Camping Essentials: The Ultimate Checklist for Sleeping Under the Stars
Going on overnight adventures in nature may be fun and satisfying, but it can also be challenging and even dangerous. This is why, regardless of how experienced you are, preparation is vital. One of the most important aspects to think about when you are getting ready is safe and comfortable sleeping in nature. So, amongst the other quality camping equipment, you need to have the best hiking sleeping bag and all the other items that will make up your backpacking sleeping system.
When you are going on an outdoor adventure, one of the many things you need to take into account is the load you will carry on your back, because otherwise, instead of enjoying nature, you will be spending hours in pain, fighting with the weight of your backpack. So, like everything else you take on your hiking trip, your sleeping system, that is, everything you need to sleep comfortably, should be compact, lightweight, and easy to assemble and disassemble.
Sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows, bivy bags, tents, etc., are incredibly versatile with a wide range of different options available. There are many different brands, styles and materials to choose from which can make it really hard to find the best place to buy sleeping bags. A good store, specialised in camping equipment, will offer everything you need for a good night’s sleep, with experienced staff that can help you choose the best option for you. So, what exactly do you need?
Sleeping Bags
One of the most important parts of your sleeping system, your sleeping bag will protect you from the weather, keeping you warm and dry, and while also providing you comfort. Sleeping bags come in different styles, sizes, comfort levels, temperature rates, as well as weight.
If you are someone who backpacks regularly, you may need to have more than one sleeping bag. If that’s not the case, and you only hike during the warmer months or during the colder months, then the weather conditions are the most important thing you need to take into consideration. However, you should never underestimate the ability of nature to surprise us. In other words, always be prepared for unexpected low temperatures, regardless of the time of year, and choose a sleeping bag rated at least a little bit lower than the temperature that you expect.
Think about the materials and the insulation, think about the water resistance, wind resistance, level of comfort, and of course the weight and compactness – to ensure that you can comfortably wear your backpack. Nowadays, the best sleeping bags can compress to very small units, leaving space in your backpack for all the other things you need, with great temperature rates and comfort levels. Furthermore, one more reason why you may need to have more than one option if you sometimes go with a partner, in which case you should look for the best double sleeping bag.
Sleeping Bivy
For harsher weather conditions, as well as for hiking in rougher terrains and places, where setting up a tent can be hard or impossible, you can carry a sleeping bivy. Bivies are just slightly longer than sleeping bags and mattresses, which means that you can use them anywhere where you can open your sleeping bag. Originally, they were designed as emergency shelters, for instance for climbers and today you can find them in different styles, sizes, materials, features, etc.
Sleeping bivies are also a great option if you want to sleep out in the open, essentially directly under the stars, without a tent to create a visual barrier between you and nature. More importantly, they offer you more freedom, as they weigh less than a tent, and they can create a safe shelter in a similar manner.
Sleeping Pad or Mattress
While they may not be as essential as sleeping bags, sleeping pads or mats can make a huge difference in your outdoor adventure. Using one will make your sleeping much more comfortable, helping you rest better and gather energy for the rest of your adventure, but it will also give you more insulation. When you visit that store you’ve determined to be the best place to buy sleeping bags, you can find sleeping mats or pads that fit perfectly with the sleeping bag you’ve chosen. Alternatively, you can choose your one based on how much warmth they provide, as well as, once again, the weight.
Camping Pillow
Another item that may not be essential, but will improve your sleeping experience significantly, camping pillows can be incredibly lightweight, and worth. There are different types of camping pillows available in camping stores. The smallest and most lightweight ones are of course the inflatable pillows, which can pack down to very small sizes. Furthermore, you can get a foam pillow, which can also be quite light, but not as compact as an air pillow. Lastly, there are pillows designed to be stuffed with clothes, which can be an incredible space-saver.
Tent
Anyone who wants to camp needs a tent. While a bivy can be a great alternative, and sometimes even a better solution, a good tent is definitely a camping essential. They come in a wide range of options and choosing one can take some time. Essentially it depends on the style of camping you like, how many people might sleep in it, how easy to assemble you need it to be, whether you want to set up a camp and stay there for a while, or you only need it for sleeping in different spots, your personal preferences, and so on.
