Tips for an unforgettable night in your tent
Many people refuse to experience camping because they find it uncomfortable, old-fashioned or too "wild". However, in the spring/summer season there is no nicer plan than camping for a night under the stars. That's why, whether you want to convince someone to join you or you just want some tips, today we'll give you some tips for sleeping in a tent. Ready to spend a beautiful night in nature?
The dream equipment for sleeping in a tent
One of the keys to sleeping well in a tent is to have the right equipment, which will help you to be more comfortable.
- Sleeping bagYou need to choose a sleeping bag that is suitable for where you are going, i.e. with the right style and thermal capacity for your destination.
Sleeping bags for cars are usually wider and offer more space to move around, which makes them more comfortable, but also less efficient at retaining body heat (not at all useful on very cold nights).
Rectangular sleeping bags, on the other hand, can be unzipped for use as a quilt on milder nights.
In the case of sleeping bags specifically for backpackers, these have a better fit to the body, retain warmth and are also lighter in weight.
You can also find some sleeping bags filled with goose or duck feathers, which compress better and are warmer than synthetics.
- Sleeping padTo improve the quality of your sleep, you can choose one of the three types available on the market. That is, self-inflating, air-filled and closed-cell foam.
When planning a night in a tent, it is best to choose super-lightweight air models or closed-cell pads.
- Eye mask and ear plugsEspecially in summer, an eye mask and earplugs can be extremely important, as the sun rises early and you can sleep more relaxed thanks to the noise insulation - personally I'm not a big fan of these items, but I won't deny that they can make your night much more pleasant.
How to prepare for sleeping in the tent
Once you have set up your tent, it's time to organise everything before bedtime. It is best to start at dusk, but when there is some light, obviously. This way, you will be able to prepare everything in advance and enjoy the experience of the night in nature more.
It is extremely important that you place lights in strategic places so that no one trips over the tent stakes. It is also important to place at least one lamp or torch inside the tentSome now even come with LED lights!
Yes you are travelling with your family and young children It is important that they keep familiar routines such as brushing their teeth, for example. In this way, they can get used to the environment and enjoy the trip more.
On the other hand, it is not recommended that you place food or scented items inside your tent, as this can impregnate your clothing with odours and attract wild animals during the night. We recommend that you read the rules for safe food storage at the place where you decide to camp.
Similarly, it is important that do not sleep in damp, wet, dirty or sweaty clothes.. The mountain clothing recommended for sleeping are long, clean bedding and warm socks! It is important to remember not to sleep with too many clothes on because the sleeping bag cannot absorb body heat well. If you are cold, simply place a duvet or jacket over your sleeping bag.
Another issue is that of the physiological needs. It is recommended that you urinate twice before going to bed and 20 to 30 minutes before going to sleep so that you don't have to go out in the middle of the night. Also, don't forget to prepare a sandal area near the exit of the tent, as well as having a lamp or torch at hand.
Finally, be aware that during the night you may hear noises of wild animals roaming around your camp. However, don't worry if you've stored your food well, there's nothing to be scared of.
Keys to staying warm at night
All experienced campers have their tricks for keeping warm at night. Even if it's summer, if you go to the mountains, the temperature is likely to drop a lot. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Eat something before you go to bed. Digestion will warm you internally, which will generate the warmth you need to sleep comfortably.
- Drink a warm - non-alcoholic - drink before going to sleep. Alcohol is not recommended because it dilates blood vessels, which stimulates heat loss.
- Do some exercise before you go to bed and fall asleep. Not too much, as you might be sweaty or activate your body in a way that keeps you wide awake. This is a great way to warm up your body and sleep better.
- Remember to wear their long underwear and clean, dry socks.
- Wear a woollen hat if you are cold when you first get into your sleeping bag.
- Put the hood of the sleeping bag around your head, even if you are wearing a hat. On sub-zero nights, you may end up leaving only an opening big enough for your nose and mouth.
- Add a closed cell foam mat or pad under your sleeping pad. You will get better insulation.
- If the sleeping bag is very large, place dry clothes inside your sleeping bag to fill the empty spaces and to reduce the area your body needs to warm up.
- Tip: you can place a bottle of warm water near the centre of your body, as this is where the main heat-generating area of your body is located. To warm up even faster, try placing it near your femoral arteries, i.e. between your legs.
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