Gear Guide: Sleeping & Camp

Sleeping Pads

There are many choices for inflatable ultralight camping pads to cushion and insulate you from the ground, but roll up smaller than a beer can. I’ve spent many dollars on the most premium ones, and still struggled to get a good night’s sleep, because when changing position during the night, I’d inevitably roll off the pad and struggle to get back in the center.

This happens, because as you shift your weight around the pad, air tends to move to the center of it, which forces your body to the side and eventually off the pad.

Enter The Static V sleeping pads from Klymitt. Their v-shaped center channels and articulated “side rails”distribute the air inside the pad it such a way that it keeps you comfortably centered on the pad throughout the night, even as you move and change position. Static V Pads are available in an assortment of widths and sizes, with or without insulation, and even in a double size ideal for couples and car camping.

Klymit Static V Pad

With baffles engineered to keep you centered on the pad, Static V is game changer for getting a good night’s sleep at camp.

Another alternative is an accordion-pattern folding foam mat with an egg-crate pattern. Though not as luxurious or as compact as inflatable ultralights, they are inexpensive and 100% puncture-proof.

Sleeping Bags

The sleeping bag can be a very personal choice. Having tried down sleeping bags in the past, I can now say that I vastly prefer high quality synthetics, such as my beloved Nemo Forte bag for its soft and comfy shell fabric, excellent temperature regulation, and zero clamminess, even in a fully zipped tent. (I love it so much I also use it to hang out on my porch on chilly evenings.)

Bags come with hoods, phone pockets, a range of temperature ratings, and and zippered “gills” that can be used for precise temperature regulation on the fly.​

This is one piece of gear where I would strongly prioritize comfort over savings, because quality sleep is a priceless thing when camping.

Camping Blankets & Pillows

For summertime camping and ultralight packing on occasions when you might not need a full sleeping bag, a camping blanket with synthetic insulation offers next-to-skin comfort and lightweight warmth. I bring this along for summertime hammock camping, when a sleeping bag is overkill, or for coffee outside during cooler months. It’s also the perfect thing to bring on car road trips. These technical blankets can be the size of a throw or a twin quilt, and are available from a variety of brands, including Thermarest, Sea To Summit and Klymit.

A camping pillow is a tricky piece of equipment. For some, it is absolutely indispensable for restful sleep, and yet it’s difficult to find a truly comfortable pillow that’s non-bulky, portable and weather resistant.

If you are car-camping, I’d recommend simply bringing your tried-and-true regular pillow.

For a more portable alternative, I’m partial to inflatable pillows with has a baffled, curved bottom edge that helps keep the pillow in place over your shoulders, no matter how you sleep. Examples include Thermarest AirHead and Sea To Summit Aeros pillows, both of which provide just enough synthetic or down “loft” it provides comfort and excellent head and neck support for comfortable sleep.

Personally, I am not a fan of turning your clothing into a pillow using a stuff-sack (inconsistent amount of support), or compressible pillows (the compressible material loses springiness over time).

Chair

Although it is last on this particular list, if you’re just assembling your outdoor gear collection, this would be one of the first items I would recommend getting. It will enhance even the shortest microescape, like coffee outside or a brief, pre-work morning hike.

Joey by TravelChair

This chair has been our nearly constant companion on our microescapes for years!

Being able to sit in a relaxed, lounging position just for 15-20 minutes any outing into a vacation. Trust me, you will not make a better outdoor investment than a compact, portable camping chair.

I lo-o-o-ove the ​Joey Chair​ we carry at Cosmic Bikes.