How to sleep...

[ADavies]

OK Last night I was camping in Dunwich, to find to find out how cold I could go with my current gear. I found my limit! But i had real issues getting comfortable. At home I toss and turn in my sleep, but always start on my front, and end up on my side. Last night I found my self getting in all sorts of knots with my bag all messed up as i turned over. Should I be able to move more freely inside my bag or could it be too small, or tight? Im not a small slender chap either at 105 Kg with a 36" waist and XL tops.

Now I know my tent is too small as I hit both ends when laying down and with my pack in there as well don't have any room to roll either.

Any ideas on how to get a better nights sleep??

[mrssanta]

rolling is easier if you have a silk bag liner which is nice and sheer, very light and keeps your bag clean.

[Circles]

Genius! I'm getting one! I've never heard of them before but sounds like a great idea!...now all I want to hear is that silk is midge repellant!

[The Rodmiester]

OK Last night I was camping in Dunwich, to find to find out how cold I could go with my current gear. I found my limit! But i had real issues getting comfortable. At home I toss and turn in my sleep, but always start on my front, and end up on my side. Last night I found my self getting in all sorts of knots with my bag all messed up as i turned over. Should I be able to move more freely inside my bag or could it be too small, or tight? Im not a small slender chap either at 105 Kg with a 36" waist and XL tops.

Now I know my tent is too small as I hit both ends when laying down and with my pack in there as well don't have any room to roll either.

Any ideas on how to get a better nights sleep??

I agree with mrssanta, a silk liner is a must, go for a cotton and you will feel like your being strangled , at least I do, not only does a silk liner allow movement it keeps your sleeping bag clean, enjoy your night sleep, mind you it will set you back about £30.00 but well worth it

[Rudolph]

Any ideas on how to get a better nights sleep??

I find making up a decent pillow helps. Spare clothes or a down jacket wrapped in a fleece. Make sure you sleep with your head at the high end. If the tent is pitched at an angle to a slope you'll roll downhill onto the side walls. That can be tricky to achieve if the wind and slope are telling you to pitch 2 different ways.

Also practice. It sounds daft but your body adapts and will learn how to get a good nights sleep as you get used to all the 'embuggerances'.

Finally your other thread said you were really cold. That's never going to go well.

[Belgian_Hiker]

Many things can help. Personally speaking, being warm and comfortable is the key.
*A sleeping bag suited to the temperature. One that fits closely is warmer and less prone to the tangled experience you encountered.
*An inflatable mat helps smooth out rough underground and with the right amount of air in it, will also help you rolling off it in the night.
*Going to sleep when you are warm is important - a quick jog on the spot helps and or drink something warm.
* A decent pillow such as Therm-a-rest compressible pillow works wonders.
* A tent inner that is not all mesh will be warmer.

Good luck in your search !

[Matthew C]

I normaly find that a full days walk & one or two drams helps

[Mountainlove]

rolling is easier if you have a silk bag liner which is nice and sheer, very light and keeps your bag clean.

I still remember one of your old posts, were you told us that you can make them yourself...still think it is a great idea!!! (at some point I will get around to do it )


As for a good night sleep...I had the same problem and found that a change of sleeping bags did the trick. I moved to a down one and never had any problems with it. I bought it in a long lengh, which is great ,as I dont need the lengh, but it is handy to have.I also wrap myself in a fleece blanket inside the sleeping bag (for extra warmth) and use thick socks (if you go for warm socks, use the really warm ones they sell for example at Sports Direct - 3.5tog for about 5-6 Pounds.

I agree with the pillow...if I go camping and have my car near by, I take my 'normal' pillow from home...nothing works better!!!

[Rogue]

Most important thing in my opinion is ear plugs. Regardless of how (or perhaps because of) quiet the spot is, you'll hear all sorts of sounds in the night which will disturb your sleep. Rain, wind, flapping tent. Not to mention werewolves.
Personally, I hate liners as I always find they get tangled up around my legs.
Neoair and a m.e xero550 or rab quantum 400 work for me.