I sometimes get asked about sleeping in the bush, the best way to sleep to avoid cramping and sleeping equipment. For ultra-lightweight trekkers, the luxury of a sleeping mat may not exist so we have to pay attention to a sleeping area before it's time to go to bed. If you leave until the last minute to set up your sleeping area, you are less likely set yourself up for a good night sleep due to fatigue - try and do it while it's still light. Here are some points on the sleeping area:
This is probably the best piece of advice I pass on to trekkers. If you wake up feeling sore and cramped up, the best thing to do (as I have learnt in the military) is to rapidly pack up your gear as fast as possible (even before you relieve your bladder - it makes you work quicker!) and hit the trail again. Aim for under 10 minutes from wake-up. Trek for about 45 minutes to an hour before stopping for breakfast and a hot coffee and you will thank yourself - guaranteed!. If you sit around for an hour in the morning feeling sore and sorry, you will regret it because the cramps will take longer to 'walk off' and it makes the day longer overall.
I hope the above points help for your next trek, please leave a comment if you wish and suggest any topics you would like me to cover, thanks.
- Look for an area that is flat or has a slight slope (head upwards) and clear the area of rocks and sticks.
- Check above for dead tree branches that may fall.
- In extreme cold, a tree with thick foliage will provide some protection from exposure to the cold air that sinks rapidly in the early hours of the morning.
- Ensure the area is not in a watercourse.
- Consider laying an insulating blanket of grass for cold climates where you are not using a sleeping mat.
- If you sleep on your side naturally (like me), consider digging a shallow hole for your hip and placing the soil around the head area to raise it.
This is probably the best piece of advice I pass on to trekkers. If you wake up feeling sore and cramped up, the best thing to do (as I have learnt in the military) is to rapidly pack up your gear as fast as possible (even before you relieve your bladder - it makes you work quicker!) and hit the trail again. Aim for under 10 minutes from wake-up. Trek for about 45 minutes to an hour before stopping for breakfast and a hot coffee and you will thank yourself - guaranteed!. If you sit around for an hour in the morning feeling sore and sorry, you will regret it because the cramps will take longer to 'walk off' and it makes the day longer overall.
I hope the above points help for your next trek, please leave a comment if you wish and suggest any topics you would like me to cover, thanks.
rb
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