Ten better sleep — Camping wrecks most people’s sleep — but with the right setup, it can be the best sleep of the year. Our team’s 10 practical tips for sleeping well in a tent.
James on our team’s best night’s sleep last year was actually in a swag in the Snowy Mountains. Camping sleep is mostly a setup problem. Here’s the playbook.
1. R-value matters more than thickness (Ten better sleep)
The cold ground steals more body heat than air does. A 3 cm pad with R-value 4 outperforms a 10 cm pad with R-value 1. Aim for R 3+ for three-season camping. See our camping mattress round-up.
2. Layer the sleeping bag, not just zip it
A bag liner adds 3–4°C of warmth without the bulk. Silk liners weigh almost nothing.
3. Wear merino wool to bed
Cotton holds moisture against the skin. Merino wicks. Sleep colder in cotton, warmer in merino, even at the same insulation level.
4. Hat and socks
Most heat loss is through the head. A merino beanie improves sleep at any temperature below 10°C. Dry, fresh wool socks are non-negotiable.
5. Pee before sleep
Cold-night bladder is a real thing. The body sheds water when it can’t shed heat. Empty before getting in.
6. Eat something fatty before bed
The body produces more heat metabolising fat than carbs or protein. A small handful of trail mix 30 minutes before bed warms you for an hour.
7. Earplugs
Wind, neighbours, possums in the food box. Foam earplugs ($5 for a pack) save more sleep than any other piece of camping gear under $20.
8. Pillow strategy
A stuff sack filled with tomorrow’s clothes is a perfectly good pillow. A dedicated camping pillow (Sea to Summit Aeros, ~$60) is better but bulkier.
9. Tent location
Flat (or slight head-uphill incline). Away from creek beds (cold air pools). Away from running water (actively cools the tent overnight). On grass, not bare dirt (insulation).
10. Match expectations to the trip
Car-camping with a swag and proper setup, you’ll sleep as well as at home. Hiking with a 1 kg pack, you’ll sleep adequately. Festival camping, you won’t. Plan accordingly.
For independent guidance on sleep and wellbeing, the Sleep Health Foundation is a good starting point.
