchief, shirt, bag, or towel
• Hooded sweatshirt – with hood cinched closed
• Scarf around your neck
• Balaclava – versatile for fine-tuning adjustments

In the Bag

• Change into clean, dry clothes (and underwear) when you get into bed to avoid moisture and improve insulation value
• Wear gloves, mittens, or anything wrapped around hands
• Wear long underwear and fresh, dry socks
• Wear loose-fitting clothing for air pockets and better circulation
• Wrap your feet in a sweatshirt to keep them warm and dry
• Fluff up your sleeping bag as soon as you arrive to improve the loft and insulation value OR keep sleeping bag rolled up until bedtime, to avoid getting damp DEPENDING on humidity
• Any sort of insulating barrier between you and the cold ground
• Stuff dry clothing into your sleeping bag for extra insulation
• Use layers of insulation to control moisture and avoid frost
• Breathe outside of sleeping bag to prevent dampness inside
• If too hot, allow bag to air out to avoid sweaty dampness
• Consider a “sleeping suit” of dry clothing kept in sleeping bag
• Allow sleeping bag to fully dry in the morning before rolling up—turn inside out and drape over tent to dry quickly

Bedtime Preparation

• Consider a sleeping bag that is rated for lower temperatures
• Launder sleeping bag to fluff it up and improve insulation value
• Use a flannel sheet or fleece blanket inside your sleeping bag
• Wrap your sleeping bag in a Mylar emergency blanket
• Eat a big meal before bed – for calories and warmth of digestion
• Take a candy bar to bed with you and eat if you wake up cold
• Drink a hot beverage before climbing into bed
• Drink up during the day, then stop an hour before bedtime—to avoid needing to get out of bed to urinate before morning.
• Do a minute of exercise to warm up before going to sleep
• Avoid getting into bed damp, sweaty, or warm enough to sweat
• Choose a campsite that is out of the wind and above the valley floor, where cold air settles overnight
• Heat dry rocks in campfire, then place under your sleeping area
• Add warm water to a water bottle and hold against your core
• Have a snack ready to eat if you wake in the middle of the night
• Use your backpack or a zipped-up coat as a foot cover for extra insulation while sleeping
• A safely-hung candle lantern in your tent provides warmth and reduces condensation.

CAUTION: If bears may be nearby, do not keep food, empty food wrappers,
or anything that smells like food in your sleeping area.

Staying Warm

• Use a pee bottle to urinate during the night, rather than going out into the cold
• If your sleeping bag has a drawstring, pull it around your face, not around your neck, keeping your mouth and nose exposed
• Eat a midnight snack if you wake cold—something calorie dense
• Consider a safe campfire design that produces long-term heat
• Snuggle up or spoon with someone to share body heat
• Sleep in the fetal position, curled up to better retain core heat
• Keep your next day’s footwear (and clothing) in a plastic bag and place in your sleeping bag to warm up

Sleeping Cool

Getting a good night’s sleep is a challenge when the heat is too much to get comfortable. Consider these ideas to stay cool outdoors.

Bedding

• Instead of a winter sleeping bag, use a lightweight one
• Instead of a sleeping bag, just use sheets or a light blanket

Clothing

• Wear loose, breathable clothing; minimize clothes to vent heat
• Soak bandana, hat, sock, etc. with cool water and place on head or feet
• Start sleep with cool water bottles

Location

• Position tent or rainfly so that breezes enter or pass through
• Look for a shady and breezy campsite to minimize the heat

Remember that if you are exposing yourself to wind to stay cool, it will pull moisture out of you, so stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

• When seeking shade, note the direction the sun is moving
• Use large tarp to create a shaded area and block sun’s heat
• Air around and above a moving stream will be cooler

Bedtime Preparation

• Drape a reflective blanket over tent to minimize heat from sun
• Use a reflective blanket or tarp under bedding if ground is hot
• Open tent windows to encourage movement of air
• Consider changing from a tent to a hammock with rainfly
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water during the day
• Take an inflatable kiddie pool for you, kids, or pets to play in
• Before bed, remove boots or wear sandals to help cool down
• Wading in a nearby stream or lake will cool your whole body