Getting Started with Camping: Tents and Sleeping
Camping is an awesome activity that can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you want. Getting started with camping can be overwhelming but it isn’t as complicated as you’d think. These are the basics of tents and sleeping options, with some recommendations to help you get started camping.
Tents
The first thing you’ll need is a tent. Your tent doesn’t need to be the fanciest or most expensive one on the market. In fact, I bought my tent at a garage sale for $50. It’s been through some things and we had to replace tent poles (hello REI’s repair shop) but it still works perfectly fine. A few things to consider when purchasing a tent is if you want to stand up in the tent, how many people and pets will be with you, and how complicated do you want the assembly to be.
I have an REI tent that is no longer sold, but the most similar one is their Kingdom 4 tent. Is it worth over $400? Absolutely not. Another con to this tent is that it takes two people to set it up, meaning I have to use a different tent when I camp alone. As for the size of a 4-person tent, the capacity is really two adults and a small-to-medium-sized dog (or one toddler). If you’re looking to shelter more than that you might find a larger tent more comfortable.
Tent Accessories
Tent stakes- make sure your tent comes with tent stakes and if not, you’ll need to purchase some. Opt for metal ones as they will last longer.
Tent Mallet- a mallet is super useful for getting tent stakes into the ground. The one linked has holes in the handle to help remove the stakes when it’s time to pack up.
Tent footprint- get a footprint for your tent or use a tarp. This will help protect the floor of your tent from getting holes. Tent footprints are specific to the tent so if you want a cheaper option, go with a tarp.
Mini Broom and Dustpan- this will help keep the inside of the tent clean. A clean inside is nice because it will keep your clothes and blankets clean.
Sleeping
When it comes to sleeping you can be super comfortable or you can be super uncomfortable. I am team comfort when you’re camping because, why not? If you only have to carry the stuff a few hundred feet there is no reason to be uncomfortable. Your sleep system has a few components and in each, there are options.
Sleeping Bag and Blankets
You’ll need some sort of warmth and you can find that via a sleeping bag, blankets, and quilts. I use the same quilt for camping as I do backpacking but Dylan changes it up. When it comes to a sleeping bag option, this is an area where you can again grab something off of Amazon or the camping aisle at Walmart or Target. It doesn’t need to be high-tech and super light because you’re walking it from your car to your tent. Focus on if it seems comfortable and warm. A quick note on temperature ratings for the majority of sleeping bags, they are survival rated meaning if it says 30*, it will keep you warm enough not to die at 30* but you’ll likely be uncomfortable. Always go 15-20* warmer than you think. Cold nights can really ruin a camping trip.
Another (and free) option is to use blankets you have around the house. If you go this route, you’ll want at least two- one for under you and one for over you.
Sleeping Pads, Cots, and Air Mattresses
You’ll want some sort of cushion. Past comfort, these options help keep you warm by creating a barrier between the cold ground and you.
Air mattresses are the coldest option. The science behind this is a whole other post but know if warmth is your goal, a traditional air mattress won’t be the best bet for you. The major con of an air mattress is that it doesn’t help keep you warm and if your tent isn’t very tall, you might have issues with hitting the tent walls as you sleep (depending on the air mattress and tent). A bonus of an air mattress is that it’s higher off the ground so it’s easier to get in and out of bed. There are some really nice mattresses out there too, so this might be the easiest way to replicate the comfort of a true bed.
Sleeping pads come in many forms and their warmth varies depending on your type. Again that’s a whole new post. Pros of a sleeping bag are that they are often self-inflating or use your breath to inflate so you don’t need to worry about having a charged air pump. They also tend to be warmer than an air mattress. A con to them is they are low to the ground which may cause an issue if you have joint issues.
Cots are the other common option. I have never used a cot but they are higher off the ground which again, depending on the tent could cause a problem. I’ve heard they are comfortable but cannot verify. Depending on which cot you go with, you might want some sort of cushion so you don’t feel the bars while sleeping.
Pillows
Always take a pillow with you. I know, you can use a jacket or something similar but why would you do that when you can use a pillow? There are inflatable options, down options, and combinations. But before you go out and buy a pillow specifically for camping, see if you can use yours from home. I don’t recommend foam pillows as they get hard in cooler temperatures.
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