We’ve come to learn that there’s something really special about being one with the great outdoors. But let’s be honest – as much as we love the wilderness, sleeping in tents can sometimes be pretty uncomfortable.
Luckily, camping in a tent doesn’t always have to be so uncomfy. From our many travels around the world, we’ve learned a few tips and tricks to make tent camping more comfortable – no matter where you go.
In this article, we’ll share 7 of our top tips to make your next trip into the wild one of your coziest yet.
1. Pack Cozy Bedding and Gear
We all love to sleep. Having quality sleep during your trip is essential to make sure you wake up on the right side of the bed in the morning!
There’s lots of different bedding and sleeping gear you can bring with you. To keep comfy, you should bring with you a sturdy sleeping pad at minimum. If you have more space, we highly recommend opting for camping furniture that’s a bit comfier like an inflatable mattress or lined camping cot.
Whether you bring a sleeping bag or sheets, make sure your bedding matches the weather you’ll be camping in. Cold temperatures call for thicker, warmer blankets made of material like wool, while hot temperatures call for breathable sheets made of fabric like cotton. If it’s too hot, a portable camping fan is a great way to cool you down at night.
You’ll also need a soft, supportive pillow. This is a non-negotiable when it comes to comfort! The last thing you want is to wake up with neck pain in the morning.
If you have the space, extra fleece blankets are great for sleeping in chilly temps or for wrapping yourself to cozy up by the fireside after dark.
Of course, you should also make sure you pack the right clothing gear. Soft, cuddly pajamas feel perfect on those chilly fall evenings, as do some fuzzy socks.
2. Pick a Comfortable and Safe Camping Spot
The quality of your campsite itself can drastically change how comfortable you are. You don’t want to pitch your tent on large, protruding rocks or giant tree roots to lay on. You also don’t want to deal with rocks or branches falling on you from above!
Find a clear area with as flat of a ground surface as you can. If you can get familiar with any potential hazards in the area, like dangeous cliffs edges or wildlife inhabited caves – even better. Safety is a key part of comfort, so find as safe a spot as you can.
We also recommend distancing yourself a bit from water sources, as you’ll tend to deal with more bugs and critters in these areas.
3. Preparation of Camping Meals
Cooking while camping isn’t just about staying full – it’s a whole part of the camping experience.
Plan ahead for your comfortable camping trip with simple yet mouth-watering meals. Some examples of comforting camping meals include:
- Savory soups and stews
- Grilled BBQ skewers
- Griled chicken fajitas
And of course, you can’t finish the night without some gooey, delicious s’mores, dripping with melty chocolate and marshmallows.
As we always say, a well-fed camper is a happy camper.
4. Create a Warm Ambiance
The ambiance of your tent can really set the mood for your stay. One thing to keep in mind is that ambiance is about much more than appearance – it’s also about feeling.
We recommend bringing some battery-powered string lights to create a soft, warm glow in your tent. This will help you see better as you relax after dark, and also set a serene mood perfect for luxury camping.
You can also use other light sources, like solar-powered lanterns, to provide the feeling you want. These are great as you can also bring them with you when you need to leave the tent at night.
Outside your tent, you can set the ambiance with a charming campfire (as long as you’re allowed), which offers both warmth and a central place to gather and bond with your fellow campers.
5. Sprinkle in Some Luxuries
Who said camping in tents couldn’t be a little luxurious?
While some cherish the rugged appeal of camping, there are lots of things you can bring with you to add a touch of luxury to your campsite. For example, you can bring some plush camping chairs with you to make sitting by the fire comfier than ever.
Small touches like outdoor rugs for walking without shoes, or a hammock for an afternoon nap, can really make all the difference at your campsite. Your campsite quickly becomes your home away from home when you add in these elements!
6. Use Portable Power
Sometimes, it can be great to disconnect from the grid while camping. That doesn’t mean you have to do that on every trip, though!
Camping with electricity can be just as rewarding as camping without it. Bringing a reliable portable power source gives you more entertainment options during your trip, like listening to an audiobook as you drift to sleep.
It can also give you more cooking options, as you can plug in certain tools like kettles or electric pots. This is especially useful in areas where you can’t light a campfire to cook your food.
Having power also makes it possible for you to use GPS and make emergency phone calls, so we highly recommend bringing at least some form of portable power bank with you any time you head out into the great outdoors for safety reasons. Solar-powered power banks are a great choice for this, as no batteries are required.
7. Bring Some Easy Entertainment
The serenity of nature can be entertainment in and of itself, but a bit of additional fun never hurts. Bring along a variety of entertainment types on your trip so you never run short of things to do. Here are just a few examples of what you can bring with you:
- Board games
- A deck of cards
- Small musical instruments
- Portable speakers
- Origami
- Craft supplies (knitting, drawing, etc.)
- A camera
If you’re going with a group, ask each person to bring something they want to enjoy during the trip. Then, you can all take turns trying new activities!
Final Thoughts
Camping in a tent can be an unforgettable experience. With the right preparations, you can make it comfortable, too. By adding just a few of these touches of luxury, your camping trip can be taken to the next level.
If you’re prepping for your camping trip already, be sure to check out our Beginner Guide to Camping in the Wild for some more helpful tips.
