Outdoor adventures are amazing but exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Getting a good sleep can be challenging when you’re far away from your own bed. Here are our top 3 tips to stay well-rested in the wild!
Don’t cheap out on gear
Are you using an old ratty sleeping bag that you found somewhere in the back of your garage? Not a good idea. To get a good sleep, your sleeping bag shouldn’t only be comfortable, but also appropriate for the climate you’re in.
Sleeping bags typically come with handy temperature ratings – in the summer, a 35 degree Fahrenheit sleeping bag will usually be sufficient, while in the winter your sleeping bag should be more in the minus 10 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit range. And that isn’t even a guarantee you’ll stay warm, but at least you’ll be sure you won’t freeze to death.
You may also want to consider investing in a sleeping pad. Sleeping pads are great to keep your back, knees and elbows from being sore and they can help with cold ground temperatures as well.
Stow your stuff away
Wild animals have incredibly good noses and know how to find sustenance, so the goal is to be as scent-neutral as possible. Snacks in your tent and stuffed garbage bags are both big no-no’s. Depending on where you camp, the scavengers can range from raccoons to bears, who go crazy over peanut butter, white bread and marshmellows.
If you want to have peace of mind when you go to sleep, make sure you stow away all leftovers, food, and even toiletries. Use metal food lockers to store your food and beware of extra crumbs, wrappers of garbage.
The perfect PJ’s
The rule of thumb when sleeping in the wild is: put on layers! If you’re camping in an area that gets hot during the day but cold during the night, it’s nice to be able to just put on some extra clothing at night. Make sure the extra clothing is easy to put on and take off, because during the wee hours, you could be waking up repeatedly too hot or too cold.
Your PJ’s should be dry and free of sweat. Go for long underwear and socks – they are your best bet!