This is a partner post in collaboration with Edobles.com.
Videos by Outdoors with Bear Grylls
1. Use an Air Mattress or a Cot
Anyone who’s ever been in boy scouts or girl scouts has used a sleeping pad. That’s fine if you’re backpacking in the deep woods and need to keep your weight to a minimum. But even the best sleeping pad isn’t going to provide enough cushion to protect you from the inevitable tree root. You know the kind. It’s the invisible root that you don’t see when you’re choosing where to pitch your tent.
A quality air mattress can keep your back safe from any type of root or rock. Depending on how much you have to spend, many air mattresses are even self-inflating, which means you just have to open the valve and let it do its thing.
If you don’t have to do any hiking at all, a cot is an even comfier option. Cots keep you off the ground, which helps you to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They also make your tent feel roomier since you can store any bags or supplies underneath the cot. The Coleman ComfortSmart Cot has a comfy foam mattress and only weighs 21 pounds. It’s perfect for car camping.
2. Eliminate Mosquitos
Few things ruin a good night’s sleep the way a mosquito does. You start to nod off, and you start to hear that high-pitched buzzing. Sooner or later, you know it’s going to bite. That kind of anxiety can really put a damper on a restful night, and will not help you sleep better at the campsite. There are two surefire ways to keep the bloodsuckers at bay: a secure tent and bug spray.
Of course, the most secure tent in the world isn’t going to do you much good if you leave it open. Keep your flap zippered when you’re not going in and out. If you need a breeze, get yourself a nice vented tent with mesh panels that allow for plenty of airflow.
For bug spray, it’s a good idea to give yourself a thorough misting before you lie down for the night. Pay particular attention to your arms, your neck, and behind your ears. Those areas are most exposed and most vulnerable to bug bites. Our favorite bug spray for last few years has been Picaridin. The Sawyer Picaridin Lotion works just as well as DEET, and it doesn’t stink or melt certain plastics the way DEET can.
3. Dress Lightly to Sleep Better at the Campsite
It can be tempting to dress warmly for sleep, particularly in the wintertime. After all, you want to keep nice and toasty all night long. However, heavy clothes can backfire on you. They’ll cause you to slowly heat up throughout the night, and you’ll wake up in the wee hours miserable and soaked with sweat. Not only that, but heavier clothes can be restricting, and bunch up on you as you twist and turn. To get a good night’s rest, wear clothes that are loose, light, and breathable. You’ll sleep more soundly, and you’ll wake up well-rested.
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