What’s The Comfiest Way To Camp Outside?
5 Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep In The Great Outdoors
There’s a misconception that comfort and camping are mutually exclusive. But we don’t subscribe to those beliefs around here. Sure, thin backpacking pads and rocky terrain are a recipe for sleepless nights. Sub-freezing temps can cause you to shiver ‘til the sun comes up. And the very thought of grizzly bears lurking outside of your flimsy nylon tent’s rainfly is a common source of nightmares. But the truth is this: it’s much easier to camp comfortably than you might expect. All it takes is a little prep work–and the right gear.
In this helpful guide, we’re going to share a few tricks and gear picks to help you crank up your camp comfort. More specifically, we’re going to focus on five tips that’ll help you sleep better than ever on your next adventure. Whether you’re new to the game or a veteran camper looking to learn a few more tricks of the trade, you’re in the right place.
Tip # 1: Camp In (Or Near) Your Vehicle
Don’t get us wrong, we love ourselves a backpacking trip. Hiking remote stretches of trail, exploring the inner reaches of National Parks, unplugging from everyday life, and soaking in the wilderness–that’s our idea of a good time. But we’d be lying if we told you that backpacking is the comfiest way to camp outside. No way, zero chance, not happening. Backpackers have to carry gear on their backs, and comfort gets sacrificed left and right. For instance, most backpackers use thin, lightweight sleeping pads, wear the same undies for days on end, and eat dehydrated meals that wreak havoc on the gut. It’s definitely an adventure–and definitely not the picture of comfort.
For those reasons, if you’re looking to stay comfortable while camping, our advice is simple: go vehicle-based camping.
What is vehicle-based camping? Simply put, it means you’re sleeping inside your vehicle instead of a tent. It doesn’t matter if you’re camping in a souped-up van or your daily commuter hatchback or SUV. Of course, you have more space in a bigger vehicle. But as long as you can fit a mattress in your rig, you can enjoy a much more comfortable sleeping experience. An added bonus of sleeping in your vehicle? Lockable doors–which offer welcome peace of mind in bear country.
That said, if you prefer camping in a tent, no worries. That can be a comfortable experience, too–we just recommend that you pitch that tent near your vehicle so you can bring along creature comforts, real food, and all the essentials and extras you could want.
Tip # 2: Pick The Right Mattress For You
No matter if you’re team tent or team trunk, this next step is key. If you want to be comfy while camping, it’s a smart idea to invest in a quality camping mattress that rivals your bed at home.
We’re admittedly biased here, but if you’re looking for the most comfortable camping mattress on the market, you need to check out our AIR+FOAM PRO Collection. Seriously, we’ve never slept better in the great outdoors than on these ultra-plush yet adventure-ready mattresses.
What makes the AIR+FOAM PRO collection so special?
Well, as the name suggests, we use a combination of air and foam to create a customizable, comfy sleep surface. Protected by a durable, easy-to-clean exterior fabric, AIR+FOAM PRO mattresses consist of a perforated, plush foam that expands to four inches tall when fully inflated. That inflatable construction allows campers to fine-tune mattress firmness to their personal preference. Not only that, but because it’s a hybrid mattress rather than a pure foam mattress, AIR+FOAM PRO mattresses are more compact when deflated and easier to store and transport. Plus, these are four-season mattresses thanks to that thick foam, which is a radically efficient insulator and keeps campers warm on the chilliest of winter camping trips.
Long story short? Our AIR+FOAM PRO mattresses feature next-level technology and offer campers top-tier comfort in the great outdoors.
Which AIR+FOAM PRO Mattress is best for you?
If you’re on team trunk, you want to bed down on the AIR+FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress. Just like the original Luno AIR Vehicle Mattress, this mattress is uniquely and precisely curved to maximize sleeping real estate in the trunk of SUVs and hatchbacks. It sleeps two campers, and thanks to a dual-chamber design, both campers can customize the cushiness of their respective sides of the mattress. If you want a mattress that’s purpose-built for cozy car camping, look no further.
If you’re on team tent, you should check out our AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress. It features the same rugged yet comfy construction as the Vehicle Mattress, but the slimmer, one-person Camping Mattress is rectangular, so it fits easily in most tents. That universal shape also makes the Camping Mattress a perfect replacement for old van, RV, or even rooftop tent mattresses. It even performs like a dream in the back of hatchbacks and SUVs, too, thanks to the included Head Support Bridge Attachments (nifty support straps that connect the mattress to the back of your front seats). Needless to say, if you’re looking for versatility, this one is for you.
Tip #3: Tailor Your Bedding to the Weather
Now that you’ve got your mattress dialed, it’s time to deck it out with bedding. This is a step that trips up many campers, but the trick is simple. Check the weather forecast ahead of your trip and then pack the rest of your sleep setup accordingly.
In the summertime, you’ll see Luno team members using our car camping-specific fitted sheet along with a light top sheet or light blankets from home.
In the colder months, we’ll use that same fitted sheet but also bring along winter-ready sleeping bags rated to 0 or even -20 degrees.
For shoulder seasons, bring versatile options like thicker blankets or lighter sleeping bags to strike the perfect balance of warmth and comfort.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget Eyeshades, Earplugs, and Other Tools Of The Trade
Sleeping well while camping can be tricky, as early sunrises, chirping birds, and more can wake you up prematurely if you’re unprepared. However, a few simple tools can make all the difference:
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Eyeshades and Earplugs: Block out light and sound for uninterrupted sleep.
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Privacy Curtains and Car Window Screens: These car camping essentials block UV rays, reduce condensation, and offer privacy at busy campsites or trailheads.
- Your Cellphone: Listening to white noise, brown noise, or a calming meditation can help you fall asleep faster. We’re a big fan of white or brown noise whenever we’re snoozing in highway-side rest stops or busy Walmart parking lots. Be sure to download these sounds and songs before you embark on your adventure, just in case you don’t have service!
Tip #5: Use Airflow To Your Advantage
Who doesn’t love sleeping with the air conditioning on, a fan cranking, or a window cracked for a cool breeze? Airflow is your friend when you’re camping, too, especially if you’re snoozing in the trunk of your vehicle. Not only does a bit of breeze help keep you cool on hot summer nights, but it also reduces the likelihood of condensation collecting on the windows overnight. In fact, we even crack the windows for a little airflow in the winter to minimize condensation.
In the warmer months, though, we love our Car Window Screens for airflow. The stretchy mesh screens slip over your doors so you can roll down the windows, and the perforated fabric lets in the breeze without letting in the bugs.
No breeze? No problem. Crank up the comfort with our Car Camping Fan. This compact fan generates impressive power, features a ball mount for easy aiming, and it has three speeds so you can adjust airflow as needed. We also dig it because the light purr of the spinning blades is the best white noise lullaby you could ever ask for. We’re getting sleepy just writing about it.
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Comfortable Camping Isn’t A Pipe Dream
If you take away anything from this guide, we hope it’s this: camping comfortably and a good night’s sleep are within reach. As we mentioned earlier, gear goes a long way, as does proper planning. Be sure to check out the Luno Journal for more tips on how to plan car camping trips, advice for staying safe in cold weather, activity-specific hacks, and more.
Thanks for reading, and as always, we’ll see you on the road,
The Luno Crew
