Around The Camp Fire

The best way to increase the likelihood of getting a good night’s sleep in a tent is good tent location.  Choose a site which is flat, has minimal rocks, and is possible on grass or leaves.  The grass or leaves will give you a bit of a cushion, and some insulation from the cold ground.

If camping in the summer, choose a location in the shade, or at least somewhere where the sun will not shine directly down onto the ten, especially early in the morning.  This will keep it a bit darker in the tent so that you can possible sleep past the crack of dawn.  It will also keep it cooler.  Conversely, in the winter you may consider placing the tent where it will be hit by sunlight as the sun rises.  This will help warm up things and melt off any frost.

Be sure to sleep away from the sides of the tent, especially if it is raining.  Touching the tent sides will encourage moisture to seep in where you have touched the tent material.

If at all possible, bring along a pillow.  There really isn’t a makeshift pillow that compares with your own soft one from home.  Use a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature you are going to encounter, and wear minimal clothing to bed.  Your body will regulate your temperature on its own as long as the sleeping bag is correct for the conditions.