What do you imagine when you hear the phrase "sleeping in nature"? Some think of romance, a crackling fire, and millions of stars that might be worth more than five stars at a luxury hotel's logo. However, for some, "sleeping in nature" evokes ticks, wild animals, morning chill, and a damp sleeping bag. It's all about perspective.

Sleep like a baby

The experience of sleeping outside can certainly be improved with the right equipment. It's not just about the "obligatory" sleeping bag, although it's naturally important. Sleeping bags are now made from increasingly advanced materials, so you can get a lightweight model whose temperature limit is comparable to a sleeping bag from decades ago that was two or three times heavier. That's why it's a good idea to update your gear from time to time.

A cross between a sleeping bag and a tent is a bivy bag. It's a one-person tent that is easy to set up, low-profile, and can also serve as a cover for the sleeping bag and an extra layer of insulation in worsening weather conditions. Bivy bags are lightweight and durable, so it's not a bad idea to pack one in your backpack, at least when you're unsure how the weather will change during your trip. A bivy bag will protect not only you but also the sleeping bag itself – it's easier to wash and dry. Moreover, frequent washing can damage the sleeping bag (especially its insulation).

Try a hammock and you'll want it at home

Once you try sleeping in a hammock, you won't want to go back – many users would love to install one in their bedroom instead of a bed. We sell hammocks including accessories (such as blankets to improve insulation from outside or inside) from various manufacturers and in different designs, just choose one.

You'll only need two trees at a suitable distance from each other to hang a hammock. The first advantage is that a hammock can rid you of the fear of spiders, ants, and other crawling creatures, which is especially appreciated by those who have a phobia of such animals. And if you want to eliminate mosquitoes, you can equip the hammock with a mosquito net (assuming it doesn't already come with one). Another advantage is the mentioned comfort – you won't find a more comfortable bed in the forest. Although you can sleep on moss as well – it's usually quite damp by morning.

Is sleeping under the stars not ideal?

So far, we've been talking about sleeping under the stars, but there are other options in nature, such as a tent. We offer tents in variants for one or more people, and their advantage is that they provide at least some protection against adverse weather. But even in a tent, you're still separated from harsh nature by only a thin layer of fabric, so elements like a sleeping bag or a sleeping mat (which we'll talk about further) that you would use when sleeping under the stars can't be overlooked.

Tents come in different cuts and shapes – the older variant is the "A-frame" tent, the newer one is the igloo. When constructing tents, manufacturers consider not only durability but also the lowest possible weight. If you're carrying the tent on your back rather than driving it to a camp, every extra gram can weigh you down considerably.

For protection against wind and rain, you don't always need to pitch a tent. Especially if you're a fan of ultralight travel, you can replace the tent with a tarp. You can create the structure on-site from paracord and/or branches and other natural materials. A tarp is also useful if you'd like to sleep in a hammock but the weather isn't favorable.

Think about insulation and comfort

An essential part of equipment for sleeping in nature includes sleeping mats, which can be foam, self-inflating, or inflatable. That's the basic division – and everyone can choose the type that suits them best (read more about sleeping mats in the relevant category). Sleeping mats serve as a base, not only ensuring higher comfort when sleeping outside civilization but also acting as an insulating layer against the cold from the ground, which could otherwise result in a severe cold, or worse, kidney or urinary tract inflammation.

As additional equipment in the category of sleeping in nature, we also offer pillows so you won't have to uncomfortably prop your head with a rolled-up sweater, or blankets and covers that can serve as an extra layer for covering, as well as a base for eating or relaxing outside during the day. Some of these blankets can also be used as ponchos, others are unique pieces and surplus from army stocks, or their exact, modern replicas.