Outdoor prepping: How to make camping more comfortable

The beauty of the great outdoors beckons millions of nature-loving individuals each year. Camping is a great way to fully immerse oneself in nature. However, there’s often a learning curve with tent camping, especially in regard to sleeping comfortably.

A tent is designed to keep campers out of the elements and to prevent bugs from bothering campers while they sleep. Tents come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some larger tents even capable of sleeping six or more people. One of the most important components to consider when planning a camping trip is sleeping and bedding. A good night’s sleep is worth its weight in gold, and can mean the difference between an enjoyable experience and cranky, out-of-sorts campers.

The following are some guidelines to maximize tent comfort while camping:

Tent size and location

Calculate how many people will be on the camping trip and how much space they will need to rest comfortably. Purchase or rent a tent that will provide enough space. Multiple tents also can be used if the goal is to separate family members.

The next consideration is where to set up camp. Look for a level area that is relatively free from debris. Clear away any rocks and twigs, as debris under the tent can damage it and make it harder to fall asleep.

Families may want to camp a short distance from restroom facilities if they are available, which will make it easier for the midnight bathroom breaks that inevitably crop up.

Invest in quality gear

In addition to the tent, campers will need a tarp/ground cover to place under the tent. This helps prevent moisture seepage from the soil.

Next, determine how everyone will sleep, whether on the ground or in cots. Cots can be the most comfortable options, but they take up a lot of space and can be heavy to transport, which is less than ideal when backpacking to a campsite. Inflatable mattresses or sleeping pads can be used in conjunction with sleeping bags to provide a soft, cushioned surface. Some are affordable at $40 while others may cost as much as $300. Costlier options may be best for frequent campers.

Account for the temperature

Temperature will go a long way toward improving or compromising comfort. Choose sleeping bags rated for the temperature. If

you’ll be doing plenty of fall or winter camping, you’ll have a place to sleep that’s designed to be used at the time of year you’re camping.

When sleeping in warm temperatures, dress so you can add or remove layers as needed. A portable, battery-operated fan also can be a game-changer if it is hot and stuffy in the tent.

Adjust sound accordingly

Some people love drifting off to sleep to the sound of crickets, while others are kept awake by the nighttime sounds of nature. Foam earplugs can mute some of those sounds and even the snoring of a tent partner. Campers also can set up a charged smartphone with a white noise app and use that to block out unwanted noises.

Additional tips

When traveling with kids, bring a few creature comforts along, such as a favorite pair of pajamas or stuffed animals. This can make the unfamiliar sounds and sights of sleeping outdoors a little less scary. Also, if possible, do a trial run camping in the yard to gauge how kids react in advance and plan accordingly to make improvements.

Comfort and camping are not exactly synonymous

Many people look forward to roughing it in the wild and intentionally eschew comfort in an effort to create what they feel is a more authentic camping experience. But those who want the best of both worlds can try various strategies to combine camping and comfort.

• Focus on a good night’s rest. A good night’s rest can be elusive for novice and experienced campers alike. Thankfully, campers can explore various options to make their nights out in the wild more conducive to sleep. The outdoor recreation experts at REI note that there are three types of sleeping pads: self-inflating, air and closed-cell foam. REI recommends air pads or closed-cell pads for backpackers, as these are lightweight options that won’t make backpacking more difficult. Self-inflating pads work better for car camping, as these are heavier but also thicker and wider than the alternatives, providing more comfort and support. Bring along a pillow from home or an inflatable camp pillow for added comfort.

• Invest in a good cooler. It’s easy to take food and beverages for granted when planning a camping trip. However, when camping for a weekend or longer, a good cooler can ensure food and beverages stay cold without forcing campers to make routine ice runs. Lightweight coolers with thick walls and sufficient insulation won’t prove a chore to lug to and from the campsite and they will be highly effective at keeping meat, fish and beverages cold during your trip.

• Increase your body heat before going to bed. Nighttime temperatures can dip even when camping in summertime. Few people find it easy to fall asleep when they’re cold, but a few simple tricks can ensure you’re warm and comfortable when it’s time to call it a night. REI recommends wearing long underwear overnight and putting on a fresh pair of clean, dry socks before going to bed. In addition, eating a light meal or snack before bed will start the digestion process, which can warm your internal body temperature and make it easier to sleep comfortably.

• Spice things up. Food cooked over an open flame is undeniably delicious, but it’s easy for campers to forget that such meals are made even better with spices. But foods made around the campfire need not be bland. Spice bottles are portable and don’t take up much space. Salt and pepper are must-haves, but it’s easy for campers to tote along additional favorite spices to make mealtime that much more palatable.

— Metro Editorial Services