In the summer, I love getting closer to nature while hiking and camping, but I have learned that I don’t love sleeping on the hard ground as much as I did as a child, and I bet you don’t either. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available to have a comfortable get away to nature.
Get off the ground.
My biggest complaint about camping, and the thing we’ll spend the most time on, is problems with sleeping on the ground on the rocks and roots. There are 3 main ways we can overcome this
Get a good pad, or mattress for inside a tent: For this you have many options, and you may want to try things out to see what works best for you. Some ideas to get you started include Pilates mats, inflatable sleeping pads, foam mats, or even air mattresses.
Use a camp cot: For those of you who have a hard time getting off the ground or are stiff in the mornings this may be your best option. Camp cots, also known as scout cots or army cots, generally have a metal frame with canvas strung across it. You can use an extra pad if you’d like, and they even can make a good emergency bed if you have people over.
3. Try Hammock Camping: For those of you who want to pack lighter or want to feel closer to the trees, hammock camping may be your answer. Camping hammocks are smaller and lighter than your typical backyard hammock, and with some bug netting and a tarp, make for a good night’s sleep. In fact, this is what I usually use when camping. Just be sure to use webbing and not rope around the trees you use so they’re protected.
Bring a good chair
In car campgrounds the table may not be as important, but you will want to have a good camp chair. Sling chairs work well for many people but there also chairs that fold down to the same size that have solid arms which may be better for you if you have a hard time getting out of chairs. If you’re backpacking, you may want to use you a hammock or folding stool as a chair (just be mindful that you don’t eat where you sleep in bear country).
Use Hiking Poles
If you find yourself dreading the downhills, worried about your balance on uneven terrain, or want a little more support for creek crossings, hiking poles may be your answer. Using one or two you can offload some pressure on your knees and get more stability on uneven or slippery surfaces.
If you want some guidance on how to get stronger for your outdoor adventures, schedule a free consultation.