There really is nothing to compare with sleeping under the stars in the great outdoors. Tasting the fresh air, hearing the dawn chorus and counting the stars always makes for a fantastic trip.
Camping gives us a sense of freedom that is seldom found in the city. Limited only by your imagination and your two feet, you can literally make your home anywhere (with accordance to trespassing laws) you see fit.
What we often fail to remember is that sleeping under the stars is often cold, uncomfortable and windy!
There’s no Tempurpedic mattress or puffed up pillows in the great outdoors. Sleeping on hard ground, particularly for the first time, can often be somewhat alarming.
Don’t panic though, with the right preparations, you’ll soon be coming out under the stars every chance you get! To help you along we have written our top 5 tips for a perfect nights sleep under the stars.
Weird Noises
The biggest nature shock you are most likely to experience camping under the stars is the noise. Far from the hum of the fridge or the constant traffic, alien sounds of rustling winds, animals moving and birds calling will greet you under the stars and may have you wide awake into the early hours.
The other noise factor of course is snoring when sharing with someone else. The sensible and simple cure for this is earplugs. Just pop them in, drown out the sound and fall asleep peacefully.
Be Warm
One of the most common stories we hear is how someones camping trip was ruined by the cold weather.
However, it’s a simple fix – get the right clothes. This doesn’t just mean buying an all-weather jacket. This means buying several base layers, a thick fleece, beanie and some warm gloves. Make sure your layers are all made from high wicking material that allows moisture to pass through the fabric.
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Pitch Perfect
The great thing about camping is that you can literally choose anywhere you wish to pitch your tent. However, the amount of times I’ve seen people pitch their tent on an angle or rough terrain is quite astounding.
No one wants all their gear sliding into them in the night or constantly having to roll over to avoid roots or stones. Pitch on a flat area with a soft surface such as thick grass or sand. If you want to get fancy, pitch your tent near a view. There is no better feeling than pulling open the tent zipper and witnessing a majestic view!
Choose The Right Sleeping Bag
Probably the most important tip – choose the right sleeping bag for the conditions that you will be camping in. All sleeping bags have temperature ratings that should guide you in your decision. If you’re camping in July then a minimum level sleeping bag will do just fine.
However, if you’re coming at altitude or in winter then you are going to need a thicker (and more expensive) one. When using your sleeping bag, always remember to sleep with a base layer of clothes to avoid sweat building up in the material. Sleeping bags are notoriously difficult to wash and dry, so keeping it clean is a must.
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Use An Air Mattress or Thermarest Mat
One of the best ways to guarantee a good nights sleep under the stars is to pack an airbed or thermarest mat. These mattresses or mats are simply the best way to avoid a stiff back as you’ll be well off the ground and snug in your sleeping bag. Not only this, but being off the ground also allows your body to keep warmer by insulating your body heat into the mattress or mat. The best bit is these mattresses or mats are super light, easily inflated and can be folded down into your pack.
We hope you have enjoyed our top 5 tips for a perfect nights sleep under the stars. We hope you have the time of your life camping in the wild and get a great night’s sleep.
