One aspect of camping that turns some away after their first time is the issue of staying warm at night while you sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night shivering, without adequate insulation to warm you back up is a very unpleasant experience, and can keep you from getting the rest you need. We’ve put together a list of just five ways you can sleep warmer while camping, and make your trip more comfortable.
1. Insulate Your Bed
No matter what type of bed you choose for your camping adventure, insulation is going to be the key to staying warm — and dry, if it’s raining — throughout the night. Place a blanket or rug between your bed and the tent floor, or between your bed and sleeping bag or other bedding for a solid layer of insulation. And it never hurts to bring an extra blanket, which can be utilized in other ways if not for your bed.
2. Wear Dry, Lightweight Layers
Some people swear by sleeping in the nude when camping, but if that’s not your jam, you’ll sleep comfortably all night in a set of lightweight layers. Either long sleeves and pants or short sleeves and shorts will work, depending on the climate and weather of your location. If you want to wear socks, change into a fresh pair. The sweat accumulated from a day of trekking will make for frosty toes later. If it’s especially cold, add a knit cap and balaclava to your apparel for full-body insulation.
3. Empty Your Bladder
It makes sense that a full bladder would keep you awake from the sensation, but help you sleep warmer while camping? It actually will. Emptying your bladder allows your body to expend energy elsewhere besides keeping its contents the same temperature, which can result in a perceived increase in body temperature. There is some debate as to whether urinating has any effect on body temperature, but ultimately, if you need to urinate in the middle of the night, just do it. You stand a much better chance of sleeping through the rest of it.
4. Hot Water Bottle or Handwarmers
A basic hot water bottle that you can purchase online or at any drugstore is a surefire way to sleep warmer while camping. All you need to do is fill it with hot water from a campfire or stove, and either preheat your sleeping bag or climb in with it and zip up. Position it at your feet, or behind your knees if you’re sleeping on your side, for radiating warmth that will help you drift off to sleep. Alternatively, you can use commercial handwarmers placed wherever you like for focused heating that will last for hours.
5. Choose Appropriate Camping Gear
Many items of camping gear on the market today are specialized for certain seasons, weather conditions, number of occupants, and terrain, and it really is important to choose gear that will be appropriate for all of the above. You will not have the same rate of success in staying warm if you are a solo person in a 6-person tent as you would in a 2-person tent. A lightweight summer tent will not do much to shield you from fierce winter winds. This is not to say you need to rush out and buy new camping gear if any of these factors changes, but know that you will have to adjust your preparation accordingly.
Featured Image from Yann Allegre/Unsplash
