Camping gives us the unique opportunity to shed many modern
conveniences and enjoy being closer to nature. That doesn’t mean giving
up the comfort and rejuvenation of sleep. With the right gear and
preparation we can sleep soundly as well as appreciate starry night
skies and fresh air.
Gear for Sleeping Outdoors
Whether you’re camping or backpacking, how can you increase the odds
that you’ll sleep soundly in the outdoors? A good start is to have the
right gear:
Sleeping bag: Choose a sleeping bag with a style and temperature rating appropriate for your destination.
- Car camping bags are typically cut wider, offering more roll-around room (good for comfort) but less efficiency for retaining body heat (not so good on extra-chilly nights). Some rectangular styles can be unzipped to use as a quilt on milder nights.
- Backpacking bags are mummy shaped for a closer, warmer fit, and are usually lighter in weight. Many are filled with goose or duck down, which compresses more readily than synthetic fill.