HOW TO SLEEP WELL WHILE CAMPING

- 2023-08-05

For climbers, hikers and fishermen, camping is a means to an end. To catch that elusive fish or get up that mountain often involves a cold, uncomfortable night or two in a small tent. For others, camping is the adventure. At Front Runner, we build gear for all types of campers and want you to have the best experience while out there; here are a few tips to help you sleep better while enjoying the great outdoors.

Choose the right campsite

When choosing a campsite, look for a level, dry, and bug-free spot. Next, check the weather app on your smartphone and ensure your tent is set up to handle whatever is predicted. Finally, to minimize disturbances, ensure your tent is an adequate distance from noisy areas, such as roads, water sources and bathroom facilities in public campsites.

Ground Tent vs Roof Tent 

Ensuring your ground tent is correctly stretched across its poles and staked down securely goes a long way to a peaceful night (we don’t want to mention the wind, but…). Of course, this goes for the fly sheets too. In addition, if you're camping in cold weather, a ground sheet underneath your tent will help keep you warmer. Also, seal any gaps in your tent to keep the heat in.

A roof top tent will keep you elevated and away from any ground-dwelling creepy crawlies. A Front Runner Roof Top Tent is made of durable 260g poly-cotton ripstop fabric, which is water-repellent, ensuring you stay dry and out of the wind. This tent has a waterproof rainfly sheet that is easy to remove or install using side-release buckles. Most people usually leave it on unless in a sweltering place where it hardly ever rains. Roof tents offer peace of mind as you still feel connected to your vehicle when in one. They should also give you a good night’s rest if you remember to pack your pillow and have a suitable sleeping bag.

Prepare for the night

We all have pre-bedtime routines such as reading a book, changing into comfy clothes or no electronic devices. These routines certainly help individuals feel in control of their sleep cycles.

While camping is all about breaking away from regular routines, we suggest holding on to those which help you sleep better.

Research suggests that having a cold shower before bed helps relax the muscles and slow down your heart rate, thus leading to better sleep. The Front Runner Camp Shower will help you do just that. Pop the submersible pump into a water container, and away you go. Read more about upgrading your campsite shower game, here.

Block out the light and noise

Modern tents are great at keeping all light out of your tent. Camping near a river, the ocean or in the wilderness offers the best ambient sounds for sleep – we call it nature’s white noise. If you're camping in a potentially noisy public site or at a festival, then earplugs might be a good idea.

Stay cool (or warm)

Diesel heaters have become all the rage, and now you have no excuse for not camping in the winter or extreme cold anymore. Once the diesel heater is up and running, it will keep your tent and vehicle at the set temperature. If camping in hot weather, you should also bring a portable fan or air conditioner. Stick water bottles in your fridge during the day and sip the cold water at night. Some people spend a few minutes in their vehicles with the aircon cranked up before hopping into their tents for the night.

Opening all the tent vents allows for the circulation of cooler air and prevents the buildup of stuffiness inside. By employing these techniques, you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience during the summer months. Get more tips on summer camping here.

Ensure your sleeping bag temperature rating meets the temperatures you expect on your trip. If you are worried your sleeping bag is not up to the task, pack a thermal liner. They don’t add much bulk to your bag and can add up to five degrees Celsius.

The right mattress or sleeping mat is even more critical than your sleeping bag choice as it increases comfort and helps keep the heat in (and cold from the ground out). For more winter camping tips, click here.

Keep bugs away

Dealing with mosquitoes and other bothersome insects while camping can be pretty frustrating. The first thing you must do is keep your tent closed at all times. Ensuring personal protection against insects is crucial. You can opt for non-DEET insect repellent options and use citronella candles to deter bugs, however, sleeping under a mosquito net and using a repellent containing a higher percentage of DEET is advisable in areas with a high risk of malaria. In addition, we suggest switching off unnecessary lighting during the night. Following these measures can better safeguard you against pesky insects while camping.