The perfect tent site sometimes requires a bit of searching and planning but it may be worth spending some time finding a good area to place your tent. Rocks in the back, grass under the head and slopes have never contributed to a good night’s sleep.
Sleeping in a tent is a cozy and protected way to sleep outside, and is practical when it is humid and cold.
There is something special about being able to fall asleep and wake up in nature. In fact, regardless of the weather. You can have it as cozy as you like inside your tent, even if the storm rages outside. It’s so wonderful! But for it to be so cozy, there are some things that are good to think about.
Where should you camp?
In some places in nature, camping is prohibited. You are not allowed to camp where you want.
Is it flat? No pieces of grass sticking up, no slope in any direction, no pinecones in the back?
Is it dry? The tent floor will resist a bit of moisture but it should not be so much water or moist that you can feel it with your fingers.
Is there water nearby? It is convenient if there is a stream of water next to your campsite, for washing dishes, for putting out fires and swimming and, if you are in the mountains, also for drinking. But it is advised that you set up your tent a few meters above the water to get away from the cold air that can collect there.
Is it windy? A little wind is good so mosquitoes blow away, but if you are in a mountain environment and it blows a lot, you may need to look for shelter.
Is it possible to start a fire? If you want to cuddle by a campfire, it is good to camp where it is possible to set up a fire in a safe way.
Is the grass unnecessarily high? Ticks like to hang in tall leaves of grass. Avoid camping in tall grass if you want to avoid ticks. Also look for nearby ants and avoid them.
Is the sun shining? Where? And when? If the sun flows over your tent in the morning, it can get unbearably hot in there. Is it possible to look it up in the morning shade – choose it.
First and foremost
Be sure to set the tent in the morning shade. Look for some trees to set the tent close to. The tree also protects against possible rain during the night and the branches can work well as a hanger.
In addition to morning shade, it is good to find a place with proper airflow. Leave a decimeter-wide gap open in the zipper up at the roof of the entrance during the night. That way, the tent gets a little extra ventilation, something that is important all year round, but maybe a little extra important days in the heat. If it is too little, you can leave it completely open – with the mosquito net closed, of course!
In the same way that the tent gets cooler with air penetration, it is a good way to keep the sleeping bag cold. Open a gap in the bottom of the sleeping bag and the air will cool it down a bit.
Open the sleeping bag
Another good tip for those who sleep in a sleeping bag on a hot summer day is to sleep in a sheet in the sleeping bag, either a regular duvet cover or a specially sewn sleeping bag sheet that you crawl into. The sheet absorbs any sweat and protects the sleeping bag a bit. If it is even warmer, the sheet is perfect to sleep in as it is, with the sleeping bag available in case it gets a little cold during the night.
Another tip is to have a water bottle close at hand when you wake up and are warm – it is also nice to have ready for morning coffee!
The best tip of all is probably still to make sure to choose a sleeping place with care – care as in a bathing place. The best way to start the day, whether the night has been hot or cold, is of course with a morning swim!
Sleep well
Before you go to bed – make sure you are full and warm. If the evening has been chilly, it is a good idea to do something physical, for example dance for a bit so you bring your body up to temperature.
Those who want to lie a little softer may want to bring two sleeping pads. Lay a thinner bottom and a more comfortable inflatable over.
Keep track of what outdoor temperature your sleeping bag is intended for. Heat can be ventilated out by opening the bag, but a sleeping bag that is too thin can make the night unnecessarily cold.
If you are cold
If it still gets colder than you thought in the evening and you wake up freezing, you can put some
things, like a blanket or down jacket, over the sleeping bag. If you instead put on another sweater inside the sleeping bag, you only make it cramped and harder for the air to stay warm.
The experienced person changes and puts on a base that is clean and dry when it’s time to sleep. The same applies here as when you dress during the day – avoid cotton.
Pillow and flashlight
If you want a pillow, put the fluffiest clothes in a pillowcase or in the sleeping bag case.
Put your flashlight in a specific place so that everyone can find it if the need arises during the night. Also arrange your shoes so that you can easily stick your feet in them if you have to pee.
Condensation in the tent
It is not possible to completely get rid of condensation in the tent, but with good ventilation it will at least be less. If it is warm enough, just close the mosquito net but keep the tent door open during the night. Bring a dishcloth and wipe off the condensation when you wake up in the morning.
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