| The greatest challenge of all when backpacking is | | | | buy a cheap tent or cheap sleeping bag else you |
| getting a good quality night's sleep. By getting | | | | will be sorry and will make the trip miserable. |
| enough sleep you will feel refreshed and alive the | | | | Always buy the best you can afford but don't get |
| next morning so that you can take on the day | | | | the bottom of the range just to save money. |
| ahead. So what steps can we take to get that | | | | 3. Knowing how comfortable you really need to |
| perfect night's sleep? | | | | be when sleeping |
| When sleeping outdoors, this is a different | | | | We are all different and all sleep differently. But |
| experience for many people and there are | | | | we all know how well we normally sleep at home |
| several considerations to planning your expedition. | | | | and what makes us comfortable. For example, |
| 1. Where do you plan on going for your | | | | some people may suffer from arthritis so may |
| backpacking expedition? | | | | need extra cushioning. |
| You will need to consider the climate and | | | | 4. Consider the weight of the equipment |
| anticipated weather conditions. Research for the | | | | You might need additional materials to sleep on so |
| locations where you will be camping so you will | | | | consider this when you are looking around to |
| know up front what the expected weather will be | | | | purchase your outdoor gear. A sleeping bag can |
| like. Be aware of what the temperature will be at | | | | weigh anything from 1 pound to around 10 pounds |
| nightfall and take the most appropriate sleeping | | | | so be mindful when looking around for one. A |
| bag for the conditions. | | | | better quality sleeping bag will pay dividends in the |
| 2. Know your budget for your backpacking | | | | long run and will be much easier to carry. |
| expedition | | | | Make sure you test out whatever sleep method |
| The main areas where you do not want not want | | | | you buy before you go on your trip. Be sure you |
| to scrimp on when it comes to backpacking | | | | are 100% comfortable as it's difficult to change |
| equipment is your tent and sleeping bag. Never | | | | things when you have commenced your trip. |