Questions tagged [sleeping]

May refer to how to safely sleep or rest in the outdoors, as well as for questions about sleep gear.

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4 answers
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Any way to save down sleeping bag after washing?

My down sleeping bag began to smell not so good, so I washed it. I used lowest spin cycle possible 400 rpm and it ruined it. There were no cleaning instructions added. Some say low spin cycle on ...
Alex J.'s user avatar
  • 1,155
3 votes
1 answer
287 views

Will it be OK with sleeping mat being as wide as tent 52" both

I am looking at the Exped Duo sleeping mat as 52 inches wide and it being just as wide as the tent Nemo Aurora 2p. It this likely to cause any strange problems?
Allan Nielsen's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
290 views

Are there quiet reflective survival-style blankets?

Mylar heat blankets are very effective, especially for their size and weight. But they crinkle loudly. Does anyone have personal experience with a reflective blanket that is quiet? (My searches online ...
perpetual's user avatar
  • 271
12 votes
6 answers
7k views

Have you slept outdoors in only warm sleepwear (no bag or quilt) at or near freezing?

I have an insulated sleeping pad that I like. Has anyone successfully combined warm sleepwear with a pad for a comfortable sleep at or near freezing night temperatures? I'm referring to a tent that ...
perpetual's user avatar
  • 271
0 votes
0 answers
32 views

Down sleeping bag with 200 g fill temperature ratings [duplicate]

The advertised down sleeping bag has fill: 200 g grey duck down 90/10.700 Cuin. Other material is 20D 380T nylon. Total weight is 630 g. Temperature ratings are 9°C, limit 4°C and extreme -9°C. I don'...
Alex J.'s user avatar
  • 1,155
3 votes
1 answer
263 views

Density, weight, and compressibility of synthetic sleeping bags

I am very curious. I have frequently used a very small summer-rated sleeping bag, but have now bought a somewhat warmer bag, which is less compressible and takes more volume. It will be tested soon. ...
Al_'s user avatar
  • 39
0 votes
1 answer
1k views

self-inflatable mat damaged valve socket where to get replacement [closed]

I am looking for this plastic base cs I lost it for my self inflatable mat here is just valve https://www.openair.co.uk/camping-c11/thermarest-therm-a-rest-winglock-valve-repair-kit-p6229/s48371?cid=...
Kate's user avatar
  • 9
1 vote
7 answers
503 views

How to deal with temperature swings while sleeping in a tent?

Unlike homes, temperatures in a tent fluctuate wildly. It could easily be 20 degrees Celsius at 9pm when you’re off to sleep but then only 5 degrees when you wake up in the morning. This causes an ...
JonathanReez's user avatar
  • 2,997
8 votes
2 answers
702 views

How to avoid slugs on the face in a bivvy bag

I slept out in my bivvy bag (UK army surplus goretex bag with a synthetic sleeping bag inside) in the woods recently, and woke twice to find a big fat slug on my face. It's never happened before. I ...
aucuparia's user avatar
  • 2,320
17 votes
10 answers
7k views

Keeping a backpack from being stolen whilst sleeping in a tent

In the past, I have always slept with my backpack wedged uncomfortably beside me due to limited room in a fully manned tent, since I'm concerned about bag theft when miles away from civilization. ...
James Paul Turner's user avatar
77 votes
7 answers
13k views

Sleeping solo in a double sleeping bag

I'm buying a double sleeping bag for travels with my girlfriend. Parameters (of the bag, not the girlfriend): 1500g of goose down, 680 in³/oz (393 cm³/g), 90/10% down/feather, rated to -9...-15°C T-...
Alexander's user avatar
  • 1,770
6 votes
2 answers
826 views

Using paddles to support a bug net

Would it be possible to use canoe paddles - and eventually some cords and beach stakes - to hang a bug net such as this? Our paddles will be about 2 meters (6.5 feet) long and can be split in half, ...
Dakatine's user avatar
  • 4,585
6 votes
1 answer
485 views

What is an alternative sleep system if I don't want to use a down mummy bag for winter camping?

I would like to winter camp in a 4-season tent but am interested in alternatives to mummy sleeping bags. I want to avoid that shape. What alternative sleep systems do people use that are appropriate ...
birch's user avatar
  • 1,013
6 votes
3 answers
592 views

Hypothermia risk from deflated sleeping pad

The inflatable sleeping pad I bought last year is leaking air and I'm debating the wisdom of taking a replacement to Alaska in September. When working, it's more comfortable than a foam pad. But I ...
zadrozny's user avatar
  • 161
3 votes
2 answers
608 views

Two person sleeping bag liner for sleeping bag/staying in a hut?

I am in eager search for any suggestions in terms of a personal sleeping bag liner we use for winter in our zipped together sleeping bags and for our summer tour we’re we mostly stay in huts. We ...
canIchangethis's user avatar
12 votes
4 answers
3k views

Self inflatable mats: the more air, the more comfortable?

I always read that if a self inflatable mat feels too hard we should blow extra air in it (with the mouth) to make it softer, more comfortable. My 7.5cm thick Vango Adventure feels way too hard after ...
drake035's user avatar
  • 223
10 votes
4 answers
6k views

How much of a temperature difference does a reflective sleeping pad make?

There are foam sleeping pads with a reflective surface on one side like this one with instructions to use the reflective side for maximum warmth. I don't doubt that it is warmer, but I do wonder by ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
170 views

How comfortable are pump sacks for air matresses?

I am considering getting a new air mattress for situations where I want to save weight. I already have a large comfortable one for when I drive to camping with a car. So I saw a system which costs a ...
rumtscho's user avatar
  • 1,552
5 votes
2 answers
1k views

What are the nighttime temperatures in Baxter State Park in June?

I'll be hiking through Baxter State Park, in Maine, in June. I am traveling as light as possible as I will be crossing multiple ridges. I have a 30F sleeping bag and a 0F bag. The 30F bag is much ...
mreff555's user avatar
  • 603
14 votes
6 answers
10k views

What are the pros and cons of air pads vs foam pads for backpacking?

Backpacking sleeping pads come in two basic types, foam and air, with some of the air pads being self-inflating. What are the pros and cons of each and how would one decide which type to get?
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
401 views

What should go in an inflatable sleeping pad repair kit?

While backpacking with an inflatable or self-inflating sleeping pad one runs the risk of getting holes in it. This does happen fairly frequently, and while they do make kits, I would like to know ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

Are Oxygen shortages possible in closed bivouacs?

I used to think this question was a bit ridiculous. The volume of air that we take in while breathing may be high but the lungs only consume 25% of the oxygen for any breath and the rest is returned. ...
eigenvector's user avatar
44 votes
6 answers
17k views

Is it warmer to sleep with an empty bladder?

One of the recommendations for sleeping warm is to empty your bladder before bed, When your bladder is full, your body is expending energy keeping that liquid warm. If you empty it out, your body ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
2k views

How to manage the risks of sleeping and cooking in a camper van?

There is a significant proportion of individuals who enjoy the Great Outdoors that also travel to the wilderness in vehicles converted for camping (RV, Vans, some boats etc). For those living an ...
Venture2099's user avatar
  • 2,889
8 votes
1 answer
286 views

How best to arrange a rope that you intend to sleep on top of

Recently i was forced to take a long nap in a particular set of toilets at the top of a particular peak after missing the last bin down. I had no bivvy gear, but the toilets were heated and i was ...
llama's user avatar
  • 1,962
3 votes
1 answer
136 views

How to pick a good camping airbed?

I'll start with two examples of what I don't want. Two years ago, we bought a double Kathmandu airbed in some camping shop in New Zealand. It wasn't cheap, and it was really good for a month of ...
domen's user avatar
  • 139
8 votes
3 answers
3k views

Would it be warmer to sleep at the bottom or on the side of a valley?

Given that temperature decreases with altitude, and yet inversions happen where cold air is below warmer air, as a general rule of thumb, where would the warmest place to sleep be? Here is one place ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
302 views

What should one look for in a bivy sack?

After a rather unpleasant experience with my current bivy sack, I am looking to replace it. I know that I want one that will hold up in rain, but what else should I look for?
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
308 views

Machine Washable Sleeping Cot

I am looking for a machine washable sleeping cot (metal/aluminum frame off the ground). I have seen that most cots are made out of a water resistant material (nylon/polyester/canvas) 600D. I have seen ...
user58446's user avatar
  • 181
30 votes
6 answers
4k views

What sleep quality do you get in the outdoors?

I should say I haven't ever done anything very outdoorsy, but I would like to make sleeping outdoors a part of the bicycle touring which I hope to do. But a worry for me is that I have always had ...
lazyrabbit's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
5k views

What are other alternatives to Sleeping pads?

What are alternate options that one can use as a sleeping pad if he/she doesn't have one along? P.S.: Lets assume that he/she has a tent. And we are not talking about any sorts of extreme weather and ...
WedaPashi's user avatar
  • 31.7k
20 votes
11 answers
15k views

Considerations for older campers?

I grew up car camping with my parents several times a year, but as they've gotten older (early 60s), they basically stopped camping. Recently, they've expressed interest in camping again but I'm ...
Chris Mendez's user avatar
  • 7,210
10 votes
5 answers
2k views

Staying warm in a lightweight sleeping bag

I've got a winter sleeping bag rated down to -40c but its heavy and it won't get that cold where I am going. The coldest it will be is +5 to -5. I've another lightweight sleeping bag rated 5 degrees ...
Andrew Welch's user avatar
  • 1,327
18 votes
2 answers
7k views

How do I attach a hammock to trees?

On my next vacation, I will be camping in a tent on a designated campsite. I saw somebody use a hammock for lounging during the day last time, so quickly got a cheap hammock from eBay, with a "let's ...
rumtscho's user avatar
  • 1,552
9 votes
3 answers
444 views

Using a synthetic sleeping bag on/under it's limit

I've got a sleeping bag, rated at 15°c comfort, 6° limit and -8° extreme. I'm planning on a backpacking trip bivvying with a tarp. Currently the nighttime temperature is about 2-4°c. Is there any way ...
tomandco's user avatar
  • 133
6 votes
2 answers
24k views

Memory foam mattress topper for camping?

I bought a queen-sized four-inch memory topper and cut it into two halves to get two twin(ish)-sized toppers. I use one half on my bed at home, but that left me with another extra half. I've heard ...
rinogo's user avatar
  • 161
15 votes
3 answers
11k views

Snake on chest while sleeping?

Now, this is not very common, however I have heard it enough times from people to know that it actually does happen. When sleeping in the open or in an open tent (yes, i know you shouldn't), snakes ...
G.Rassovsky's user avatar
15 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is it safe to sleep for more than 16 hrs a day at altitudes above 6000m?

I am planning for a trek at the Advance Base Camp or if possible up to Camp II of Saser Kangri. The region is so deserted of people and expeditionists/mountaineers that there are usually only two to ...
WedaPashi's user avatar
  • 31.7k
13 votes
4 answers
23k views

Pros and cons of Tent vs bivvy bag

Tent vs bivvy bag - different camping experience, protection from the elements, comfort and weight? What are the pros and cons of both? Is it even a valid comparison - e.g. is it viable to rely on ...
Andrew Welch's user avatar
  • 1,327
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

Does a cotton lined sleeping bag make sense?

I have always been under the impression that cotton is the enemy of a hiker - it absorbs moisture and just becomes a horrible wet casing around you, transferring away all the heat. I was therefore ...
Sander's user avatar
  • 594
39 votes
9 answers
38k views

Sleeping in twos in one hammock

My girlfriend and I both like sleeping in hammocks in the outdoors. We now sleep in two separate hammocks. However, I've seen many hammocks that are designed, or at least make it possible to sleep ...
Ben's user avatar
  • 890