Whether you’ve been camping one time or one hundred times, you probably agree that the quality of your sleep can make or break your camping experience. One terrible night of sleep sets you up for a rough day battling exhaustion, backaches, or downright irritability. On the other hand, a solid night’s sleep rejuvenates you and prepares you for a full day of hiking, exploring, and soaking up nature.
It’s safe to say that I’ve had my fair share of sleep problems when camping. From forgetting my sleeping pad to not waterproofing my tent, it only took a few ill-planned camping trips for me to realize that bad sleeping scenarios can seriously ruin a whole camping trip. I want to save you all from making the silly mistakes that I did. And the good news is, those mistakes are pretty easy to avoid. As long as you prepare in advance and pack the sleeping essentials I’m going to highlight below, you should have nothing to worry about except sleeping so soundly that you miss the sunrise.
So what are my sleep essentials for camping that I’ll never go without? Keep reading to find out!
- Sleeping Pad
No matter how much you think you want to rough it, please don’t underestimate the wonders of a sleeping pad. They come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and weights, so you can even find a lightweight one for your next backpacking trip. Not only do they provide a little relief from the rock solid ground you’re sleeping on, but they also provide insulation by keeping you off the ground. - Camping Pillow
A pillow can make all the difference when it comes to sleep. If you’re car camping, simply bring a regular pillow from home. If you’re backpacking, every square inch of space is vital, so consider getting an inflatable backpacking pillow. If you forget a pillow, you can always pile some of your clothes and use them as a pillow. - Rain Protection
This one is a biggie! Make sure your tent is waterproof and windproof. If you’re able, set your tent up on a tarp to prevent any moisture from leaking in from the bottom of your tent. If your tent isn’t fully waterproof, purchase a tent cover. Trust me, you won’t regret it when you and all your things stay dry during an unexpected storm. - Wool Socks
Speaking of warmth, don’t forget to pack your wool socks for night, especially when camping in cold weather. Wool socks will keep your feet warmer than traditional socks because they are better insulators. - Hat and Scarf
A warm hat and scarf are a must for cold weather camping. Even a light hat and scarf can make a big difference in keeping your ears and neck warm. I’ve noticed that when my ears and toes are warm, the rest of me is usually pretty warm too! - Bug Net
This is mostly for campers who prefer the hammock life. If you don’t plan to camp in a tent, I recommend investing in a mosquito net for your hammock. There’s nothing worse that a million bugs biting you all night long.
Is there anything you would add to this list? Now that you have everything you need for a good night’s rest, enjoy the sound of nature as you drift off to sleep on your next camping trip.
In health & happiness,
