How to Camp Without a Tent
Sleep on a sleeping mat., Sleep in a bivouac sack., Sleep on a tarpaulin or other strong sheet., Build a swamp bed., Sleep on sand., String up a hammock.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Sleep on a sleeping mat.
A simple roll-out mat may be enough on a warm night, straight under the stars.
A comfortable sleeping mat that self-inflates and a sleeping bag or suitable cover should suffice for a good night's rest when the conditions are right.
Of course, the area needs to be safe from predatory animals, biting insects and human intruders, so choose the place wisely.
If the ground is soft and clean enough, you might get away with sleeping in just a sleeping bag.
However, this will rarely feel warm enough for the whole night.
On really hot nights, use a lightweight cover over you, in place of a sleeping bag. -
Step 2: Sleep in a bivouac sack.
These can be purchased from camping and sports stores.
They are like a sleeping bag with a little extra space.
You can also build bivouac shelters, based on the same shape and principle of being very snug, preventing the escape of too much warm air. , This will place a barrier between you and the ground.
Use a sleeping bag or blanket to cover you; add a mat for extra comfort.
In the morning, hang the tarpaulin up to dry (the underside will often be moist). , This type of "bed" is made from ferns, moss, branches, straw, etc.
Use whatever is available where you are and try to keep it snug.
If you're over a moist or damp area, keep it up off the ground.
A bed of pine needles, grasses, or other soft vegetation can be quite comfortable with a sleeping bag or blanket on top. , Sand is soft and if you burrow in can help insulate you but don't sleep too close to shore in case you've misjudged the tide. , There are different kinds of hammocks and swinging bed structures available.
In some places, such as the jungle, this is really the safest way to sleep, away from the water, bugs and prowling creatures.
You can either carry a commercially made hammock suited for the purpose or learn to rig up a simple one using ropes and a tarpaulin or simple strong sheet. -
Step 3: Sleep on a tarpaulin or other strong sheet.
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Step 4: Build a swamp bed.
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Step 5: Sleep on sand.
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Step 6: String up a hammock.
Detailed Guide
A simple roll-out mat may be enough on a warm night, straight under the stars.
A comfortable sleeping mat that self-inflates and a sleeping bag or suitable cover should suffice for a good night's rest when the conditions are right.
Of course, the area needs to be safe from predatory animals, biting insects and human intruders, so choose the place wisely.
If the ground is soft and clean enough, you might get away with sleeping in just a sleeping bag.
However, this will rarely feel warm enough for the whole night.
On really hot nights, use a lightweight cover over you, in place of a sleeping bag.
These can be purchased from camping and sports stores.
They are like a sleeping bag with a little extra space.
You can also build bivouac shelters, based on the same shape and principle of being very snug, preventing the escape of too much warm air. , This will place a barrier between you and the ground.
Use a sleeping bag or blanket to cover you; add a mat for extra comfort.
In the morning, hang the tarpaulin up to dry (the underside will often be moist). , This type of "bed" is made from ferns, moss, branches, straw, etc.
Use whatever is available where you are and try to keep it snug.
If you're over a moist or damp area, keep it up off the ground.
A bed of pine needles, grasses, or other soft vegetation can be quite comfortable with a sleeping bag or blanket on top. , Sand is soft and if you burrow in can help insulate you but don't sleep too close to shore in case you've misjudged the tide. , There are different kinds of hammocks and swinging bed structures available.
In some places, such as the jungle, this is really the safest way to sleep, away from the water, bugs and prowling creatures.
You can either carry a commercially made hammock suited for the purpose or learn to rig up a simple one using ropes and a tarpaulin or simple strong sheet.
About the Author
Andrew Harris
Andrew Harris specializes in lifestyle and practical guides and has been creating helpful content for over 7 years. Andrew is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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