Convenient Sleeping Solutions for the Restless Camper

Being closer to nature has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve sleep. However, getting a good night’s sleep while camping is not always easy. But don’t give up on this amazing experience because of just that though – a bit of preparation ahead and buying the right sleeping gear can go a long way. Fortunately, I have quite the camping experience and I want to help you make yours as pleasant as possible. For that very reason, bellow I’ve listed the sleeping solutions that have saved me thousands of times and I believe are the most convenient for camping.

Sef-Inflating Sleeping Mat

This sleeping solution consists of a thin air mattress with a layer of foam padding inside which is squashed when rolled up. Once you unroll the mat and open the valves, the foam expands back to its original size, sucking the air into the mat. When the mat is full of air, the valves close to hold the air in. When it is time to roll it up, open the valves and compress the foam, forcing the air out as you roll it. Self-inflating sleeping mats are a popular choice due to their small size and low weight, which makes them ideal for backpackers, festival and wild campers.

When looking to buy a sleeping mat you will find that every camping retailer has a great selection to choose from with prices varying from just a few bucks for a low-quality mat – to hundreds of dollars for something more substantial. If you are a side sleeper or a person who suffers from achy joints, a cheap sleeping mat might not provide you with enough padding for a comfortable night’s sleep. You want a sleeping mat that is thicker and made from technical materials, such as memory foam, to get the comfort and warmth you need and deserve.

Sleeping Bags

When hiking or even climbing a mountain, the weight of your backpack and its contents is crucial as the more weight you carry – the sooner you will get tired and need a break. Similar to self-inflating mats, a sleeping bag can help make your backpack a little lighter. When choosing a sleeping bag, remember that a down filled bag is warmer than a synthetic filled one. Sleeping bags are not a great choice if you plan on camping in wet conditions, but a water-resistant sleeping bag will help you solve this problem.

Camp Stretchers

This is a fold-out frame with a canvas, or similar material stretched out over the frame pulling nice and tight to support your body. One of the greatest advantages of this sleeping solution is that it gets you off the ground, making it much easier for you to get in and out of bed. Camp stretchers are also quick and easy to assemble and don’t take up much room to store and transport. They even provide extra storage space as you can put your bags under the bed. The downside of camp stretchers though is that they can be quite heavy (some weigh up to 12kg), which makes them a good choice only when camping with a car.