Top Ten Tips on Sleeping Outdoors

From Texans at Texas Fishing - Hunting - Outdoor Show

January 2008

The following tips come from folks who attended the Texas Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor Exposition in Arlington Texas this last weekend.  

There are interesting stories behind many of these suggestions like the "Rattle Snake Adventure" (Tip # 9)

Winner of the Drawing - Click Here

TIP # 1  -  Ground insulation.  About 30% of body heat is lost in direct contact with the ground.

• Get above the ground  (Scott P.)
• Use a shower curtain as a ground cloth (Yolanda C)
• Bring an air mattress (Sherie L.)
• Create a dry pad for a sleeping site (Ginger D)
• Use a foam pad to insulate your body (Ed H)

TIP # 2 - Clothing.  Cotton kills (retains moisture next to skin in cold weather)

• Sleep in clean dry clothes.  Moisture from sweat cools you in cold weather (Jerry N)
• Bring extra clothes in case you get wet (Jason C)
• Use light polyester sleeing garmetns instead of cotton.  You'll stay warmer (Ron L)
• layer clothing (Jerome K - Deral E -  Andy B)

TIP # 3 - Plan ahead.  Information is your best prevention.

• Check the weather before you go (Kimberlie B)
• Make sure you air mattress pump is charged (Jennifer K)
• Don't forget your bug spray (Jack K)

TIP # 4 - Prevent "head" heat loss.  (About 40% of heat loss in through the head)

• Wear socks and a cap at night (Norton R)

TIP # 5 - An alternate approach to clothing (less is better)

• Sleep without any clothes (Mike H)
• Part of the idea here is allow moisture from you sweat to escape through the bag.
• Too many clothes can actually make you colder.  (Dave H)
• Use a sleeping bag that breathes .  (Larry G)

TIP # 6 - Couples combine body heat.

• Use a two-person sleeping bag (Patty M)
• Sleep with a cute buddy (Angela W)
• Bring a warm buddy to sleep with (Kent P)

TIP # 7 - Use heat inside the tent

• Heat rocks in fire and place under your pillow (Tiffany L)
• Don't start the campfire inside the tent (Nathan S)

TIP # 8 -   Pillow Solution

• Use a feather pillow on top of an inflatable pillow - softness on good suport. (Doug M)

TIP # 9 - Critter Cautions

• Be cautious of rattlesnakes in the fall in Montana (Michael R)

TIP # 10 - Pick the right camp site

• Don't sleep in a dry river bed (Scott A)