How Do You Sleep Comfortably in a Tent? Camping Mattress Sleeping Tips

After a long day of exploring nature, it feels good to hunker down for a great night's sleep. But let's face it! It's hard to fall asleep while camping. Every seasoned camper can tell a scary story about a collapsed tent, a wet sleeping bag, or a punctured air mattress. While this is inevitable in rare cases because of the volatile nature of the outdoors, the right gear can virtually minimize such incidents and ensure precious sleep moments for each night of your camping trip. 

Keep reading to find out how to sleep comfortably on your upcoming camping trip.

Gear for Sleeping Outdoor

Giving up your bed doesn't mean you should forego a restful night's sleep. Discover the right gear for your camping trip to enhance your sleep experience outdoors.

• Floor Futon Mattress

It only takes one restless night to transform your much-anticipated camping trip into a getaway from hell. While the adventure of residing outdoors with little luxuries sounds appealing, the reality of spending the night on the ground will suddenly lose its glamour if you're not organized.

A floor futon mattress can be a safe bet for those who find it challenging to stay comfortable at night while camping. It's among the best sleeping options for campers, thanks to its lightweight and functional design. However, many futons have flooded the market, so investing in a below-average product is no surprise, as many don't deliver as advertised.

Fortunately, numerous reputable brands like MAXYOYO offer quality floor futon mattresses without an enormous price. One such example is the MAXYOYO futon mattress which is known for its elegant features. The mattress is designed to relieve physical fatigue courtesy of the quality of materials used in the making. The best part is it comes with a layer of additional padding sewn on the top surface, making it soft and enhancing circulation by minimizing pressure points.

• Sleeping Bag

Choosing a sleeping bag with a style and temperature rating that corresponds to your camping destination is essential for comfort. For example, a 30 degrees F sleeping bag might do the trick for spring and fall camping. However, this option is not suitable for extra-chilly nights. If you're camping during winter, go for something substantial such as 15 degrees or warmer. Finding the appropriate temperature rating will keep you from getting too hot or cold.

There are two types of sleeping bags, namely:

• Backpacking sleeping bags
• Car camping sleeping bags

Car camping sleeping bags are usually wider, so they hardly retain heat. As such, they can be handy for camping in warm areas. In contrast, backpacking sleeping bags have a comfortable fit, courtesy of their mummy-shaped design. This design allows them to retain plenty of heat, a bonus for campers who camp in the winter season.

• Pillows

As an outdoor devotee, you should learn how to sleep better while camping. One way to enhance every night of your camping trip is by sleeping on a comfortable pillow. Pillows can make your bed cozier, so you can easily fall asleep. Also, you don't need to purchase a new pillow each time you go camping. Instead, carry the pillow you use at home or roll up a puffy jacket into a pillow shape.

• Blanket

Blankets come to the rescue during extra-chilly nights. They keep you warm all night. However, be sure to get the right blanket for your destination. Carry thick blankets if you're camping in cool areas and thin blankets for warm areas. You don't want to become too hot or too cold at night.

Getting Ready for Bed

Getting your camp set up before bedtime allows you to unwind and enjoy the evening. That alone may help you get a great night's sleep. Learn more below:

• Choose a Proper Tent Site

Finding the best place to erect a tent is crucial for comfort, and it takes several attempts to master it. The first thing is to allocate somewhere relatively flat. If you can't find a level surface, you can make a few adjustments to keep you from sliding downhill or damaging your tent. Place extra clothes beneath the downhill side of your bedding to avoid rolling. You can also use shoes to obtain the same objective. The idea is to be creative.

Once you've secured a flat surface, clear the area of any sticks or rocks that poke upwards. You can also use a tent footprint or ground cloth to keep the base of your tent from catching dirt or getting torn.

• Avoid Over-dressing

Wearing heavy clothes inside your sleeping bag can affect the bag's ability to trap body heat. Therefore, drape items like a jacket outside your bag to provide an additional layer of insulation. Alternatively, you can come with an old comforter from home to act as an extra layer when car camping. We also recommend that you wear clothes made of light materials like silk. Ultimately, your clothing depends on the climate.

• Keep a Light Handy

Since you've disconnected from technology to explore nature, you'll have to bear with the darkness. Ensure you wear a headlamp or have a bright flashlight to illuminate your sleeping area during the night. This will help you to prepare for bed easily.

• Pee Twice Before Going to Bed

Peeing twice before bedtime can minimize midnight trips. Make sure you pee 20 to 30 minutes before going to bed and immediately before hopping into your sleeping bag.

• Prepare for Midnight Restroom Trips

In case you visit the restroom at midnight, you should prepare in advance. Place a pair of camp shoes close to your tent door. Roll down a camp towel or carpet outside your tent door to act as a foot-cleaning doormat. Lastly, place the headlamp or flashlight close to your bed.

Conclusion

Adhering to the tips highlighted in this guide can be a game-changer in enhancing your camping experience. With a bit of know-how, you can make your camping nights more appealing than it would have been sleeping in your bed at home. Just be sure to choose the right gear, particularly your sleeping mattress.