Camping Tip: Leave out the Air Mattress
If you’re looking to save some weight or space on your next backpacking trip or just want to simplify your camping equipment checklist, consider leaving your air mattress at home next time. It turns out nature is often pretty good at providing a replacement that costs nothing and requires zero heavy lifting!
Sleeping pads or more specifically camping air mattresses are designed to keep your back comfortable when laying on the ground and also provide insulation from the cold earth. The self-inflating air mattresses that many of us use are generally only an inch or two thick and really only protect us from minor rocks and twigs on the ground. By utilizing materials found around your campsite like pine straw, leaves, or moss you can create your own under tent padding of any thickness you want – the sky is the limit!
In terms of insulating value, natural materials generally won’t do as well as your Therma-Rest but as long as you have a sleeping bag that’s rated for temperatures at or above expected nighttime lows you should stay warm and comfortable without a sleeping pad. To add an extra layer of insulation (and padding!) try lining the bottom of your sleeping bag with extra clothes.
It’s important to choose wisely when creating a soft surface for your tent pad. Check any bedding materials for ants or other insects before grabbing a handful and make sure you aren’t using material that could be irritating to the skin (like poison oak). Give unfamiliar materials like moss or dry leaves a try before setting your tent on them to see how they feel laying down and to make sure there aren’t hidden “pokers” within.
If you’re looking to save weight or space on your next camping trip or if you’re a new camper looking to save a few bucks on equipment, consider building your own sleeping pad at your campsite before pitching your tent. You may be surprised at how well you’ll sleep!
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